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

Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

Chad Trautvetter

Gordon Gilbert

The FAA is <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-12-04/pdf/2023-26144.pdf">proposing</a> to increase the minimum recording time of cockpit voice recorders (CVR) from the currently mandated 2 hours to 25 hours on certain new-production aircraft. It would be effective one year after the final rule is issued. Comments on the proposal are due Feb. 2, 2024.
Notably, the proposed rule would not expand CVR applicability in the general aviation fleet, continuing instead to apply only to aircraft currently required to have a CVR. Under Part 91, this means multi-engine, turbine-powered aircraft with 10 or more passenger seats manufactured on or after Oct. 11, 1991. Under Part 135, this encompasses multi-engine, turbine-powered aircraft with six or more passenger seats manufactured on or after April 7, 2010.
Since 2018, the NTSB has repeatedly recommended that the FAA increase the mandatory recording time to 25 hours. The Safety Board has also recommended to the FAA on numerous occasions to extend CVR applicability to other general aviation aircraft. The FAA proposal does not address the latter recommendation.
Due to EASA requirements and ICAO standards for 25-hour CVR capability that took effect in 2021, “market research shows that [CVR] manufacturers already have developed 25-hour compliant variants that meet FAA TSO–C123 compliance,” the FAA said. “Therefore, the proposed regulation is not expected to result in new or significant impacts on CVR manufacturers.”

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

FAA Proposes Increase in Cockpit Voice Recorder Archive Time to 25 Hours

Rule would not expand CVR applicability in the general aviation fleet

The FAA is proposing to increase the recording time of cockpit voice recorders from the current 2 hours to 25 hours on certain new-production aircraft.

FAA Proposes Increase in CVR Recording to 25 Hours

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

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.

Billund, Denmark-based company will also offer dealer coordination for European customers

Scandinavian Avionics To Support Legacy Nighthawk Systems

Curt Epstein

AIN readers rate avionics, cabin management, and airborne connectivity manufacturers

AIN Product Support Survey 2026: Avionics

Kerry Lynch

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.

Experts gather to discuss the problems and solutions surrounding GNSS interference

AIN Roundtable—Readying for Potential Navigation Spoofing, Jamming

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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

Ciconia C&CAS Demos Coordination, Collision Avoidance

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.

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

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Light jet now approved by Brazilian, U.S., and European regulators

Klatt Works Adds Gulfstream as Approved SAVED Supplier

Expands availability of company's oxygen-mask head-up display system

Honeywell Expands Guided Visual Approach List to 120

Improves safety when flying into challenging airports

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