Matt Thurber
Editor-in-Chief

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&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.

Latest from Matt Thurber

Maintenance and Modifications

Eclipse Buying Parts-maker Resurgent Aviation Solutions

Resolves a situation that could have eliminated a key source of parts
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Avionics

Honeywell FMS Guided Visuals Gain Departure Procedures

Coded in the nav database, visual procedures improve safety and comfort
guided visuals departures
Avionics

Skyband Taps Iridium To Handle GNSS Jamming, Spoofing

Independent system can help pilots navigate when avionics are compromised
Skyband Systems GPS Threat Map
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Gogo Galileo Solves In-flight Mx Problem over Atlantic

High-speed satcom facilitates live video calling
Pro Star Aviation Gogo Galileo installation on G280 jet
Charter & Fractional

Little Hawk TBM 910 Joining 45 North Charter Fleet

Starlink-equipped turboprop expands travel options for Scottsdale-based customers
Little Hawk Logistics Daher TBM 910 turboprop airplane
Training and Workforce

In-Flight Crew Connections Outlines Hiring Strategies

Urges flight departments to pay more attention to staffing issues
business jet engine maintenance
Training and Workforce

Final Flight: Passionate Pilot Michael Donahoe Sr. Dies

Patriarch of a flying family put a fleet of business aircraft to work
Michael Donahoe Sr.
Maintenance and Modifications

Ontic Opens Dedicated Tewkesbury UK MRO Facility

Part of a $30 million investment, the facility consolidates company capabilities
Ontic cuts ribbon on Tewkesbury facility
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Volare Aviation Refurbishment Transforms Challenger 604

Design includes matte exterior paint, full interior refurbishment, and upgraded avionics
Volare Aviation's Challenger 604 business jet refurbishment
Regulations and Government

Delaware Court Overturns SmartSky Damages Award

Patent complaint was filed in 2022
Smartsky connectivity on a Citation CJ3
Avionics

FAA Certifies Garmin Autoland in Epic E1000 AX

Single-engine turboprop features multiple buttons for easy passenger access
Epic Aircraft E1000 AX single-engine turboprop airplane
Airports

Phoenix Airports Studying Surface Alert Technology

SURF-A offers safety benefits for pilots and airport operators
Honeywell SURF-A collision-avoidance technology
Avionics

Ontic Buys SIRS Navigation Magnetic Compass Business

Manufacturer of products for legacy aircraft will help ensure long-term support
SIRS Navigation compass
Regulations and Government

Groups Ask FAA To Pause Single-pilot Exemption Decision

Associations say it makes no sense to punish compliant pilots
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Starlink’s Fastest Service Available for Hawker Owners

New Aviation Performance Kit makes highest Starlink speeds available
Hawker 900
Safety

Confusion Reigns after FAA Drops Single-pilot Exemption

Questions arising over FAA's review of pertinent accidents
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Safety

FAA Rescinding Cessna Citation Single-pilot Exemptions

Action comes after a review found widespread noncompliance and safety issues
Citation jet bird strike through flock of birds
Charter & Fractional

Proposed FAA Penalty Against Aery Aviation Is Withdrawn

Company fought back and elected not to settle
Aery Aviation president Scott Beale
Safety

Thales Opens Center To Elevate Safety Culture

Facility initially serves Bordeaux campus but will expand to other locations
Thales Flight Safety Center
Safety

FAA Floats Allowing Jet Pilots To Forgo Wearing O2 Masks

Part 91 pilots would not have to wear masks ‘just in case,’ while 135 rules would allow higher altitudes
Cessna Citation 560 business jet accident
Charter & Fractional

NATA Brief Seeks Clear Pilot Role for Prohibited Items

Case revolves around preventing transportation of beer to a ‘dry’ village in Alaska
KenAir owner and pilot Kenneth Jouppi
Avionics

FAA Approves Garmin Retrofit STC for Cessna CitationJets

Integrated avionics suite includes touchscreen displays and GFC 600 autopilot
Textron Aviation Cessna CitationJet business jet
Avionics

Sporty’s PJ2 GPS Simplifies Backup Radio and Navigation

Portable unit includes a two-place intercom
Sporty's PJ2 GPS handheld radio
Maintenance and Modifications

FAA Cautions That Inspections Be Done by Mechanics

Information for Operators clarifies what pilots can and can’t do
FAA InFO 26015 about pilots conducting inspections
Maintenance and Modifications

Central Flying Invites Customers To View Mx Status

In-house-developed system serves all stakeholders involved in supporting aircraft
Central Flying Service's MX Tailwinds
Charter & Fractional

Broker ONEflight Pauses Charter Sales Activity

Jet card buyers might not have any recompense for their investments
ONEflight International
Training and Workforce

Pathfinder Places Loft H125 VR Simulator in Anchorage

With 360-viewing, the device gives pilots a realistic picture of the outside world
Pathfinder Aviation Airbus AStar helicopter
Rotorcraft

Louisiana Rotor Pathway Advances Rotorcraft Careers

Program started with Utah and North Dakota
Airbus Helicopters H215 Super Puma helicopter
Charter & Fractional

Court Denies Review Petition for Nicholas Air Pilot Case

Complaint centered on raising issues in briefs to preserve them
Regulations and Government

GAO: FAA Progressing on ATC Reform, but Needs Better Schedule

GAO report criticized implementation of new air traffic control system
GAO report airport tower