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
Gulfstream G600 Might Take to the Sky Late This Year
Gulfstream is making good progress with certification work for the G500 and G600.
Charter & Fractional
Hongkong Jet To Acquire Asia Jet
After the purchase of Asia Jet by Hongkong Jet, the two companies will still be run as separate entities.
Aircraft
Gulfstream Still Growing Strong in China
Gulfstream’s market share in China is now more than 65 percent for large-cabin business jets.
Maintenance and Modifications
Radical Winglets Save Serious Money
Aviation Partners recommends early planning if you want its winglets on your BBJ–ready to save significant amounts of fuel.
Aircraft
Bombardier Preparing for Further Growth in China
The manufacturer’s newest service center is the Bombardier Tianjin Aviation Services Co., scheduled to open later this year.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Gogo Vision Supports Global IFE Service
Gogo’s satcom and IFE services are available for deployment worldwide.
Safety
Aircraft Performance Group’s iPreFlight App Ideal for China Operators
The iPreFlight iPad app includes runway analysis and weight-and-balance calculations, optimizing business jet payload capability.
Charter & Fractional
VistaJet Celebrates Record 2015
VistaJet’s 60-airplane business jet charter fleet averages less than two years old.
Airlines
RACCA 2016 Conference Arrives in Scottsdale April 26-28
The annual Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association conference will tackle the pilot and mechanic shortage and other critical issues.
Training and Workforce
FlightSafety Celebrates 65th Anniversary, Expands Asia Footprint
The training company newest installation in Asia is a Sikorsky S-76C+/C++ Level D-qualified full-flight simulator.
Maintenance and Modifications
CRS Jet Spares Fills Legacy Jet Support Niche
CRS Jet Spares saw its Asia business grow 13 percent in 2015 compared to 2014.
Charter & Fractional
Executive AirShare Continues Growth Path
The Kansas City company offers a fresh way to fly a business aircraft fractional-share.
Avionics
Hilton Software Adding Geo-ref DPs and STARs to WingX
WingX's new geo-referencing feature for departure procedures and STARs will be available on iOS devices in the second quarter.
Avionics
Universal Avionics Completes Departure Clearance Tests
Live testing of departure clearances took place in Louisville, Ky., using a FANS-equipped Citation VII owned by Universal Avionics.
Charter & Fractional
JetSuiteX Launches EMB-135 Service from Burbank to Concord
The new public charter service flies regularly scheduled trips between Burbank and Concord and Concord and Las Vegas.
Avionics
Guardian Panel Mounts Put Apple Devices Front and Center
The new iFDR Panel Mounts are designed for better viewing of iPhones and iPads in the cockpit environment.
Avionics
Synthetic Vision Coming to Avidyne Navigators
Avidyne's new synthetic vision features can be displayed on IFD navigators and via Wi-Fi on iPads using its new IFD100 app.
Training and Workforce
AIN Blog: Simulator Vs. Airplane Upset Training
There will always be disputes about whether simulators or airplanes are better for upset training, but each one offers benefits.
Avionics
Garmin Unveils New Standby Instrument and Audio Panels
Garmin's new G5 standby instrument can also service as a standalone autopilot solution, while the GMA 245/245R audio panels offer "superior" sound.
Avionics
MyGoFlight Adapts Sun Shade Rails for iPad Mounting
The MyGoFlight iPad Rail Mount kit fits nearly any type of sun shade rail system used in turboprops and jets.
Avionics
NavWorx Licenses Interface With Garmin Navigators
NavWorx ADS600-B transceiver can take advantage of GPS capability of Garmin GNS/GTN navigators and save owners money during installation.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
AirSatOne Launches Airborne Wi-Fi Calling
Smartphones with the Wi-Fi calling feature can use their same number for airborne satcom calling and texting.
Airports
AirMap Unveils Drone Digital Flight Notice Network
AirMap allows airport operators to view unmanned aircraft system flight notices submitted by drone operators.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
SmartSky Networks Unveils Product, Service Pricing
The SmartSky air-to-ground network is expected to begin service in the fourth quarter of 2016, with full U.S. coverage in mid-2017.
Avionics
FAA Approves Gulfstream’s GIV-SP FANS Upgrade
Gulfstream's new FANS upgrade for the GIV-SP also enables pilots to use digital departure clearances at many airports.
Training and Workforce
MU-2 PROP Seminars Opening in April
The biennial MU-2 Pilot's Review of Proficiency seminars are free and open to any pilot.
Security
AIN Blog: Securing General Aviation
General Aviation Security guidance from government authorities is inexplicably lacking.
Avionics
Avionica Taps Duncan as Newest Dealer, Install Center
Avionica's data collection and satcom equipment is now available through Duncan Aviation.
Avionics
ForeFlight Sees Bright Future for 9.7-inch iPad Pro
The new 9.7-inch Apple iPad Pro is better suited to the cockpit environment than the larger 12.9-inch full-size Pro.
Airports
District Court Hears Santa Monica Airport Appeal
The city of Santa Monica is appealing dismissal of its 2013 lawsuit, which sought to clarify its title to the Santa Monica Airport property.
