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 U.S. Supreme Court yesterday declined to hear Flytenow’s appeal of an FAA legal interpretation that effectively shut down its website, which connected pilots with potential passengers who would share expenses on pre-planned Part 91 flights. The FAA had determined that pilots who solicit passengers using the website are “common carriers” and subject to commercial transportation requirements.


“The Supreme Court missed an opportunity today to correct an error made by the FAA and lower courts,” said Jon Riches, the director of national litigation and general counsel for the Goldwater Institute and the attorney representing Flytenow. Besides arguing that Flytenow was legal under flight cost-sharing provisions in FAR 61.113(c), Riches also framed it as a First Amendment issue.


NATA, which has opposed flight-sharing sites such as Flytenow, said it was not surprised by the decision. “The Supreme Court did not grant cert in this matter because it is neither a novel question of law nor are there any disputes between the lower courts as to the FAA’s interpretation of the Flytenow model,” said NATA president Martin Hiller. “The Flytenow application is nothing more than old wine in a new bottle.”


However, the issue might not yet be fully settled. Rep. Mark Sanford (R-South Carolina) has sponsored legislation that would authorize internet-facilitated flight-cost-sharing.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

U.S. Supreme Court Declines To Hear Flytenow Case

The FAA had determined that pilots who solicit passengers using the website are “common carriers” and subject to commercial transportation requirements.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

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.

Jet card buyers might not have any recompense for their investments

Broker ONEflight Pauses Charter Sales Activity

Hanneke Weitering

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

Ceremony scheduled for September 30 at 5 p.m.

FlyExclusive Ribbon-cutting Set for Raleigh Headquarters

Charlotte Bailey

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

As a manic Mediterranean peak season ends, European charter demand remains robust 

Charter Operators Navigate Europe’s Summer Slot Scramble 

Amy Wilder

Founder’s daughter remains part of ownership group

NW Missouri Aero Group Acquires ATD Flight Systems

Complaint centered on raising issues in briefs to preserve them

Court Denies Review Petition for Nicholas Air Pilot Case

Previous limits made it difficult to book flights across the Tasman Sea, which lies between Australia and New Zealand

NZ CAA Approves Navair for Unlimited Charter Access

Social media helping drive demand for new experiences as Middle East market still weak

Luxaviation Meets Charter Demand for New Destinations

Charles Alcock

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.

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.

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