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

Esterline CMC Electronics recently delivered its 1000th <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/dubai-air-show/2007-11-07/airlab-simulator-helps-hone-thales-future">multifunction control display unit (MCDU)</a> for Airbus A320 family aircraft to Thales Avionics of France.


Low-rate production of the MCDU began in 2010 and has gradually increased to a steady pace of close to 100 units a month. Each A318/319/320/321 airliner has two MCDUs installed and they serve as the primary interface between the pilot and avionics subsystems, including the flight management system and aircraft communications, addressing and reporting system (Acars).


CMC (Hall 1 Stand B11) has supported Thales with the MCDU keyboard since 2002, with more than 5,000 of these units delivered to date. Based on the keyboard’s in-service record for quality and reliability, in 2008 Thales awarded CMC with a long-term contract to supply the entire MCDU, which includes an improved keyboard, LCD screen, backlight and electrical interface (see page 18).

Esterline CMC Ships 1,000th Multifunction Control Display Unit for Airbus A320 Family

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