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
Avionics
Embraer’s Profits Rise, but Bizjet Deliveries Dip
On Friday, Embraer reported a $98.5 million profit in the third quarter, up from $58 million a year ago, despite delivering 22 percent fewer aircraft.
Rotorcraft
Eurocopter Opens Subsidiary in India
Eurocopter has officially opened an Indian subsidiary in a move to tackle the local market.
Sojourn Aviation Launches at NBAA
Sojourn Aviation, a new independent global aircraft sales company founded by former Hawker Beechcraft president Brad Hatt, was officially launched last m
Bizav Flight Activity Dipped Slightly in September
Just a month after regaining positive momentum, business aviation flight activity slipped into negative territory in September, falling 1.1 percent year
Learjet 60XR Sets Wichita-São Paulo Speed Record
The National Aeronautic Association confirmed that a Bombardier Learjet 60XR set a speed record between Wichita and São Paulo.
Avionics
There’s an App for Signature Flight Support
Signature Flight Support launched iFBO, a new iPhone application to provide customers with handheld access to key flight-planning and service information
Charter & Fractional
NetJets Places Order for 50 Phenom 300s
Embraer announced at the NBAA Convention last month that fractional provider NetJets signed an agreement to purchase 50 Phenom 300 light jets and has an op
Aircraft
PiperJet now Altaire, new and improved
Taking advantage of the big stage at the NBAA Convention last month, Piper Aircraft introduced its evolved and renamed PiperJet Altaire, showing a mockup o
Charter & Fractional
Argus Partners with JetVizor
Argus has partnered with JetVizor to allow users of the latter company’s free online charter marketplace and global directory to view Argus ratings for c
Safety
Bombardier Safety Standdown Packs Them In
Bombardier’s four-day Safety Standdown seminar, held last month in Wichita, was fully booked.
ATC
ADS-B Gets Green Light from the FAA
Following successful ADS-B deployment at key sites in the U.S., the FAA gave the go-ahead for the system’s national rollout, with coast-to-coast U.S.
Training and Workforce
Flight Options, CAE Sign Five-year Deal
At the NBAA Convention last month, CAE inked a $15 million, five-year contract renewal with Flight Options for pilot training on six fleet aircraft types
Training and Workforce
First Conforming HondaJet To Fly ‘Very Soon’
System ground tests and static structural stress testing of production-conforming aircraft continue at the HondaJet research and development center in Gree
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Swiss design A380s for Grand Tours
A consortium of investors led by Switzerland-based Van Lattmann Corporate Communications (VLCC) has embarked on an ambitious project to operate VIP version
Safety
Phenom 100 blowouts prompt FAA scrutiny
For the third time this year, an Embraer Phenom 100 suffered a dual tire blowout upon landing after a reported failure in the brake-by-wire system.
Safety
Online SMS Subscription Service Planned
FltPlan.com said it is developing an online safety management system (SMS) subscription service for smaller business aviation flight departments and oper
NBAA Releases 2010 Bizav Fact Book
NBAA released its 2010 Business Aviation Fact Book, a comprehensive profile of the industry that provides real-world information and data about its value
ATC
Plane Finder App Reveals Aircraft Info
Plane Finder AR (augmented reality) iPhone and Android apps from UK-based Pinkfroot display aircraft transmitting ADS-B Out signals.
Charter & Fractional
Air Charter Pilots Facing Certificate Action
The FAA has concluded that two Boston Air Charter pilots were in violation of the FARs when they took off in their respective Cessna Citations from Norwo
Airports
Redhill Making Bid To Attract VLJ Traffic
Redhill Aerodrome, a grass strip close to London Gatwick Airport, is seeking permission to build a 3,671-foot concrete runway in a bid to attract very li
Accidents
Serious Runway Incursions Fall Sharply in U.S.
According to the DOT and FAA, the number of serious runway incursions at U.S.
JPMorgan: Pre-owned Market Recovery Stalls
According to JPMorgan’s latest business jet monthly report, improvement in the pre-owned market has stalled.
Avionics
Western, Universal Partner on Falcon 900 Retrofit
Greenwich AeroGroup’s Western Aircraft and Universal Avionics announced a partnership last month at the NBAA Convention to develop an avionics retrofit p
Aircraft
Cessna Chooses Elliptical Winglets for Citation Ten
Cessna has selected Winglet Technology’s elliptical winglet for the new Citation Ten.
Safety
Helo Safety Effort in Full Swing in Europe
The European Helicopter Safety Implementation Team (EHSIT) has released a 22-page “training leaflet” aimed at making helicopter pilots more aware of hazar
Avionics
Western, Universal to Retrofit F900
Greenwich AeroGroup’s Western Aircraft and Universal Avionics announced a partnership to develop an avionics retrofit package for the Dassault Falcon 900
Textron Cites Loss as Deliveries Slump
Textron, parent company of Cessna Aircraft and Bell Helicopter, reported a third-quarter loss.
Rotorcraft
Sikorsky Takes Share in Eclipse
In a surprise announcement at the NBAA convention, Stratford, Conn.-based Sikorsky Aircraft revealed that it reached an agreement “in principle” to make
Regulations and Government
NetJets Europe in French Labor suit
NetJets Europe has been summoned to appear at the Court of Bobigny, near Paris, on December 2, after three entities–French charter operator lobbying grou
Emivest Aerospace Files for Chapter 11
San Antonio-based Emivest Aerospace, manufacturer of the SJ30 light jet, announced on October 20 that it petitioned for restructuring under Chapter 11 of
