Chad Trautvetter
Online Editor
Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group. He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion, the 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 magazine, he joined 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.
Latest from Chad Trautvetter
Aircraft
HondaJet Gets “Best of What’s New” Accolades from Popular Science
The aircraft with its over-the-wing engine was the winner in the aerospace category.
Volunteer Aircraft Needed To Fly Stranded Sea Turtles from Cape Cod
There is an “immediate need” to fly sea turtles to other facilities.
Bizav Flight Planner UAS Opens Two New Offices in Asia
Firm opened Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong and a regional office in Beijing.
Global Bizav Flying Climbs 2.2% in 3Q14, Says JSSI
Results are consistent with macro trends in the greater U.S. economy in that there continues to be steady growth.
Aircraft
Gulfstream’s 7,500-nm G650ER Enters Service
The approximately $2 million ER option stretches the G650’s 7,000-nm range to 7,500 nm at a cruise speed of Mach 0.85.
Bizav Industry Poised To Soar in 2015, Says Analyst
Brian Foley believes “2015 will be the indisputable pivot point when the industry turns meaningfully upward.”
Training and Workforce
FlightSafety International Taps Steve Loranger as Senior Advisor to the CEO
He brings leadership abilities, in-depth knowledge of the aerospace industry and experience as a long-time FSI customer.
NBAA Seeks Speakers for 2015 Bizav Regional Forums
Deadline for submissions is December 15.
FBOs
Rectrix Opens New FBO at Boston-area Hanscom Field
Company’s new flagship facility features new FBO terminal and 60,000 sq ft of hangar space.
Argus: U.S. Bizav Flying Sustains Gains
Business aircraft flying in the U.S. rose for the 11th straight month, rising 3.2 percent month versus a year ago.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Harbert Private Equity Fund III Acquires Flight Display Systems
Acquisition will fuel continued growth, expand engineering and production capabilities, and further enhance partner relationships, it said.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Satcom Direct Named Exclusive Provider for Bizav Users of SmartSky 4G Data Network
SmartSky expects to roll out commercial service of its airborne air-to-ground 4G data network in 2016.
Retired PlaneSense Chief Pilot Receives Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
Award given only to pilots who have contributed and maintained safe flight operations for 50 or more consecutive years.
Avionics
FltPlan Go App for iPad Now Works with Five ADS-B Receivers
When used with these ADS-B receivers, the app provides access to ADS-B IN weather reports, notams, TFRs and Pireps.
Rotorcraft
Bell Helicopter Finds Good Fortune in China with Sale of 50 Jet Ranger Xs
This latest order takes Bell independent distributor Reignwood’s commitment to 60 of the new light-single helicopters.
Rotorcraft
AgustaWestland Lands AW119Kx Sale to Private Operator in China
Helicopter will be delivered by year-end and used for passenger transport operations in the Asian country.
Rotorcraft
Jet Ranger X Makes First Flight
The light single reached 60 knots during its maiden sortie.
Aircraft
Piaggio Opens New Manufacturing Plant in Italy
Site includes a new 527,400-sq-ft plant where Piaggio will design, develop and manufacture its Avanti Evo turboprop twin.
Aircraft
Cessna-Avic Delivers First Chinese-built Citation XLS+ Business Jets
Chinese-built Citations were handed over to Guangzhou Zhongheng Group during a ceremony today at Airshow China in Zhuhai.
Nextant 400XTi Gets Chinese Nod
Validation proves that the remanufactured Beechjet 400A/400XP satisfies all CAAC airworthiness requirements.
FlightSafety Soldiers On in Wake of Wichita Accident
Crash caused training for Cessna Caravan and some Citation models to be suspended at Wichita Cessna Pilot Learning Center.
Gulfstream Elevates Mark Kohler to V-p for Advanced Aircraft Programs
He is now responsible for the development, certification and entry into service of the G500 and G600.
Macau Bizav Show Opens with Aircraft Interior Showcase
Event features 17 midsize to large-cabin jets on static display and 20 exhibitors.
Guardian Jet To Exclusively Market Refurbished Cessna Citation X Elite
Under the Elite program, legacy Citation Xs go through a complete refurbishment and systems update.
Bombardier Takes Go-slow Approach to Learjet 85 Program
Company president and CEO Pierre Beaudoin made it clear that the new Learjet is the company’s lowest priority at its flight-test department.
Used Bizcraft Transactions Climb in First Nine Months
In the first nine months 3,487 pre-owned business aircraft changed hands, up from 3,429 in the same period last year.
ATC
Swedish Transport Agency OKs Saab Remote Tower at Ornskoldsvik Airport
Sensors are installed at Ornskoldsvik Airport but air traffic is remotely controlled from Sundsvall, Sweden.
Maintenance and Modifications
Crane SmartStem STC’d for Gulfstreams, Challengers
SmartStem allows operators and pilots to check tire pressure quickly, accurately and without gas loss.
Arizona Business Aviation Group Sponsoring Scottsdale SkyKids Event
Event will be “fun-filled day of flights, food and festivities” for up to 150 special-needs children.
Bombardier Bizjet Deliveries Rise in 3Q14
Bombardier Aerospace delivered 45 business jets in the quarter, up from 36 in the same period last year.
