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
With Zuccaro in charge, it’s a safety-first world
HAI president Matt Zuccaro sees a bright future for the helicopter industry and is optimistic that Heli-Expo’07 may break attendance records set at last ye
For Columbia, the gem is 50 years of rotor motion
Columbia Helicopters is celebrating two anniversaries and is honoring four employees here at Heli-Expo’07.
New paradigm in police helos
One of two Fairfax County (Va.) Police Department Bell 407s modified by Paradigm Aerospace is on display at the L-3 Communications booth (No.
FBOs
Midwest Aviation grand opening
Kansas City Aviation Center celebrated the grand opening of its newest FBO, Midwest Aviation Center at Missouri’s Spirit of St.
FBOs
Western intros Gold Standard
Boise, Idaho-based Western Aircraft is offering FBO customers a new concierge-style service called Gold Standard.
FBOs
Firstflight adds two FBOs
Avfuel dealer FirstFlight is building a new chain, starting with two FBOs at Pennsylvania’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and Garden City, Ka
FBOs
Mercury Air picks up Kuwait FBO
Mercury Air Group signed a letter of intent to take on the management contract for a new FBO at Kuwait International Airport.
FBOs
Encore grows to four FBOs
New chain Encore FBO now has four bases, having purchased Business Aviation Services of Sioux Falls, S.D., late last year.
FBOs
Renovated Avitat HPN open
Avitat Westchester opened its newly renovated Westchester County Airport FBO in January.
Airports
Super Bowl TFR kept traffic moving at Miami-area airports
The last time the Super Bowl was held in Miami, in 1999, the concept of regular temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) was yet to be revealed to the aviation
Aircraft
In The Works: Dassault Falcon 7X
Dassault’s fly-by-wire Falcon 7X is nearing the finish line and is expected to receive EASA and FAA type certification either by the end of this month or e
Aircraft
In The Works: Aero Vodochody Ae270
Penta Holding, the private-equity firm that in January purchased Ae270 and L-39 manufacturer Aero Vodochody, expects to announce by the end of this month a
Aircraft
In The Works: Aviation Technology Group Javelin
Aviation Technology Group (ATG) is expecting to receive FAA certification and begin customer deliveries of the Javelin two-seat jet next year.
Aircraft
In The Works: PiperJet
Piper Aircraft, whose dealers are working with Honda Aircraft to sell and service the HondaJet, continues with its plans to find a suitable location to bui
Safety
Nascar crews embrace SMS
After a Hendrick Motorsports King Air 200 crashed into Bull Mountain on Oct.
Accidents
Deicing guidance blamed in Circuit City accident
During the January 23 public meeting on the icing-related crash of a Cessna Citation 560 near Pueblo, Colo., NTSB members criticized the FAA and Cessna for
Honda chooses location for production plant
In a move that wasn’t overly surprising, Honda Aircraft announced on February 9 that it has decided to build its world headquarters and HondaJet manufactur
Charter & Fractional
Passur program helps FBOs but could irk operators
A small company that began life by providing collision-avoidance hardware to the U.S.
Maintenance and Modifications
Industry considers the future of the maintenance technician
To keep up with changing times and meet the needs of the industry, the maintenance sector needs more freedom to provide technicians with real-world trainin
FBOs
Colorado Airports: Storms leave airports snowbound
With three major storms in three weeks (and winter far from over), the Denver area has not only had its share of snow this season but seems also to be hogg
FBOs
New $100 hamburger site
Check out www.brakesoff.com for pilots’ comments on airport amenities and add a few of y
FBOs
NATA onvention to split into FBO, charter events
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is replacing its annual convention with two new conferences.
FBOs
Platinum Jet Center opens
Bloomington-Normal Central Illinois Regional Airport is home to Platinum Jet Center BMI’s new FBO, which opened in October.
FBOs
EPA SPPC rules finally issued
The Environmental Protection Agency’s final amendments on spill prevention, control and countermeasures (SPPC) have been issued but still might generate so
FBOs
Ocean Air adds facility, considers further expansion
The new FBO at Roseburg Regional Airport in Oregon is Ocean Air Aviation, which took over FBO services at the airport from Wingnuts Flying Services.
FBOs
Capital City Jet Center offers Columbus option
A new FBO, Capital City Jet Center, recently opened at Bolton Field Airport near Columbus, Ohio.
FBOs
Liberty Air planning new FBO at Savannah Airport
Liberty Air Ventures has signed a 20-year lease for eight acres on the southwest quadrant of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, where it plans to
In The Works: Utilicraft Aerospace FF-1080-300ER
There are signs of life at Utilicraft Aerospace, which now trades on the stock market as symbol UITA on the Over The Counter Bulletin Board.
