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

West Coast Aviation Services inked a contract last week at NBAA 2016 for five Piaggio Avanti EVOs, as well as options for four more, that the Southern California-based operator intends to use for charter and fractional ownership. This also marked the first Avanti EVO sale in the U.S. market.

 


The first of the ordered turboprop twins was delivered last week to the John Wayne Airport-headquartered company, with the remaining aircraft to be handed over starting in the fourth quarter of next year.

 


“This agreement is a major milestone for the P180 Avanti EVO,” said Piaggio Aerospace CEO Renato Vaghi. “The U.S. is still the largest and most competitive market for business aviation worldwide. The announcement of this sale shows that the Avanti EVO is a great product, with features that can satisfy the needs of the most sophisticated customers.”

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.

Piaggio Scores Order for Five EVOs from West Coast Firm

The first of the ordered turboprop twins was delivered last week to the John Wayne Airport-headquartered company.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

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

FAA certification tests set to begin in 2026

Joby Ramps eVTOL Production, Plots Vertiport Network

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.

Approval clears the way for deliveries to U.S. customers

FAA Certifies Bombardier’s Ultra-long-range Global 8000

Charles Alcock

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

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

The Embraer-owned start-up aims to bring the four-seater to market in 2027

Eve Makes First Flight With eVTOL Aircraft Prototype

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

Show organizer has pushed back the timing of the annual event by a week 

Dates for EBACE 2026 Business Aviation Show Move to June

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Boeing-backed eVTOL developer launches highly anticipated flight test campaign

Wisk’s Gen 6 Autonomous Air Taxi Makes First Flight

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

Joby Aviation has already been testing its aircraft in the region.

For eVTOL Pioneers Like Joby, the Gulf Region Is a Land of Opportunity

A published image of a 10X prototype in Bordeaux appears to show ground tests underway 

Dassault Appears Poised To Start Falcon 10X Flight Testing

Jennifer Meszaros

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

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.

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