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

Bombardier Aerospace delayed today’s scheduled maiden flight of the Learjet 85 because of weather in Wichita, where the aircraft was assembled and is being tested, Bombardier CEO Pierre Beaudoin said at an investor conference this morning in New York.


A company spokeswoman told AIN that the flight was delayed because “the overall conditions were not optimal,” without elaborating further. Weather reports indicated clear skies and more than six miles visibility today in Wichita, though wind from the southwest was forecast to pick up from nine knots to 22 knots gusting to 30 knots. “We remain committed to following strict protocols required for a safe flight; we will fly when we’re ready,” she added.


Meanwhile, Bombardier Aerospace president and COO Guy Hachey told attendees at the investor conference that the company expects the Learjet 85 to generate $1 billion to $1.5 billon of revenue annually in a five-year horizon. He said that updated certification and entry-into-service dates for the new aircraft won’t be announced until a few weeks after first flight.

Learjet 85 First Flight Delayed by Weather

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