Ewing, New Jersey

Aviation Charters first to achieve top FAA safety certification

Aviation Charters has become the first in the greater Philadelphia FAA flight standards district to achieve 14 CFR Part 5 SMS Active Conformance status: the industry’s highest certification level of safety management.

This prestigious recognition not only marks a significant milestone for Aviation Charters, but also its sister company, FlightServ - a world-class FBO, maintenance and aircraft detailing operation. The companies are unique in that the entirety of their operations abide by the SMS, not just the charter operation, highlighting their commitment to operational safety and excellence across their service portfolio at New Jersey’s Trenton Mercer Airport (KTTN).

Aviation Charters voluntarily embarked on this rigorous process as part of the Safety Management System Voluntary Program (SMSVP) back in March 2019. After years of dedicated effort, including the approval of their SMS manual in January 2020, they achieved Active Conformance status in June 2024.

“It has taken an immense amount of effort and focus from every single employee across our companies to make this industry-leading achievement possible,” said Paul Weiss, president of the companies. “This certification underscores our unwavering dedication to safety at every level. An active SMS allows us to proactively identify and mitigate risks, ensuring the highest level of safety for our operations. It also signals to our customers that their operations are in the most adept hands when they choose to fly with us.”

While the companies achieved certification voluntarily, the program became mandatory for Part 135 charter operators in May 2024. They now have just three years to achieve certification.

Achieving the rigorous certification voluntarily is not just a testament to Aviation Charters/FlightServ’s safety standards, but also positions them as forward-thinking organizations. Their proactive approach and status as the first to achieve active conformance in the region sets a benchmark for others in the aviation industry.

With their leadership position, the companies are forming a consulting team of highly-trained professionals to assist interested operations in achieving 14 CFR Part 5 SMS Active Conformance. Operators can join the consulting waitlist by emailing John McKeever, director of operations for Aviation Charters, at JMcKeever@aviationcharters.com.