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
Cabin Interior and Electronics
SmartSky Signs JetSuiteX for Air-to-ground Service
The SmartSky airborne connectivity service will be available for JetSuiteX customers in late summer.
Training and Workforce
Learning To Fly on Simulated Wings
Bill Forelli may have figured out how to accelerate the learn-to-fly process using personal computer-based simulators.
Amazing Apps
Organizations have myriad choices for Apple, Android, and Microsoft platforms.
Avionics
Garmin inReach Mini Satisfies Low-cost Communications Needs
The inReach Mini satellite communicator offers a lightweight and simple means of communicating via text anywhere in the world.
Avionics
Avtech’s ProFlight App Improves Weather Window
The app provides a weather report for a significantly more localized area than before.
Avionics
Alto Adds CMS Upgrades for GIV, GV
The systems replace the legacy Pacific Systems/Airshow switches.
Avionics
Iridium Switches on Certus Satcom
The Certus satcom network is now live, and the aviation service will begin later in 2019.
Aircraft
Cirrus G2 Vision Jet Certified
Cirrus is already offering an improved version of the single-engine Vision Jet, the new Generation 2 or G2.
Avionics
Garmin TXi Touchscreen Displays Certified, Available for VFR Helicopters
Garmin's touchscreen TXi displays offer helicopter operators significant new capabilities.
Safety
Citation Pilots Strengthen Safety Focus
At last October's Citation Jet Pilots convention, attendees learned new ways to improve single-pilot safety.
Avionics
This HUD's For You
Head-up display (HUD) technology is advancing rapidly and spreading into more aircraft types.
Avionics
Touchscreens Poised To Break Into Bizjets
Touchscreen technology is inevitable for business jet flight decks, and slowly but surely headed in that direction.
Maintenance and Modifications
The Future Is Now with Video-based Remote Inspection
Gulfstream has pioneered the process of remote video inspection and is sharing it with the aviation industry.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
SmartSky Service Starting Soon
The SmartSky ground network is slated for full continental U.S. coverage in 2019.
Avionics
Honeywell Advances SURF IA Airport Alerting
Honeywell's SURF IA can help pilots avoid incursions involving other aircraft, using ADS-B technology.
Avionics
Avidyne 2019 Avionics Training Schedule Released
Avionics training is provided by Gary Reeves and PilotSafety.org, Avidyne's official training partner.
Avionics
Nextant Receives STC for Challenger 604XT Flight Deck
The Nextant 604XT, the first business jet with touchscreen panel displays, has been approved by the FAA.
Aircraft
Pilot Report: Piper Diesel Archer
The diesel-powered single-engine Archer might have new life in large training academies.
Aircraft
Pilot Report: Embraer Praetor 600
A flight in Embraer's new Praetor 600 super midsize jet reveals a host of new features.
Avionics
Garmin Unveils 2019 Training Schedule
Pilots can take a deep dive into their Garmin avionics at a convenient hands-on class or online.
Avionics
ADS-B Deadline Not Just a U.S./Europe Issue
The 2020 ADS-B Out deadlines in the U.S. and Europe will affect operators that fly to those countries from elsewhere.
Maintenance and Modifications
Duncan Resumes TDR-94/94D Transponder Mods
A software upgrade is available for Rockwell Collins TDR-94/94D transponders at Duncan Aviation facilities.
Avionics
Gulfstream First to Certify EFVS Landing System
Gulfstream's EFVS Landing System allows pilots to land using no natural vision to view the runway.
Maintenance and Modifications
Heatcon, Solvay Partner on Composites Distribution
Heatcon and Solvay Materials have partnered to deliver composite repair products to the aerospace industry.
Avionics
Appareo Adds Twin Cessnas to ADS-B Solution
Appareo's Stratus ES/ESG ADS-B Out STC now includes Cessna 400 series twins.
Avionics
ABC Gains STC for iPad EFB on Global 6000
A Class II EFB for the Global 6000 is now certified and available from ABC Completions.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
WhatsApp Now Live on Airtext Satcoms
Iridium satcoms are now more useful for text messaging around the world, using WhatsApp when outside the U.S.
Avionics
Garmin's Budget Autopilot Certified in Beech Singles
Garmin's GFC 500 autopilot is now available for Beechcraft Bonanza and Debonair models.
