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

Wichita-based aircraft lighting specialist PWI has received FAA parts manufacturer approval for its LED cabin lighting system for the Beechjet 400A/Hawker 400XP light jets. This latest authorization follows one announced <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2025-02-20/pwi-led-cabin-lighting-enhances-hawker-beechjet-400">earlier</a> this year for the type and covers the remainder of the 400-series Beechjets, including the widest serial number range and the largest number of registrations.
The PWI system is a replacement for aging fluorescent lights and uses the same wiring and aircraft-supplied voltage. Through the use of LEDs, it eliminates fluorescent-related problems such as light flicker, background hums or buzzing, and ongoing maintenance. The removal of high-voltage fluorescent power supplies also eradicates potential electrical interference in the aircraft.
PWI cabin LED lighting systems—available directly from the manufacturer or its authorized dealer network—are 4,000K neutral white, offer 100,000-hour service life, and create no heat. The replacement LEDs match the original fluorescent tube lengths and carry a three-year warranty. The system requires installation by a qualified repair station; therefore, PWI recommends scheduling the installation during a maintenance event to minimize downtime.
“Our goal was to leverage our five decades of aircraft lighting experience and bring the 400-series Beechjet cabin experience up to today’s standard,” said PWI president Robi Lorik.

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.

PWI’s Lighting Refit PMA Now Covers All Beechjets

FAA approval builds on one announced earlier this year

A new parts manufacturer approval from the FAA covers cabin lighting upgrades for the Beechjet/Hawker 400A and 400XP light jets.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

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.

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.

Dubai-based MRO group is approved to install Gogo Galileo and Plane Simple equipment

Gogo Appoints Falcon Technic As Middle East Satcom Dealer

Matt Thurber

System offers lower-cost airborne connectivity services

Duncan Aviation Offering Airtext Satcom Installs

Complaint was filed in 2022 and is related to Gogo's 5G network

Gogo Loses SmartSky Lawsuit, Plans To Appeal $23M Award

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.

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

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

Birmingham-based operator has acquired Alto Aerospace's AOC

UK Start-up Above Launches Phenom Charter Services

Amy Wilder

Delaware facility to install advanced cabin, auxilliary fuel systems

Aloft Secures Second Max 8 Interior Project This Year

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.

Deal expands market for satcom equipment and services in France and Middle East 

Gogo SD Government Signs Eclipse as Authorized Reseller

Luxury features will be unveiled in an interior design next year

Elie Saab Designing Cabin for Bombardier Global 8000

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

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.

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