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

Business aviation MRO provider West Star Aviation has hired Jim Rankin as CEO and elevated now-former CEO Bob Rasberry to chairman, while Rodger Renaud remains its president and COO. “The company has taken a proactive approach in strengthening its leadership team to ensure its continued success in delivering industry-leading service to its customers during a time of rapid growth,” West Star said.

 


Rankin, who is based at West Star’s East Alton, Illinois facility, most recently was president and CEO of Oregon-based Columbia Helicopters. He began his aviation career as a pilot for Midwest Airlines, logging more than 11,000 flight hours. After rising up the ranks at Midway to chief pilot and then director of operations, he was subsequently named president and CEO at Skyway Airlines, Midwest’s regional airline subsidiary. Later, he was president and CEO at Air Wisconsin Airlines.

 


“Jim has a 30-year aviation background with more than 18 years of experience in the CEO role, successfully leading executive teams and companies. His customer and employee-centric focus aligns perfectly with our company values, paving the way for a smooth transition," Rasberry noted.

 


“West Star is a customer and employee-focused company, and I’m looking forward to leading the West Star team as we add new hangar capacity at both our East Alton and Chattanooga locations,” Rankin said.

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.

West Star Aviation Strengthens Leadership Team

Company has taken a proactive approach in strengthening its leadership team to ensure its continued success in delivering industry-leading services.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

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.

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.

Weighs 45 pounds less than lead-acid battery and provides faster and cooler engine start

True Blue Power Energizes SIAI-Marchetti S.211

Amy Wilder

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.

Program also allows upgrades during the service event

Elliott Aviation Launches Five Day Pre-buy Evaluations

Charlotte Bailey

10-year service agreement covers two preowned Swedish Global 6500s 

Sweden Signs for Bombardier Defense Support Deal 

Curt Epstein

Belgrade-based company specializes in Citation maintenance

Prince Aviation Does Eight Engine Swaps in Five Days

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.

New propellers available on Cessna 180 Skywagons and Beechcraft A36s

Hartzell Adds Frontier and Navigator Top Prop STCs

Consolidates activities under Chip Kiehn, new v-p of propeller programs

Blackhawk Group Launches New Propeller Solutions Group

David Donald

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Kepplair’s fire-fighting ATR72 conversion should be ready for market in 2027

Corsica Technics Signs for ATR72 Firefighting Kits

Kerry Lynch

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

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