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

Due to continuing weak global demand for general aviation aircraft, Piper Aircraft expects to lay off 15 to 20 percent of its more than 750 workers, the Vero Beach, Fla.-based aircraft manufacturer announced yesterday. “While the general aviation industry had been improving over the past several years, aircraft deliveries had begun to slow,” it said.

 


Piper Aircraft experienced a decline during the first quarter, partially due to reduced production numbers for M-class products in anticipation of new product announcements, namely the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2015-04-13/piper-launches-new-m600-and-m350-models">M350, M500 and M600</a>. “However, second-quarter deliveries have continued to remain sluggish and have not bounced back to the pace experienced in previous years,” Piper noted.

 


“Piper Aircraft has experienced steady recovery since 2009; however, we are facing challenges and economic instability in several key regions of the world, including Asia, parts of Europe and Latin America,” said Piper president and CEO Simon Caldecott. “The team at Piper is committed to the business and as such must make the agonizing decision to adjust accordingly. We must better align production with current market demand.”

 


As a result of this slowdown, Piper is adjusting the production schedule downward for the second half and next year, which will require a workforce reduction. However, if Piper’s full-time workforce dips below 650 before December 2016 then it will have to <a href="http://www.piper.com/piper-state-florida-amend-incentive-agreement/">repay some of the $3.3 million in economic incentives</a> it received from the state of Florida.

 


Caldecott said that while the piston and turboprop markets have slowed, the company is optimistic that sales will recover. In the meantime, the engineering and flight-test development teams are focused on the development and certification of the M600, Piper’s newest addition to the single-engine turboprop market.

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.

Piper Aircraft Plans Layoffs, Citing Weak Demand

Vero Beach, Fla.-based aircraft manufacturer expects to lay off 15- to 20 percent of its more than 750 workers as  sales dip in the first half of 2015.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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.

The super-midsize jet was first announced in September

Gulfstream’s G300 Takes to the Sky

Kerry Lynch

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.

House of Representatives aviation subcommittee addressed new sector's needs

U.S. AAM Advocates Call for More Regulatory Clarity

Charles Alcock

Swiss start-up has published a photo of its latest 1:9 scale demonstrator

Jekta Prepares to Fly Second Sub-Scale Electric Seaplane

Jennifer Meszaros

Yivtol was one of several eVTOL aircraft developers at the Aero Asia show 

Chinese Start-up Offers Ultralight Personal eVTOL Aircraft

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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.

eVTOL aircraft pioneers were prominent at the show in Zhuhai

Aero Asia Show Highlights Advanced Air Mobility Ambitions

North America marked its strongest monthly gain in more than a decade

Argus: Bizav Flight Activity Marks Another Best in November

Matt Thurber

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

Program helps training companies add the latest technology to their fleets

Wings Leasing Offers New Diamonds to Flight Schools

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

More In Aircraft