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
China’s CAAC OKs Cessna Citation XLS+
Cessna Aircraft received Civil Aviation Administration of China certification for the Citation XLS+, clearing the way for deliveries in China.
Cessna Logs Caravan Fleet Order from Chinese Company
Reignwood Group agreed to acquire the amphibian turboprop singles through the Cessna-Avic Shijiazhuang facility.
With Beechcraft Deal Done, Textron Folds Cessna and Beech into Textron Aviation
The merged company forms the industry’s largest global service network of company-owned, authorized and mobile service solutions.
Gama Opens Representative Office in Middle East
GAMA announced the opening of a representative office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region this week.
Learjet 85 Makes Long-awaited Maiden Flight
The Bombardier Learjet 85 completed its maiden flight on April 9, marking the beginning of the all-composite midsize jet’s flight-test program.
Pilatus Revenues Exceed $1 Billion for First Time
For the first time in its 75-year history, Pilatus Aircraft exceeded $1 billion in revenues last year.
Cessna Marks Delivery of 100th Grand Caravan EX
Abu Dhabi customer takes delivery of Cessna Aircraft’s 100th Grand Caravan EX.
Business Aircraft Flying Continues Slow Climb
Business aircraft flying continued its positive streak so far this year, with activity climbing 1.1 percent year-over-year in March.
FlightSafety To Offer Legacy 650 Training at Paris Learning Center
Early next year, FlightSafety International will provide Embraer Legacy 650 training at its learning center at Paris Le Bourget Airport.
Charter & Fractional
NetJets China Set To Launch Mid-year
NetJets is preparing to launch its NetJets China business in the middle of this year, by which time it expects to receive Chinese government approval.
Maintenance and Modifications
Gulfstream Realigns Product Support Organization
Gulfstream Aerospace realigned its product support organization to “enhance the customer experience” and position the division for growth.
Rockwell Collins To Offer Fans 1/A Upgrade Path for Dassault Falcon 50EX, 2000 and 2000EX
Rockwell Collins announced an upgrade path for Fans 1/A capability in Dassault Falcon 50EXs, 2000s and 2000EXs.
China’s Appetite for Large Bizjets To Continue
China’s preference for larger, longer-range business jets will continue, according to market analyst Brian Foley.
Regulations and Government
FAA OKs Jeppesen EFB Solutions on the iPad mini
The FAA is allowing the Apple iPad mini paired with Jeppesen EFB solutions to be used in cockpits at commercial aircraft operators.
Former International Aero Engines Exec To Head Flight Safety Foundation
Jon Beatty, the former president and CEO of International Aero Engines, will take over as the new president and CEO at the Flight Safety Foundation.
Euro Business Aviation Flight Activity Rebounds in Q1
Business aviation flying in Europe last month climbed 22 percent month-over-month and 2.1 percent year-over-year, according to WingX Advance.
Dassault Falcon 2000 and 2000LXS Cleared for London City Operations
The Dassault Falcon 2000S and 2000LXS received approval to operate at London City Airport, which has a steep 5.5-degree approach.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Amac Wins ACJ319 Completions Project for Asian Client
Switzerland-based business aircraft maintenance and completions firm Amac Aerospace was awarded its first completion contract from an Asia-based client.
FDA Launches HR Services Program for Flight Departments
Flight Dept Advantage launched a program that relieves aircraft owners of all direct obligations related to payroll taxes, benefits and workers comp.
AKG Breaks into Aviation Market with AV100 Active Noise-cancelling Aircraft Headset
The AV100 uses hybrid active noise-cancelling technology and signal processing to attenuate the specific frequencies inside an airplane.
Garmin Adds Euro FliteCharts
The charts provide georeferenced aircraft position overlays on the approach charts.
Boeing BBJ Max Logs Launch Order
An existing BBJ customer placed an order for a BBJ Max 8.
Charter & Fractional
Argus Updates Aircraft Operator Audit Standards
Updates include lessons learned from thousands of Argus audits.
MyGoFlight, IMC Club Team on Electronic Flight Bag Challenge
Knowledge contest aims to study and advance the use of low-cost tablets, such as the iPad, as EFBs.
Charter & Fractional
NetJets Begins Demo Tour of Bombardier Challenger 350
The fractional operator will take delivery of the first Challenger 350 this summer.
Regulations and Government
FAA Rethinks Sleep Apnea Proposal for Pilots
The FAA announced revised draft guidelines for dealing with pilots at risk of having obstructive sleep apnea.
Regulations and Government
FAA To Consider Third-Class Medical Exemptions for Private Pilots
Industry groups have pushed for such an exemption for some time.
Kitbuilder Quicksilver Names New Sales Director
Cesar Diaz Perez will serve as the company’s sales director.
Embraer Delivered 300th Phenom 100
Embraer Executive Jets delivered the 300th Phenom 100 earlier this week to Laticínios Bela Vista, an agribusiness company in Central Brazil.
Combined Cessna/Beechcraft Makes First Public Appearance
The piston lines at the companies "mesh well, with no overlap," said Joe Hepburn, Textron's v-p for pistons.
