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

Aeromedical operator Life Flight Network inked an order for a dozen Pilatus PC-12 Pro turboprop singles on Tuesday at Verticon 2026. The 10-year deal, worth about $82 million at list prices, also makes the Aurora, Oregon company the U.S. launch customer for the airplane with an aeromedical interior. Deliveries to Life Flight are set to begin next year.
Under the agreement, the aircraft will be outfitted for ICU-level care and transport at Pilatus Aircraft USA’s facility in Broomfield, Colorado. Life Flight already has 16 aeromedical-configured PC-12s in its fleet, in addition to about 40 aeromedical helicopters. The firm order will be for replacement aircraft, but the company holds options for additional PC-12 Pros to support fleet growth.
Founded nearly 50 years ago, Life Flight is known for clinical excellence, operational reliability, and rapid response across diverse and often remote terrain. Its service region spans the Pacific Northwest, the Intermountain West, and Hawaii.
“The PC-12 Pro provides the performance, reliability, and advanced safety technology necessary to serve our communities,” said Life Flight CEO Ben Clayton. “We are committed to investing in aircraft that enhance patient care, support our crews, and uphold the highest standards of safety.”
Launched last March, the PC-12 Pro features Garmin G3000 Prime avionics with five touchscreens and autothrottle. It also has a 100-pound payload increase from its PC-12 NGX predecessor. Deliveries of the new model began late last 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.

Life Flight Goes Pro with Order for a Dozen Pilatus PC-12s

Aeromedical operator will start taking delivery of the turboprop singles in 2027

Aeromedical operator Life Flight Network inked an order for a dozen Pilatus PC-12 Pro turboprop singles worth about $82 million at Verticon 2026.

Life Flight Goes Pro with Order for a Dozen PC-12s

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

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.

Regulators differ on autonomy definitions and certification approaches

Panel Explores Drone, Autonomous Aircraft Rules

Charlotte Bailey

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.

First delivery to a Brazilian customer is expected in July 

Brazil Approves Daher's TBM 980 

Charles Alcock

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

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

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Company continues to work with agency to get the super-medium, fly-by-wire helicopter approved

Bell Relentlessly Pursuing FAA Certification for 525

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Verticon 2026

In this article

Pilatus PC-12 Series

Pilatus Aircraft

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