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

Piper Aircraft’s <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2015-04-13/piper-launches-new-m600-and-m350-models" target="_blank">three new M-Class airplanes</a> that were launched last week—the M350 piston and M500 and M600 turboprops—are making their public debut this week at the Sun ’n’ Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Fla. The company is displaying production copies of the M350 and M500 at its static display (MD-018C and-019B), while the M600 is being represented in mockup form since none of the three M600 prototypes could be sidelined from flight-testing, a Piper spokeswoman told AIN.

 


The M500, an upgraded Meridian with Garmin G1000 avionics and new interior, arrived in time to be displayed yesterday, the opening day of Sun ’n’ Fun. However, the appearance of the first production M350 was delayed until last night because weather earlier this week set back an FAA validation flight required before the airplane could be flown to the show. Meanwhile, the three M600s, which combined have logged about 800 hours during 470 flights, are engaged in FAA flight testing at Piper’s nearby Vero Beach, Fla. headquarters, precluding them from even performing a fly-by during the show. The M600 is expected to receive FAA certification in the fourth quarter.

 


In other news, the Piper Archer DX diesel piston single obtained its FAA approval last week, following an EASA nod last year. Piper Aircraft also announced an order yesterday at the show for three Piper Seminole piston twins from the UND Aerospace Foundation, which provides training and aircraft for the University of North Dakota's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. UND’s Seminoles will be delivered in July.

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.

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

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

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

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Twin pusherprop aircraft is being used to train military pilots

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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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