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
Aircraft
Falcon 5X Facing Potential Program Delay
Dassault's NBAA show press conference revealed a new delay for the 5X program, optimism for the business aviation market and improvements to the 8X.
Avionics
Universal Avionics Expanding InSight Cockpit Installations
The InSight cockpit upgrade enable owners of older business jets to meet upcoming NextGen mandates and improve the safety and efficiency of their aircraft.
Avionics
Incentives Offered for Universal Avionics Buyers
Universal Avionics offers programs to incentivize operators to upgrade to meet NextGen mandates.
Maintenance and Modifications
JSSI Unveils Starr Aviation Collaboration
The new agreement helps clients save money and time on maintenance events involving engines and APUs.
Aircraft
Pilot Report: Grand Caravan EX
Cessna’s big utility turboprop single is a capable and all-around solid performer.
Las Vegas Preps for NBAA BACE Arrival
This year's NBAA Convention is expected to attract 27,000 attendees and 1,100 exhibitors.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Commercial UAS Industry Gathers at Drone World Expo
The annual Drone World Expo show attracted thousands of attendees, sharing information about integration of drones in the national airspace system.
Avionics
Garmin Touchscreens Will Light Up More Cockpits
The new Garmin TXi displays retain the familiar Garmin user interface found in the GTN navigators.
Security
AIN Blog: New Drone Restrictions Are Mind-bogglingly Useless
The new restrictions enacted without public comment by the FAA serve simply to assuage peoples' fears, but accomplish nothing useful.
Avionics
Genesys Certifying New Part 25 Digital Autopilot
The S-Tec 5000 will offer owners of Part 25 jets a new option for retrofitting a modern digital autopilot with envelope-protection features.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Rockwell Collins Offering Full Cabin Integration
The acquisition of B/E Aerospace added many new capabilities to the Rockwell Collins cabin interior offerings.
Avionics
Rockwell Collins 604 Upgrade on Static Display
The avionics suite upgrade of the Challenger 604 represents a unique collaboration between Nextant Aerospace, Bombardier and Rockwell Collins.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Astronics DFCU Supports 115/230 Volts AC
The new Astronics DFCU solves the dual-frequency problem in business jet cabins.
Maintenance and Modifications
Anti-skid Brakes Now Standalone Upgrade for EA-500s
The Advent Aerospace anti-skid braking system is now available for Eclipse 500s with the IFMS 2.08 avionics suite.
Charter & Fractional
ExcelAire’s Latest Legacy Offers High-speed Wi-Fi
The Gogo Business Aviation Avance L5 ait-to-ground connectivity system allows video streaming and other data-intensive operations.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Nokia Fielding European Air-to-ground Data Network
The Nokia air-to-ground network starts operating later this year and will require 300 ground stations to cover 30 countries in Europe.
Avionics
Clay Lacy Discounts FANS Plus ADS-B Upgrade
The discount is available for purchases made before the end of 2017, with installation by the end of 2018.
Aircraft
Majority of MRJs Approved To Continue Flight Testing
The MRJ flight test fleet is continuing to log hours in the flight test program.
Training and Workforce
CAE Tapping Data To Improve Pilot Training Experience
The research is designed to improve pilot training and passenger safety.
Avionics
Aerovie Enhances Free App Features
Updates include easier-to-read frequencies and new waypoint management features in the airports section.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Country Policies Vary for Ground Satcom Connectivity
Some airborne satcom users might not be aware that restrictions on ground use are common in many countries.
Accidents
NTSB Releases Icon A5 Fatal Accident Report
The report provides a detailed explanation of what happened, but no conclusions as to why the A5 was flown into a canyon surrounded by steep terrain.
Aircraft
Mitsubishi MRJ Resumes Flight Testing
Mitsubishi test pilots took the skies again in MRJ FTA-4 on September 6.
Avionics
Cockpit Avionics Part 2: New Rules Unleash Helpful HUDs
While head-up displays add some complexity to cockpits, they ultimately make flying much safer and easier.
Product Support Survey: Part 2: Avionics
This year’s avionics product support survey shows little change in the rankings.
Training and Workforce
AIN Blog: Could Mandatory Training Lower the Accident Rate?
The FAA's approach to pilot training has some serious holes when it comes to complex aircraft.
Avionics
TSO Issued for Universal Avionics CMU Software
The new software helps operators meet the upcoming European mandate for ATN B1 CPDLC.
