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
SmartSky To Launch Airborne 4G Data Service in 2016
SmartSky 4G will provide more than 10 times the typical speed and capacity of networks currently in the market.
Avionics
Honeywell, Jeppesen Introduce Cloud-based Flight Data Updates for Primus Epic and Apex Avionics
New service eliminates physical delivery of critical flight data updates, allowing users to download the updates from anywhere.
ATC
FAA Expects Chicago Center To Begin ‘Regular Operations’ on Sunday Night
Chicago Center is still expecting to use numerous traffic management initiatives early next week during the transition.
Charter & Fractional
Wheels Up Taps Four Hundred To Provide Its Clients with Luxury Concierge Services
Service will allow Wheels Up customers to access sought-after restaurants, sports events, concerts and clubs around the world.
Maintenance and Modifications
Rockwell Collins Signs 1,500th Aircraft in Its Corporate Aircraft Service Program
Milestone agreement was coordinated by Germany-based Rheinland Air Service.
Despite Ukraine Crisis, Bizav Flying Climbs in Europe
Business aircraft flights in Europe managed a 0.1-percent year-over-year gain in September, to 63,068 departures.
Survey: Bizjets Used for Time Efficiency, Not Luxury
“Save time” was the number-one reason for using business aviation, followed by “ability to use airports that airlines don’t serve.”
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
SterlingRisk Now Offers Air Charter Revenue Protection
Insurance product covers air charter revenue losses stemming from unscheduled maintenance and cancelled flights.
ATC
FAA’s NextGen Program Leader To Speak at NBAA Convention
This will be the first industry event at which Bolton provides a roadmap for further NextGen development.
Charter & Fractional
California’s Surf Air To Expand Service to Carlsbad and Oakland
Surf Air is expanding service to Carlsbad, Calif., beginning November 18 and Oakland, Calif., beginning December 15.
Avionics
Garmin Angle of Attack Indicator for Genav Aircraft Is Now Being Shipped
System displays safety-enhancing AOA and audible alerts throughout critical phases of flight.
Charter & Fractional
GrandView Aviation Broadens Air Charter Services
Services now include worldwide-brokered helicopter and jet flights, as well as helicopter fleet management.
Avionics
Marshall Aerospace To Develop Fans 1/A+ Solution for Bombardier Challenger 604
The solution will be available as a Bombardier Service Bulletin.
U.S. Aircraft Insurance Rates Appear Unaffected by Foreign Airliner Losses
Insurance broker said U.S. aircraft operators and many of their reinsurers “have dodged major bullets” in terms of any effect on U.S. policyholders.
Aircraft
Cessna Boosts Range of Citation Latitude
Cessna Aircraft announced improvements in expected aircraft range and runway performance for the twinjet.
Airports
Leesburg Executive Airport To Test Saab Remote Tower
The trial will take place at Leesburg (Va.) Airport, which currently has no tower, next summer.
NBAA Pins Down Locations for 2015 Bizav Regional Forums
Regional forums offer some of the benefits of NBAA’s annual convention in convenient locations across the U.S.
Engines
Williams, Rolls-Royce Tie for Best Bizjet Engine Support
In rankings for turboprop support, Honeywell retained the number-one position.
FBOs
Hawthorne Acquires Wisconsin FBO, Bringing Chain to Five Facilities
The Hawthorne Eau Claire FBO has a newly renovated passenger terminal complete with passenger and pilot lounges.
Delaware Governor On Slate for Second-day Opening Session at NBAA 2014
Gov. Jack Markell will also participate in an “aviation-related announcement” later that afternoon at the Delaware River & Bay Authority.
Aircraft
Airbus Backs Aerion To Take AS2 Supersonic Business Jet to Market
Under the agreement, both companies will exchange knowledge and capabilities in aircraft design, manufacturing and certification.
ATC
FAA Reviews Security following Chicago Center Sabotage
“Criminal action by a contractor knocked out communications equipment” at the FAA air route traffic control center.
Regulations and Government
NBAA: Bizav Must Remain Vigilant as FAA Renewal Nears
Next year will bring a new U.S. Congress and a debate about reauthorization of the FAA.
ATC
Mexico Now Allowing Direct-filed APIS Manifests
The manifest must be emailed within 24 hours of departure and resubmitted 30 minutes before takeoff to confirm the flight.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Heerdt Tapped To Lead Lufthansa Technik’s VIP Division
He headed the German company’s marketing and sales department since 2003.
Aircraft
Dassault Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Falcon 900 First Flight
Dassault has delivered 160 Falcon 900s and 900Bs.
Aircraft
Bombardier Hands Over First EASA-registered Learjet 75
Delivery follows EASA approval for the Learjet 70 and 75 on September 12.
Airports
Granite Aviation Open for Business at Sandpoint Airport
New $1.6 million facility features a 3,700-sq-ft private air terminal, 7,000-sq-ft hangar and 171,000-sq-ft ramp.
NBAA/CAN Land High-value Auction Items for Soirée
Auction will include sports memorabilia, ski getaway packages, jet fuel, watches and aircraft models.
