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

Bombardier’s Smart Link Plus aircraft health monitoring system is now approved by Transport Canada, EASA, and the FAA for installation on most Challenger and Global models. The approvals permit operators of all in-service Challenger 300/350/3500s, Challenger 605/650s, and Global Express/XRS/5000/6000s to install Smart Link Plus. Approvals for the Challenger 604 and Global 5500/6500 are expected by early 2024, Bombardier noted.
Smart Link Plus collects crucial aircraft data that enables flight and maintenance crews to quickly prioritize and proactively troubleshoot essential in-flight alerts, increasing operational efficiency, according to Bombardier. Further, it said, aircraft operators can track, troubleshoot, and dispatch a technician based on information received from the system, reducing downtime due to maintenance issues.
“Smart Link Plus is fundamentally changing the way Bombardier supports its customers,” said Paul Sislian, Bombardier executive v-p for aftermarket services and strategy. “With Smart Link Plus, customers can make concrete maintenance decisions in real-time, significantly enhancing the efficiency of their operations.”
Smart Link Plus was first introduced on Bombardier’s flagship Global 7500 and many of these customers are now enrolled in the Smart Link Plus service. Bombardier has been gradually expanding the program to offer retrofit options to&nbsp;in-service Challengers and Globas. Smart Link Plus will also be standard equipment on the&nbsp;Global 8000, which is set to enter service in 2025.

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.

Bombardier Gets Regulatory Nods for Smart Link Plus on Challengers and Globals

Transport Canada, EASA, and the FAA have OK'd installation of Smart Link Plus health monitoring systems on most Bombardier Challengers and Globals.

Bombardier Smart Link Plus OK'd for Challengers, Globals

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

It can carry a pilot and two passengers up to 25 miles.

Osaka World Expo Opens With SkyDrive eVTOL’s Debut Flight

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

Germany’s Aero Friedrichshafen Show an Aviation Enthusiast’s Delight

Curt Epstein

Financial analyst examined trade war repercussions on U.S. OEMs

Jefferies: Potential Chinese Bans on Bizjets Manageable

Hanneke Weitering

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.

Company's longest-range business jet exceeds performance expectations

Gulfstream G800 Wins FAA and EASA Certification

Kerry Lynch

Bunce is retiring this month. He handed the helm of GAMA to Jim Viola.

Pete Bunce: A Reflection of 20 Years

Deals are slowing and the future is hard to predict, Hagerty Jet Group reports

Tariffs, Tax Incentives Making Market Predictions Murky

Charles Alcock

Manufacturer has delivered more than 450 of the light jet since 2010

Citation CJ4 Marks 15th Anniversary of Service Entry

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

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.

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