FAA Alleges Unairworthy Learjet Ops at Aery Aviation | Aviation International News

Regulations and Government

FAA Alleges Unairworthy Learjet Ops at Aery Aviation

Unauthorized banner- and target-towing ops prompt $15.7 million fine

Aery Aviation Learjet 45 — This Learjet 45 is one of several aircraft in Aery's charter fleet. © Aery Aviation

By Hanneke Weitering • Science & Technology Editor

December 23, 2025

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.

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