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
Maintenance and Modifications
Raisbeck Starts Flight-testing Composite Swept Propeller Blades for King Air 350
New propellers will be formally introduced at the NBAA Convention next month.
Maintenance and Modifications
Gulfstream Paints a Bright Future at Savannah
The new paint hangar will support the company’s growing aircraft refurbishment work.
Aeronautical Sciences Council Recognizes Honda Aircraft Leader Fujino
Fujino recognized for his “pioneering contributions” in the design and development of the HondaJet and its over-the-wing engine mount configuration.
Maintenance and Modifications
Hangar8: Paint Respray Lifts Pre-owned Aircraft Values
The cost of a respray is around 1 percent of the aircraft’s value, but could increase its value by up to 10 percent.
Registration Closing Soon for Bombardier’s Free Safety Standdown
This year’s theme is “attention control techniques.”
Business Aircraft Flying Continues Ascent in August
Activity in the U.S. rose for the ninth straight month, climbing 0.9 percent last month versus a year ago.
USAIG Adds Aircare Training, Service To Performance Vector
Addition includes the company’s Facts Training aircrew emergency procedures courses and mission safety and telemedical support services.
NBAA To Bestow Blouin, Stine with Staff Lifetime Awards
The two will be recognized during NBAA’s annual awards luncheon on Tuesday, October 21.
Avionics Sales Rise 6.8 Percent, Top $1.3B in 1H14
Of second-quarter avionics sales, 51.7 percent was for forward-fit avionics, while 48.8 percent was for retrofit avionics.
Garmin GFC 700 Autopilot Approved for Quest Kodiak
Deliveries of Kodiaks equipped with the Garmin GFC 700 will begin in the fourth quarter.
Embraer Opens Engineering/Tech Center in Florida
The facility will conduct engineering and development activities for both product and technology development across Embraer’s business lines.
Regulations and Government
FAA Selects Four Unleaded Aviation Fuels for Phase One Testing
The goal is for government and industry to work together to have a new unleaded aviation fuel by 2018.
NBAA To Launch Young Business Aviation Professionals Program at Annual Convention
Program will help sustain the talent pipeline and nurture newcomers to the industry.
Aircraft
FAA Approves Garmin G3000-equipped Citation CJ3+
This approval marks the first changeover from the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 system to the G3000 avionics in the current CJ series.
Helicopter Lessor Milestone Aviation Plans To Go Public, Issue Stock
No date for the IPO has been set, nor has any valuation been placed on shares to be offered.
Poor Weather Hampers Search for TBM900 Wreckage
The pilot of a TBM900 that crashed in the Caribbean Sea had requested a sudden descent to FL180.
EASA Gives Nod to Bombardier Challenger 350
Follows similar approvals from Transport Canada and the U.S. FAA in June.
Maintenance and Modifications
Collins Pro Line Fusion Upgrade Coming for Pro Line II-equipped King Air 350s
Retrofit delivers a NextGen-capable avionics system with three interchangeable 14-inch touchscreen flight displays.
European Bizav Flying Still Affected by Ukraine Crisis
There were 61,831 business aircraft departures in Europe last month, down 3 percent from a year ago.
Regulations and Government
GAMA Praises European Parliament Committee Vote Opposing Cuts at EASA
“Damaging resource cuts” to the EASA could have affected its ability to certify new aviation products, GAMA said.
Air BP To Bolster Nordic Presence with SFR Aviation Buy
The deal will add some 73 new airports in the Nordic countries and Northern Europe to Air BP’s network.
New Gulfstream Senior V-P To Focus on Asia-Pacific
Leda Chong is responsible for business development, strategic planning and government relations within the Asia-Pacific region.
NTSB Acting Chairman Hart To Speak at NBAA Convention Opener
Attendees will hear his thoughts and perspectives on safety issues affecting the business aviation industry.
Maintenance and Modifications
Next-Gen LoPresti BoomBeam HID Lights Now Available for Cessna Citations
Lights can be installed at a service center or by operators’ own maintenance departments and carry a five-year/5,000-hour warranty on the kit components.
Maintenance and Modifications
Jet Aviation Moscow Vnukovo To Bolster Inventory of Bombardier Bizjet Spare Parts
Move follows an initial parts agreement signed in 2012 between Bombardier and Jet Aviation’s line maintenance and AOG facility in Moscow.
Maintenance and Modifications
Rockwell Collins To Double Size of Brazil Service Center
Rockwell Collins do Brazil supports military and civil aircraft operators and manufacturers with avionics and aircraft systems and services.
Baker Aviation Now Exclusive Distributor for Hot-Stop L Fire Containment Bags
Company is offering a $100 surrender rebate for competing fire containment bags at time of purchase of a new Hot-Stop bag.
Regulations and Government
NBAA: IRS Intensifies Scrutiny of Misclassified Workers
GAO says misclassified workers are costing the IRS $4 billion a year in lost tax revenue.
