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
Aircraft
Piper Unveils Affordable Pilot Trainers
Piper Aircraft launched the Piper Pilot 100 and 100i basic trainers this morning at Sun ‘n‘ Fun 2019.
AOPA App's Pilot Passport Gamifies Flying
The AOPA app's new Pilot Passport feature lets users search for new places to fly, check in at airports and aviation events, and earn points and badges.
Regulations and Government
U.S. Customs Border Patrol Displaying, Hiring at SNF
The U.S. Customs Border Patrol air and marine operations (AMO) will be showcasing aircraft and marine vessels at the 45th annual Sun ‘n’ Fun International.
Aircraft
Global 7500 Takes LA to New York City Speed Crown
A production Bombardier Global 7500 that serves as a demonstrator aircraft set a speed record from Los Angeles to New York City over the weekend.
Maintenance and Modifications
Jet MS Completes 7,800 Landings Inspection on CL604
Vilnius, Lithuania-based Jet Maintenance Solutions has become one of the first business aircraft MROs to complete the 7,800 landings ins
Maintenance and Modifications
Bombardier Tees Up Mobile Support for Masters Tourney
Bombardier Business Aircraft is bringing a contingent of support services to Georgia’s Augusta Regional Airport next month for the Masters Tournament.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
USAIG Incentivizes IS-BAO, BASC Accreditations
USAIG is adding financial incentives for operators with Performance Vector Plus policies to be IS-BAO registered or meet BASC requirements.
Aircraft
JetNet: Market for Supersonic Bizjets Sizable, Growing
There is a “sizable and growing market” for supersonic business jets (SSBJs), according to market research data from JetNet iQ.
Maintenance and Modifications
Blockchain Could Revolutionize Part Lifecycle Records
Blockchain—secure, tamper-resistant digital records—could revolutionize the way aircraft part histories are recorded and stored, said SITA's Dan daCosta.
Regulations and Government
DOT IG Finalizing FAA Aircraft Registry Audit Report
The U.S. DOT IG is expected to release a draft audit report of the FAA civil aircraft registry this week to the aviation agency.
Bizjet Market Outlook Cloudy, Says Industry Analyst
New bizjet deliveries are expected to climb this year, though sales are projected to be more sluggish as world economies slow and recessionary risk rises.
Maintenance and Modifications
Naples Jet Center Gets Brazil ANAC Nod for Mx
Florida-based Naples Jet Center received Brazil ANAC approval to provide airframe, engine, and avionics services for Brazil-registered business aircraft.
Accidents
NTSB Head: Part 135 Needs Same Safety Tools as Airlines
NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said the May 2017 crash of a Learjet makes the case that Part 135 operators need the same safety tools as the airlines have.
Regulations and Government
FAA-EU Pacts Expand Aviation Market Access
Two agreements signed last week between FAA and European Union officials have further opened market access on both side of the Atlantic.
FBOs
Metrojet Breaks Ground on Philippines FBO/MRO Complex
Business aviation service provider Metrojet has broke ground on a 279,862-sq-ft FBO/MRO facility at Clark International Airport in Pampanga, Philippines.
Pistons Buoy Bizav Activity in Europe, Says WingX
Business aviation departures in Europe rose 1.7 percent year-over-year last month, thanks to a “big increase” in piston traffic.
Aerion Adds More Leaders to Team
Aerion continues to recruit executives and engineers, as well as refine its board of directors, as it preps to bring the AS2 supersonic bizjet to market.
Gulfstream Aerospace Expands Leadership Team
Gulfstream is promoting Colin Miller to senior v-p of innovation, engineering and flight, and Greg Collett to senior v-p of manufactucturing and completion
More Features Added To Mars Aircraft Dashboard
Sutton has eased fligth and data importing to its Mars online aircraft dashboard, as well as added customizable owner's reports and a new calendar view.
Aircraft
Eviation Taps Siemens for Alice's Electric Motors
Eviation Aircraft has selected Siemens to provide high-power, electric propulsion systems for the nine-passenger Alice.
Maintenance and Modifications
RUAG Australia Gets EASA Part 145 Nod
RUAG Australia has gained EASA Part 145 approval, allowing it to perform component MRO and line support for European-registered aircraft.
Simhawk Rebrands, Expands Online Aviation Marketplace
imhawk has rebranded to Avmkt to reflect the expanded services it is now offering through its online aviation marketplace.
Training and Workforce
Purdue Adding FSI-built Hawker 900XP Simulator
Purdue is adding an FAA level-D Hawker 900XP simulator that will allow Purdue to be the only university to offer Hawker simulator training
Charter & Fractional
Flexjet Sues NJASAP for 'Intimidation' in Decert Vote
Suit alleges the NetJets pilot union sent hundreds of "vulgar, threatening, and malicious mailings" to the homes of Flexjet company managers and employees.
Aircraft
Bombardier Bizjet Deliveries Set To Climb in 2019
Bombardier delivered 137 bizjets last year, down one from 2017, and expects to hand over 150 to 155 this year as it ramps up production of its Global 7500.
Maintenance and Modifications
Gulfstream To Close Service Center in Brazil
“After considerable research and evaluation,” Gulfstream Aerospace is closing its service center at Bertram Luiz Leupolz Airport in Sorocaba, Brazil.
Charter & Fractional
MemberJets Launches Per-seat Charter Flight Platform
MemberJets has launched a platform that enables charter brokers and aircraft operators to sell per-seat charter flights.
Maintenance and Modifications
Western Jet Turns 20, Expands Gulfstream Mx Services
Business aviation services company Western Jet Aviation has expanded its existing full-service Gulfstream maintenance capabilities to include the G650.
Maintenance and Modifications
Gulfstream Beefs Up European and Asia Support
Gulfstream boosted its customer support resources in Europe and Asia, adding maintenance hangar space at Paris-Le Bourget and more capabilities in Beijing.
U.S. Bizav Flying Bounces Back in January
Business aviation activity in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean climbed 0.7 percent year-over-year in January, in line with expectations.
