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

Aviation associations are mourning the loss of former Rep. Jim Oberstar, a staunch advocate for general aviation (GA) who represented Minnesota’s 8th district for a quarter century. His district included Cirrus Aircraft. Oberstar died on Friday at the age of 79.


“Jim Oberstar was a champion for GA, serving as a voice of reason in Congress, fighting for aviation trust fund dollars to make their way to community airports across the country and opposing user fees,” said AOPA president Mark Baker. “Oberstar and I not only shared the same home state, but also a passion for protecting general aviation. He will be truly missed in the aviation community and beyond.”


During Oberstar’s time in Congress, he held a key position of influence over aviation as the ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and was a member of the House General Aviation Caucus. His leadership led to the passing of the General Aviation Product Liability Reform bill and several aviation funding bills, including AIR-21 and Vision-100, which boosted federal funding for airport protections and improvements. Oberstar also opposed making the Washington, D.C. Air Defense Identification Zone, now a special flight rules area, permanent.


“Congressman Oberstar was a true champion for general aviation, understanding and promoting its value to our economy and transportation system,” noted NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Aviation Groups Mourn Loss of Congressman Jim Oberstar

He was a staunch advocate for general aviation who represented Minnesota’s 8th district, which includes Cirrus Aircraft.

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