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

The <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-04-15/kestrel-eclipse-aerospace-merge-form-one-aviation" target="_blank">formation last week of One Aviation</a>, the combination of Eclipse Aerospace and Kestrel Aircraft, “provided an exit strategy” for Sikorsky Aircraft, which held a <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2011-02-03/sikorsky-takes-minority-stake-eclipse-aerospace">“minority equity investment” in Eclipse</a> since February 2010, One Aviation chairman Mason Holland said today at Sun ’n’ Fun 2015. “Sikorsky is no longer a shareholder,” he confirmed, adding that Eclipse also decided to bring Eclipse 550 fuselage and tail production in-house from Sikorsky subsidiary PZL Mielec.

 


Explaining the reasoning for the merger of Eclipse and Kestrel, One Aviation CEO Alan Klapmeier said the arrangement will allow for a “rational business structure.” As such, Eclipse and Kestrel will be able to realize several synergies, including supply chain, sales, marketing and leadership, among others.

 


The company will now focus on sales and marketing of the E550 very light jet, with a view to expanding beyond the owner-pilot market to include corporate aviation, air limo and ab initio and military training. Holland maintains that the Eclipse 550 is “underrated and underappreciated.” Meanwhile, One Aviation will continue work on the in-development all-composite KA350 turboprop single at its engineering center in Superior, Wis. Its service center and "skunk works" will remain in Chicago, and it also has a "presence" in Maine. Holland said One Aviation is a global company and will eventually have facilities "overseas."

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.

One Aviation Provided 'Exit Strategy' for Sikorsky

Eclipse also decided to bring Eclipse 550 fuselage and tail production in-house from Sikorsky subsidiary PZL Mielec.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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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.

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Joseph Carfagna Jr.

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Ultra-long-range model has amassed 75 records, many from customer trips

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We talk through the process from conception to delivery

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Hanneke Weitering

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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

Sun 'n Fun 2015

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