A lifelong aviation enthusiast who joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in 2007, Curt came to&nbsp;the publication&nbsp;from the broadcast industry where he was a national science and technology television reporter and producer. He writes on the FBO field, aviation finance, and sustainable aviation and occasionally contributes to&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;sister publication&nbsp;Business Jet Traveler. Curt was a member of the AINtv reporting staff that won the 2008 Aerospace Journalist of the Year award for Best Airshow Daily. That same year, he was a finalist for another AJOYA award. He earned an AJOYA for Best Business Aviation Submission in 2018 and was a finalist in that category in 2021. He received the National Air Transportation Association’s&nbsp; Aviation Journalist Award in 2012 and won a Pegasus Sapphire Business Aviation Award for outstanding journalism in 2021.
Before joining AIN, Curt worked with&nbsp;Consumer Reports’ television division, CRTV, and for several local television news staffs. An honors graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University in 1995. Curt lives in New York State with his wife and two young sons.

Business Aviation Services Editor

Curt Epstein

Curt Castagna, who has been a fixture in Los Angeles aviation real estate for more than three decades, has been replaced as CEO/managing member of Aeroplex/Aerolease Group in an interim capacity by industry veteran Barry Rondinella.
The company owns the leaseholds of extensive hangar space at Van Nuys and Long Beach airports, and according to a press release issued yesterday, its majority-in-interest owners voted to remove Castagna, after filing a lawsuit against him in the Superior Court of Los Angeles under allegations of conversion, breach of fiduciary duty, unfair competition, and violation of the Computer Data and Access Fraud Act.
The lawsuit alleges that Castagna formed a competing entity, Aeroplex Group Partners, and used Aerolease resources to siphon business away from it.
“The Aerolease companies’ owners had hoped for a peaceful transition, but instead Mr. Castagna left the members with no option but to pursue litigation,” said an Aerolease spokesperson. “Aerolease is extremely confident in its interim leadership and Aerolease tenants should expect the same exceptional service that this family-owned business has provided for generations.”
Following his dismissal, the suit further claims that Castagna blocked access to Aerolease's IT systems, removed backup computer server hard drives, and locked the company owners out of their offices.
"I think the [Aerolease] press release was a little surprising to see because I think it's a bit premature," said Castagna—who also serves as the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2022-08-25/castagna-succeed-obitts-nata-head">president and CEO</a> of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), as well as president of the Van Nuys and Long Beach Airport Associations.
Castagna told AIN that the two companies had become closely entwined over the years and the resulting dispute is like a messy divorce. "It's basically a separation of my ownership interests in the Aerolease entities, and the Aerolease ownership in the Aeroplex Group Partners company, which was founded a decade ago."
Going forward, he noted that he intends to turn his focus to his role as managing partner of the Aeroplex consultancy.
"There's going to be some things that need to be unraveled, and my hope is that that's done in a professional way," said Castagna. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the ownership interests of the Aerolease Group entities to unwind long-standing business relationships in a manner that allows all parties to flourish in the future.”
NATA had no comment on the situation, which Castagna said was totally compartmentalized from his duties as the trade organization's leader.

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.

L.A.-area Hangar Keeper Replaces Long-time Head Amid Allegations

Curt Castagna also serves as president and CEO of NATA

Industry mogul Curt Castagna has been relieved from his long-time role as president and CEO of aviation real estate operator and developer Aeroplex/Aerolease.

L.A. Hangar Keeper Replaces Long-time Head Amid Allegations

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

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.

GA access limited to public use airports

Mexico Restricts GA Airport Access, Tightens Permitting

Robert Sancetta

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.

FAA program allows many AMEs to issue medicals on the spot for pilots with stabilized cancers

AINsight: Cancer and Flying, Part 2

Matt Thurber

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.

More than 50 aviation organizations support items that would benefit aviation

Provisions of Reconciliation Bill Welcomed by NBAA 

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.

Legislation aims to preempt a patchwork of state rules

New Pilot Privacy Bill Would Curb ADS-B Misuse

Chad Trautvetter

Stefan Benz takes helm of association while Holger Krahmer and Robert Baltus exit

EBAA Exec Shakeup Comes on Cusp of EBACE 2026 Decision

Kerry Lynch

Commerce Democrat leadership opposed the nomination

Senate Panel Approves Bedford FAA Nomination

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.

Norwegian start-up aims to start flight testing electric seaplane in 2027

EASA Signs Contract with Elfly for Noemi Electric Seaplane Prototype

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

More In Regulations and Government