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&amp;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.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Satcom provider Iridium Communications is now making its satellite-based positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) commercially available, following the announcement of development nine months ago. The PNT chip is available to developers of navigation products for protection from global navigation satellite system (GNSS) jamming and spoofing, which affects the relatively weak signals from GNSS constellations.
The ASIC “delivers cryptographically secure timing and location data from the Iridium satellite network through one-way signal bursts that are powerful enough to work where traditional GNSS often cannot, including inside structures and in contested environments,” according to Iridium. The chip measures 8 by 8 mm and weighs less than 0.2 grams.
Skyband Systems has signed up for the Iridium chip and will include it in its M100 LRU for business and commercial aviation avionics products. According to Skyband, “The M100 combines Iridium PNT with onboard inertial sensing to alert crews to GNSS jamming and spoofing while providing aircraft location for enhanced situational awareness.”
“Iridium’s secure and powerful global service is the perfect platform for Skyband’s resilient navigation product,” said Skyband co-founder Robert Wiggenhorn. “We are excited to partner with Iridium as they launch the Iridium PNT ASIC and look forward to further strengthening their legacy of aircraft innovation and safety.”

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

Iridium Communications Begins Sales of GNSS Jamming/Spoofing Prevention Chip

Avionics manufacturers can integrate chip to prevent GNSS compromising

Skyband Systems has signed up for the Iridium chip and will include it in its M100 LRU for business and commercial aviation avionics products.

Iridium Begins GNSS Anti-jamming/spoofing Chip Sales

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Hardware display features physical controls

SkyPlay Mini Puts ForeFlight on the Instrument Panel

Displays feature built-in GPS navigators, navcoms, and audio panels

Garmin Unveils Axis Avionics with Prime Elements for GA

Amy Wilder

FISK arrival procedure updated ahead of AirVenture 2026

Garmin Pilot Apple Update Brings Three App Enhancements

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 information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

Aireon will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary

Iridium Completes Acquisition of Aireon

Adds 40 countries in Africa with airspace info, IFR procedures, frequencies, etc.

Garmin Expands Navigation Database To Include Africa

Jessica Reed

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.

System can maintain connectivity over open water, in remote areas, and in polar regions

Pro Star Earns STC for Gogo Galileo on Pilatus PC-12

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

In this article

Iridium

More In Avionics

SkyPlay Mini Puts ForeFlight on the Instrument Panel

Hardware display features physical controls

Garmin Unveils Axis Avionics with Prime Elements for GA

Displays feature built-in GPS navigators, navcoms, and audio panels

Garmin Pilot Apple Update Brings Three App Enhancements

FISK arrival procedure updated ahead of AirVenture 2026

Iridium Completes Acquisition of Aireon

Aireon will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary

Garmin Expands Navigation Database To Include Africa

Adds 40 countries in Africa with airspace info, IFR procedures, frequencies, etc.

Pro Star Earns STC for Gogo Galileo on Pilatus PC-12

System can maintain connectivity over open water, in remote areas, and in polar regions

GFD Picks Universal Avionics for Learjet 35A/36A Upgrade

Modification replaces original instrumentation with glass cockpit displays

Merlin’s Autonomous C-130J Passes Critical Design Review

USSOCOM program advances into aircraft integration phase

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN