A lifelong aviation enthusiast who joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in 2007, Curt came to&nbsp;the publication&nbsp;from the broadcast industry where he was a national science and technology television reporter and producer. He writes on the FBO field, aviation finance, and sustainable aviation and occasionally contributes to&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;sister publication&nbsp;Business Jet Traveler. Curt was a member of the AINtv reporting staff that won the 2008 Aerospace Journalist of the Year award for Best Airshow Daily. That same year, he was a finalist for another AJOYA award. He earned an AJOYA for Best Business Aviation Submission in 2018 and was a finalist in that category in 2021. He received the National Air Transportation Association’s&nbsp; Aviation Journalist Award in 2012 and won a Pegasus Sapphire Business Aviation Award for outstanding journalism in 2021.
Before joining AIN, Curt worked with&nbsp;Consumer Reports’ television division, CRTV, and for several local television news staffs. An honors graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University in 1995. Curt lives in New York State with his wife and two young sons.

Business Aviation Services Editor

Curt Epstein

Boeing has launched a digital application through its Jeppesen subsidiary that will simplify U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processes for general aviation pilots. Known as Mobile QuickClear and&nbsp;available for both the iOS and Android devices, the new app was created in partnership with Airside Mobile for encryption and data management services.

 


According to the company, it works seamlessly with the Mobile Passport app that is already in use by more than seven million commercial passengers. Mobile QuickClear securely collects passport information and relays it to CBP agents to expedite the manifest clearance process.

 


The new app’s launch also expands the scope of Mobile Passport to include private aircraft passengers&nbsp;and is expected to reduce clearance errors and related fines or penalties on air travelers by as much as 30 percent. “Mobile QuickClear helps pilots manage the entire customs process in one place, improving their efficiency by enabling easier access to required clearance information,” said William Ampofo, v-p of business and general aviation&nbsp;with Boeing Global Services.&nbsp;

 


“Innovative applications like Mobile QuickClear are critical for the future of aviation,” added Mark Baker, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), which supported its development. “Simplifying the international customs process will give more time back to pilots to focus on other tasks and enhance the flying experience.”

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.

Boeing Launches CBP Clearance App for GA Pilots

The Jeppessen Mobile QuickClear app works through the popular Mobile Passport, which can now handle private aircraft passengers as well as commercial.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

FAA has simplified aeromedical process for pilots with sleep apnea

AINsight: Update on Sleep Apnea for Pilots

Charles Alcock

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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

Bombardier, Dassault, and Textron have committed to the show in Brussels

More Exhibitors and Groups Book for EBAA Week Show

Hanneke Weitering

NASA chief talks with a four-flight shuttle veteran and NBAA board member

Pilot-Astronauts Isaacman and Precourt Headline NBAA Lunch

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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.

DOT OIG estimates as much as one-third of purchase card transactions did not have proper controls

Watchdog Warns of Lack of FAA Purchase Card Oversight

Peter Shaw-Smith

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Lastest data from WingX shows further decline in traffic in region 

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Probe maker wins $116.9 million verdict against eVTOL developer

Jury Sides with Aerosonic in Joby Trade Secrets Case

Gordon Gilbert

Light to midsize jets typically aren’t equipped with FDRs

Charter Operators Grapple with Mexico’s FDR Requirements

Matt Thurber

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.

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