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
Menzies Aviation Barcelona Joins Signature Select Network
Services include aircraft ground handling, fueling, passenger handling, catering, aircraft cleaning and ground transportation.
Aircraft
Rheinland Air Service Named Exclusive European Dealer for Quest Kodiak
RAS will also be an authorized service center for the turboprop single.
Aircraft
Constant Aviation Installs Ovation in Global Express
Ovation Select provides onboard connectivity via smartphones, tablets or any of the installed passenger control units.
Charter & Fractional
Private Equity Firm Tsinghua To Acquire Hong Kong-based Sino Jet
Company manages a fleet of 15 business jets, including Gulfstreams and Challenger 605s.
Engines
United Technologies Chief Chenevert Suddenly Retires
Gregory Hayes, previously the company’s senior vice president and CFO, was subsequently elected president and CEO.
FBOs
Air BP Strengthens Scottish Network with Gama Aviation Glasgow
Air BP will supply fuel to Gama clients and Air BP Sterling cardholders at Gama Aviation’s executive aviation terminal.
Aircraft
2014 TBM Owners and Pilots Association Convention Breaks Attendance Record
Three-day event, held at New Orleans Lakefront Airport, included educational sessions customized for TBM operators.
Business Aviation in Middle East Set To Soar
An expected average annual GDP growth of 3.8 percent over the next 20 years sets the stage for solid business aviation growth in the region.
Aircraft
Gulfstream G650 No. 100 Delivered
G650 was certified by the FAA in September 2012 and the first one was delivered to a customer in December 2012.
Euro Bizav Flights Up, but Ukraine Crisis Still a Drag
63,308 business aircraft flights recorded in Europe last month, but the Ukraine crisis held down the increase to only 1.9 percent YOY.
Avionics
Avionics Sales Down Slightly in 3Q14 but Still Robust
Worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales amounted to $614.4 million in the third quarter.
FBOs
At BBA Aviation, Signature Climbs but MRO Flat
Market recovery in business and general aviation in North America lifts flight support company.
Aircraft
Darden Restaurants Closes Corporate Flight Department
Company ceased flight operations “immediately” and expects to sell its Cessna Citation Sovereign “in due course.”
Aircraft
HondaJet Gets “Best of What’s New” Accolades from Popular Science
The aircraft with its over-the-wing engine was the winner in the aerospace category.
Volunteer Aircraft Needed To Fly Stranded Sea Turtles from Cape Cod
There is an “immediate need” to fly sea turtles to other facilities.
Bizav Flight Planner UAS Opens Two New Offices in Asia
Firm opened Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong and a regional office in Beijing.
Global Bizav Flying Climbs 2.2% in 3Q14, Says JSSI
Results are consistent with macro trends in the greater U.S. economy in that there continues to be steady growth.
Aircraft
Gulfstream’s 7,500-nm G650ER Enters Service
The approximately $2 million ER option stretches the G650’s 7,000-nm range to 7,500 nm at a cruise speed of Mach 0.85.
Bizav Industry Poised To Soar in 2015, Says Analyst
Brian Foley believes “2015 will be the indisputable pivot point when the industry turns meaningfully upward.”
Training and Workforce
FlightSafety International Taps Steve Loranger as Senior Advisor to the CEO
He brings leadership abilities, in-depth knowledge of the aerospace industry and experience as a long-time FSI customer.
NBAA Seeks Speakers for 2015 Bizav Regional Forums
Deadline for submissions is December 15.
FBOs
Rectrix Opens New FBO at Boston-area Hanscom Field
Company’s new flagship facility features new FBO terminal and 60,000 sq ft of hangar space.
Argus: U.S. Bizav Flying Sustains Gains
Business aircraft flying in the U.S. rose for the 11th straight month, rising 3.2 percent month versus a year ago.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Harbert Private Equity Fund III Acquires Flight Display Systems
Acquisition will fuel continued growth, expand engineering and production capabilities, and further enhance partner relationships, it said.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Satcom Direct Named Exclusive Provider for Bizav Users of SmartSky 4G Data Network
SmartSky expects to roll out commercial service of its airborne air-to-ground 4G data network in 2016.
Retired PlaneSense Chief Pilot Receives Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
Award given only to pilots who have contributed and maintained safe flight operations for 50 or more consecutive years.
Avionics
FltPlan Go App for iPad Now Works with Five ADS-B Receivers
When used with these ADS-B receivers, the app provides access to ADS-B IN weather reports, notams, TFRs and Pireps.
Rotorcraft
Bell Helicopter Finds Good Fortune in China with Sale of 50 Jet Ranger Xs
This latest order takes Bell independent distributor Reignwood’s commitment to 60 of the new light-single helicopters.
Rotorcraft
AgustaWestland Lands AW119Kx Sale to Private Operator in China
Helicopter will be delivered by year-end and used for passenger transport operations in the Asian country.
Rotorcraft
Jet Ranger X Makes First Flight
The light single reached 60 knots during its maiden sortie.
