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

The fuselage and wings of the first production PC-24 twinjet were mated today at Pilatus Aircraft’s headquarters in Stans, Switzerland. According to Pilatus, series production is being “accelerated" to ensure that prompt deliveries of first customer aircraft can go ahead immediately after certification in the fourth quarter. Portsmouth, New Hampshire-based PlaneSense is the launch customer for the new jet.

 


“The process of attaching the wings to the fuselage demands accuracy to within a hundredth of a millimeter,” Pilatus noted. Wing mating soon will be followed by cabin installation and testing of aircraft systems.

 


PlaneSense president and CEO George Antoniadis, who flew to Stans for the event, said, “We are excited to witness the fuselage-wing mating…and proud to see the PC-24 sporting the PlaneSense colors, being the culmination of years of preparation.”

 


Fractional provider PlaneSense currently operates 34 PC-12 turboprop singles. It will add six PC-24s within the first three years of production and plans to place an add-on “significant order” as soon as Pilatus reopens the order book, which could happen as early as later this year.

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.

First Production Pilatus PC-24 Jet Gets Its Wings

Production“accelerated" to ensure that prompt deliveries of first customer aircraft can go ahead immediately after certification in the fourth quarter.

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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.

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.

The show covers everything from general aviation to business jets and helicopters, plus new tech innovations

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