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

West Star Aviation specializes in airframe repair and maintenance, engine repair and maintenance, major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, paint, parts, surplus avionics sales, window repair and accessory services.

West Star Aviation has selected the Vocus SMS (safety management system) software application as the technology platform for the business aircraft MRO provider’s “Safety 24/7” program. Besides improving safety at companies such as West Star, Vocus SMS also facilitates alignment with FAA guidance and ICAO standards and recommended practices.
“We are excited to announce West Star Aviation’s partnership with Vocus SMS as our safety management system. At West Star Aviation, safety is our number one priority,” said West Star CEO Stephen Maiden. “We are dedicated to taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of our customers, technicians, and workforce. We believe in the capabilities of Vocus SMS to support us in upholding the highest safety standards in the industry.”
According to Maiden, West Star picked Vocus SMS for its user-friendly interface, mobile capabilities, use of technology to reduce workload, and integration with the company’s existing software platforms. “Vocus has features that will allow us to do most aspects of our safety and quality functions from within the one system, which greatly simplifies engagement across our enterprise and streamlines the management insights that we can use to inform management,” added West Star v-p of safety Patrick Moylan.

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 Taps Vocus SMS for Safety 24/7 Program

Software helps align company's safety management system with FAA and ICAO guidelines

West Star Aviation has selected the Vocus SMS software app as the technology platform for the business aircraft MRO provider’s “Safety 24/7” program.

West Star Taps Vocus SMS for Safety 24/7 Program

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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.

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Charlotte Bailey

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.

Revamped Avanti NX pusherprop just one element of wider Baykar-backed revamp 

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Matt Thurber

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

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.

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Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Facility expansion adds 1,000 sq m this year

Textron Aviation Plans European Parts Facility Expansion

Charles Alcock

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

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West Star Aviation

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