Chad Trautvetter
Online Editor
Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group. He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion, the 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 magazine, he joined 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.
Latest from Chad Trautvetter
Aircraft
AIN Blog: Bizav OEMs Must Go Bold or Just Go Home
Business aircraft manufacturers' future survival could very well rest on them announcing bold plans at NBAA 2011.
Goodrich Acquires Winslow Life Raft
Goodrich yesterday completed its acquisition of Lake Suzy, Fla.-based Winslow Marine Products, a provider of life rafts to the business aviation
Signature Adds Affiliate Program for FBOs
Signature Flight Support launched a new program, dubbed Signature Select, that allows independent FBOs to use its same systems, service and safety
Helicopter Crashes in East River with Five On Board
The NTSB has launched a Go-Team to investigate the crash of a Bell 206 tour helicopter into the East River in New York City.
Rotorcraft
Sikorsky X2 Test Pilot Recognized
Kevin Bredenbeck, the pilot who flew Sikorsky’s X2 technology demonstrator last year to an unofficial speed record for conventional helicopters
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Milestone To Finance $80M of CHC's Helicopters
CHC Helicopter and aircraft leasing firm Milestone Aviation Group announced an $80 million contract today.
Knebel Tapped as Embraer's VP for Bizjet Sales
Embraer today named industry veteran Robert Knebel its vice president of executive aircraft sales for the U.S., Canada and Caribbean.
Airports
FAA Approves STL's Airport Noise Program
The FAA approved the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport’s noise compatibility program following a two-year noise study.
Gulfstream Names Neal as VP of Marketing and Sales
Gulfstream announced its appointment of Scott Neal as vice president of sales and marketing.
Charter & Fractional
Avantair Trims Office Staff
Avantair has laid off about 20 employees, mostly at its FBOs that it owns and operates, but also some marketing staff.
Jetcraft Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Jetcraft, which provides sales, acquisitions, trading and brokerage services of business aircraft, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Charter & Fractional
Acana To Hold Charter/Broker Seminar at NBAA Convention
The Air Charter Association of North America (Acana) will hold a forum on charter legalities at NBAA 2011.
Regulations and Government
AOPA Member Starts Online Petition Against Aviation User Fees
AOPA member Kevin Mossey started an online petition on September 23 to get the Obama Administration to take aviation user fees off the table.
Charter & Fractional
O'Neill Out, Schultz In as CitationAir Chief
Bill Schultz, currently executive vice president and COO of CitationAir, took over as president and CEO of the private air services company.
Engines
Hawker 800XPR Obtains EASA Blessing
Hawker Beechcraft received EASA approval for the Hawker 800XPR yesterday, just weeks after receiving certification from the FAA.
Aircraft
Quest Kodiak Completes Latin American Demo Tour
A Quest Aircraft Kodiak today completed a three-week demonstration tour in Brazil, the Caribbean and other Latin American countries.
Aircraft
Boeing Philadelphia Employees Busted in Prescription Drug Sting
DEA and FBI agents yesterday arrested 22 employees and former employees of Boeing’s Ridley Park, Pa.
FBOs
Sheltair To Operate Iconic FBO at JFK Airport
Sheltair signed a lease agreement yesterday with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to manage and operate the general aviation facility at John F.
Regulations and Government
Court Showdown Over Barr Repeal To Start December 2
Court hearings will start December 2 in the lawsuit filed by
Bolen Touts GA’s Positive Trade Balance for U.S.
In testimony yesterday to the U.S.
Regulations and Government
EBAA Seeks Fair Access to European Airports
While EBAA praised the European Commission’s initiative to revise the regulation on airport slots today at the European Airport Coordinators Association’s
JetNet: Pre-owned Bizjet Prices, Transactions Climbing
“For the first time this year, some long-anticipated good news came for pre-owned business jet retail sale transactions,” JetNet said yesterday.
Regulations and Government
26 Groups Urge Congress to Reject Aviation User Fees
Twenty-six aviation and labor associations representing virtually the entire U.S.
JPMorgan: Bizjet Deliveries To Rise 20 Percent in 2012
According to JPMorgan North American Equity Research’s latest business jet monthly report, business jet deliveries will remain flat this year at about 549
United Technologies To Acquire Goodrich for $18.4B
United Technologies, the parent company of engine maker Pratt & Whitney Canada and helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky, reached an agreement yesterday to
Business Aviation Flight Activity Levels Off
Business aircraft flight activity in the U.S.
Avionics
Garmin Unveils iPad-esque Aviation Navigation Devices
Garmin unveiled its aera 795 and 796 portable aviation navigation devices yesterday.
NBAA Touts Strong Lineup for Convention Opening Session
With less than 30 days until the 2011 NBAA Convention takes place in Las Vegas, NBAA announced yesterday an “outstanding” lineup of featured speakers at th
Regulations and Government
House DOT Appropriations Bill Supports Barr Program
Yesterday NBAA welcomed language in a congressional appropriations bill that would preserve the Block Aircraft Registration Request (Barr) program.
