Story ID: 
DOT Takes Action Against Darby Aviation 
By: Gordon Gilbert
Caption: Another penalty has been assessed against Darby Aviation, one of several operators involved in the crash of a Challenger 600 at Teterboro Airport, N.J., on
Word Count: 165
Another penalty has been assessed against Darby Aviation, one of several operators involved in the crash of a Challenger 600 at Teterboro Airport, N.J., on February 2. Doing business as AlphaJet International, the Muscle Shoals, Ala. company was assessed a $60,000 penalty by the DOT for engaging in “unfair and deceptive practices and unfair methods of competition.” According to the DOT’s December 1 consent order, Darby entered into an agreement with Platinum Jet Management to provide commercial air transportation, which Platinum “used as a façade to deceive consumers” because it didn’t have economic, nor FAA, authority of its own. By so doing, the DOT said Darby facilitated Platinum’s “unlawful conduct.” Darby’s Part 135 certificate was revoked in March. Half of the fine ($30,000) will be suspended, unless Darby violates the order’s cease and desist provisions. Meanwhile, Platinum itself faces a proposed FAA fine of $1.86 million for its part in the accident and is scheduled to have an “informal” meeting with the agency on Tuesday.