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

“Even in a down cycle [the general aviation industry] still creates $4.9 billion in <a href="?q=node/25956">exports</a>. That’s extraordinary,” DOT Secretary Ray LaHood told more than 2,000 general aviation workers, elected officials and industry leaders gathered in Wichita yesterday for a GA rally hosted at Cessna Aircraft’s campus. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) organized the event in partnership with Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft, Bombardier Learjet and other Kansas-based GA suppliers. LaHood, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) all recognized general aviation’s impact on the state, as well as the U.S. The GA industry contributes more than $7 billion annually to the state’s economy, and GAMA member companies employ more than 17,000 Kansans. Nationwide, the industry supports 1.2 million jobs and contributes more than $150 billion to the economy. LaHood also noted in his speech the general aviation industry is one of only a few in the U.S. that has a positive trade balance. “The fabric of general aviation touches thousands of communities across North America and is rapidly expanding to all parts of the world,” GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce said. “This industry is an economic engine of growth and needs to be promoted and nurtured by our elected officials at every opportunity.”

DOT Secretary Joins GA Rally in Wichita

“Even in a down cycle [the general aviation industry] still creates $4.9 billion in <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/aviatio

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