A lifelong aviation enthusiast who joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in 2007, Curt came to&nbsp;the publication&nbsp;from the broadcast industry where he was a national science and technology television reporter and producer. He writes on the FBO field, aviation finance, and sustainable aviation and occasionally contributes to&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;sister publication&nbsp;Business Jet Traveler. Curt was a member of the AINtv reporting staff that won the 2008 Aerospace Journalist of the Year award for Best Airshow Daily. That same year, he was a finalist for another AJOYA award. He earned an AJOYA for Best Business Aviation Submission in 2018 and was a finalist in that category in 2021. He received the National Air Transportation Association’s&nbsp; Aviation Journalist Award in 2012 and won a Pegasus Sapphire Business Aviation Award for outstanding journalism in 2021.
Before joining AIN, Curt worked with&nbsp;Consumer Reports’ television division, CRTV, and for several local television news staffs. An honors graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University in 1995. Curt lives in New York State with his wife and two young sons.

Senior Editor

Curt Epstein

As the remnants of now-tropical storm Ian bring rain and winds to the Northeast U.S. following flooding in the mid-Atlantic region, areas in Florida remain devastated from last week’s Category 4 hurricane, which claimed approximately 100 lives and left millions without power. Many airports across the center of the state, from the Gulf Coast where it made landfall to the Atlantic Coast, continued their clean-ups and reopenings, in some cases for humanitarian flights only.

 


In heavily impacted Fort Myers, the Lee County Port Authority told AIN that both of its airports—Southwest Florida International (KRSW) and general aviation-only Page Field (KFMY)—have power and are receiving military and humanitarian flights only. KFMY is anticipated to fully open tomorrow to civil traffic, while KRSW is expected to resume limited daylight operations on Wednesday.

 


Over the weekend, Sheltair reported that all of its affected bases in the state—at&nbsp;Tampa International, Lakeland Linder International, St Pete-Clearwater International, Albert Whitted, Orlando Executive, Melbourne Orlando International, and Jacksonville International&nbsp;airports—are now fully operational, while its Daytona Beach International Airport&nbsp;is still handling only military and humanitarian aid flights.

 


Naples Airport, which instituted a permission-required landing plan over the weekend, has now resumed full operations but only during daylight hours from 7 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. until further notice due to damage to its runway lighting system and navigational aids. &nbsp;

 


Patient Airlift Services (PALs) SkyHope, a nonprofit organization, is offering non-emergency flights to Naples residents and their families who need transport to and from the area. The group is made up of local volunteer pilots who will provide flights to aid in the disaster relief efforts. All flights will operate through Naples Airport. "As our community recovers from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian, it is our honor to provide free flights to members of our community who need it," said Naples-based pilot and PALS SkyHope board member Scott Ashton.

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Florida Airports Slowly Return to Normal

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, more Florida airports look to resume normal operations.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

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

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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.

New operator plans upgrades and eVTOL integration

New Operator, Upgrade for Downtown Manhattan Heliport

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.

KTPF accepts night flights for the first time since September

Tampa GA Airport Now Fully Operational after Storms

Peter Shaw-Smith

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Local company ASM is discussing new aircraft management opportunities

Low-cost Carrier Migration Could Ease Bizav Access in Dubai

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.

Plan calls for six new general aviation airports

Saudi Arabia Moves on New General Aviation Blueprint

Hanneke Weitering

Flight demonstrations will be held next year in Portugal's capital city

Helibravo Plans UAM Demo Flights at Lisbon Vertiport 

Charles Alcock

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Late Thanksgiving drives higher departure numbers than same week in 2023

U.S. Leads Global Business Jet Activity Growth

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Vertiport Simulations adds electric charging cubes and other detailed scenery to flight simulator software

Gaming Simulators Could Support eVTOL Pilot Training and Vertiport Design

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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