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

Rotorcraft

Enstrom’s Newest Turbine 480B Approved and Ready

First models feature legacy instruments but glass panel approval pending
Enstrom 480B helicopter
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Astronics Introduces Qi2 Wireless Charging, USB-C Port

Installable in a variety of locations, including seats, galleys, and crew rest areas
Astronics Qi2 wireless charger
Maintenance and Modifications

Wildhorse Helicopters Bell 47 Gets Full NVG Treatment

Modification helps company complete UAV delivery flight testing
Wildhorse Helicopters Bell 47 helicopter
Maintenance and Modifications

ScaleWings Taps Crewchief Tracking for Builders/Owners

System eliminates paper logbooks and simplifies monitoring of aircraft requirements
ScaleWings SW-51 airplane
Avionics

Garmin Marries Satellite Messaging with D2 Mach 2 Pro

New features added from company’s inReach satcom technology
Garmin D2 Mach 2 Pro watch
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Owners Control the Map with FlightPath3D’s BizAvStudio

Tool simplifies process of making changes, including adding company branding
FlightPath3D BizAvStudio
Avionics

Sporty’s PJ2 GPS Adds Nav Features to Handheld Radio

Device features standard headset plugs with no adapter required
Sporty's PJ2 GPS
Sustainability and Environment

Airbus Firefighting System Networks Variety of Vehicles

Testing showed promising results for reducing time to deployment
Airbus firefighting system
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Aero DC Adds Embraer 135s, 145s to Starlink STC List

High-speed, low-latency satcom available via low-earth-orbit network
Airports

Garmin Guides SNF Flyers with SmartCharts Arrival

Provides navigation assistance for a busy airshow traffic environment
Lakeland Parker VFR arrival Garmin SmartChart
Cabin Interior and Electronics

ThinKom Antenna Supports Multi-orbit Satcom

Multi-orbit capability supports growing interest in satcom redundancy
ThinKom ThinAir Nexus satellite antenna
Maintenance and Modifications

Brazil’s ANAC Approves Solojet’s Sovereign Maintenance

Adds capabilities that will benefit customers based in Brazil
Cessna Citation Sovereign business jet
Rotorcraft

Rotortrade Sells First Airbus H160 in Argentina

Southern Cone sale introduces model to new Latin America market
Rotortrade sells Airbus H160 in Argentina
Avionics

Jeppesen ForeFlight Adds FliteDeck Pro Graphical Notams

Airline-focused app’s latest version gains a number of new features
Jeppesen ForeFlight graphical notam
Training and Workforce

Chicago Launching Barrington Irving STEM Initiative

Program introduces students to FBO and MRO aviation career opportunities
Barrington Irving Technical Training School
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Líder Aviação Installs First Gogo Galileo Satcom in Brazil

Customer’s Global 6000 now has multi-orbit satcom capability
Global 6000 with Gogo Galileo satcom
Maintenance and Modifications

Duncan Aviation Technicians Complete PW308 Training

Four-week class conducted by specialists from the engine manufacturer
Duncan Aviation technicians working on a PW308 engine
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Alto Aviation Logs 100th Falcon Audio Installation

Products added to Falcon models that include the 50, 900, 2000, and 7X
Alto Aviation cabin audio system
Maintenance and Modifications

Cutter Aviation Opens KBJC Pilatus Service Center

Facility specializes in PC-12 and PC-24 maintenance
Cutter Aviation Broomfield, Colorado
FBOs

iFlightPlanner: Aviation Fuel Prices ‘Sharply Higher’

Jet-A retail prices climb 19.2% versus February
iFlightPlanner March U.S. fuel prices
Safety

AINsight: Watch Out Below the Minimum Descent Altitude

LNAV+V advisory glide paths can be helpful but do not guarantee obstacle clearance
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Pro Star Completes First OEM-STC’d Falcon 2000 Starlink

Satcom antenna is fitted in a streamlined fashion
Starlink on Falcon 7X
Airports

FAA Prohibiting Side-by-side Approaches at KSFO

New protocol is a result of quality-assurance efforts
United Airlines arrival at KSFO
Charter & Fractional

Masters Tourney NetJets Pax Get Preview of New Terminal

Construction is underway, with the new ramp already open
NetJets new terminal at Augusta Regional Airport
Finance, Taxes, Insurance

Governor Signs Washington State Luxury Tax Repeal

Replacement bill includes a rise in fuel taxes of 7 cents per gallon
Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson signed the luxury tax repeal
Rotorcraft

Historic Helicopter OEM Schweizer RSG Up for Sale

Starman Bros Auctions is accepting written offers for the entire company
Article image
Training and Workforce

FAA Recognizes AEA Training for Repairman Certificate

CAET program is an acceptable alternative method of compliance
Mike Adamson AEA
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Strong AeroLink Mounts Starlink Mini Antenna Externally

Product can be installed as a major alteration on Part 23 airplanes
Abbie and Trevor Strong
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Apcela Adds Financing, Field Marketing for Top Dealers

Programs designed to incentivize interest in airborne connectivity opportunities
Apcela Dual ATG connectivity system
Avionics

Microair Integrates Pitot Probe with Air Data Computer

T4000 bundles multiple sensors into a single heated unit
Microair Avionics T4000 pitot probe