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.

Business Aviation Services Editor

Curt Epstein

Special mission aircraft systems integrator Avcon Industries has delivered its first Beechcraft King Air modified for mosquito control. The King Air B200—delivered to Florida’s Lee County Mosquito Control District—integrates the Butler National subsidiary’s engineering expertise with existing fluid dispersal technology for large-area control of mosquitoes, which have become a significant concern in the state.
The modifications to the turboprop twin involved the addition of a removable external under-fuselage pod, electric pump, aerodynamic fairings, and dispersal booms.
“The King Air B200 provides an excellent platform for this mission, and the solution developed by our team creates an opportunity to support similar mosquito-control and airborne dispersal requirements for other operators,” said Avcon president Marcus Abendroth. “By leveraging the versatility of the King Air platform, we are installing a flexible solution that enables rapid, large-scale mosquito mitigation in support of disease and pest prevention efforts.”
The Kansas-based company performs special mission aircraft modifications serving many segments, including business aviation; search and rescue; atmospheric research; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; forestry; and air ambulance markets.

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.

Avcon Delivers Airborne Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

The Kansas-based company specializes in modifying airframes

Avcon has delivered its first King Air modified to aid in the fight against an airborne pest.

Avcon Delivers Aerial Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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C&L Aerospace Tapped for Challenger Flutter Damper Mx

Kerry Lynch

MRO’s Lincoln facility expects to bring work online in early 2027

Duncan Aviation Authorized for Honeywell APU Repairs

Matt Thurber

Bombardier capabilities add to long-standing Gulfstream services in California

StandardAero’s Van Nuys Base Adds Mx for Global Jets

Parts manufacturer Resurgent Aviation Solutions will close on August 31

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Richard Pedicini

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.

Region is not a monolith, so it requires a country-by-country approach

Synerjet Navigates Latin America’s Growing Bizav Market

Amy Wilder

Time-critical missions leave little room for maintenance delays

Thornton Aviation Backs Sea Aviation Transplant Fleet

Charlotte Bailey

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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