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

As the U.S. government shutdown enters its eighth day, the FAA announced this morning that it is recalling 800 employees from its office of aviation safety this week to provide oversight across the country. These recalls are part of a contingency plan that would see up to 2,500 employees recalled over a two-week period, but only if their positions provide for “the protection of life and property.”


The FAA is recalling some 200 at its aircraft certification service, more than 600 FSDO employees and about 25 at its the office of aerospace medicine. There appears not to be any reprieve in the first wave of recalls for staff at the agency’s aircraft registry office in Oklahoma City. This means that aircraft registrations and title searches–and by default aircraft sales transactions–are still on hold.


This has raised the ire of NBAA, AOPA, GAMA, EAA, NATA and HAI, which sent a <a href="http://www.nbaa.org/advocacy/letters/20131008-ga-leaders-letter-to-dot-secretary-foxx.pdf">joint letter</a> today to DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx. They urged him to reopen the FAA registry office, saying these “essential services” are needed to ensure aviation safety, protect security and to fulfill international obligations under the Chicago Convention and Cape Town Treaty.


NBAA has also set up a <a href="http://www.nbaa.org/ops/government-shutdown/">government shutdown resource webpage</a> and is asking its members to contact Congress.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

As Government Shutdown Continues, FAA Recalls 800 Workers

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Both NBAA and AOPA stressed importance of privacy on Capitol Hill

GA Groups Step Up Privacy Push for Operators

President Trump directed the removal of Brown from the board in May

Former NTSB Vice Chair Brown Sues for Reinstatement

Acquisition will enable MySky to offer state tax information alongside federal information

MySky Acquiring State Tax Guide from JSSI

Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Industry group praises prioritizing safety and workforce support

AIA Endorses FAA Funding in FY2026 Proposal

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Department of Commerce taking comments through June 3

NBAA Urges Members To Stress Trade Importance To Gov’t

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Rep. Nadler has co-sponsored a half-dozen bills in recent years to curb helo ops

U.S. Lawmakers Seek To Bar Helicopters in New York City

FAA told to ‘hire, hire, hire’ in its safety workforce

FAA Official: ‘Don't Over-engineer’ SMS

Charles Alcock

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

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