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

Nextant Aerospace is ramping up production of its Safe Flight AutoPower system kits to meet demand for this option on its 604XT Pro Line Fusion flight deck upgrade package for Bombardier Challenger 604s. The autothrottle provides automatic speed control from takeoff to touchdown, as well as stall and N1 flight-envelope speed-limit protection, engine synchronization, real-time power limits, and speed management.

 


According to Nextant, AutoPower’s flight performance advantages result in increased situational awareness, reduced crew workload, extended range/payload potential, and greater passenger comfort. Meanwhile, the Fusion flight deck upgrade complies with upcoming 2020 mandates and provides enhanced capabilities and safety, it added.

 


“The AutoPower upgrade option on the 604XT has been really well received in the market,” said Nextant executive v-p Mark O’Donnell. “Already this year, almost half of the 604XT aircraft delivered in the first quarter have included the Safe Flight AutoPower upgrade, with more booked well into the second quarter and beyond.”

 


“Pilots and passengers of the 604XT will enjoy how accurately and smoothly the [atuothrottle] system manages the aircraft’s speed through all flight conditions,” said Safe Flight director of corporate and commercial sales Ken Bannon.

 


The 604XT's Safe Flight autothrottle option is offered exclusively through Nextant sister company Constant Aviation.

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

Nextant Throttles Up Production of 604XT AutoPower Kits

Nextant Aero is ramping up production of its Safe Flight AutoPower system kits to meet demand for this option on its 604XT Pro Line Fusion flight deck.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

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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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.

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Universal and ForeFlight Team on Flight Plan Integration

Hanneke Weitering

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Results could inform development of Merlin's autonomous flight control system

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Upgrade changes round dials to larger arc-type gauges

Garmin Adds Engine Indicating for TPE331-10 Turbines

Sarah Rose

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.

Company 'received overwhelming support from European operators'

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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.

Added features include CPDLC, ADS-B In weather, and enhanced connectivity

Collins Unveils Pro Line 21 Upgrade for Cessna CJs, XLS+

Failure to upgrade could cause service interruptions

Universal FMS GPS Rollover Date Coming Due May 31

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

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