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

Transport Canada has approved a supplemental type certificate (STC) for installation of the Alpine Aerotech Utility Basket Kit on the Bell 412. The basket is already approved by the FAA and Transport Canada for the Bell 205 and 212, and FAA approval of the Bell 412 STC is pending.
Operators of helicopters such as the Bell 205, 212, and 412 can use the Alpine Aerotech baskets to carry tools, equipment, and other gear so they don’t impinge on cabin space. The kit weighs 143 pounds and can be installed in four hours, and with 300 pounds capacity, has a volume of 32.8 cu ft.
Launch customer Wildcat Helicopters is based in West Kelowna, British Columbia. “Our experience operating the Alpine Aerotech utility basket on our fleet of Bell 212 helicopters has proven without a doubt that this basket represents the highest quality and best value utility basket available in the marketplace,” said Mike Westie, business development and operations manager. “The robust design and enhanced safety features, combined with the increased usable capacity, made it the clear choice for our operations. This will be a significant upgrade to our Bell 412 heli-skiing operations this season.”

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

Alpine Aerotech Utility Basket STC Approved by Transport Canada on Bell 412

Adds 32.8 cu ft of carrying capacity to the helicopter

Operators of helicopters such as the Bell 205, 212, and 412 can use the Alpine Aerotech baskets to carry tools, equipment, and other gear so they don’t impinge on cabin space. 

Alpine Aerotech Utility Basket STC Approved on Bell 412

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

The company envisions a variety of uses for the aircraft including firefighting, utlility, cargo delivery, and medevac missions.

United Aircraft of China Debuts Tandem Rotor Unmanned Helicopter at Singapore Airshow

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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.

Companies lay the foundation for a helicopter ecosystem in India

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Charlotte Bailey

NTU team developing Singapore’s first domestically-produced aircraft 

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Indian Air Force Sarang Helicopter Display Team Flies at Singapore Airshow

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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.

VAI expanding its events to Southeast Asia

Asian Vertical Safety Conference Set for May in Bali

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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.

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Bell 412 Series

Bell

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United Aircraft of China Debuts Tandem Rotor Unmanned Helicopter at Singapore Airshow

The company envisions a variety of uses for the aircraft including firefighting, utlility, cargo delivery, and medevac missions.

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Sarang translates to Peacock, which is reflected in the livery on the helicopters.

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