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
Safety
FAA Warns Pax About Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Phones
Aviation authorities are highlighting the risks of flying with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, which is subject to a global replacement program.
Avionics
Product Support Survey 2016: Avionics
AIN readers rate avionics manufacturers on their product support during the past year.
Avionics
ForeFlight Mobile v8.0 Now Live
Data-driven aeronautical maps open up opportunities for ForeFlight Mobile's development team and for third-party developers as well.
Airports
FAA: City Must Run SMO Without Unjust Discrimination
The FAA is warning the city of Santa Monica to treat pilots and tenants fairly while the airport remains open.
Avionics
Avionica Customers Offered GigSky Data Services
Uploading of safety data from Avionica's miniQAR and 4G module is now simpler using GigSky's worldwide 3G/LTE cellular data network.
Regulations and Government
DOT Inspector General Faults FAA’s NextGen R&D Plan
The FAA needs to work on its long-term vision for the NextGen Air Transportation System, according to the DOT Office of Inspector General.
Maintenance and Modifications
AIN Survey: Independent Maintenance Shops Surviving and Thriving
Independent maintenance providers discuss the challenges and benefits of working with OEMs to support their customers.
Airports
City Council Votes To Close Santa Monica Airport
The resolution, passed unanimously at the city council meeting August 23, calls for closing the airport and eliminating its two FBOs.
Airports
AIN Blog: Resolution Seeks To Remove Aviation Uses at KSMO
The city council is expected to vote on a resolution that would help it hasten the closure of Santa Monica Airport.
Charter & Fractional
FlyOtto Aims To Simplify T-prop, Piston Chartering
There is no need for a membership, no initial or recurring fees, just two blank spaces to fill out on its website: the departure and destination locations.
Avionics
Ergo 360 Adds Shipping for Ditching Dilemmas
Aeronautical Data Systems has expanded the utility of its Ergo 360 safety app with the addition of AIS-based shipping information.
Avionics
AIN Blog: How To Fix the Low-cost Simulation Game
There must be a better way to replicate modern integrated flight decks in low-cost simulators so pilots can use them for realistic practice.
Airports
FAA Rules that Santa Monica Must Keep Airport Open
The latest decision is the FAA's response to the city of Santa Monica's appeal in a complaint brought by airport tenants and operators.
Charter & Fractional
Texas Air Shuttle Launches All-you-can-fly Service
The new scheduled public charter provider is flying from GA airports in the Dallas, Houston and Austin areas.
Avionics
1H16 Avionics Sales Slump 6.5%, Says AEA
Avionics sales for the first half of 2016 amounted to more than $1.1 billion, according to the AEA.
Security
Astronautics Helps Form Wisconsin Aero Research Group
Astronautics will host a research lab at its Milwaukee campus, to facilitate study of aerospace security and cyber projects.
Avionics
Boeing 787 To Receive Upgraded Astronautics EFB
The upgraded Astronautics EFB is equipped with a larger and even more reliable solid-state drive and faster processor.
Avionics
Butler STCs Learjet 24/25 and 35/36 ADS-B Upgrade
With the addition of the new STCs, Butler National now provides ADS-B upgrades for the Learjet 24/25, 35/36 and 60 models.
Airports
AeroplexAerolease Developing Another VNY Facility
Aeroplex/Aerolease Group is adding to its Van Nuys Airport facilities with a new $7.5-million, 123,162-sq-ft development.
Avionics
CJ3 Makes First Flight with Pro Line Fusion Flight Deck
The Pro Line Fusion upgrade for the Citation CJ3 adds touchscreen displays to the CJ3 cockpit.
Aircraft
Product Support Survey 2016, Part 1: Aircraft
Embraer leads for jets, Mitsubishi remains in top turboprop spot
Safety
FAA’s Huerta Highlights Good News at AirVenture
Medical reform, new technology and data initiatives were topics addressed by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta at EAA AirVenture 2016.
Aircraft
Quest Preparing to Ramp Up Kodiak Production
Quest has expanded its facilities and will soon start constructing its own paint shop.
Aircraft
Lancair Offering To Sell Lancair Brand, Assets
The long-time kit airplane manufacturer is refocusing on the fast-selling Evolution piston and turbine models.
Avionics
Aspen Displays Gain Features With Software Upgrade
Aspen is certifying a software upgrade for display of ADS-B IN weather data, and MD Helicopters picked Aspen MFDs for new single-engine MD models.
Aircraft
Mooney On Track for Dual Q3 Certifications
After development of its new all-composite M10T and M10J, Mooney Aircraft will have four airplanes in production.
Avionics
Avidyne Exploring DIY Plug n’ Play Avionics Installations
The ease of installation of Avidyne's IFD series navigators may lead to a less expensive ways for pilots to do the installations themselves.
Aircraft
Aero Electric Outlines Sun Flyer Progress
Solar-electric training airplanes promise significant cost savings for new pilots.
Aircraft
Piper Adds Fuel-injected Archer Engine Option
The addition of fuel injection offers Archer buyers three engine options, including diesel and carbureted.
