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

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.

Legislation aims to preempt a patchwork of state rules

New Pilot Privacy Bill Would Curb ADS-B Misuse

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.

Stefan Benz takes helm of association while Holger Krahmer and Robert Baltus exit

EBAA Exec Shakeup Comes on Cusp of EBACE 2026 Decision

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Commerce Democrat leadership opposed the nomination

Senate Panel Approves Bedford FAA Nomination

Charles Alcock

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.

Norwegian start-up aims to start flight testing electric seaplane in 2027

EASA Signs Contract with Elfly for Noemi Electric Seaplane Prototype

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

Duffy said lawmakers know he keeps pushing for the funding

U.S. Transportation Chief Sees Urgency in ATC Funding

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Company gets nod for C-390 Millennium design work

Fokker To Modify C-390 for Dutch Air Force

Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries have complained about their treatment

Israeli Paris Air Show Displays Partially Blocked from View

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

More In Regulations and Government