A civil penalty action has been initiated by the U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei against Walter Benjamin Bius and his company, Prairie Flower Air Asset Company LLC. The complaint alleges that Bius operated Prairie Flower, based in Huntsville, as a direct air carrier without obtaining the necessary certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A direct air carrier must hold an FAA-issued certificate, demonstrating compliance with specific requirements. The complaint asserts that Bius rejected these regulations by employing what is known as a "dry lease" to sidestep FAA requirements. This method allegedly resulted in an illegal charter service.
The complaint further alleges that between 2019 and 2023, Bius and Prairie Flower chartered at least 237 flights using dry leases, each purportedly in violation of at least 16 FAA regulations. Among the alleged infractions are pilots operating without required competency and proficiency checks and instances where Bius allegedly flew the aircraft illegally.
U.S. Attorney Ganjei stated, “When people choose to book private charter travel, they need to feel confident that the company transporting them meets all applicable safety and regulatory standards.” He added that the action aims to "ensure the safety of air transportation and safeguard the public from carriers that might endanger passengers by cutting corners."
Joseph Harris, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Transportation - Office of Inspector General, Southern Region, said, “Today’s announcement should cause people to think twice before choosing to intentionally ignore federal aviation regulations and requirements.” He emphasized ongoing cooperation with law enforcement and prosecutors to maintain the safety and integrity of U.S. airspace.
The investigation was conducted by DOT-OIG and the FAA, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Wiley handling the legal proceedings.