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 Gulfstream G500 is entering the final stage of its flight-test and certification program, while its larger G600 sibling recently completed field performance testing, the Savannah, Georgia-based aircraft manufacturer announced on Monday. “Both programs remain on track and are methodically moving toward their respective type certifications,” said Gulfstream Aerospace president Mark Burns.

 


To date, five flight-test G500s have accumulated more than 4,250 flight hours over some 1,175 flights. The fourth flight-test G500, dubbed T4, is set to begin function and reliability (F&amp;R) testing, which marks the capstone of the flight-test program. Over the FAA-mandated 300 flight hours of F&amp;R testing, T4 will be used to evaluate how the aircraft behaves in conditions representative of normal in-flight operations, including hot, cold, and humid environments.

 


“Gulfstream has gone beyond what the FAA requires for certification by flying a fully outfitted production G500 more than 400 hours,” the company said. This aircraft is currently on a world demonstration tour and being displayed this week at the Singapore Airshow.

 


Meanwhile, the G600 has amassed more than 1,395 flight hours over about 360 flights. Next on the aircraft’s schedule is FAA certification testing for flyover noise.

 


G500 certification is expected by the end of the first quarter, with G600 service entry to follow 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.

Gulfstream G500 on Final Approach for Certification

G500 certification is expected by the end of the first quarter, with G600 service entry to follow later this year.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

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Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Manufacturer is exhibiting this week at Catarina Aviation Show in São Paulo

Brazil ANAC Approves Ultra-long-range Gulfstream G700

Curt Epstein

The annual event featured hundreds of exhibitors and more than 3,000 visitors

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

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.

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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.

AirVenture 2025 to host two of the company’s airships

Goodyear Blimp Celebrates a Century in Flight

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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

First pilot-on-board flights featured conventional takeoffs and landings

Archer’s Midnight eVTOL Aircraft Starts Piloted Test Flights

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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Textron subsidiary Pipistrel is the first manufacturer that has certified an electric aircraft.

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Cessna’s original Citation broke new ground for small business jets

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