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

A <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/05/28/2015-12816/changes-to-the-application-requirements-for-authorization-to-operate-in-reduced-vertical-separation">proposed rule issued today</a> by the FAA would eliminate the requirement for operators seeking RVSM authorization to develop and submit an RVSM maintenance program. Currently, any operator seeking RVSM authorization must include such a program as part of the application, per FAR 91G(3)(b)(1).

 


According to the FAA, this requirement dates back to 1997, “when most aircraft required significant design changes or inspections” to qualify for RVSM operations. Because of this, the agency has required operators to submit a detailed plan for the maintenance of RVSM systems and equipment. However,&nbsp;the FAA noted,&nbsp;RVSM operations are much more common today, and systems now incorporated into aircraft or supplemental type certificate (STC) designs have maintenance requirements tied to aircraft airworthiness.

 


In light of these developments, the FAA deems the requirement for an RVSM maintenance program no longer necessary. The agency estimates that, if enacted, the relaxed rule will&nbsp;save operators and the FAA&nbsp;$76.1 million over five years. Comments are due by July 27.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

FAA Wants To Eliminate RVSM Mx Program Requirement

RVSM systems are now incorporated into aircraft or supplemental type designs and thus have maintenance requirements tied to aircraft airworthiness.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

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.

Purchase enables company to offer retail aircraft maintenance services in U.S. Southwest

Pinnacle Aviation Buys Mx Provider Aviation One

Work involved major disassembly of the airframe

ExecuJet MRO Completes 120-month Check on Legacy 500 

Extension goes to six years or 4,000 flight hours, whichever is first

Hartzell Lengthens Warranty on Props for Raisbeck King Airs

Curt Epstein

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

The addition will support Flightstar’s MRO growth

Illinois MRO/FBO Flightstar Expands with New Hangar

Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

Jet Parts, DAS Aviation Merger To Improve Efficiency

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.

Installation supports ISR and law enforcement missions

SEA Adds Mission Console and Sensor Mount for Caravan

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.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Pinnacle Aviation Buys Mx Provider Aviation One

Purchase enables company to offer retail aircraft maintenance services in U.S. Southwest

ExecuJet MRO Completes 120-month Check on Legacy 500

Work involved major disassembly of the airframe

Hartzell Lengthens Warranty on Props for Raisbeck King Airs

Extension goes to six years or 4,000 flight hours, whichever is first

Illinois MRO/FBO Flightstar Expands with New Hangar

The addition will support Flightstar’s MRO growth

Jet Parts, DAS Aviation Merger To Improve Efficiency

Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

SEA Adds Mission Console and Sensor Mount for Caravan

Installation supports ISR and law enforcement missions

Gulfstream Steps Up Investment in Customer Support

New customer support leader Lor Izzard is building on earlier improvements

Back on the Plate, Pre-buys Still Face Post-covid Challenges

Industry experts caution on the need for a full pre-buy and one that is carefully laid out

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