Veteran aviation executive W. Ashley Smith, Jr. has launched ASJR Aviation, a specialist advisory and certification business supporting regulatory, operational and aircraft certification requirements across the commercial and business aviation sectors.

The company provides services including pilot and A&P mechanic certifications, FAA designee support, aircraft inspections and strategic advisory work for operators, owners and aviation investors.

Smith holds FAA credentials as both a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR), allowing ASJR Aviation to support certification activity alongside regulatory and compliance guidance.

Technical services include ATP check rides and PIC type checks for Hawker and Learjet aircraft, Hawker 800/850/900 stall test flights, conformity inspections, repair oversight, import and export inspections, field approvals and STC management.

Administrative support includes Military Competency certificates, CFI renewals, SIC type ratings and SOE restrictions.

Smith has spent more than four decades across Part 91, 121 and 135 aviation operations with experience spanning maintenance, business leadership, training and operational standards. He is also known for work involving Hawker and Learjet aircraft along with aviation safety and pilot training initiatives.

His industry involvement has included roles with NBAA, NATA, CAMTS, the FAA and the NC Aviation Task Force. Previous appointments include chairman of the NBAA Domestic Operations Committee and member of the CAMTS board and executive board.

Smith also founded Jet Logistics Inc. in 2002. The North Carolina company developed from a corporate charter operator into an FAA Part 135 carrier supporting air medical, government contracting and special mission operations.

“ASJR Aviation has been a long-term vision,” says 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.”