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
Bell Taps Ruag for Jet Ranger X Service, Reassembly
The Ruag helicopter services center earned the approval ratings for the Bell 505 under its EASA Part 145 certificate.
Aircraft
HondaJet Now For Sale in Honda's Home Country of Japan
The first HondaJet Elite is expected to be delivered in Japan during the first half of 2019.
Charter & Fractional
Millennials See Bizav Becoming Cleaner, More Accessible
Millennials’ views on business aviation are closely linked to concerns about the environment, according to a study conducted by EBAA and ThinkYoung.
Avionics
Flight Data Systems Acquired by ACR Electronics Parent
Acquisition represents the latest addition to ACR’s growing portfolio of aviation companies, which include Artex and Skytrac.
Safety
Chase Aviation Manager is FlightSafety's 100th Master Aviator
Master Aviator curriculum expands training beyond the fundamentals covered by initial and recurrent courses.
Training and Workforce
FlightSafety Expands Phased Recurrent Training Program
Program is compliant with EASA FCL (Part-ORO) and consists of two distinct training modules per year over a three-year period.
Aircraft
Pilatus Hands Over PC-24 to Former Nestlé Chief
Twinjet will be available in Europe to members of "Flying Club 24,” a new aircraft membership firm based in Sion, Switzerland.
Regulations and Government
Dart Emergency Floats for Bell 505 Get FAA Nod
This adds to Transport Canada certification it obtained in mid-February, as well as recent approval from Japan’s JCAB.
Inventory of Used Business Aircraft Continues To Shrink
Across all segments, including helicopters, there were 5,675 aircraft for sale in the quarter, down 10.7 percent, or 680 units, from a year ago.
Charter & Fractional
JetSuite Plans a Future with Hybrid Electric Aircraft
JetSuite plans to add up to 100 Zunum Aero 12-passenger hybrid-to-electric aircraft to its fleet.
Charter & Fractional
NBAA Releases Per-seat Charter Guidelines
Provides an overview of types of per-seat and “planeload” charter operations using aircraft operated under Part 135, as well as regulatory considerations.
Safety
App Can Help Crews Deal with In-flight Medical Issues
AirRx provides a real-time checklist and quick reference handbook to improve the way that emergent medical situations in the air are addressed.
AfBAA Announces Shows in Nairobi, South Africa
Nairobi show will feature focused sessions and workshops on the operational needs of rotary aircraft, remotely piloted aerial systems, and business jets.
Charter & Fractional
Flexjet Boosts Pay for Red Label Pilots
Company also intends to expand its fleet by 14 percent this year, which will require growth in pilot ranks by 25 percent.
Charter & Fractional
OJets' Growth, Elit’Avia Integration Progress On Plan
Acquisition is not only accelerating OJets’ growth but providing an anchor in the European aircraft management, charter, and aviaton services market.
Avionics
Satellite Data Unit STC'd for Gulfstream G450, G550
DL150 combines many capabilities, including datalink com for FANS 1/A+ installations, air traffic services notification, and ACARS and CPDLC messaging.
Airports
NBAA Asks Judicial Panel To Void FAA's SMO Agreement
The deal allows the city to shorten the runway and provides the option to close the Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) after 2028.
Rotorcraft
Offshore Oil Chiefs Recommit To Helo Safety Initiatives
Leaders agree to push for “comprehensive implementation of safety priorities that will have the most potential to save lives in helicopter operations."
Asset Insight Rolls Out Real-time Aircraft Valuation Tool
Valuation data and other information can be presented in graph and table formats for current, residual, orderly liquidation value, and maintenance events.
Aircraft
Gulfstream's New Twins Log Record Transpacific Flights
On April 20, the G500 and G600 flew from Shanghai to Honolulu at an average speed of Mach 0.90.
U.S. Bizav Flying Rises as Part 91 Reawakens
All aircraft categories saw increases last month, with large-cabin jets once again coming out ahead with a 4.7-percent year-over-year increase.
Avionics
Ventura Air Developing STC for SmartSky in Learjet 55
The SmartSky 4G LTE system received its first STC in January—for the Cessna Citation Excel.
Aircraft
Pilatus Logs Successful Year, Looks To Future with PC-24
Backlog at Pilatus surged to $2.16 billion, which the company pointed out is equivalent to more than two years of its sales revenue.
Charter & Fractional
Charter Firm Dangles $80K in Bonuses for New Pilots
“We're offering this retention plan to attract the best and brightest pilots to our operation that support our strong safety culture," the company said.
Maintenance and Modifications
FlightDocs Opens Tech Center in Southwest Florida
The facility houses nearly 40 developers and other technology experts.
JetNet To Demo New Features, Hold iQ Briefing at EBACE
JetNet Marketplace and Aerodex Elite programs both offer in-depth European historical flight activity and route analysis capability.
Charter & Fractional
VistaJet's Flight Hours Soar 22%, Led by U.S. Demand
In the last 12 months, VistaJet has flown more chief executives and chairmen to more destinations than ever before, the company says.
Maintenance and Modifications
West Star Aviation Strengthens Leadership Team
Company has taken a proactive approach in strengthening its leadership team to ensure its continued success in delivering industry-leading services.
Aircraft
Bombardier's Bizjet Unit Off To Good Start in 2018
Mix of business jets delivered in the first three months was more favorable compared with the same period last year.
Aircraft
Bombardier To Move Global Family Production to Pearson
38-acre site at Toronto Pearson International Airport will house a new center of excellence and final assembly plant for its Global business jet family.
