Chad Trautvetter
Online Editor
Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group. He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion, the 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 magazine, he joined 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.
Latest from Chad Trautvetter
Rotorcraft
Bell Helicopter in Hover This Year, Growth Mode in 2017
Bell 505 JetRangerX and 525 Relentless will boost Bell Helicopter next year, but shipments and revenues this year are expected to be flat.
Aircraft
Textron Aviation Poised for Growth in 2016
Citation deliveries could near 200 in 2016, while revenues are projected to climb to $5.1 billion.
Aircraft
G450/550 Production Cut as Gulfstream Moves to G500/600
Shipments of “green” Gulfstreams will decrease by about 6 percent this year, though revenues are expected to climb thanks to a better mix.
Maintenance and Modifications
Textron Aviation Launches 1Call for Immediate Support
Team oversees every step of a maintenance event using displays that tracks calls, air response aircraft and mobile service units through issue resolution.
Security
Digital Security Should Be on Bizav Operators' Radar
Public Wi-Fi, email and social media are the weakest links in the security chain
Rotorcraft
Helo Cockpit Research Study Uses Eye-tracking Tech
Twenty-six pilots participated in the first phase of observational study, which seeks to improve pilot performance in the cockpit.
Training and Workforce
Pair of FlightSafety Cessna Caravan Sims Get FAA Nod
The simulators, housed at comapny's Wichita East learning center, are equipped with Garmin G1000 and Garmin G600 avionics.
Safety
NIAR Opens Aircraft Lightning Test Lab
Direct effects of lightning testing is required for many aircraft components and parts, as well as in applications such as unmanned aerial systems.
Training and Workforce
Kerr Wins Top NBAA S&D Award, Others Get Scholarships
Dorette Kerr worked to expand training opportunities to NBAA Schedulers & Dispatcher members.
FBOs
Growing Paragon Network Eyes Latin America
Services offered by Paragon include marketing, brand awareness, sales and economies of scale.
FlightWorx Showcases New Travel Solutions Services
TravelWorx offers business aircraft crews and personnel with positioning flights via the airlines, hotel accommodations and concierge services
FBOs
Universal Aviation Announces Certified Location Program
Designed to recognize and distinguish ground handlers for meeting its safety, regulatory compliance, and customer service standards.
Regulations and Government
NBAA Chief Warns Privatized ATC Battle Is 'Imminent'
"Big airlines” are pushing for a privatized U.S. ATC system so they can “take control of ATC for their economic benefit,” NBAA chief Ed Bolen said.
Environment
Air BP Offers Carbon Offsets for NBAA S&D Attendees
The initiative is being managed by BP Target Neutral, which invests in carbon credits that support low-carbon development projects around the world.
Charter & Fractional
Jet Linx Aviation Fleet Almost Doubles in 2015
Additions of 30 aircraft last year brought its fleet to 65 aircraft, making Jet Linx the fifth-largest Part 135 operator in the U.S.
Fuel
ForeFlight Acquires JetFuelX
With JetFuelX, users can manage fuel card memberships and aircraft profiles, as well as view jet-A prices available at the planned destination.
Charter & Fractional
PlaneSmart Gets Argus Gold, Adds Hedrick as a Director
Hedrick previously served as the director of charter sales and owner services for Executive Flight Services.
Airports
WingX: Bizav Traffic in Davos To Double During 2016 WEF
During the 2015 World Economic Forum, from January 20 to 24, a total of 1,174 movements were recorded at four nearby airports.
Aircraft
GE To Build Engine for Textron T-prop in Czech Republic
Facility is expected to open in 2020 to develop and manufacture new turboprop engines in the 1,000 to 2,000-shp range.
FBOs
JetNet Adds Airport/FBO View, Aircraft Usage to Aerodex
Airport/FBO view provides an analysis tool for companies providing or looking to provide operational support at a specific airport.
Airports
AsBAA Praises New Bizav Customs Port at Zhuhai Airport
In addition, Zhuhai Airport officials also approved operations of smaller general/business aviation aircraft.
Safety
Wyvern Wingman Relaxes Pilot Recency Requirements
Pilot recency requirements reduced to reflect “continuing advancements” in flight training, avionics, maintenance and safety management.
Regulations and Government
FAA Corrects Overflight Notams
Erroneously excluded previous less restrictive security regs for aircraft registered in Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and British V.I.
JetNet iQ: As U.S. Leads, Midsize Bizjet Market To Rise
Business aviation data firm is adjusting its 10-year outlook “reflect recent industry and market developments, especially in the large cabin market.”
FBOs
Phoenix FBO Lux Air Jet Joins Paragon Network
The FBO, which has been at the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport since 2007, offers ground-support services for all types of aircraft.
Tempus Flies Newborn with Life-threatening Condition to Virginia
Tempus Jets partnered with World Pediatric Project to transport a newborn baby born with an incomplete esophagus from Belize to Virginia for surgery.
Aircraft
Scheme Designers Tapped for Eclipse 550 Design Services
Company will design the factory standard paint scheme for the Eclipse 550 and will provide personal color selection consultations with each customer.
Safety
NTSB's 2016 Aviation Safety Goals 'In Step' with NBAA's
Aviation safety focus areas on this year’s list include fatigue, distraction and loss of control in flight (LOC-I).
Avionics
FlightSafety Adds Gulfstream Cockpit Datalink e-Course
Three-hour eLearning CPDLC scenario-based course familiarizes pilots with CPDLC/ADS-C operations in normal and abnormal situations.
Argus: 2015 a Good Year for U.S. Bizav Flight Activity
Business aviation flight activity in North America ended 2015 on a positive note, climbing 2.6 percent last month versus December 2014.
