Chad Trautvetter
Online Editor
Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group. He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion, the student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot magazine, he joined AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.
Latest from Chad Trautvetter
Maintenance and Modifications
Private Equity Firm Levine Leichtman Buys AeroSafety
Levine Leichtman Capital has acquired AeroSafety, which services aircraft life vests, fire extinguishers, oxygen masks and cylinders, and life rafts.
Aircraft
Global 7500 To Make Touchdown at PDK for Super Bowl
Bombardier Business Aircraft is using the Super Bowl in Atlanta to kick off a world tour of its flagship Global 7500.
Charter & Fractional
JetSuiteX Adds Flights To Coachella Music Festival
JetSuiteX is adding seasonal flights to Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (TRM) in Thermal, California, this April for the Coachella Music Festival.
Maintenance and Modifications
West Star Opens New Hangar at East Alton Location
West Star Aviation opened a 60,000-sq-ft hangar at its East Alton, Illinois facility, allowing it to expand existing business aircraft maintenance programs
Maintenance and Modifications
Bombardier Adds Mobile Response Truck in New England
Bombardier Business Aircraft has positioned a mobile response team truck in New England, enhancing its aircraft maintenance reach and respose in the region
Maintenance and Modifications
Dassault Boosts Falcon Support in Davos for WEF
To serve Falcon crews flying into Davos for the WEF, Dassault has reinforced its support teams at Zurich International and St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airports.
On Air Dining's New Menu Features Locally Sourced Foods
London aircraft caterer On Air Dining has launched a “farm to flight” initiative with a new menu featuring locally sourced meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Charter & Fractional
NetJets, Pilot Union Sign 'Industry-leading' Contract
Fractional provider NetJets signed an interim bargaining agreement with pilot union NJASAP, increasing compensation and extending the contract to 2026.
Charter & Fractional
Pula Expands Bizav Portfolio with ASG Acquisition
The parent company of Bristol, UK-based business aircraft charter, management, MRO, and FBO Centreline has aquired Guernsey-based ASG.
Airports
London Biggin Hill Finishes 2018 on a High Note
London Biggin Hill Airport said it expects more growth this year after logging a 12 percent increase in business aviation traffic in 2018.
Charter & Fractional
Click Aviation Snaps Up CharterPad
Business aviation trip support services company Click Aviation Network has acquired CharterPad, an online platform for air charter professionals.
Aircraft
Industry Watcher: Bizjet Shipments To Climb 10% in 2019
Business jet deliveries this could see more than a 10 percent jump over 2018, primarily driven by several new models simultaneously coming to market.
ATC
NATCA Sues U.S. Government for Controllers' Pay
The union representing FAA air traffic controllers filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government for non-payment of wages due to the ongoing shutdown.
U.S. Bizav Flying Ends 2018 on Weaker Footing
Business aviation activity in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean fell slightly in December, ending the year on a down note.
Maintenance and Modifications
MRO Insider Launches Customer Rewards Program
MRO Insider has launched a customer loyalty program that incentivizes use of its web-based business aircraft maintenance request tool.
Aircraft
Hagerty Jet Expects 'Choppy' Used Bizjet Market in 2019
Hagerty Jet Group anticipates a “choppy” preowned business jet market this year due to political uncertainty and equity market volatility.
Training and Workforce
ASTM Starts Certification Program for Bizjet Cabin Crew
ASTM International's certification program for bizjet cabin crews will test knowledge of and skills in aircraft safety procedures and cabin-service safety.
Avionics
FAA Awards Next-gen WAAS Contract to NovAtel
Through a new FAA contract, NovAtel will deliver 40 next-gen ground uplink stations to upgrade the WAAS network.
Environment
LHT Offers Environmentally Friendly Disinsection Spray
Previously available disinsection sprays are considered hazardous materials that can be shipped solely by ground.
Training and Workforce
Directional Aviation Has Lofty Aspirations for SimCom
Under Directional Aviation's wing, SimCom plans three subdivisions: owner-flown pilot training, bizjet fleet pilot training, and a new pilot academy.
Bizav Flying in Europe Flattens as Charter Drops
Business aircraft flying in Europe has seen a "substantial slowdown," according to the latest data from WingX Advance.
Training and Workforce
APS Boasts All Master CFI-A Instructor Staff
All of Aviation Performance Solutions’ upset recovery training instructors in the U.S. are now Master Certified Flight Instructors.
Aircraft
Gulfstream G500, G600 Debutants To Shine at MEBAA
The new Gulfstream G500 and G600 will make their debut at MEBAA 2018, which runs from December 10 to 12 in Dubai.
ATC
ADS-B Out Deadline Looms for Some PBN Routes in India
ADS-B Out will be required for aircraft flying certain performance-based navigation (PBN) routes in Indian airspace above FL290, starting Jan. 1, 2019.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Satcom Direct Tapped as Leading Supplier for Jet ConneX
Satcom Direct's new top supplier designation for Inmarsat Jet Connex allows it to provide this high-speed data service directly to the bizav community.
NBAA Simplifies Member Categories
NBAA has revamped its membership to includes three broader member types: operating, business, and professional.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum To Hold Annual Fundraiser
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum's annual gala and auction will support the restoration and preservation of a historic WWII aviation battleground.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Greenpoint Delivers Second VIP Dreamliner
The second VIP Boeing 787-8 completed by Greenpoint Technologies features open living space and private rooms, including a grand master suite.
Charter & Fractional
Bestfly Expands into Rotary Charter Market with AW139s
The helicopters are the first rotary-wing aircraft the ISBAO operator has added to its fleet since launching in November 2009.
Aircraft
Chinese Investors Invest €150M into Dornier Seastar
New funding will accelerate serial production by finalizing the Seastar certification supplements and completing the production facilities in Wuxi, China.
