Aviation Leader Launches ASJR Aviation for Pilot & Maintenance Certifications, Aircraft Inspections, and Business Advisory Services

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May 18, 2026, 17:27 ET

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C., May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran aviation executive and industry advocate W. Ashley Smith, Jr. – with over 40 years of operations, maintenance, and business leadership across Part 91, 121, and 135 airlines, has announced the launch of ASJR Aviation – a specialized aviation advisory and certification firm delivering "A Precision Spin on Aviation Intelligence." Learn more at https://asjraviation.com or follow ASJR Aviation on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

W. Ashley Smith, Jr. - a veteran aviation executive and industry advocate with over 40 years of operations, maintenance, and business leadership across Part 91, 121, and 135 airlines - has announced the launch of ASJR Aviation - a specialized aviation advisory and certification firm delivering "A Precision Spin on Aviation Intelligence" - including Operations, Maintenance, and Business solutions

ASJR Aviation will provide unique and highly specialized solutions including pilot and A&P mechanic certifications, FAA designee services, aircraft inspections, and strategic business advisory support. Smith, Jr. brings extensive FAA credentials including DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) and DAR (Designated Airworthiness Representative), enabling ASJR to deliver both technical certification services and high-level regulatory guidance.

Core certification and technical services include:

ATP check rides and PIC type checks including Hawker (HS-125) PIC and Learjet (LR-Jet)
Hawker 800/850/900 stall test flights
Aircraft conformity inspections, modifications, and repair oversight
Standard and Special airworthiness certificates and Special Flight permits
Aircraft import and export inspections
Field Approvals and STC management
DPE administrative services: Military Competency certificates, CFI renewals, SIC type ratings, and SOE restrictions

Mr. Smith is widely recognized across commercial and business aviation sectors for his expertise in Hawker and Learjet airframes and his long-standing leadership in aviation safety, pilot training, and operational standards initiatives. His contributions span key organizations including NBAA, NATA, CAMTS, FAA, and NC Aviation Task Force with roles and industry awards including:

Champion for Donation, Indiana Donor Network
Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award, NBAA
Dr. Suzanne Wedel Medevac Scholarship Recipient
Former Chairman of the NBAA Domestic Operations Committee
Former member, CAMTS Board of Directors and Executive Board
Industry Lead, FAA Air Carrier Training for Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA)
Member, ACT ARC Working Groups for pilot duty/rest and pilot checking

Smith, Jr. founded Jet Logistics Inc. in 2002 in North Carolina, which evolved from a corporate charter operator into a leading FAA Part 135 air carrier providing air medical, government contracting, and special mission services over the past 15 years. Clients have included: U.S Department of Defense, Indiana Donor Network, Superior Air Ambulance, Blue Tide Aviation, and Fly Business.

"ASJR Aviation has been a long-term vision," stated W. Ashley Smith, Jr. "With four decades of operational, maintenance, business, and regulatory experience, there is a clear need for precision guidance in today's complex aviation environment. ASJR Aviation creates a unique platform that allows us to better support operators, owners, pilots, mechanics, and aviation business investors navigating complex certification, acquisition, and compliance challenges."

ABOUT ASJR AVIATION, LLC
ASJR Aviation, LLC. is a specialized aviation advisory and certification firm founded and operated by W. Ashley, Smith, Jr. to provide a variety of unique and highly specialized pilot, A&P mechanic, and administrative certifications, pilot and maintenance services, and strategic aviation business solutions, based on Smith's four decades of aviation experience and FAA certifications including DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) and DAR (Designated Airworthiness Representative).

ABOUT W. ASHLEY SMITH, JR.
Veteran aviation executive and industry advocate W. Ashley Smith, Jr. has held positions including Chief Pilot, Director of Operations, Director of Maintenance, and Check Airman, and has accumulated over 14,000 hours as a multi-engine ATP with 5 type ratings, CFI, CFII, and MEI. Smith, Jr. is also a veteran airline mechanic with A&P certification with Inspection Authorization, Certified Aviation Manager (CAM), Certified Medical Transport Executive (CMTE), Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), and Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR-T).

For more information, business inquiries, and speaker requests, please contact:
ASJR Aviation, LLC
https://asjraviation.com
[email protected]
PO Box 1969, Johns Island, SC 29455
843.305.4959

SOURCE JLI Group Holdings, Inc.