Aery Aviation Statement on FAA Notice of Administrative Disagreement

Aery Aviation strongly disputes the facts and circumstances regarding the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) notice of a proposed civil penalty concerning our 2021-2022 flight and ground operations related to our U.S. Navy contract supporting a U.S. Navy training mission.

Aery Aviation has always operated with a safety-first mindset and maintains the highest standards of operational discipline and regulatory compliance. We will vigorously defend our longtime record of exceeding safety standards while continuing to operate with the professionalism, transparency, and safety focus that our government and commercial partners expect. We are confident the administrative issue with the FAA will be resolved in our favor as we continue to work toward an enduring resolution.

Aery Aviation’s operations meet and exceed stringent safety and airworthiness requirements, including U.S. Navy Interim Flight Clearance (IFC) standards and DCMA 8210.1 airworthiness oversight—standards that go well beyond typical commercial aviation requirements. It is also subject to periodic safety reviews by both the FAA and separately by the U.S. Navy.

The FAA’s representations are factually incorrect and unrelated to Aery Aviation’s FAA Part 135 air carrier operations. This matter does not involve an accident, incident or any compromise of flight safety. Instead, it stems from a contract-specific administrative disagreement four years ago that Aery Aviation worked with FAA to resolve nearly three years ago. The issue is associated with the documentation and certification approach for mission-specific external pods used under a Navy contract performed by Strategic Airborne Operations JV, LLC, a joint venture established solely for that purpose. Aery’s engagement with the FAA was prompt and proactive, and enhanced procedures to address FAA’s questions were promptly implemented – procedures which have been followed through today. The aircraft in question were previously operated by a predecessor – on the same type of U.S. Navy contract, with the very same equipment installed – without FAA concern.

Aery Aviation is disputing the FAA understanding of the circumstances. Safety remains Aery Aviation’s highest priority. We are confident in both our technical and legal position, and we are addressing the matter through appropriate legal and regulatory channels. Our current fleet, crews, maintenance practices, and compliance systems continue to meet or exceed all applicable FAA requirements, and this matter has no impact on current operations or services provided to our customers.