FAA Alleges Unairworthy Learjet Ops at Aery Aviation

Aery Aviation is facing a $15.7 million fine from the FAA for allegedly conducting unsafe operations with unairworthy Learjets. In a December 22 FAA statement, the agency proposed the civil penalty against the Virginia-based company, alleging that it installed banner- and target-towing equipment on Learjets without the required maintenance or documentation. 

Aircraft with those modifications are required to be placed in a restricted category that prohibits flights over densely populated areas, in congested airways, or near airports, unless the FAA has granted a waiver. According to the FAA, Aery failed to obtain restricted-category airworthiness certificates and operated unairworthy aircraft on 431 flights between July 2021 and April 2022.

The FAA further alleged that, during that time period, Aery unlawfully operated 945 flights “with target-tow and/or electronic-warfare equipment installed despite not having obtained a waiver from the FAA for that type of operation.”

These operations were primarily conducted in Class D airspace around Virginia’s Newport News-Williamsburg Airport (KPHF), where Aery Aviation recently added a 60,000-sq-ft hangar and engineering technology center to support its maintenance and modification business. The 10-year-old company has developed more than 100 supplemental type certificates for civil and defense customers. 

Aery also operates Part 135 charter flights and air ambulance services with a fleet that includes the Bombardier Learjet 35, 40XR, and 45; Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet; and Beechcraft Premier.