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 Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has qualified Loft Dynamics’ virtual reality flight simulator to FTD level-7, becoming the third regulator to do so, alongside the FAA and EASA. Installed at helicopter operator Nakanihon Air at Nagoya Airport (RJNA), the simulator is a Loft Airbus H125 TXi and is both the first level-7-qualified simulator in Japan and also Loft’s first Asia-Pacific simulator installation. Inter-Craft helped arrange the delivery and worked with the JCAB on qualification.
Equipped with a 6-degrees-of-freedom motion platform, the Loft simulator replicates the real helicopter’s avionics and systems, allowing pilots to practice emergency situations without the risk of doing so in the real helicopter. Engine failure scenarios can include full-down autorotations, and tail rotor and hydraulic system malfunctions are fully replicated, as are changing weather and flight into inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions. The Loft simulator also replicates a technical crew member station to facilitate coordinated training between pilots and mission specialists.
“By enabling repeated, immersive training, this technology will strengthen pilot readiness and elevate safety across a wide range of operations,” said Shigeharu Matsuoka, president of Nakanihon Air. “It will also allow us to refine the skills of pilots on the front lines and, more broadly, accelerate the development of the next generation of aviation talent in Japan.”

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Japan Civil Aviation Bureau Qualifies Loft VR Simulator to FTD Level-7

Virtual reality training platform is first in Japan and Asia-Pacific

Equipped with a 6-degrees-of-freedom motion platform, the Loft Dynamics virtual reality simulator replicates the real helicopter’s avionics and systems.

JCAB Qualifies Loft VR Simulator to FTD Level-7

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.

Set for June 12 to 14 at Minnesota’s Saint Paul RiverCentre

FlightSimExpo To Feature 70+ Simulation Exhibitors

Amy Wilder

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.

Program now includes 31 organizations across five continents

IBAC Adds Six Industry Partners from Four Continents

Sheryl Barden

Not grabbing the opportunity could lead to stagnant career progression

AINsight: Uprooting Your Kids May Be the Best Landing

Chad Trautvetter

AI is a force multiplier than can help companies expand and grow

Panel: Those Not Using AI in Bizav Will Be Left Behind

Kerry Lynch

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.

In this article

Loft Dynamics

More In Training and Workforce

FlightSimExpo To Feature 70+ Simulation Exhibitors

Set for June 12 to 14 at Minnesota’s Saint Paul RiverCentre

IBAC Adds Six Industry Partners from Four Continents

Program now includes 31 organizations across five continents

AINsight: Uprooting Your Kids May Be the Best Landing

Not grabbing the opportunity could lead to stagnant career progression

Panel: Those Not Using AI in Bizav Will Be Left Behind

AI is a force multiplier than can help companies expand and grow

Bombardier Launches FastTrack A&P Program in Hartford

Plans call to establish similar programs at Bombardier locations throughout the U.S.

FlightSafety Gets FAA Nod for Virtual Preflight Training

Pilots can conduct 3D virtual preflight inspections in their training programs

Duncan Loans Jet Engine to High School Aviation Program

The engine will be used as a training aid in the school’s aviation program

Special Breed of Pilots Make Bizav Work in Europe and Beyond

Pilots ensure that business aviation remains viable and rewarding for its clients

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