Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A federal civil penalty action has been initiated against Walter Benjamin Bius and his company, Prairie Flower Air Asset Company LLC, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The complaint claims that Bius managed Prairie Flower, located in Huntsville, as a direct air carrier without possessing the necessary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification.
The complaint outlines Bius' alleged operation of Prairie Flower using a "dry lease," a tactic purportedly employed to bypass federal requirements for direct air carriers, thus creating what authorities claim is an illicit charter service. During the years 2019 through 2023, Bius and Prairie Flower reportedly organized at least 237 flights under such dry leases for various clients. It is alleged that each instance constitutes a violation of at least 16 FAA regulations.
Among the violations, the gravest involve occurrences where pilots allegedly flew the aircraft without having successfully completed the required competency and instrument proficiency checks as mandated by FAA standards. Furthermore, there are accusations that Bius illegally piloted the aircraft himself on certain occasions.
"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," said Ganjei. "This action will help ensure the safety of air transportation and safeguard the public from carriers that might endanger passengers by cutting corners."
"Today's announcement should cause people to think twice before choosing to intentionally ignore federal aviation regulations and requirements," remarked Special Agent in Charge Joseph Harris of the Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG) Southern Region. "We will continue to partner with law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue those whose actions jeopardize the safety and integrity of the nation's airspace."
The investigation was led by DOT-OIG in collaboration with the FAA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Wiley is responsible for managing the case.
