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
Hawker 400XPR Winglets Certified
By increasing wing surface area, the winglets improve low-speed handling and stability at higher flight levels.
NTSB Extends Comment Period on Accident Investigation Proposed Rules
Comment period extended two weeks to Oct. 31 on proposal that would reorganize accident investigation procedures into mode-specific subparts.
Voyager Jet Center Begins Construction on New FBO Terminal and Hangar
When it opens next spring, the new terminal will feature passenger and pilot lounges, and the hangar will be “eco-friendly.”
Honeywell Demos Google Glass Control of Cabin Controls
Wearable device works with Honeywell’s Ovation Select cabin management system to control lighting, temperature, entertainment and more.
Falcon 7X Completes Testing for 14,470-foot Airport
Testing at Daocheng began on August 25 and concluded on September 7, with support from both the EASA and China’s CAAC
Aircraft
Gulfstream Deliveries Continue Ascent in Third Quarter
During the quarter, Gulfstream delivered 38 green aircraft (32 large-cabin and six midsize jets) versus 34 (28 large-cabin and six midsize) last year.
Second-day NBAA Session Dives Head First into Politics
Political commentators James Carville and Mary Matalin predict a Republican majority in Senate.
Lufthansa Technik Unveils Exec Shuttle VIP Concept
Lufthansa Technik is offering a new executive shuttle VIP interior concept for Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies.
Panama Jet Center Expected To Open in December
New FBO will offer a full range of amenities, including customs/immigration and a temperature/humidity-controlled hangar.
Deadline Extended for Simulator Rules
The extended deadline on new simulator qualification standards hopefully will generate more comments from industry.
SmartSky 4G data service launching in 2016
The high-speed service is aimed at both business aviation and airline operators.
Argus: 2014 To Be Best Year for Bizav Flying since 2008
The company is predicting that business aircraft activity in the quarter will rise 0.7 percent year-over-year.
Luma Technologies Adds New King Air Lighting Solutions
Company introduces caution/warning annunciator panels and glareshield floodlights for King Airs.
Honeywell Forecast: 9,450 Bizjet Deliveries Worth $280B over Next Decade
In the near term, Honeywell is projecting deliveries of 650 to 675 new jets this year, a single-digit percent increase from 2013.
Piper M-Class Airplanes Get Nod from Chinese Aviation Authority
Piper M-Class singles certified by the CAAC
Honda Aircraft Gears Up for HondaJet Entry into Service
Company is ramping up aircraft production, expanding facilities at its headquarters and launching HondaJet finance arm.
Honeywell: 9,450 Bizjets To Be Delivered in Next Decade
Billings are expected to increase by 8 percent to $280 billion over the company’s business jet outlook.
Honda Aircraft Readies for HondaJet Entry into Service
Company is ramping up aircraft production, expanding facilities at its headquarters and launching HondaJet finance arm.
NBAA Attendees Get First Look Inside Gulfstream G600
Show goers can see new Symmetry cockpit and G600 cabin styling up close.
PATS Selects Honeywell Ovation Select System for BBJ2 Completion Project
Ovation Select is an all-digital cabin management system that allows passengers to control in-flight entertainment and environmental conditions.
FBOs
FBO Partners Taps Alec Maguire as Senior Partner
Maguire and his father founded Maguire Aviation at Van Nuys (Calif.) Airport and grew it into the largest FBO on the field.
Charter & Fractional
Directional Aviation Realigns Flexjet, Flight Options
Flexjet will focus on newer aircraft while Flight Options will go back to its roots as the ‘value fractional.'
Avionics
Garmin Launches Standalone ADS-B Solution for Bizjets
Meets global ADS-B Out requirements by leveraging existing equipment to reduce costly flight management system and cockpit display upgrades.
Dassault Falcon Deliveries Down, but Orders Soar
Company delivered 38 Falcons in the first nine months versus 41 last year, but sales are up 63 percent over the same period.
Regulations and Government
TSA Administrator Pistole To Retire at Year-end
He has led the TSA over the past 4.5 years using a “risk based” security philosophy.
Embraer Delivers 64 Business Jets in First Nine Months
By the end of the third quarter, Embraer’s firm order backlog rose to $22.1 billion.
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Announces Fans Solution for Challenger 604s
Upgrade builds on the twinjet’s current flight management system and control display units.
Flight Services Company Hadid Opening Offices in U.S., India and Brazil, Among Others
Hadid’s global footprint will expand to 19 offices worldwide.
Avionics
Honeywell Launches Mobile Apps for Pilots and Maintenance Techs
New apps include Pilot Gateway and My-Maintainer.
Aircraft
Gulfstream Racks Up Launch Orders for New G500
Qatar signed a memorandum of understanding today for up to 20 Gulfstreams, while Flexjet placed an order for 50 aircraft, including options.
