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
Air Culinaire Opens In-flight Kitchen at San Jose Mineta Airport
Facility will help company keep up with increasing client demand and enable last-minute requests in Silicon Valley.
Navtech Launches iCharts at Arinc EFB Forum
It also plans to release eCharts, a Windows version of its electronic chart software, at the end of next month.
Aircraft
Sikorsky Rolls Out Heavy-lift CH-53K Helicopter
The mostly composite helicopter–dubbed the “King Stallion”–will fly by year-end, with operational service expected in 2019.
Regulations and Government
U.S. Part 135 Operators Flying To EU Snared by New Law
Authorization is single process for all operators flying to the 28 EU states, EU overseas territories and the four European Free Trade Association states.
Cessna Citation X+ Certification Pending
Flight testing of the super-midsize jet concluded in late April.
European Business Aviation Flying Continues Climb
There were 52,931 business aviation flights in Europe in March, a 22-percent month-over-month increase and a 2.1-percent year-over-year rise.
Safety
NTSB Wants More Comprehensive Weather Info for Pilots
Recommendations are based on NTSB accident investigations involving aircraft encountering weather conditions.
FlightSafety and Satcom Direct Team on Satcom Training
Curriculum delves into the inner workings of aircraft communications equipment, including how the satellite functions.
Charter & Fractional
1Q Revenues Soar at NetJets, FlightSafety
NetJets revenues reflected increased sales of fractional aircraft, while FlightSafety’s increase was thanks to increased simulator training activity.
Asian Bizav Group Wraps Up Roadshow
The four workshops advanced the goal of increasing business aviation safety enhancements and developments in Asia.
Charter & Fractional
Elit’Avia Obtains Aircraft Operator Certificate from Malta
Elit’Avia has a fleet of 15 aircraft that serves clients worldwide.
Dassault Falcon 5X Coming Together Quickly
Center fuselage section for the first 5X has been joined and full fuselage will be completed this summer.
Price Floor Elusive as Used Bizcraft Inventory Shrinks
Inventory of used business jets fell 1 percent year-over-year, to 12.1 percent, the third lowest since 2005.
Regulations and Government
Aviation Groups Mourn Loss of Congressman Jim Oberstar
He was a staunch advocate for general aviation who represented Minnesota’s 8th district, which includes Cirrus Aircraft.
Rotorcraft
Robinson R66 Receives European Nod
Robinson said it is now able to begin delivering R66s in its current backlog of European orders.
Jeppesen To Support AOPA’s Educational Efforts
Jeppesen will support and participate in AOPA Foundation Air Safety Institute seminars and AOPA Fly-Ins.
Regulations and Government
Aviation Groups Back Senate Aviation Security Bills
One bill would streamline the TSA’s acquisition process and the other would establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee.
Regulations and Government
FAA OKs Second UAS Site in U.S.
University of Alaska can now use a small UAS for animal surveys at its test range in Fairbanks.
Regulations and Government
Court Rules That Part 91 Operators Can Apply “Age 65 Rule” to Their Pilots
The EEOC sued ExxonMobil, alleging that the company discriminated against pilots when it forced them to retire at age 60.
For Right Buyers, Aircraft Financing Still Readily Available
Buyers with good credit can still obtain financing for business aircraft, as long as the asset is less than 20 years old.
Business Jet Analysts Provide Promising Market Outlook for 2014 and Beyond
Some long awaited good news for a beleaguered industry.
Rotorcraft
At Textron, Aviation Segment Rises, but Bell Slips
Textron’s aviation division delivered 35 Cessna Citations and eight King Airs during the first quarter, while Bell shipped 34 helicopters.
Regulations and Government
FAA Teams with Genav Groups on Aviation Weather Safety
Safety campaign website will feature monthly weather topics such as turbulence, thunderstorms, icing, crosswinds and pilot resources.
Embraer Revenues, Profits Climb in 1Q14
At its Executive Jets division, first-quarter revenue soared to $267.4 million, up from $175.3 million a year ago.
Rotorcraft
CAE and Lider Aviaçao Team on S-92 Pilot Training in São Paulo
The S-92 training program under the joint venture will support flight training for all of Lider’s S-92 pilots.
Learjet 85 Prototype Flying with Structural Health Monitoring System
System installed by Bombardier on the left and right panels of the aircraft’s composite vertical stabilizer.
Rotorcraft
Air Medical Group Opts for HeliSAS Autopilots for its Fleet of 210 Helicopters
Two-axis autopilot and stability augmentation systems will be installed in its fleet of helicopters over the next three years.
After Mounting Delays, Learjet 85 Flies
The Bombardier Learjet 85 prototype - designated as flight-test vehicle one - successfully completed its maiden flight on April 9.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Honeywell and AT&T Team on 4G Broadband in the Sky
AT&T’s national 4G network has download speeds ranging from 16.65 to 66.11 Mbps and upload speeds of 7.43 Mbps.
