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

After a five-year legal debate, Austrian aviation services provider International Jet Management (IJM) has prevailed against German authorities in a “precedent-setting ruling” by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).


At issue was a German protectionist regulation that forced foreign operators of flights inbound from a non-EU country to apply for permission three days in advance, as well as provide proof that no Germany-based competitor would make that flight. Without such evidence, which often could not be gathered in the time allotted, the authorities would impose fines against the operator if the flight were conducted.


In 2009 IJM launched a protest against the penalties, and in 2011 the High Regional Court of Braunschweig referred the case to the ECJ, the highest court in the European Union in matters of EU law, for a preliminary ruling. Last month, the court ruled that EU law supersedes the German regulations requiring authorization for an established business in another member state to provide services in Germany; therefore, the fines imposed on IJM and others were not justified under its interpretation of EU treaty article 18, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of nationality.

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.

EU Court Strikes Down German Foreign Charter Provision

At issue was a German protectionist regulation forcing foreign operators of inbound flights from non-EU country departure points to apply for permission.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

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.

NATA is advising FBOs to coordinate with operators on changes

TSA Finalizes Security Updates for Part 380 Operations

Duffy served in the House from 2011 to 2019 as a Republican representing a district in Wisconsin

Sean Duffy Receives Bipartisan Support for Top DOT Post

AmyWilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

VFR and UAS operations suspended, special rules and ASOC coordination in place January 20

FAA Issuing Temporary Flight Restrictions for Inauguration

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

NBAA urged quick confirmation

Senate Panel To Hold Duffy Hearing for Top DOT Post

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.

Noncompliance could result in steep fines

New UK ETA Rules Mean Compliance Changes for Operators

Agency needs more time to go live with online portal for U.S. agent of service designation

FAA Delays U.S. Agent Deadline for Foreign Entities

Matt Thurber

Protecting tribal lands and practices is a goal of the air tour management plan

FAA and Park Service Ending Canyon de Chelly Air Tours

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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