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

On July 24, the long-awaited FAA Part 22 Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rules took effect, and a day later the first MOSAIC-compliant airplane—a Van’s Aircraft RV-12iS—was delivered at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Compliance with the MOSAIC ASTM International consensus standards allows the $246,200 RV-12 to be flown in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), expanding its capabilities as a training airplane.
Tom Snow of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, took delivery of the RV-12 from Van’s Aircraft founder Richard VanGrunsven and is leasing it to Crystal Air, a flight school at Chattanooga’s Lovell Field (KCHA).
MOSAIC expands the capabilities and the types of aircraft that can be manufactured in the light-sport aircraft category. The category was previously limited to airplanes that had a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 pounds and maximum speed of 120 knots; MOSAIC unleashes designers of aircraft powered by an expanded menu of engine options such as electric and turbine, and even multi-engine configurations.&nbsp;
“When Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled the MOSAIC rules at Oshkosh in 2025, it heralded tremendous possibilities for light aircraft, flight training, and pilot certification,” said Experimental Aircraft Association CEO and chairman Jack Pelton. “With the FAA’s publishing on July 24 of amended rules for the design, manufacture, airworthiness certification, operation, maintenance, and alteration of light-sport category aircraft, this year’s AirVenture was the perfect place to bring that language into reality.”
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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.

MOSAIC Opens Doors to IMC-capable Van’s Aircraft RV-12 and New Engine Options

First airplane delivered under the new rules at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

MOSAIC unleashes designers of aircraft powered by an expanded menu of engine options, such as electric and turbine, and even multi-engine configurations. 

MOSAIC Opens Doors to IMC-capable Van’s Aircraft RV-12

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

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.

CJ3 Gen3 flew for nearly two hours

Textron Aviation’s CJ3 Gen3 Takes to Skies

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.

The aircraft has been adopted by 11 countries so far.

Embraer's KC-390 Millennium Airlifter Flies at the Farnborough Airshow 2026

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.

EAA AirVenture 2026

More In Aircraft

Textron Aviation’s CJ3 Gen3 Takes to Skies

CJ3 Gen3 flew for nearly two hours

Embraer's KC-390 Millennium Airlifter Flies at the Farnborough Airshow 2026

The aircraft has been adopted by 11 countries so far.

Beta Technologies Alia CX300 Electric CTOL Aircraft Flies at Farnborough Airshow 2026

The company expects to achieve FAA type certification for the Alia CX300 later this year.

Textron Aviation Q2 Jet Deliveries Dip, Turboprops Climb

Backlog grows to $8 billion as manufacturer steps up productivity investments

Bizav Analysts See Market Momentum Despite Uncertainty

Caution remains but business aircraft industry demand is stable

Saab Scores $1B GlobalEye Order from Middle East

Undisclosed nation to receive two AEW&C aircraft in 2030

Dassault Ponders Post-FCAS Future French Fighter

Concept demonstrator could fly in 2031 as collaboration questions remain

GE Aerospace Saab 340B Hybrid-Electric Test Bed Aircraft Flies at the 2026 Farnborough Airshow

GE Aerospace claims this aircraft has completed the first hybrid-electric flights above 30,000 feet.

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