The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency order suspending the Part 135 certification of Arizona-based Sawyer Aviation (SJA, Scottsdale), citing as reason inadequate staffing levels at the private jet charter carrier.
In a brief statement, the FAA alleged that Sawyer Aviation had not employed a director of maintenance since October 21, 2023, nor a chief pilot since December 1. Sawyer has consequently been ordered to surrender its certificate "immediately" and is subject to a daily penalty of USD16,630 for any delay in doing so.
The FAA said the suspension would remain in place until the company had qualified personnel in place.
ch-aviation has reached out to Sawyer Aviation for comment.
According to its website, the company specialises in private charter travel, aircraft management, and sales and acquisitions. Its fleet entails two Citation Jets and one Citation Jet 3+.
