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
Cessna Citation X+ Certification Pending
Flight testing of the super-midsize jet concluded in late April.
FlightSafety and Satcom Direct Team on Satcom Training
Curriculum delves into the inner workings of aircraft communications equipment, including how the satellite functions.
Aircraft
Sikorsky Rolls Out Heavy-lift CH-53K Helicopter
The mostly composite helicopter–dubbed the “King Stallion”–will fly by year-end, with operational service expected in 2019.
Charter & Fractional
Elit’Avia Obtains Aircraft Operator Certificate from Malta
Elit’Avia has a fleet of 15 aircraft that serves clients worldwide.
Regulations and Government
Aviation Groups Mourn Loss of Congressman Jim Oberstar
He was a staunch advocate for general aviation who represented Minnesota’s 8th district, which includes Cirrus Aircraft.
Regulations and Government
Aviation Groups Back Senate Aviation Security Bills
One bill would streamline the TSA’s acquisition process and the other would establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee.
Dassault Falcon 5X Coming Together Quickly
Center fuselage section for the first 5X has been joined and full fuselage will be completed this summer.
Rotorcraft
Robinson R66 Receives European Nod
Robinson said it is now able to begin delivering R66s in its current backlog of European orders.
Regulations and Government
FAA OKs Second UAS Site in U.S.
University of Alaska can now use a small UAS for animal surveys at its test range in Fairbanks.
Price Floor Elusive as Used Bizcraft Inventory Shrinks
Inventory of used business jets fell 1 percent year-over-year, to 12.1 percent, the third lowest since 2005.
Jeppesen To Support AOPA’s Educational Efforts
Jeppesen will support and participate in AOPA Foundation Air Safety Institute seminars and AOPA Fly-Ins.
Regulations and Government
Court Rules That Part 91 Operators Can Apply “Age 65 Rule” to Their Pilots
The EEOC sued ExxonMobil, alleging that the company discriminated against pilots when it forced them to retire at age 60.
For Right Buyers, Aircraft Financing Still Readily Available
Buyers with good credit can still obtain financing for business aircraft, as long as the asset is less than 20 years old.
Business Jet Analysts Provide Promising Market Outlook for 2014 and Beyond
Some long awaited good news for a beleaguered industry.
Embraer Revenues, Profits Climb in 1Q14
At its Executive Jets division, first-quarter revenue soared to $267.4 million, up from $175.3 million a year ago.
Learjet 85 Prototype Flying with Structural Health Monitoring System
System installed by Bombardier on the left and right panels of the aircraft’s composite vertical stabilizer.
Rotorcraft
At Textron, Aviation Segment Rises, but Bell Slips
Textron’s aviation division delivered 35 Cessna Citations and eight King Airs during the first quarter, while Bell shipped 34 helicopters.
Rotorcraft
CAE and Lider Aviaçao Team on S-92 Pilot Training in São Paulo
The S-92 training program under the joint venture will support flight training for all of Lider’s S-92 pilots.
Rotorcraft
Air Medical Group Opts for HeliSAS Autopilots for its Fleet of 210 Helicopters
Two-axis autopilot and stability augmentation systems will be installed in its fleet of helicopters over the next three years.
After Mounting Delays, Learjet 85 Flies
The Bombardier Learjet 85 prototype - designated as flight-test vehicle one - successfully completed its maiden flight on April 9.
Regulations and Government
FAA Teams with Genav Groups on Aviation Weather Safety
Safety campaign website will feature monthly weather topics such as turbulence, thunderstorms, icing, crosswinds and pilot resources.
Argus SMS Software Now Includes Aircrew Fatigue Meter
Aviation fatigue meter was developed and backed by years of research by leading sleep and fatigue specialists.
Student Day at ABACE 2014 Deemed a Success
Approximately 100 Chinese aviation university students were welcomed to ABACE 2014 on Student Day.
FlightSafety Building New Training Center in Columbus
Construction of the new facility will be completed in two phases.
Airbus Group Publicly Flies All-electric Aircraft Demonstrator
The all-composite, electric E-Fan training aircraft is a technology experimental demonstrator.
Regulations and Government
FAA Prohibits Flights over Crimea and Surrounding Areas
The FAA said the rule was prompted by the Russian Federation’s issuance of a notam on March 28 “purporting to establish unilaterally a new FIR.”
Charter & Fractional
Mesinger Jet Sales To Assist Royal Jet with Fleet Renewal
Mesinger Jet Sales will help Royal Jet with the acquisition of the newer aircraft, as well as disposal of the three older jets.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Honeywell and AT&T Team on 4G Broadband in the Sky
AT&T’s national 4G network has download speeds ranging from 16.65 to 66.11 Mbps and upload speeds of 7.43 Mbps.
Corporate Angel Network Flies 45,000th Cancer Patient
Flight carried 22-year-old patient Todd Blake home to Central Florida after treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma at Columbia University in New York City.
