NFAA Suspends Darby’s Part 135 Certificate

The FAA issued an emergency order of suspension to Part 135 charter operator Darby Aviation/AlphaJet International on April 8. The FAA’s order includes a long list of issues, including not having an accepted operations manual or approved training program; not identifying names of management personnel or people authorized to exercise operational control; and not having proper procedures for weight and balance, airworthiness, accident notification, compliance with emergency procedures. Darby Aviation’s Part 135 certificate was suspended following the February 2005 Platinum Jet Management Challenger overrun accident in Teterboro, N.J., but Darby was able to resume flying charters. The NTSB said Darby failed to maintain operational control of Platinum flights conducted on Darby’s 135 certificate. Darby told AIN it plans to fight the FAA on the matter.