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

Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Chad Trautvetter

Ventura Air Services is working toward obtaining FAA STC approval for the installation of a SmartSky 4G LTE system on the Bombardier Learjet 55. According to the aircraft charter, management, and maintenance firm, there are more than 100 Learjet 55s currently in service in the U.S. The type is also the primary aircraft operated by Ventura Air, which is based at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, New York.
“As a safety-driven, customer-focused service, we’re eager to begin tapping into the benefits of SmartSky 4G LTE, so our role in the STC process is our way of accelerating that goal,” said Ventura Air CEO Nick Tarascio. “SmartSky delivers the high-performance in-flight connectivity demanded by both the cockpit and cabin.”
The SmartSky 4G LTE system received its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-01-30/smarkskys-4g-lte-hardware-wins-first-stc">first STC</a> in January (for the Cessna Citation Excel) and parts manufacturer approval in March. SmartSky expects additional STCs to begin to be available this summer, which will coincide with the formal service launch of its air-to-ground network coverage in the continental U.S. Currently, more than 60 percent of SmartSky’s planned network of 200 towers is either online or in the final stages of deployment.

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Ventura Air Developing STC for SmartSky in Learjet 55

The SmartSky 4G LTE system received its first STC in January—for the Cessna Citation Excel.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

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.

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Product enables aircraft to work together with no need for satcom or cellular communications

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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.

New release adds missed approach climb gradient table and climb gradient values on departure procedures

Garmin Expands SmartCharts Reach to Canada and Mexico

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.

In this article

Learjet 55

Bombardier

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