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
AIN Blog: Welcome to Louisville
Louisville is turning out to be a great venue for Heli-Expo 2016.
Rotorcraft
Orders Flowing for R44 Cadet
The new Robinson is targeting the trainer and utility markets, with a lower-cost but better-performing two-seat ship.
Avionics
Glass-panel Replacements Offered for Twin-turbine Helos
The Astronautics upgrade replaces two electromechanical instruments with a single-piece LCD.
Rotorcraft
Frasca Adds More Helicopter Simulators
The helicopter simulator market is growing globally for Frasca International.
Rotorcraft
Heli-Expo Set To Open at Louisville Venue
This year's theme is celebrating the champions of vertical aviation.
Avionics
Avidyne and Globalstar Partner on Airborne Connectivity
The new systems will offer connection speeds up to 256 kbps, with near-worldwide coverage.
Aviation Apps 2016: EFB Apps Gaining Features and Functions
The world of aviation electronic flight bag apps has become one of more features instead of new software.
Avionics
TrueNorth Marks 10th Anniversary
The Ottawa, Canada company has expanded to 32 personnel and serves the airborne connectivity market.
Avionics
STC Awarded for Learjet 40/45 Waas GPS and LPV
The STC provides the required position source for ADS-B upgrades to the Learjet 40/45.
Rotorcraft
Heli-Expo Preview
The annual HAI rotorcraft show is being held in Louisville, Ky., for the first time.
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter Taking Orders for R44 Cadet
The new lower-cost R44 is aimed at flight schools and utility operators, and it will offer optional air-conditioning.
ATC
ForeFlight Educates Users on ICAO Flight Plan Filing
Pilots can learn how to file ICAO-format flight plans to prepare for the October 1 switch from the FAA domestic flight plan filing system.
Training and Workforce
AIN Blog: The Cirrus Training Philosophy
Learning to fly the Cirrus SR20 was an education in modern training technology.
Avionics
BendixKing AeroWave Features New Antenna and Routers
The low-cost satcom weighs about 12 pounds and offers service speeds of up to 200 Kbps.
ATC
Departure Clearance Service Coming to Teterboro
The new service will simplify issuance of clearances and also speed up the process of revising clearances.
Avionics
Safran, Duncan Team on Challenger 601 ADS-B OUT
The approved model list STC will eventually cover the Learjet 60, Gulfstream G150 and G200, Falcon 50/50EX and Hawker 800 series.
Maintenance and Modifications
Aviall Taps Into Asia-Pacific Growth Opportunities
The Boeing-owned company distributes parts for 240 manufacturers and offers repair services too.
Avionics
Duncan STCs ADS-B OUT for Citation Models
The upgrade retains the original radios and transponder and meets the FAA's 2020 mandate deadline.
Charter & Fractional
JetSuite Launches Cuba Charter Service
Flights are offered from 16 gateway airports in the U.S.
Aircraft
AeroVironment Focuses on Maritime UAS Ops
The California-based UAS manufacturer offers a variety of unmanned aircraft systems capable of landing on water.
Aircraft
AIN Blog: Acclaim for Mooney
The new Mooney Acclaim Ultra could help revive the company's market share.
Training and Workforce
Pilots Learning To Fly in Frasca Simulators
The company’s simulators are seeing growing interest in the Asia-Pacific region.
Aircraft
Cirrus Expanding Asia Pacific Presence
Certification of the Vision SF50 single-engine, all-composite jet is imminent.
Maintenance and Modifications
Associations Ask FAA: Withdraw AC On Field Approval Data
The associations want the FAA to withdraw AC 42-210A and work with industry on a better solution.
Avionics
New Garmin Transponders Add ADS-B Solutions for G1000s
The new GTX 345/335 transponders offer 1090-MHz ADS-B OUT and an optional Waas/GPS position source for ADS-B OUT.
Airports
Airport Tenants File New Santa Monica Part 16 Complaint
The latest complaint targets the city of Santa Monica's efforts to make airport tenants want to leave the airport.
Jetpack Is Real, and It Flies
Jetpack Aviation has accomplished the dream of real jetpack flight, powered by two tiny turbine engines.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
AIN Blog: Would You Fly In This Drone?
What standards will passenger-carrying drones have to meet?
Avionics
Garmin On-site Training Helps Pilots Learn Avionics Details
The two-day training class for the G500/G600 MFDs and GTN navigators is a valuable experience.
Aircraft
Gulfstream G500 Passes Flutter Testing Milestone
The new Gulfstream family is on track for G500 certification in 2017, followed by the G600 in 2019.
