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

Coptersafety’s Leonardo AW169 flight simulator with Phase 8 avionics recently received FAA level-D approval. Built by TRU Simulation, the simulator is installed and ready for pilot training at Coptersafety’s Helsinki International Airport (EFHK) training center in Finland.
Phase 8 upgrades the AW169’s Honeywell Primus Epic 2.0 glass cockpit to introduce advanced search-and-rescue modes, an improved four-axis autopilot, and increased automation for single-pilot IFR certification. It also includes HTAWS with offshore modes, a synthetic vision system, and an advanced health and usage monitoring system (HUMS).
The full-flight simulator features cockpit vibration, smoke generation, three-dimensional cloud modeling, and night and NVIS/NVG visual scenes to support immersive training. Coptersafety can also configure visual environments to replicate specific geographic locations and landing sites at customer request.
Meanwhile, Coptersafety is now planning to expand its Helsinki facility following the company’s acquisition by MML Keystone in January of this year. This expansion will add training capacity with more level-D simulators, which are expected to be available in 2027 and 2028, according to the helicopter training provider.
Besides the FAA, Coptersafety also holds approvals from EASA, the UK CAA, and Transport Canada, among other civil aviation authorities worldwide.

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

Coptersafety’s Upgraded Leonardo AW169 Sim gets FAA Nod

Phase 8 avionics add SAR modes and improved four-axis autopilot

Coptersafety’s Leonardo AW169 flight simulator with Phase 8 avionics installed at its Helsinki facility recently received FAA level-D approval.

Coptersafety’s Upgraded AW169 Sim Gets FAA Nod

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

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.

Community colleges will lead the training effort

NASA Commits $10.5 Million to Workforce Pipeline

Charlotte Bailey

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.

M1 Support Services selected to provide $10 billion contract 

Robinson R66 Chosen as New U.S. Army Trainer 

Amy Wilder

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.

App access lets crew respond to openings immediately

CrewBlast OS Opens Direct Access to Staffing Network

Third annual event precedes students’ work placements

ACA Hosts Intern Training Week at London Biggin Hill 

Matt Thurber

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Early testing of the new curriculum could take place in 2028

AOPA Foundation Adds Mx, Manufacturing to School Program

Position will position focus on technical operations education, research, and curriculum development

Duncan Family Trust Endows WMU Aviation Professorship

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.

Verticon 2026

In this article

Leonardo AW169

Leonardo

Coptersafety

More In Training and Workforce

NASA Commits $10.5 Million to Workforce Pipeline

Community colleges will lead the training effort

Robinson R66 Chosen as New U.S. Army Trainer

M1 Support Services selected to provide $10 billion contract

CrewBlast OS Opens Direct Access to Staffing Network

App access lets crew respond to openings immediately

ACA Hosts Intern Training Week at London Biggin Hill

Third annual event precedes students’ work placements

AOPA Foundation Adds Mx, Manufacturing to School Program

Early testing of the new curriculum could take place in 2028

Duncan Family Trust Endows WMU Aviation Professorship

Position will position focus on technical operations education, research, and curriculum development

AINsight: Planes, Trains, Automobiles, and Oshkosh!

As usual, EAA AirVenture was an incredible show and an extraordinary experience

Bombardier Opens Flight Attendant Safety Seminar

Event has expanded to two days

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN