Matt Thurber
Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Latest from Matt Thurber

Regulations and Government

Delaware Court Overturns SmartSky Damages Award

Patent complaint was filed in 2022
Smartsky connectivity on a Citation CJ3
Avionics

FAA Certifies Garmin Autoland in Epic E1000 AX

Single-engine turboprop features multiple buttons for easy passenger access
Epic Aircraft E1000 AX single-engine turboprop airplane
Airports

Phoenix Airports Studying Surface Alert Technology

SURF-A offers safety benefits for pilots and airport operators
Honeywell SURF-A collision-avoidance technology
Avionics

Ontic Buys SIRS Navigation Magnetic Compass Business

Manufacturer of products for legacy aircraft will help ensure long-term support
SIRS Navigation compass
Regulations and Government

Groups Asks FAA To Pause Single-pilot Exemption Decision

Associations say it makes no sense to punish compliant pilots
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Starlink’s Fastest Service Available for Hawker Owners

New Aviation Performance Kit makes highest Starlink speeds available
Hawker 900
Safety

Confusion Reigns after FAA Drops Single-pilot Exemption

Questions arising over FAA's review of pertinent accidents
Article image
Safety

FAA Rescinding Cessna Citation Single-pilot Exemptions

Action comes after a review found widespread noncompliance and safety issues
Citation jet bird strike through flock of birds
Charter & Fractional

Proposed FAA Penalty Against Aery Aviation Is Withdrawn

Company fought back and elected not to settle
Aery Aviation president Scott Beale
Safety

Thales Opens Center To Elevate Safety Culture

Facility initially serves Bordeaux campus but will expand to other locations
Thales Flight Safety Center
Safety

FAA Floats Allowing Jet Pilots To Forego Wearing O2 Masks

Part 91 pilots would not have to wear masks "just in case," while 135 rules would allow higher altitudes
Cessna Citation 560 business jet accident
Charter & Fractional

NATA Brief Seeks Clear Pilot Role for Prohibited Items

Case revolves around preventing transportation of beer to a ‘dry’ village in Alaska
KenAir owner and pilot Kenneth Jouppi
Avionics

FAA Approves Garmin Retrofit STC for Cessna CitationJets

Integrated avionics suite includes touchscreen displays and GFC 600 autopilot
Textron Aviation Cessna CitationJet business jet
Avionics

Sporty’s PJ2 GPS Simplifies Backup Radio and Navigation

Portable unit includes a two-place intercom
Sporty's PJ2 GPS handheld radio
Maintenance and Modifications

FAA Cautions That Inspections Be Done by Mechanics

Information for Operators clarifies what pilots can and can’t do
FAA InFO 26015 about pilots conducting inspections
Maintenance and Modifications

Central Flying Invites Customers To View Mx Status

In-house-developed system serves all stakeholders involved in supporting aircraft
Central Flying Service's MX Tailwinds
Charter & Fractional

Broker ONEflight Pauses Charter Sales Activity

Jet card buyers might not have any recompense for their investments
ONEflight International
Training and Workforce

Pathfinder Places Loft H125 VR Simulator in Anchorage

With 360-viewing, the device gives pilots a realistic picture of the outside world
Pathfinder Aviation Airbus AStar helicopter
Rotorcraft

Louisiana Rotor Pathway Advances Rotorcraft Careers

Program started with Utah and North Dakota
Airbus Helicopters H215 Super Puma helicopter
Charter & Fractional

Court Denies Review Petition for Nicholas Air Pilot Case

Complaint centered on raising issues in briefs to preserve them
Regulations and Government

GAO: FAA Progressing on ATC Reform, but Needs Better Schedule

GAO report criticized implementation of new air traffic control system
GAO report airport tower
Aircraft

Honda Aircraft Finishes Echelon Wing, Delays 1st Flight

Final assembly of the first jet will take place early next year
Honda Aircraft team and the Echelon wing
Charter & Fractional

NZ CAA Approves Navair for Unlimited Charter Access

Previous limits made it difficult to book flights across the Tasman Sea, which lies between Australia and New Zealand
Navair
Accidents

District Court Rejects Appeal of GARA-related Lawsuit

Plaintiffs argued that police aircraft are exempt from GARA statute of repose
Helicopter accident flight path
Rotorcraft

Avincis Orders Five McDermott 214ST Utility Helicopters

Medium twin-engine rotorcraft will supplement European firefighting operations
Artist's impression of Avincis' McDermott 214ST helicopters
Aircraft

FAA Grants Special Airworthiness Certificate for eFlyer

Bye Aerospace’s prototype is ready for flight testing
Rod Zastrow, Bye Aerospace CEO
Cabin Interior and Electronics

OpsGroup Details New Starlink Regional Service Maps

SpaceX has doubled price of service for unlimited worldwide coverage
Starlink regional service North America
Charter & Fractional

ATI Jet Lawsuit Alleges Hourly Service Plan Setbacks

Lack of rental engines is a focus of the complaint
ATI Jet/Jetvia Learjet 60
Training and Workforce

AINsight: You Can (and Should) Always Go Around

Why not teach new pilots to go around before learning how to land?
business jet from rear
Avionics

Scandinavian Avionics To Support Legacy Nighthawk Systems

Billund, Denmark-based company will also offer dealer coordination for European customers
Nighthawk Flight Systems avionics