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

If you have ever wanted to own one of the jets formerly owned by the late Elvis Presley but missed out on the past several auctions, you will once again get your opportunity.
While two of the five aircraft Presley reportedly owned, a Convair 880 and a 1960 Lockheed JetStar, have been restored and are on display at his Graceland mansion and museum in Memphis, Tennesee, a second JetStar of 1962 vintage that the “King of Rock and Roll” purchased in 1976, just a year before his death, is <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2017-05-24/elvis-presley-jetstar-being-auctioned-again?amp">once again</a> on the auction block.
According to transportation specialist Mecum Auctions, which will feature the aircraft in its Kissimmee, Florida auction starting on January 4, the JetStar—which has lost its engines along with some of the cockpit instrumentation—has been parked in the New Mexico desert at the Roswell International Air Center for the past several decades. While none of the missing parts will be replaced, the auction does include documentation such as a copy of the aircraft security agreement document signed by Elvis Presley, a copy of the aircraft bill of sale showing its 1976 purchase price of $840,000 and official FAA Blue Ribbon documents.
The aircraft’s cabin is furnished with custom red velvet upholstery and gold-finished hardware and features the latest technology of the time, including a microwave oven, television, and a then-cutting-edge VCR player.

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.

Private Jet owned by Elvis Presley Hits the Auction Block Again

A Lockheed Jetstar, one of two once owned by the late Elvis Presley, will feature in an auction in January.

Elvis's Jet Hits the Auction Block Again

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Jessica Reed

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.

People in Aviation

People In Aviation

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.

Next delivery for BACN program slated for 2025

Bombardier's USAF BACN Global Jet Deliveries Reach Eight

Milestone reached two years after the latest version entered service

Bombardier's Challenger 3500 Reaches 100th Delivery

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Garmin's Autoland feature could save lives if a pilot becomes incapacitated 

Textron Cessna Citation CJ4, CJ3, and M2 Jets Updated to Gen3 with Garmin Autoland

Charles Alcock

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.

Hybrid-electric aircraft will operate in VTOL or STOL modes with range of up to around 544 nm

Manta Turns to China's Shenyang Aviation To Advance VTOL/STOL Aircraft

Sarah Rose

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.

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.

Fastest single-engine aircraft in Piper’s history gets nods from EASA and other agencies

M700 Fury Racks Up Foreign Certifications

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.

More In Aircraft

People In Aviation

People in Aviation

Bombardier's USAF BACN Global Jet Deliveries Reach Eight

Next delivery for BACN program slated for 2025

Bombardier's Challenger 3500 Reaches 100th Delivery

Milestone reached two years after the latest version entered service

Textron Cessna Citation CJ4, CJ3, and M2 Jets Updated to Gen3 with Garmin Autoland

Garmin's Autoland feature could save lives if a pilot becomes incapacitated

Manta Turns to China's Shenyang Aviation To Advance VTOL/STOL Aircraft

Hybrid-electric aircraft will operate in VTOL or STOL modes with range of up to around 544 nm

M700 Fury Racks Up Foreign Certifications

Fastest single-engine aircraft in Piper’s history gets nods from EASA and other agencies

FAI Rent-a-jet Nominated for ITIJ Air Ambulance Award

Marks the operator's sixth nomination for the International Travel & Health Insurance Journal (ITIJ) Awards

Textron Aviation Ships 41 Bizjets in 3Q Despite Strike

Four-week strike will affect aircraft deliveries in the fourth quarter

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