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

Microsoft’s all-new Flight Simulator 2020 not only delivers impressive graphics but will offer something not previously available to&nbsp;desktop simulation aficionados: real-time live traffic, using a feed provided by FlightAware. “It’s the next level of evolution for this type of simulation,” said FlightAware CEO Daniel Baker. Simulators have for many years offered hyper-realistic terrain, buildings, and weather, but, he added, “The new version is stunning. It will raise the bar for everyone else.”

 


Flight Simulator 2020 is still in the Alpha testing stage, but the real-time traffic feed is already working. Under its partnership agreement with Microsoft, FlightAware provides a real-time data feed of worldwide air traffic to Microsoft’s servers. FlightAware gathers this data from its global terrestrial ADS-B network (more than 28,000 receivers) combined with data from 45 air navigation service providers, ACARS datalinks, Aireon’s space-based ADS-B network, and airline real-time out/off/on/in (OOOI) and flight information.

 


What this means for simulator pilots is that they will be able to see and share the airspace with other aircraft in the simulated world, while the other aircraft populate the simulation exactly as they are flying in the real world. This includes air traffic on the ground at airports and in the air.

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

FlightAware Live Traffic Feeds Microsoft’s New Sim

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 will include real-time live traffic from all over the world, provided by FlightAware.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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.

The online, self-paced program is eligible for CAM credits

NBAA Unveils Customer Service Training Certification

Gordon Gilbert

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 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.

Agency to hold a public meeting in March on Part 141

FAA Exploring Update to Flight School Regulations

Combines sophisticated controls in a hand-held device

Yawman Arrow Helps Flight Simulator Community Go Mobile

Sarah Rose

She was a member of the legendary “Magnificent Seven”

Olympic Medalist Shannon Miller to Keynote SDC2025

Charles Alcock

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

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Portugal-based operator has a fleet of around 220 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft

Avinicis Plans New Emergency Air Service Training Center

AmyWilder

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.

Toulouse facility provides targeted training

Daher Opens New Learning Center in Southwestern France

Sheryl Barden

Now is the best time to plan the rest of your career

AINsight: Plan Your Future, Own It

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.

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