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.

Matt Thurber

Latest from Matt Thurber

Rotorcraft

FAA Designates Hillsboro Heli Academy as Examining Authority

Designation streamlines the pilot training process
Hillsboro Helicopter Academy
Avionics

Genesys Testing Daedalean Situational Intelligence

Safety will be enhanced by real-time processing of visual data in flight
Genesys Moog Daedalean OmniX
Avionics

Daedalean Building Blocks Toward AI-powered Autonomy

Products will help pilots by monitoring traffic and other hazards
Daedalean camera enclosure on Leonardo
Rotorcraft

Bell Adding TRU 505 VR Simulator to Training Academy

The simulator will enhance practicing emergencies and various scenarios
Bell TRU 505 simulator
Avionics

Enstrom Certifying Genesys Autopilot in 480B

The three-axis autopilot features automatic recovery to near-level flight attitude
Genesys Aerosystems GRC 3000 with GS Button
Rotorcraft

Phenix Heavy Lift UAS Makes Heli-Expo Debut

The UAS is targeting logistics, firefighting, agriculture, and defense applications
Phenix Solutions’ Ultra 2XL heavy lift uncrewed aerial system (UAS)
Rotorcraft

Airwolf STCs Lithium-ion Batteries, Releases Charger

Charger helps operators maintain lithium-ion batteries
Airwolf Charger
Rotorcraft

Airbus Expands Support for HUMS Customers

GPMS HUMS adds benefits beyond health and usage monitoring
GPMS HUMS
Maintenance and Modifications

Cadorath Winnipeg Receives Rolls-Royce Approval

The approval adds more capabilities to the company's engine services
Rolls-Royce M250
Rotorcraft

Hensoldt Makes the Cellphone Detection Connection

Enhanced mission management is available with the EuroNav 7 integration
Hensoldt integration to geolocate cellphones
Rotorcraft

Lasen Takes Delivery of Leak-detecting Bell 206

The project involved complete refurbishment of the helicopter
Lasen takes delivery of Bell 206 from Meridian Helicopters
Rotorcraft

ASU Unveils Lightweight E3 Night-vision Goggle

The new night-vision goggle is available for orders
Aviation Specialties Unlimited night-vision goggle
Rotorcraft

Reiser's Airbus H145D3 Full-flight Simulator Gets Nod

The simulator received certification from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority
Airbus H145D3
Avionics

Erickson Picks Astronautics Glass Cockpit for S-64

Upgrade will add modern aviations to 12 S-64 Air Cranes
Erickson picks Astronautics glass cockpit
Rotorcraft

Vita Aerospace Unveiling Rapid Extraction Device

The new device enables safer hoisting of unconscious victims
Vita Pelican Rapid Extraction Device
Avionics

Becker Avionics Adds 3D Audio to Digital Intercom

The new features extend the capabilities of the AMU 6500 intercom system
Becker Avionics AMU 6500 digital intercom
Avionics

Black Hawk Lima To Fly with Genesys Avionics

Modernized Black Hawk UH-60Ls increase mission effectiveness
Genesys Avionics in Black Hawk Lima
Rotorcraft

Demos Available in Leonardo VxR Simulator

With a small footprint, Leonardo's VR simulator takes up very little space
Leonardo VXR simulator
Avionics

Horizon Adds Helicopter Approvals for IFD Navigators

The AML-STC covers nine helicopter models
Avidyne IFD navigator
Avionics

StandardAero, Thales Pick Flex for Autopilot Mode Annunciator

The Flex instrument fits into a standard 2.25-inch panel cutout
Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics Flex display for StableLight mode annunciator
Finance, Taxes, Insurance

Global Jet Capital Sees Positive Signs for Business Aviation

The finance and leasing group predicts a return to normal for the business aviation market
Bombardier Global G6500
Rotorcraft

Eola Buys Stake in Helo Management Provider Starspeed

The move expands Eola's services in the UK
Starspeed helicopters
Avionics

GFC 600H Autopilot Now Available in IFR Configuration

The Leonardo A109 Trekker is the first helicopter approved for the IFR autopilot
Leonardo A109 Trekker helicopter
Cabin Interior and Electronics

SpaceX Signs Pro Star as Authorized Starlink Install Center

A series of business airplane models are in line for Starlink STCs
SpaceX Starlink installed on business jet
Engines

Emergency AD Cites New P&WC PT6 Power Turbine Blades

The AD requires removal of affected blades before further flight
Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E turbine engine
Avionics

Avionics Manufacturers Explore New Interface and Safety Technologies

Avionics developments could also lead to simplified vehicle operations
Collins Aerospace pilot support system
Charter & Fractional

Blade Air Mobility Adds Security Clearance at Nice

Passengers no longer need to clear through general security
Blade Air Mobility Europe Helicopter
Charter & Fractional

NJASAP, NetJets Reach Agreement in Principle

The agreement will be followed by an amended collective bargaining agreement
NetJets pilots
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Satcom Direct Expands in Europe, Adds Jet ConneX

The provider's Plane Simple system is now available for Ka-band satcom
Satcom Direct Plane Simple Ka-band tail mount satellite antenna
Avionics

Avidyne IFD Flight Management Systems Now NVG-compatible

The optional NVG feature is available for $3,600
Avidyne IFD545 flight management system