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
Avionics
Engine Data Now on Garmin Pilot App
Garmin has made significant updates to its iOS and Android Pilot mobile apps.
Aircraft
Icon Launches Fractional Share Test Program
The amphibious LSA manufacturer is offering a lower-cost pathway for flying the Icon A5.
Engines
Phillips 66 Teams With Afton on Unleaded Avgas
UL100 avgas contains no lead and so far is proving effective for anti-detonation properties in high-compression piston aero engines.
Maintenance and Modifications
Superior Extends Cylinder Warranty
Superior Air Parts's new warranty lasts for 37 months, and is retroactive to cylinders bought after Jan. 1, 2018.
Training and Workforce
Redbird Previews New Sim Motion System
Redbird's new six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) simulator motion platform was designed by the company's Redbird Alpha advanced development division.
Aircraft
Piper Aicraft's Revenues, Sales Surge
Piper is seeing large new orders thanks to the pilot shortage.
Avionics
Aspen Avionics Max-imizes Evolution Displays
The top portion of the new Aspen Avionics Max series display, which offers faster processing and improved brightness and colors.
Garmin Grows the D2 Aviator Watch Family
Three new watches are available in the Garmin aviator watch series, including one that measures oxygen saturation levels.
Aircraft
HondaJet Elite Makes U.S. Debut at Oshkosh
The first new HondaJet Elite will be delivered in August, and eventually the production line will shift to Elites only.
Aviation’s Finest Gather at EAA AirVenture
EAA AirVenture brings the entire aviation world to Oshkosh, Wisconsin once a year.
Avionics
Garmin Unveils TXi, GTN, GFC, G5 Updates
The new software enabling the new features should be available in August.
Avionics
Garmin ADS-B In Receivers Ready for New Weather Info
The FAA's six new weather products in the FIS-B system will be available on many Garmin avionics products.
Aircraft
JetBlue Signs MOU for 60 A220s
The JetBlue order is the first for the Airbus-Bombardier C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership.
Avionics
ForeFlight Offers ADS-B, Adds CO Monitor, Glance Mode
The new ForeFlight Sentry ADS-B In receiver includes a carbon monoxide detector, WAAS GPS, AHRS, and internal battery with 12-hour endurance.
Engines
Nordam Halts PW800 Nacelle Production
The PW800 nacelle production suspension is due to a contract dispute between Nordam and Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Charter & Fractional
Surf Air Files Counterclaim to Encompass Complaint
Surf Air has responded to the lawsuit filed by Encompass Aviation, which alleges that Surf Air owes it $3.1 million.
Aircraft
Embraer To Retain Executive Jets Division
There is no plan to split off Embraer's Executive Jets division following the joint venture MOU between Embraer and Boeing.
Regulations and Government
FAA Alleges Illegal Charters by Hincojet
The FAA claims that The Hinman Co.'s flight operation Hincojet billed more than the allowable amount for Part 91 flights in its aircraft.
Safety
Big Data and Tech Featured at WAA Safety Day
The Westchester Aviation Association held its Third Annual Safety Day events on June 19, 20
Charter & Fractional
Blink Stops Flying, Relinquishes UK AOC
The UK charter operator will continue flying under an AOC located in continental Europe.
Aircraft
AINsight: The Need for $peed
A market for a supersonic business jet? Perhaps, but the regulatory climate needs to change.
Regulations and Government
Aeronautical Data at Risk in ATC Privatization Debate
The proposal to privatize the U.S. air traffic control system included language that could have raised costs for pilots significantly.
Avionics
Elbit's Universal Avionics Buy Opens New Markets
The combination of Elbit Systems and Universal Avionics creates a new avionics integrator to serve business and commercial aviation.
Charter & Fractional
Advanced Air Takes Over Surf Air Flying
Surf Air offers all-you-can-fly memberships for air charter clients in California, Texas, and Europe.
Avionics
ForeFlight Expands in Europe
A full suite of flight-planning and in-flight services is now available to European operators using the ForeFlight Mobile app.
Aircraft
HondaJet Elite is Honda's Newest Light Jet
The Elite version of the HondaJet features a number of improvements, including a 17 percent increase in range.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Airtext LT: Satcom for the Price-shy
Airtext LT offers low-cost text messaging for any size aircraft anywhere in the world.
Charter & Fractional
Executive AirShare Expands in Denver
The fractional-share operator is seeing growing customer interest in the western U.S.
