MO AG Wins Judgement Against Hart Aero

After years of complaints (some documented here on ANN) and an impressive amount of online consumer activism, Doug Hart, who has consistently been proven to have taken money for aircraft kits and parts that have not been delivered, in whole or in part; has been stopped from victimizing any more fellow flyers. This result occurred thanks to an active aero-consumer effort (primarily online) and the action of the MO AG's office.

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster reported that he "obtained a consent judgment against Douglas Hart, owner of Hart Aero, for alleged violations of Missouri’s Merchandising Practices Act."

Koster said Hart, currently of Springfield, sold airplanes and light aircraft to consumers nationwide through his website. He lived in Howell County at the time. Hart told consumers he would buy the necessary materials, build the aircraft, and deliver it. However, he failed to deliver the completed aircraft, nor did he refund his customers’ money.

Koster said that under the judgment, Hart will pay $60,830 in restitution and $3,000 to reimburse the state for the cost of the investigation and enforcing the Missouri Merchandising Practice Act.  The court also issued a permanent injunction prohibiting Hart from violating the Missouri Merchandising Practice Act, from advertising or offering any airplane for sale and from soliciting or obtaining money for the sale of airplanes.

“Consumers have a right to have full confidence that a company’s ads and sales pitches are honest and accurate,” Koster said. “Businesses that try to profit by deceiving Missouri consumers should understand that the Attorney General’s Office will take action.”

FMI: http://antihartaero.com