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

The first prototype Epic E1000—FT1—made its first flight on December 19 at Oregon’s Bend Municipal Airport. The maiden flight was flown by chief pilot David Robinson and lasted 20 minutes. FT1 is the first of two flight-test articles that will be flown for the E1000 FAA certification program, which is expected to be completed by year-end 2016. FT1 flight testing will include general handling qualities, operational performance, systems operations in normal mode, failure scenarios, extreme conditions and flight-into-known-icing testing, according to Epic Aircraft. FT2 is under construction and “will focus on assessing interior and cabin functionality, including fuel, hydraulic, avionics, navigational and environmental systems.”

 


The $2.95 million, all-composite E1000 is powered by a 1,200-shp (flat-rated) Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PT6A-67A. Performance specifications include a top speed of more than 325 ktas, range of 1,650 nm, maximum altitude 34,000 feet and full-fuel payload of 1,120 pounds. The flight deck is equipped with a three-display Garmin G1000 suite.

 


Epic Aircraft is already working with the FAA on its production certificate and expects to achieve that late this year, shortly after certification. After ramping up production, Epic expects to build 50 E1000s per year.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Epic E1000 Prototype Enters Flight-test Program

The first prototype of the Epic E1000 single-engine turboprop is one of two that will fly the flight test campaign. 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

Charlotte Bailey

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Plaintiff claims UK company copied its Midnight design

Archer Sues eVTOL Rival Vertical for Patent Infringement

Kerry Lynch

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.

Approvals follow a week after Transport Canada signed off on the G500 and G600

Transport Canada Certifies Gulfstream G700, G800

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

UK manufacturing is displaying a mock-up of a four-seat Valo eVTOL in Miami this week

Vertical Pitches eVTOL Air Services for South Florida

Certifications had been pending for six years

Gulfstream G500, G600 Get Transport Canada Nod

Amy Wilder

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.

Company showcases turboprops as cost-effective, high-endurance surveillance platforms

Daher Touts Kodiaks’ Public Safety Bonafides at Verticon

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Wisk's Gen 6 eVTOL aircraft recently flew for the first time.

Boeing-backed Wisk Aero Says Autonomous Flight Is the Only Way for eVTOL Aircraft

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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ATR Commits to Hybrid Regional Airliner Decision In 2029

EU-backed Clean Aviation projects are the foundation for the Evo program

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