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
Reaching Another Milestone, Gulfstream Ships 300th G450
Gulfstream Aerospace delivered the 300th outfitted G450 nearly nine years after the twinjet entered service.
Continental Motors To Put F406 Back Into Production
The F406 twin turboprop will return to production under a partnership between Continental and ASI Innovation.
Hundreds Turn Out for Genav Jobs Rally in Dallas
Elected officials joined hundreds of aircraft manufacturing workers and business leaders at a general aviation jobs rally on March 28 in Dallas.
Piper Meridian Fleet Reaches 550 Aircraft
A Swedish customer took delivery of the 550th Meridian turboprop single on March 31.
Former Learjet Flight Test Pilot Pete Reynolds To Be Inducted Into Kansas Hall of Fame
Pete Reynolds had a major role in the development, testing and certification of virtually every Learjet model between 1973 and 2003.
Maintenance and Modifications
EASA OKs Hartzell’s Swept Composite Five-Blade Propeller for TBM 700/850
The new propeller is intended to offer faster takeoff acceleration, higher cruise speeds and better climb, along with less noise.
NBAA Taps Voos as Southeast U.S. Regional Rep
The business aviation veteran will provide support in the public affairs, legislative and policy arenas.
Rotorcraft
Swisshelicopter Logs 11 More Sales Commitments for Its All-composite Helicopter
With 11 letters of intent signed at Heli-Expo, Marenco Swisshelicopter has order commitments for 59 copies of its all-composite light turbine.
Daher-Socata’s New TBM 900 Turboprop Makes Public Debut
The new turboprop is on display at the 2014 Sun ’n’ Fun Fly-In.
Beechcraft Celebrates King Air’s 50th at Florida Airshow
Textron Aviation subsidiary Beechcraft is commemorating the 50th anniversary of its King Air this week at the Sun ’n’ Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Fla.
Scheme Designers Hosts Aircraft Scavenger Hunt at 2014 Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In
The aircraft exterior design company is hosting a scavenger hunt at the 2014 Sun 'n' Fun Fly-In for certain aircraft with livery it created.
AOPA Offers Educational Aviation Seminars at Sun ’n’ Fun Fly-In
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is hosting aviation safety seminars, flight training sessions and other activities at the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In.
Daher-Socata Delivers 1st TBM 900, Plans U.S. Expansion
Newest version of the turboprop is already FAA and EASA certified.
Charter & Fractional
NetJets Unions Form Coalition, Start Picketing Campaign
The coalition aims to promote solidarity among the unions and engage in mutual support and public demonstrations when their interests align.
European Bizav Flying Ekes Out Gain in February
The lighter end of the spectrum contributed most of the gains.
Maintenance and Modifications
Embraer Executive Jets Opens Service Center in Sorocaba, Brazil
MRO and FBO facilities will be available at the Brazilian airport.
Systems Issue Puts Bombardier Learjet 85 First Flight on Hold
No word yet on when the aircraft will fly.
Middle Eastern Bizav Passengers Log Twice as Many Hours as European Counterparts
Limited commercial options in the Middle East send customers to business aviation.
Aircell Gets European Approvals for Datacom and In-flight Entertainment Systems on Challenger 300s
Certifications cover the Aviator 300 and UCS 5000.
Maintenance and Modifications
Bell Helicopter Opens Composite Manufacturing Facility in Louisiana
The new facility is intended to improve efficiences and reduce lead times.
Regulations and Government
NBAA Defends Tax Depreciation for Bizjets
