Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;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&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;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.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Cessna started full assembly-line flow on the Citation Latitude at its manufacturing facilities in Wichita, the company announced yesterday. Assembly of the midsize business jet includes several technological advancements, according to Cessna, such as the use of new automated robotics and ergonomically friendly tooling stations.


“We are not only bringing technological advances to the design of our new products, but also to the way we manufacture [them],” said Scott Ernest, CEO of parent Textron Aviation. “The Latitude is a perfect example of combining a new design with many of the latest advances in manufacturing technology.”


The first aircraft off the production line will be the fourth flight-test Latitude to participate in the certification program. To date, two Latitudes–a prototype and a production example–have logged 100 flights and 230 hours. A third Latitude–the second production aircraft–was mated to its wing last month and is slated to join the flight-test fleet this summer.


The Latitude prototype flew for the first time in February, and the first production copy joined the flight-test fleet last month. FAA certification is on track for the second quarter of next year.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Cessna Spools Up Citation Latitude Production Line

Assembly of the midsize business jet includes several technological advancements, according to Cessna, such as the use of new automated robotics and ergono

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Since October, the group has spent 750 hours on the effort

Learjet Restoration Project To Move into NDT Phase

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Pilots can enjoy modern safety enhancements in a 1930's-inspired package.

With a Design Refresh, Junkers Aircraft A50 and A60 Still Honor Germany’s Rich Aviation Heritage

Charles Alcock

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Engineering v-p Sebastien Vigneron has taken over from Brian Yutko

Boeing Leadership Shuffle Means New CEO for eVTOL Developer Wisk

Hanneke Weitering

Doctors and patients in Penghu could fly in SkyDrive's eVTOL aircraft 

SkyDrive Plans Aeromedical eVTOL Flights in Taiwan's Penghu Islands

Business jets are often used by governments for diplomatic purposes.

Germany’s Fleet of VIP Bombardier Global 5000s and Airbus Jets Flies Its Leaders around the World

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

U.S. technology group will now provide inceptor controllers for pilots

Honeywell Expands Role with Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 eVTOL Aircraft 

Airframer had its highest revenues in nearly a decade

Embraer Sees Strong Q1 Revenues and Deliveries

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

More In Aircraft