DOJ Says Private Jet Mogul Flew on Members’ Money, Landing Him a Court Date

Patrick Britton-Harr, the founder of troubled private aviation company AeroVanti, was recently indicted by the US Department of Justice on six counts of wire fraud tied to his now-infamous "Top Gun" membership program.

The scheme allegedly took in nearly $15 million in upfront payments from customers who believed they were buying partial ownership in aircraft. Instead, prosecutors say, their money helped fund yachts, jewelry, and a Florida rental.

“From approximately November 2021 through January 2022, Britton-Harr, acting on behalf of AeroVanti, entered into lease-purchase agreements for five Piaggio-manufactured aircraft bearing Federal Aviation Administration tail numbers N2444Z, N290BC, NlllVR, Nl89LW, and Nl037W,” the complaint alleged.

The DOJ claims that Britton-Harr managed to convince about 100 customers they were investing in a debt-free fleet and would, in return, receive 100 hours of private flight time. However, it is believed that none of the five aircraft were actually purchased with the funds.

This indictment isn’t Britton-Harr’s only feud with the DOJ. In 2023, the department issued a $26 million default judgment against Britton-Harr for Medicare fraud through lab companies he also operated.

“Britton-Harr showed a total disregard for those who depend on our Medicare system for health care services and for the individuals he scammed through his private-jet company,” expressed Kelly Hayes, US Attorney for the District of Maryland.

AeroVanti, despite a long-standing poor industry reputation, scored sports sponsorships with teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Chicago Cubs, and the Tampa Bay Rays. During this time, the provider stiffed the Buccaneers out of $3.4 million, failed to pay the Rays nearly $900,000, and left the Cubs to foot a heavy bill.

Britton-Harr is facing a separate indictment for five counts of health care fraud and one count of money laundering. Each wire fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

FMI: www.justice.gov