…and Charter Broker, DOT Reach Settlement

New York charter broker Blue Star Jets and the DOT reached a compromise settlement regarding alleged regulatory violations in connection with the same crash of the Challenger at Teterboro Airport, N.J. The DOT said in a settlement order that Blue Star Jets arranged the flight but failed to ensure, as it “explicitly promised,” that the contracting charter operator–Platinum Jet Management–was a certified carrier. Platinum Jet Management had “no authority” to operate under Part 135, the DOT said. The agency also accused Blue Star Jets of “misrepresenting itself as an air carrier” and engaging in “unfair and deceptive” practices. To avoid litigation and not have to admit to any violations, Blue Star Jets agreed to a $100,000 fine.