Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;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&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;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.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Andre Budhan, cofounder of defunct charter operator Platinum Jet, pleaded guilty to defrauding charter customers and brokers, as well as impeding and obstructing the FAA, in a case relating to the 2005 crash of a Challenger 600 at Teterboro (N.J.) Airport. In doing so, he admitted he and his conspirators booked and flew some 100 illegal charter flights. Budhan faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss caused by his offense, whichever is greater. His five co-defendants–Platinum Jet cofounders Michael and Paul Brassington, director of maintenance Brien McKenzie, director of charters Joseph Singh and pilot Francis Vieira–have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to stand trial in January.

Platinum Jet Cofounder Pleads 

Andre Budhan, cofounder of defunct charter operator Platinum Jet, pleaded guilty to defrauding charter customers and brokers, as well as impeding and obstr

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