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
Avionics
AIN Blog: NextGen Capabilities Available Now
When ADS-B is fully implemented, ATC infrastructure will finally realize all the benefits that GPS promised 25 years ago.
Safety
AIN Blog: Local Legislators Don’t Want Your Drones
Model aircraft and drone operators are facing new local restrictions on where they can fly.
Avionics
AIN Blog: Component Improvements Drive Aircraft Efficiency Gains
New engines, avionics and systems are providing incremental improvements in performance and efficiency.
Avionics
FAA Releases Revised ADS-B Advisory Circular
New version of AC 20-165B includes significant changes to help facilitate ADS-B OUT upgrades.
Safety
Court Decides That Flight-sharing Websites Are Illegal
The FAA's claim that flight-sharing websites offer illegal flights for compensation or hire is supported by an appeals court decision.
Avionics
Industry Coalition Outlines Concerns With New LightSquared Test Plan
LightSquared has emerged from bankruptcy and is forging ahead on a test plan it says will protect GPS receivers from interference.
Airports
New Moves Made To Keep SMO Operating Equitably
Santa Monica Airport Association is preparing a new Part 16 complaint to be filed with the FAA.
Aircraft
Embraer Delivers Executive AirShare’s 30th Phenom
Executive AirShare's 30th Phenom is painted in colors from the Brazilian flag, with the Brazilian and U.S. flags painted on the tail.
Avionics
Gulfstream STCs Gogo UCS 5000 in GIV/GV
The UCS 5000 is a “smart” router capable of managing multiple onboard networks.
Aircraft
Qatar Airways Takes Delivery of First G650ER
Qatar Executive, the private jet division of Qatar Airways, has ordered up to 30 G650ERs, G500s and G600s.
Aircraft
FAA Type Certificate Issued for HA-420 HondaJet
A celebration of issuance of the HondaJet's type certificate was held December 9 at Honda Aircraft headquarters in Greensboro, N.C.
Airports
Santa Monica Obligated by Grant Assurances Until 2023
The FAA has determined in response to a Part 16 complaint that Santa Monica must comply with grant assurance obligations in running its airport.
Charter & Fractional
Executive AirShare Celebrates 15 Years, New Phenom 300
The fractional-share operator's fleet has grown to 49 aircraft, and it is taking delivery of a second Phenom 300.
Aircraft
Cirrus Teases Vision SF50 Performance Numbers
Cirrus Aircraft releases the Vision SF50 single-engine jet's performance capabilities.
Avionics
Transport Canada Approves Latitude Satcom Data Unit
Latitude's TSO'd DL 150 meets the need for FANS 1/A+ data link communications and offers autonomous flight tracking and acceleration monitoring.
Aircraft
Icon Amphib Attracts All Types of Flyers
Icon has tallied more than 1,500 orders for the two-seat folding-wing amphib, and deliveries began in August.
Avionics
Epic New Features Coming from Honeywell
The new features are software upgrades that make flying safer and easier.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
TrueNorth Offers New Experience for Optelity Pro Buyers
The new Experience app provides curated content from Display Interactives’ UGO service platform.
Aircraft
Citation Longitude Arrives at NBAA
Textron Aviation brought a full-size Longitude ground-test article to the static display.
Aircraft
Textron Aviation Investing in New Products
The Wichita manufacturer expects to spend $200 to $300 million per year on new product development.
Avionics
Finally, Autothrottles for the PT6
Innovative Solutions & Support has developed an autothrottle system for PT6s, and also introduced a new PC-12 cockpit.
Avionics
Pentastar Aviation Develops GIV ADS-B Upgrade
The STC helps GIV operators achieve ADS-B OUT compliance well before the 2020 mandate.
Avionics
Chicago Jet Adds More FANS STCs
The company just received FAA approval for FANS/CPDLC for the GIV and 767-200.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
TrueNorth Optelity Pro STC’d on GV
The STC was developed by Mid-Canada Mod Center.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Optelity Care Keeps IFE Fresh
TrueNorth Avionics aims to help keep in-flight entertainment equipment from becoming obsolete.
Avionics
Sandel Flies into King Air Avionics Retrofit Market
The company’s new Avilon retrofit flight deck comes preassembled for easy installation.
Avionics
Milestones Reached in Beechjet/Hawker 400 G5000 Program
Garmin’s G5000 upgrade for the Beechjet/Hawker 400 is in the final stages of certification.
Avionics
Garmin Expands Bizav ADS-B, Adds SurfaceWatch
More older business jets can upgrade to ADS-B OUT with the new Garmin solutions.
Avionics
Garmin AOA Easy to Install, Reasonably Priced
Garmin’s angle-of-attack system can be installed under simplified FAA policies that encourage adoption of safety equipment.
Maintenance and Modifications
Buy New King Air 300/350 Engines, Get Free G1000
King Air owners can get substantial discounts on G1000 upgrades when buying new or exchange engines.
