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
FBOs
Universal Aviation Announces Certified Location Program
Designed to recognize and distinguish ground handlers for meeting its safety, regulatory compliance, and customer service standards.
Regulations and Government
NBAA Chief Warns Privatized ATC Battle Is 'Imminent'
"Big airlines” are pushing for a privatized U.S. ATC system so they can “take control of ATC for their economic benefit,” NBAA chief Ed Bolen said.
Environment
Air BP Offers Carbon Offsets for NBAA S&D Attendees
The initiative is being managed by BP Target Neutral, which invests in carbon credits that support low-carbon development projects around the world.
Charter & Fractional
Jet Linx Aviation Fleet Almost Doubles in 2015
Additions of 30 aircraft last year brought its fleet to 65 aircraft, making Jet Linx the fifth-largest Part 135 operator in the U.S.
Fuel
ForeFlight Acquires JetFuelX
With JetFuelX, users can manage fuel card memberships and aircraft profiles, as well as view jet-A prices available at the planned destination.
Charter & Fractional
PlaneSmart Gets Argus Gold, Adds Hedrick as a Director
Hedrick previously served as the director of charter sales and owner services for Executive Flight Services.
Airports
WingX: Bizav Traffic in Davos To Double During 2016 WEF
During the 2015 World Economic Forum, from January 20 to 24, a total of 1,174 movements were recorded at four nearby airports.
Aircraft
GE To Build Engine for Textron T-prop in Czech Republic
Facility is expected to open in 2020 to develop and manufacture new turboprop engines in the 1,000 to 2,000-shp range.
FBOs
JetNet Adds Airport/FBO View, Aircraft Usage to Aerodex
Airport/FBO view provides an analysis tool for companies providing or looking to provide operational support at a specific airport.
Airports
AsBAA Praises New Bizav Customs Port at Zhuhai Airport
In addition, Zhuhai Airport officials also approved operations of smaller general/business aviation aircraft.
Safety
Wyvern Wingman Relaxes Pilot Recency Requirements
Pilot recency requirements reduced to reflect “continuing advancements” in flight training, avionics, maintenance and safety management.
Regulations and Government
FAA Corrects Overflight Notams
Erroneously excluded previous less restrictive security regs for aircraft registered in Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and British V.I.
JetNet iQ: As U.S. Leads, Midsize Bizjet Market To Rise
Business aviation data firm is adjusting its 10-year outlook “reflect recent industry and market developments, especially in the large cabin market.”
FBOs
Phoenix FBO Lux Air Jet Joins Paragon Network
The FBO, which has been at the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport since 2007, offers ground-support services for all types of aircraft.
Tempus Flies Newborn with Life-threatening Condition to Virginia
Tempus Jets partnered with World Pediatric Project to transport a newborn baby born with an incomplete esophagus from Belize to Virginia for surgery.
Aircraft
Scheme Designers Tapped for Eclipse 550 Design Services
Company will design the factory standard paint scheme for the Eclipse 550 and will provide personal color selection consultations with each customer.
Safety
NTSB's 2016 Aviation Safety Goals 'In Step' with NBAA's
Aviation safety focus areas on this year’s list include fatigue, distraction and loss of control in flight (LOC-I).
Avionics
FlightSafety Adds Gulfstream Cockpit Datalink e-Course
Three-hour eLearning CPDLC scenario-based course familiarizes pilots with CPDLC/ADS-C operations in normal and abnormal situations.
Argus: 2015 a Good Year for U.S. Bizav Flight Activity
Business aviation flight activity in North America ended 2015 on a positive note, climbing 2.6 percent last month versus December 2014.
Avionics
CMD Adds CJs, King Airs and PC-12 to ADS-B STC AML
With these added models, the approval covers nearly 170 Part 23 aircraft types equipped with Rockwell Collins TDR-94/94D transponders.
SkyVector Adds Flight Plan Export Feature
It allows pilot, scheduler and dispatchers to export flight plans to the ForeFlight iPad app, as well as avionics from Garmin and Dynon.
Despite December Gains, Euro Bizav Flying Down in 2015
Business aircraft activity in Europe climbed 1.7 percent last month, to 51,563 departures, but full-year flying was down by 0.6 percent, said WingX.
Charter & Fractional
FAA Amends Rule for Charter Ops Training Under Part 121
Correction makes it easier for operators to raise the safety bar by voluntarily complying with the more rigorous training requirements of Part 121.
Safety
DOT IG Stresses Manual Flying Skills, Pilot Monitoring
Recent accidents have shown that pilots who typically fly with automation can make errors when confronted with an unexpected event.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Bizcraft Finance/Registration Forum Set for Next Month
Event will feature speakers that are experts in aviation finance, aircraft utilization options, regulatory topics, tax planning and risk management.
Air Culinaire Acquires SkyTop Catering at HPN
As part of the acquisition, Air Culinaire Worldwide has retained the current SkyTop team in White Plains.
Air Culinaire Opens New SFO Bizav Catering Facility
Jean-Louis Brocardi, who was previously the general manager of Air Culinaire Worldwide Paris, is heading up the team at the new San Francisco location.
Charter & Fractional
TPG Growth To Acquire Charter Firm TMC Jets
Firm is acquiring TMC Jets for an undisclosed amount from founder Pete Liegl, who formed the company in 2006.
Safety
Argus IS-BAO Lead Auditor Training Course OK'd by IBAC
Course is designed to deliver training that provides pertinent knowledge and practical tools necessary to conduct many types of aviation audits.
Aircraft
Cessna Drops Citation CJ2+ from Product Lineup
Textron Aviation confims that the Cessna Citation CJ2+ is not currently in production.
