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
Maintenance and Modifications
NBAA Mx Management Conference One for the Record Books
More than 800 people attended the annual event, and a sold-out exhibit hall hosted a record 156 exhibitors.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
International Aircraft Transactions Seminar Returns to EBACE
Seminar to give an in-depth review of the key tax, legal and regulatory issues involved in a business aircraft transaction.
Regulations and Government
BACA Urges New UK Leaders To Address Aviation Issues
Associations list includes fixing “anomalies” in the air passenger duty (APD) tax, runway capacity, border control and RAF Northolt.
Aircraft
Argus: U.S. Bizav Flying Logs Solid Gain in April 2015
Activity climbed 2.8 percent over April 2014 and is projected to rise by a more modest 0.8 percent this month.
Aircraft
Pilatus Jets into the Future with PC-24 First Flight
Early performance data indicates that the jet had a takeoff roll of less than 2,000 feet (600 meters) and climbed to 10,000 feet in three minutes or so.
Aircraft
Bombardier To Curb Global 5000/6000 Production
The move, which won’t affect 2015 delivery rates, is necessary because of the sagging market for bizjets in Russia, China and other emerging countries.
Aircraft
Challenger 650 To Make Debut at EBACE 2015
3,200-nm large-cabin twinjet will feature the Bombardier Vision flight deck and GE CF34-3BMTO engines.
JetNet To Launch Aircraft Value Tool, Yacht Data Service
New tool presents graphical representations of value-related aircraft markets, making it easy to evaluate and compare critical trends.
European Bizav Flying Stumbles in April, Down 2.7% YTD
Business aircraft flying in Europe still has yet to find its footing, with April activity down 0.8 percent year-over-year at 62,968 departures, said WingX.
Charter & Fractional
Labor Disputes Heat Up at Fractional Operations
NetJets kicks off mediation, while both NetJets and Flexjet have faced union lawsuits.
Edwards Tapped To Head Sales for Aerion Supersonic Jet
Veteran business aviation leader Ernie Edwards is now Aerion's senior vice president and chief commercial officer
Charter & Fractional
NetJets Pilots Picket at Berkshire's Annual Meeting
As a result of prolonged negotiations, 98 percent of the pilots recently voted “no confidence” in NetJets CEO Jordan Hansell.
Charter & Fractional
1Q Revenues Down, Profits Up at NetJets
Decline in NetJets’ fuel surcharge income was substantially offset by lower fuel expense, resulting in a minimal impact on profits.
Charter & Fractional
Aerolineas Ejecutivas Adds Learjet 75s to MexJet Frax Program
MexJet fractional program allows customers to buy a package of 200 flight hours that can be used over a five-year period.
Charter & Fractional
NetJets Vice President Fired for Anti-pilot-union Posts
Without knowledge or approval of NetJets, a team member undertook efforts on his own to blog and Tweet about the pilots’ union activities and positions.
Safety
Bizav Operators Warned of Volcanic Ash Risk in Chile
Exposure to volcanic ash can cause damage to both airframe and engine components, notes Jet Support Services.
Charter & Fractional
OneJet Brings Scheduled Bizjet Service to Eastern U.S.
Hawker 400XPs will initially fly scheduled charters serving Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh.
Gulfstream Deliveries, Sales Flat in First Quarter
Gulfstream delivered 34 green aircraft during the quarter, one fewer than in the same period a year ago.
NASA: Wing Morphing Trials on GIII Testbed Successful
Technology has the potential to lower fuel burns, reduce airframe weight and cut aircraft noise during takeoffs and landings
Beechcraft Buoys Textron Aviation in First Quarter
Jet deliveries fell by two in first quarter, while turboprop twin deliveries climbed by three.
Training and Workforce
Jeppesen To Supply Pilot Training Materials for Purdue
Jeppesen will provide a customized bundle that includes textbook materials for both private and commercial/instrument pilot training and other elements.
Aircraft
Quest Shows Kodiaks, Nears Composite Float STC
Company’s appearance this week in Lakeland, Fla., comes just one week after the Kodiak made its European airshow debut at Aero Friedrichshafen.
Tampa Bizav Group Reaching Out to SNF Visitors
Exhibit promotes the association and highlight its partnership with the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority.
Aircraft
Embraer Executive Jets Returns to Sun ’n’ Fun Show
Company’s entry-level Phenom 100E and 300 light jets are being showcased.
SkyVector Adds FAA Flight Plan Filing Capability
Preferred and recently-filed routes will also be available and suggested to users before filing.
Aircraft
Electric Reversible Propeller STC'd for Aviat Husky
Available for retrofit or as a factory option, the $30,000 system is being demonstrated by the company on a float-equipped Husky this week.
Aircraft
Cessna Caravan Gets New Interior, Celebrates 30 Years
The new interiors, which improve cabin comfort and functionality, are immediately available and customer deliveries have begun.
Aircraft
Mooney Reveals M10 to U.S. Market
M10T is a fixed-gear, composite trainer; M10J has more luxury, amenities and a higher-horsepower engine.
Engines
Superior Developing Gemini Diesel Aircraft Engines
The 100-hp Gemini 100, intended for light sport aircraft, will be the first in the new engine family to be fielded by Superior.
Aircraft
New Piper M-Class Makes Public Debut
Company is displaying production copies of the M350 and M500 at its static display, while the M600 is being represented in mockup form
