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

Elixir Aircraft brought the prototype of its two-seat light airplane to the Paris Air Show (Static B4), after it received its final painting just before the opening of the show. The new airplane design was publicly unveiled at the Paris Salon two years ago.&nbsp;


Based in Périgny, south-east of Paris, Elixir is aiming for EASA-LSA certification for the all-composite airplane, and the price is set at €150,000 ($168,000), excluding VAT.&nbsp;


Performance projections promise a Vne of 172 knots, a maximum takeoff weight of 454 kg (1,200 pounds) and useful load of 280 kg (617 pounds). Baggage capacity is 25 kg (55 pounds). With a 29-gallon (110 liter) fuel capacity, the Elixir will have endurance of up to seven hours. Power is provided by a 100-hp Rotax 912iS, which drives an MT propeller.&nbsp;


The Elixir’s low-wing airframe is made using a “one-shot” construction method, according to the company, eliminating rivets needed for metal construction or the bonding of components found in more traditional composites structures. The wing is optimized for stall avoidance, and the fuel tank features an “anti-deflagration” (explosion-preventive) design. A BRS whole-airplane parachute is installed for emergency situations. The tricycle landing gear is all oleo-pneumatic, and wheels and brakes are provided by France’s Beringer.&nbsp;


Inside the cockpit, the avionics system is Garmin’s G3X, with VHF radios and transponder by Trig Avionics. A tablet dock is built into the cockpit to help pilots who prefer using mobile devices as electronic flight bags. Backup instruments include an airspeed indicator and altimeter.&nbsp;


According to Elixir, “The adventure is amazing, we have been surrounded by experts in every domain, all driven by a common objective: build a safe, easy, comfortable and yet affordable certified aircraft. Our dream is coming to life."

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