Las Vegas, NV — W. Ashley Smith, Jr., founder and CEO of Jet Logistics Inc., an FAA Part 135 air carrier, was among the key speakers at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) 2026 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), held October 20–22 in Las Vegas.
Joining aviation safety experts and representatives from organizations including Wyvern, APS, NBAA, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Smith, Jr. participated in the National Safety Forum session, “Managing Risk After Maintenance.”
The session addressed the unique operational and safety risks associated with post-maintenance flights, including aircraft configuration changes, maintenance-to-flight handoffs, pilot readiness, and loss-of-control prevention. Drawing on real-world incidents and NTSB findings, panelists explored practical strategies for improving risk assessment, test flight preparedness, and organizational safety.
With more than 40 years of aviation leadership and operational experience, Smith brings an extensive background as a business owner, Director of Operations, Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), and FAA-certificated Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic with Inspection Authorization (A&P/IA). His qualifications and experience also include serving as a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR-T), spanning Part 91, Part 135, and Part 145 operations.
- In addition to leading Jet Logistics, Smith, Jr. is a principal in several aviation businesses that bring additional relevance to the conference’s subject matter, including Jet MX, an FAA Part 145-certified repair station, and ASJR Aviation, which provides aviation operations, maintenance, and business advisory services.
- A frequent industry speaker and advocate for business aviation and safety, Smith has participated in hundreds of aviation conferences and events. His past and present industry leadership roles include Chairman of the NBAA Domestic Operations Committee, Executive Board Member of CAMTS, Industry Lead for FAA Air Carrier Training for Helicopter Air Ambulance, and member of the FAA Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ACT ARC) Working Group.
- His professional recognition includes the NBAA Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award, the Indiana Donor Network’s Champion for Donation award, and the Dr. Suzanne Wedel Medevac Scholarship, reflecting decades of contributions to business aviation, air medical transportation, organ donation logistics, and government special missions and defense contracting.
For more information about NBAA and its aviation safety initiatives, visit https://nbaa.org/.
