LATROBE, Pennsylvania (July 30, 2025) — L. J. Aviation has earned and renewed its designation of WYVERN Wingman Certified Operator following a successful audit, conducted by WYVERN in June 2025. The WYVERN Wingman Standard, the first air charter audit standard in the aviation industry, provides a safety benchmark that allows air charter customers to assess performance expectations against recognized industry best operating practices before purchasing air charter services.
“Renewing our WYVERN Wingman status and achieving SMS Level 4 certification reflects L. J. Aviation’s unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence,” said Jeffrey McAllister, L. J Aviation Director of Safety. “These accomplishments demonstrate that our safety management system is more than just policy; it’s an active, evolving process that supports every flight we operate. We’re proud to meet the rigorous WYVERN standards and remain dedicated to exceeding industry expectations.”
Wingman Operators are evaluated by the Wingman Standard criteria. The scope of the evaluation includes an assessment of operational activities, a review of the company’s operational history and safety records, a Safety Management System (SMS), an internal evaluation program, administrative compositions, technical documentation, pilot and aircraft records, training requirements, and maintenance operations including technician training and experience.
“L. J. Aviation’s renewal of their WYVERN Wingman Certification reinforces their position as a leader in the air charter industry,” said Andrew Day, WYVERN Senior Vice President, Operations. “This continued recognition reflects their ongoing dedication to a mature and effective safety culture, one that consistently surpasses industry norms and demonstrates a long-standing commitment to formal safety risk management.”
About L. J. Aviation
Founded in 1980 by Edward M. Kilkeary, Sr. and Mary Ann Kilkeary, L. J. Aviation is a nationally recognized leader in aircraft management and charter services. Headquartered at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the company has built a reputation for operational excellence, safety, and customer-focused service.
L. J. Aviation manages and operates a diverse fleet of over 30 aircraft, including Boeing Business Jets, Bombardier Globals, Challengers, Learjets, Cessna Citations, and Beechcraft models. Its operations span multiple locations, with satellite offices in Bedford, MA; Marshfield, WI; Rochester, NY; and Pittsburgh International Airport, allowing the company to deliver responsive service across the United States.
With a comprehensive portfolio of services—including aircraft management, charter, maintenance, hangar and FBO services, and aviation consulting—L. J. Aviation provides tailored, turnkey solutions that meet the needs of discerning clients. The company’s operations are supported 24/7 by a team of highly trained professionals who bring decades of experience and a deep commitment to safety and reliability.
L. J. Aviation has received multiple honors for its safety and performance, including FAA Diamond Awards and the Governor’s Award for Safety Excellence. Its established Safety Management System (SMS) and rigorous adherence to industry best practices reflect a company-wide commitment to operational integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Learn more about L. J. Aviation here.
About WYVERN
WYVERN is a globally recognized leader in aerospace safety, providing unparalleled education, training, consulting, auditing, and safety intelligence solutions. With a mission to protect lives by inspiring excellence in aerospace safety, WYVERN empowers aerospace stakeholders to make informed decisions and manage risks effectively. WYVERN was founded in 1991 by a group of safety-focused professionals who created The Wingman Standard for rigorously vetting air charter operators and became the world’s first business aviation audit company. WYVERN works relentlessly every day to lead and support the highest safety standards to ensure safe air transportation and provides objective information and data to vet charter flights and operations.
As a globally recognized ISO-9001 certified service provider, WYVERN offers world-class coaching, auditing, consulting, SMS software, and ACES safety intelligence database that links safety-focused operators and brokers.
WYVERN’s diverse customer base includes Charter Jet operators, Charter Helicopter operators, UAS operators, Corporate Flight Departments, Aerospace and Defense Manufacturers, Charter Brokers, MROs, and FBOs, all of whom benefit from our comprehensive aviation safety solutions.
Our Mission is to protect lives by inspiring excellence in aerospace safety.
Our Vision is for every aerospace organization to have a healthy safety culture.
Our Values are Professionalism, Innovation, and Relationships.
Contact us today to Fly with WYVERN!
Learn more about WYVERN LTD here.
Watch our short video on WYVERN Wingman here.
Watch our short video on WYVERN Flight Leader Program here.
Share this article on social media!
Follow us on social media!