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

James Viola took the reins of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today, becoming the trade group’s sixth president and CEO since its founding in 1970. Viola most recently headed up Vertical Aviation International (VAI, née Helicopter Association International) and succeeds Pete Bunce, who has led GAMA since 2005.
“It is a privilege and an honor to be able to lead such an impactful global organization that is known for the great work it does on behalf of the general aviation industry,” said Viola. “I look forward to working with our membership to continue to advocate for policies and regulations that allow for the industry to grow, flourish, and advance innovation.
“While this is an exciting time for our industry there is still a lot of work to be done to meet new and ongoing challenges. It is important that we continue to illustrate the robust opportunities and economic and societal benefits that our industry provides around the world. Under my leadership, I plan for GAMA to provide valuable thought leadership and continue to be a commanding and astute voice for the good of its membership and the entire industry.” &nbsp;
Viola has served as VAI’s president and CEO since 2020, representing and supporting the global helicopter industry and other vertical aviation stakeholders. While there, he spearheaded the association’s rebranding from HAI to VAI to broaden the association’s focus to include advanced air mobility and eVTOLs.
Prior to VAI, Viola spent more than a decade at the FAA, leaving there as director of general aviation safety assurance. Additionally, Viola spent over two decades as a U.S. Army aviator, achieving the rank of colonel. He is also is an ATP-rated pilot and CFI with more than 8,000 hours TT.

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.

James Viola Takes the Helm at the General Aviation Manufacturers Association

He most recently led Vertical Aviation International and succeeds Pete Bunce

James Viola has taken the reins of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, becoming the trade group’s sixth president and CEO since its founding in 1970.

Viola Takes the Helm at GAMA

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

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

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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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News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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.

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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 about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

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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.

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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