The commissioner has the power to hold investigations, inquiries and hearings concerning matters covered by chapters 1 to 17 and the rules and orders adopted under chapters 1 to 17. Hearings are open to the public and must be held upon such notice as the commissioner may by rule provide. The commissioner has the power to administer oaths and affirmations, certify to all official acts, issue subpoenas and order the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of papers, books and documents. All hearings, notices, reviews and orders must comply with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act. In case of the failure of any person to comply with any subpoena or order issued under the authority of this section, the commissioner may invoke the aid of any court of this State of general jurisdiction. The court may order that person to comply with the requirements of the subpoena or order or to give evidence touching the matter in question. Failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt of the order. [PL 2013, c. 36, §2 (AMD).]

The commissioner has, in any part of the State, the same authority to enforce and to make arrests for the violation of any provision of chapters 1 to 17 or any rule or regulation promulgated or adopted under those chapters as sheriffs, police officers and constables have in their respective jurisdictions. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §31 (COR).]

The commissioner shall have power to conduct studies relating to aeronautical development within the State or any part thereof and may apply for and receive on behalf of the State federal aid in connection with those studies. [PL 1977, c. 678, §27 (RPR).]

The commissioner may employ, subject to the Civil Service Law, personnel that the commissioner considers necessary to carry out the duties outlined in this chapter or imposed upon the commissioner with respect to aviation. [PL 1995, c. 504, Pt. B, §5 (RPR); PL 1995, c. 504, Pt. B, §10 (AFF).]

The commissioner shall have jurisdiction over the state airways system. The expenditure of state funds in the interest of safety on any or all of the facilities of this system serves a useful public purpose and satisfies a public need. The commissioner shall prescribe the terms and conditions of the activities authorized for each facility. [PL 1977, c. 678, §27 (RPR).]