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

“If you’re not already using AI today, you’ll be left behind,” Bob Watts, CEO of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity firm Vivitec, told attendees during the “AI in Business Aviation” panel session at the Florida Aviation Business Association annual conference this week in Tampa. “The goal is to use AI so that you are better. It’s a force multiplier for company growth and expansion.” Watts was joined on the panel by X-1FBO co-founder and CEO Jim Wiley and AvSales Talent founder Tom Lelyo.
“The real risk is not adopting AI, which is great for collecting and analyzing data,” added Wiley. “When it comes to AI, what we’re seeing is that the fear of being left behind is overcoming fear of change.”
While there are concerns that AI will replace human workers, Wiley said this is not a foregone conclusion. “AI will replace mediocrity, but it also will help leaders go further. This tool allows you to do more with the same staff.”
Watts advised AI users “not to chase the shiny objects.” He suggests staying with one AI platform, instead of jumping to the next best thing, and becoming proficient in it. He also recommends adjusting settings to keep your data private: “Cybersecurity is important—set boundaries.”
Lelyo told attendees that he trained AI to “speak like me” and uses it for aircraft market research.

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

FABA Panel: Those Not Using AI in Business Aviation Will Be Left Behind

AI is a force multiplier than can help companies expand and grow

AI is a force multiplier that can help companies expand and grow, and those not using it will be left behind, a panel concluded at the FABA 2026 conference.

Panel: Those Not Using AI in Bizav Will Be Left Behind

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sheryl Barden

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.

Not grabbing the opportunity could lead to stagnant career progression

AINsight: Uprooting Your Kids May Be the Best Landing

Kerry Lynch

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.

Plans call to establish similar programs at Bombardier locations throughout the U.S.

Bombardier Launches FastTrack A&P Program in Hartford

Pilots can conduct 3D virtual preflight inspections in their training programs

FlightSafety Gets FAA Nod for Virtual Preflight Training

Curt Epstein

The engine will be used as a training aid in the school’s aviation program

Duncan Loans Jet Engine to High School Aviation Program

Charles Alcock

Charlotte Bailey

Pilots ensure that business aviation remains viable and rewarding for its clients

Special Breed of Pilots Make Bizav Work in Europe and Beyond

Gulfstream marked the continuation of the annual investment with a Discover the Difference event

Gulfstream Invests $5M To Boost Bizav Talent Pipeline

Amy Wilder

Aviation Sans Frontières coordinated unprecedented volunteer mobilization between the aviation and healthcare industries in 2020

How Grounded Crew Members Helped Rescue France in the Pandemic

Jessica Reed

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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