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

Lufthansa Technik has developed a two-in-one tail-mounted radome that houses both Ka-band satcom and satellite TV antennas, as well as an HD camera. The solution—which provides onboard high-speed internet, TV connections and a tail-view video feed—has received STC approval for the Boeing BBJ1 and BBJ2 from the U.S. FAA and EASA. Lufthansa Technik has also registered a patent for its new radome housing design.


In combination with the installation of the antenna system in the rear fuselage of the aircraft, the radome package not only saves space but also reduces the weight by up to 220 pounds/100 kg. “The special aerodynamic design and the installation on the vertical stabilizer mean that the radome reduces drag and has a positive effect on the aircraft's center of gravity,” noted Andrew Muirhead, head of Lufthansa Technik’s original equipment innovation division.


The company has offered a two-in-one radome for Ku/L-band antennas since 2000. However, that radome was not suitable for Ka-band frequencies with high data rates, so Lufthansa Technik developed a material layer structure that allows frequencies in the Ka band to pass through, which “provides double speed data transfer for passengers," it said.

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

Lufthansa Technik STCs Dual Ka-band Radome for BBJ1/2

The solution provides onboard high-speed internet, TV connections and a tail-view video feed.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

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.

STCs include Textron and Hawker aircraft 

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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.

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.

Power lines can be nearly impossible to see with the naked eye.

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Jessica Reed

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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.

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Flight Deck Overhaul Adds Modern Tech to Falcon 900

Matt Thurber

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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