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

Vulcanair last month delivered the first P68 Observer 2 in China soon after the Civil Aviation Administration of China granted type certificate validation for the high-wing piston twin, in addition to its P68C and Vr (P68R) siblings. According to the Italian manufacturer, the P68 Observer 2’s entire front fuselage is made of clear plexiglass, giving occupants “excellent helicopter-like visibility” needed for mapping, survey, and surveillance missions. Meanwhile, the more conventional-nosed, fixed-gear P68C and retractable-gear Vr are aimed at the training and private aircraft markets.


Vulcanair’s Chinese distributor, Tianjin-based China Aero Supply, took delivery of the first Observer 2 in the country, and at press time still had yet to turn over the turboprop to its undisclosed customer. Vulcanair said this P68 Observer 2 will be used for aerial photo missions. China Aero Supply also has “a number” of P68 Observer 2s on order, which will be delivered to China “soon.”


During its ferry flight, the aircraft flew over Greece, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India and Thailand, before finally arriving in Tianjin. Vulcanair said the ferry flight was possible thanks to both the 1,598-nm range of the P68 Observer 2 and the company’s ferry pilot, who flew some flight legs that exceeded eight hours along the journey.


The six-seat P68 Observer has a max takeoff weight of 4,594 pounds and max useful load of 1,499 pounds. Performance specifications include a 160-knot cruise speed, 18,000-foot service ceiling, 1,312-foot takeoff distance and 1,969-foot landing distance.


Vulcainair said the P68 Observer 2 is currently operated by the Italian state police; law enforcement and wildlife conservation agencies in 12 U.S. states; U.S. Department of the Interior; international private and government operators; oil companies for pipeline patrol; and aerial survey companies for digital mapping. “With its structural simplicity, absence of complicated systems, ruggedness, accessibility to servicing points and reduced maintenance costs, the Observer is a lower-cost alternative to helicopters for aerial surveillance whenever vertical takeoff and landing in the operative area is not necessary,” Vulcanair said.


&nbsp;

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.

Vulcanair Delivers First P68 Observer 2 In China

Vulcanair delivered the first P68 Observer 2 in China on March 17, just 12 days after the high-wing piston twin received CAAC approval.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Jessica Reed

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.

Company's latest Business Aviation Market Brief showed flight operations rising 2.4% year over year

Global Jet Capital: Bizav Market Stable in 4Q2024

Aircraft wing assembly is coming together in anticipation of first flight next year

First Flight-test HondaJet Echelon Begins To Take Shape

Kerry Lynch

Company is offering $3 million retrofit kit to bring Global 7500 in line with the 8000

Bombardier Finalizing Global 8000 Flight-test Campaign

Charles Alcock

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.

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.

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.

Helicopter deliveries and orders were among the highlights of aerospace group's 2024 results 

Airbus Pushes For Increased Airliner Deliveries in 2025

Airplane billings soar 14.3%, helicopters climb 7.6%

Industry Billings Top $31B as Bizjet Shipments Increase

While market grew last year and is expected again this year, business aircraft deliveries will flatten out long-term

Teal Group Sees Double-digit Bizav Market Growth in 2025

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

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

ABACE Convention News 2014

More In Aircraft

Global Jet Capital: Bizav Market Stable in 4Q2024

Company's latest Business Aviation Market Brief showed flight operations rising 2.4% year over year

First Flight-test HondaJet Echelon Begins To Take Shape

Aircraft wing assembly is coming together in anticipation of first flight next year

Bombardier Finalizing Global 8000 Flight-test Campaign

Company is offering $3 million retrofit kit to bring Global 7500 in line with the 8000

Airbus Pushes For Increased Airliner Deliveries in 2025

Helicopter deliveries and orders were among the highlights of aerospace group's 2024 results

Industry Billings Top $31B as Bizjet Shipments Increase

Airplane billings soar 14.3%, helicopters climb 7.6%

Teal Group Sees Double-digit Bizav Market Growth in 2025

While market grew last year and is expected again this year, business aircraft deliveries will flatten out long-term

EBAA Releases EBACE Conference Details for Geneva Show

Three stages will include live discussions about aircraft operations, innovation, and business aviation news

Seaplane Industry Sets Course for Sustainable Revival

There’s no shortage of a need for aircraft that can take off and land on water, supporters say

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN