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

First-quarter revenues at <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2014-04-01/deal-done-textron-aviation-absorbs-cessna-and-beech">Textron Aviation</a>, which includes Cessna and Beechcraft, were up $77 million, to $785 million, thanks to the mid-March acquisition of Beechcraft, higher jet deliveries and higher aftermarket sales but offset by fewer pre-owned sales and falling revenue at CitationAir. The division recorded a profit of $14 million in the quarter versus a loss of $8 million a year ago, helped by firmer pricing and higher jet volumes.


Textron Aviation delivered 35 Cessna Citations during the quarter, up from 32 jets in the same period last year, and eight King Airs during the last two weeks of March when Beechcraft was officially under the Textron wing. (A total of 22 King Airs were delivered in the first quarter, compared with 34 a year ago.)


Backlog at Textron Aviation as of March 29 was $1.5 billion, up from $1 billion at the end of last year, attributable to the addition of Beechcraft’s $534 million backlog.


Meanwhile, fewer shipments by Bell Helicopter dragged down that Textron division’s first-quarter revenue by $76 million, to $873 million. On the civil side, Bell delivered 34 helicopters, down from 40 last year. Profit at Bell fell $33 million, to $96 million, the result of an “unfavorable mix of commercial aircraft deliveries and the lower volumes.” Bell’s backlog at the end of the first quarter was $6.3 billion, down $197 million from the end of last year.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

At Textron, Aviation Segment Rises, but Bell Slips

Textron’s aviation division delivered 35 Cessna Citations and eight King Airs during the first quarter, while Bell shipped 34 helicopters.

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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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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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.

European operators can now fly the helicopter in EU countries

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