The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a USD15.7 million civil penalty against Aery Aviation (FST, Newport News) on December 22, citing unsafe operations involving unairworthy Learjet aircraft. The agency alleges that, between July 2021 and April 2022, Aery Aviation conducted 431 flights with target-tow or electronic-warfare-equipped aircraft without restricted-category airworthiness certificates, required for operations over densely populated areas, congested airways, and passenger airports, and 945 flights without the necessary waivers for such operations. Most flights occurred near the Class D airspace surrounding Newport News.

Aery Aviation has 30 days to respond after receiving the notice. ch-aviation has contacted the company for comment.