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
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.
Aircraft
Piaggio Opens New Manufacturing Plant in Italy
Site includes a new 527,400-sq-ft plant where Piaggio will design, develop and manufacture its Avanti Evo turboprop twin.
Aircraft
Cessna-Avic Delivers First Chinese-built Citation XLS+ Business Jets
Chinese-built Citations were handed over to Guangzhou Zhongheng Group during a ceremony today at Airshow China in Zhuhai.
Nextant 400XTi Gets Chinese Nod
Validation proves that the remanufactured Beechjet 400A/400XP satisfies all CAAC airworthiness requirements.
FlightSafety Soldiers On in Wake of Wichita Accident
Crash caused training for Cessna Caravan and some Citation models to be suspended at Wichita Cessna Pilot Learning Center.
Gulfstream Elevates Mark Kohler to V-p for Advanced Aircraft Programs
He is now responsible for the development, certification and entry into service of the G500 and G600.
Macau Bizav Show Opens with Aircraft Interior Showcase
Event features 17 midsize to large-cabin jets on static display and 20 exhibitors.
Guardian Jet To Exclusively Market Refurbished Cessna Citation X Elite
Under the Elite program, legacy Citation Xs go through a complete refurbishment and systems update.
Bombardier Takes Go-slow Approach to Learjet 85 Program
Company president and CEO Pierre Beaudoin made it clear that the new Learjet is the company’s lowest priority at its flight-test department.
Used Bizcraft Transactions Climb in First Nine Months
In the first nine months 3,487 pre-owned business aircraft changed hands, up from 3,429 in the same period last year.
ATC
Swedish Transport Agency OKs Saab Remote Tower at Ornskoldsvik Airport
Sensors are installed at Ornskoldsvik Airport but air traffic is remotely controlled from Sundsvall, Sweden.
Maintenance and Modifications
Crane SmartStem STC’d for Gulfstreams, Challengers
SmartStem allows operators and pilots to check tire pressure quickly, accurately and without gas loss.
Arizona Business Aviation Group Sponsoring Scottsdale SkyKids Event
Event will be “fun-filled day of flights, food and festivities” for up to 150 special-needs children.
Bombardier Bizjet Deliveries Rise in 3Q14
Bombardier Aerospace delivered 45 business jets in the quarter, up from 36 in the same period last year.
Baldwin Puts IS-BAO within Reach of Small Flight Depts
Safety Co-op guides one-aircraft operators through the entire International Standard for Business Aviation Operations registration process.
ATC
FAA and Industry Meet To Address ADS-B Issues, Fixes
Working group formed to rally aircraft operators behind automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast technology.
ATC
Garmin Introduces Low-cost ADS-B OUT Solution for Aircraft
When paired with Garmin’s Flight Stream Bluetooth wireless gateway, the system provides ADS-B IN benefits via a mobile device.
Beechcraft Now Offering King Air 250 Weight Increase
Mtow rises from 12,500 pounds to 13,420 pounds, providing 1,025 pounds of payload with full fuel.
Garmin Expands Coverage Area for European FliteCharts
Charts include instrument approach charts, SIDs, STARs and airport diagrams.
UK Business and Genav Aircraft Show To Alternate Between Biggin Hill and Cambridge Airports
Next year’s show will be at London Biggin Hill.
Bolen Deems NBAA 2014 in Orlando an ‘Enormous Success’
Event hosted 1,100 exhibitors, more than 100 aircraft and upwards of 26,000 attendees.
Event Raises Nearly $400K for Corporate Angel Network
CAN coordinates 250 cancer patient flights each month and has arranged more than 46,000 flights since it was founded in 1981.
Charter & Fractional
Apollo Jets is First Argus Certified Charter Broker
Status comes after proving compliance, via an on-site audit, with “a recognized set of industry best practices.”
