The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a USD336,000 civil penalty against Planet Nine Private Air (PVA, Van Nuys) on May 28, citing alleged violations of international aviation regulations and conduct described as careless and reckless.

The authority claims that between November 2023 and August 2024, Planet Nine intentionally submitted 21 passenger flight plans between the United States and multiple international destinations, namely Canada, Costa Rica, Czechia, France, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, classifying them as general aviation rather than commercial charter operations.

The FAA further alleges the operator failed to obtain required overflight or landing permits and did not comply with oceanic and international procedures. Planet Nine has 30 days to respond.

In a statement shared with ch-aviation, Planet Nine disputed the allegations. “We believe the proposed penalty is a gross overreach,” the company said. “The FAA's findings involve an extraordinarily small number of flights, less than 0.2% of our total flight segments during the audit period, and have zero connection to the safety of flight.”

Planet Nine added that the alleged violations were “isolated administrative issues” tied to “the real-world demands of ultra-long-range international operations,” citing last-minute schedule changes, permitting delays by foreign authorities, and the challenges of managing a floating fleet.

The company further criticised what it described as a “two-tier regulatory standard” at the FAA. “Foreign operators are allowed privileges that United States on-demand operators are penalised for and restricted from unfettered access. We welcome the attention to this matter and seek industry assistance with balancing competition,” the statement said.