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

Otto Aerospace has closed the G-1 issue paper for the Phantom 3500 light jet, “establishing the regulatory framework for FAA certification,” according to the company. Plans call for certifying the Phantom 3500 as a Part 23, single-pilot, all-composite design. Otto Aerospace applied for FAA certification in September and expects a first flight in 2027 and service entry in 2030.
Having completed the preliminary design <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-05-18/otto-aerospace-freezes-phantom-3500-jet-design">review</a> in February, the Otto team has begun advanced material testing while moving forward with key suppliers that include Williams International for the jet’s FJ44 engines, Garmin for avionics, and landing gear from Mecaer.
The Phantom 3500 will have a flat-floor cabin that is 6.4 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide with a volume of 800 cu ft. To help preserve laminar flow on the airframe, the cabin has no windows; passengers’ outside view is via camera feeds to the large Otto Supernatural Vision displays mounted inside the cabin.
“This is a huge moment for the entire Otto team and a really exciting milestone for the Phantom 3500,” said Otto Aerospace president and CEO Scott Drennan. “Now that the certification basis is in place, the program moves into a higher gear on execution. We have alignment with the FAA on what we need to demonstrate, and that gives us real momentum as we move toward first flight and entry into service.”

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.

Otto Aerospace Establishes Phantom 3500 FAA Certification Basis

G-1 issue paper is complete and progress is being made toward first flight next year

A unique feature of the Phantom 3500 is a flat-floor cabin that is 6.4 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide with a volume of 800 cu ft.

Otto Establishes Phantom 3500 FAA Certification Basis

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Investment will fuel FDH Aero’s plans for growth

Bain Capital To Take Majority Stake in FDH Aero

Hanneke Weitering

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

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Leeham News and Analysis Staff

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

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.

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.

In this article

Otto Aerospace

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Nonprofit group targets stratospheric electric flight this year

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