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.

Senior Editor

Curt Epstein

The business aviation ecosystem has been playing a role in helping mitigate the wildfires that have raged through the Los Angeles area since January 7, even as local staffers face their own concerns. Thus far, the blazes have killed nearly 30 people, destroyed more than 12,000 buildings, and scorched 60 square miles.
With industry members among those displaced by the disaster, Universal Weather and Aviation has partnered with the Southern California Business Aviation Association to launch a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/5xcyyj-la-fires-supporting-our-business-aviation-community">GoFundMe&nbsp;campaign</a> to provide immediate relief to those affected, with the global trip support provider kicking in an initial $20,000.
At Van Nuys Airport (KVNY), one of the busiest general aviation airfields in the country, Signature Aviation has been fueling the quartet of Canadair CL-415 “Super Scooper” water bombers sent from Canada, which have been one of the primary weapons in the battle to contain the conflagration. Officials are making progress: reports today say that the Eaton Fire is 65% contained and the Palisades Fire is 31% contained.
The company noted that it has also assisted with the arrival of additional firefighting reserves at its Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) location. According to a Signature spokesperson, it is supporting local firefighters and community members through donations to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the California Community Foundation.
Atlantic Aviation reported that its locations at&nbsp;Santa Monica Airport (KSMO), KLAX, and Burbank Airport (KBUR) are providing fuel discounts to Cal Fire and any other firefighting agency needing aviation-related fuel or support, and its facility at Long Beach Airport (KLGB) hosted a donations collection site for fire victims in need of supplies.
Jet Aviation, another FBO at KVNY, noted that its global network is supporting the Los Angeles region through the local chapter of the American Red Cross.

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Business Aviation Provides Support for Fire-torn Los Angeles

Companies continue to provide services despite local problems

The business aviation ecosystem has been playing a role in helping mitigate the wildfires that have raged through the Los Angeles area since January 7.

Business Aviation Provides Support for Fire-torn L.A.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

More In FBOs

Universal Partners on Dominican Republic FBO Renovation

The project is expected to be completed by mid-year

Naples Jet Center in Florida Debuts New Terminal

The $15 million project will be completed with a new hangar later this year

Clay Lacy Aviation's New FBO Joins Paragon Network

Facilty at Waterbury-Oxford Airport is set for an April grand opening

FBO Special Event Fees on Tap for Super Bowl in New Orleans

For private aviation, the extra tariffs are now ingrained in the ‘Big Game’ experience

Freeman Jet Center FBO in Louisiana Undergoes Upgrade

The facility was renewed inside and out

Signature Institutes KTEB Reservation Mandate

Notice involves all transient aircraft movements at its four FBOs on the field

Odyssey Aviation U.S. Locations To Start New FBO Chain

The three locations will be the nucleus of a new service platform

Dallas FBO Completes Interior Renovation Project

Ambassador Jet Center gave its lobby a glow up

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN