South Mountain Aviation has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 145 certification, officially authorizing the company to operate as an approved Repair Station and significantly expanding its aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
The certification follows an application process that spanned several months and more than 18 months of preparation to meet the FAA’s rigorous standards. The approval allows the company to perform regulated maintenance, repair and overhaul services on aircraft and components, as well as return them to service with FAA airworthiness approvals.
During the certification presentation, Greg Travis, Manager of the Baltimore Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), praised South Mountain Aviation for its dedication and commitment throughout the certification process.
Founded just two-and-a-half years ago, South Mountain Aviation has established itself as a specialist in maintaining and servicing light and very light business jets across the Mid-Atlantic region. The company has earned a reputation for delivering reliable maintenance solutions and has become a preferred provider for operators seeking specialized support for small jets.
The new Part 145 certification also enables the company to expand its avionics services alongside its existing maintenance offerings. Its capabilities now include aircraft phase and document inspections, avionics sales and service, aircraft-on-ground (AOG) mobile support, aircraft management and tracking, heavy maintenance for Citation aircraft, heavy check inspections, non-destructive testing, jet X-rays, and aircraft fabric and interior repairs. The company also supports larger business aircraft, including Gulfstream, Global, Hawker, and Citation jets.
South Mountain Aviation has grown steadily since its launch, increasing its workforce from two employees to six, with plans to double its staff by the end of 2027. The company attributes its growth to strong customer relationships, flexible service, and the extensive industry experience of its technicians, many of whom have received factory training from Textron Aviation, Williams International, and Cirrus Aircraft.
The company was co-founded by licensed airframe professionals Ian Terry and Jayce Keefer, alongside Rider Jet Center owner Ben Rider. Leveraging industry partnerships and support from Textron Aviation and other aviation organizations, the founders established South Mountain Aviation to address the shortage of specialized maintenance providers for small business jets in the region.
Ian Terry, co-founder of South Mountain Aviation, said earning the FAA Part 145 certification represents a major milestone for the company and reinforces its commitment to safe, high-quality maintenance.
“We worked hard to earn the Part 145 Certification. We know that pilots will go where they know their plane will be worked on safely, and we’re proud to be the go-to maintenance choice for business and private jet owners,” Terry said.
Co-founder Jayce Keefer added that the certification strengthens the company’s ability to provide comprehensive aviation services alongside Rider Jet Center.
“Rider Jet Center is built to serve pilots and aircraft at every level, and with South Mountain Aviation uniquely handling small jet maintenance, together we become a single destination for every aviation need,” Keefer said.
With its new FAA authorization, South Mountain Aviation is positioned to broaden its service offerings while meeting growing demand for specialized business jet maintenance across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and the wider Mid-Atlantic region.
