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
Maintenance and Modifications
App Improves Traxxall User Experience
Traxxall's maintenance-tracking software offers new ways to access information through its mobile app.
Turtle Fliers Save a Large Load of Stranded Turtles
A Saab 340 was drafted to carry 120 cold-stunned turtles to aquariums in Texas.
FutureFlight
CAAM Steps Up Advanced Air Mobility Projects in Canada
Advanced air mobility is targeted to become a major part of Canada air transportation this decade.
Safety
FltPlan Adds AeroData Runway Analysis Option
FltPlan users have a new option for runway analysis and takeoff and landing performance calculations provided by AeroData.
FutureFlight
Austria Grants Trial eVTOL Flight Permit to EHang
EHang worked with Austrian partner FACC to obtain a trial flight permit to test its AAV in European airspace.
Avionics
Icon Offers G3X Upgrade for A5 Amphibian
Icon A5 buyers can now purchase an optional Garmin G3X Touch display and two-axis autopilot.
Avionics
Garmin Adds Smart Rudder Bias to Piston Twins
Smart Rudder Bias is the newest addition to the Garmin Autonomi family and brings new safety features to piston twins.
Avionics
Garmin Upgrades GTN Xi Navigators
New features for the Garmin GTN XI navigators are available with a software update.
Aircraft
EcoPulse Team Completes Preliminary Design Review
The hybrid-electric EcoPulse design, based on a TBM airframe, is being prepared for its first flight in 2022.
Aircraft
Falcon 6X Debuts in Virtual Rollout Ceremony
Dassault Aviation celebrated the rollout of the Falcon 6X, a key milestone on its path to first flight early next year.
Aircraft
Dassault Plans E-rollout for Falcon 6X Bizjet
The rollout of the Falcon 6X will be broadcast on YouTube from Dassault's Bordeaux-Mérignac, France factory.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Alto Brings Immersive Audio Features to Bizav Cabins
New immersive audio products from Alto Aviation are available in new aircraft and for retrofit.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Cadence App Supports Control of Cabin Systems
Alto Aviation's new Cadence app can control cabin systems products made by a variety of manufacturers.
Avionics
More Aircraft Adding InSight Flight Deck
Universal Avionics is expanding the number of aircraft available for installation of its inSight integrated flight deck.
Safety
IS&S Advances Autothrottle Approvals, Features
IS&S's autothrottles are now standard on the King Air 360 and 260 and approved on PC-12s and other King Airs.
Aircraft
Honeywell Bullish on Bizav Post-Covid
The company anticipates a return to growth of business aviation around 2022 and is developing new products to serve a growing market.
Avionics
Genesys Displays Approved for AStar Upgrades
The FAA has certified the Genesys Aerosystems IDU-680 and IDU-450 EFIS displays for AStar helicopters.
Avionics
BendixKing AeroCruze Autopilot Adds Further Approvals
Owners of aircraft equipped with BendixKing KFC 150 and 200 autopilots can upgrade to the AeroCruze 230 touchscreen autopilot.
Accidents
EASA Issues Proposed AD for 737 Max Return to Flight
EASA expects the Boeing 737 Max to be able to return to flight in Europe in mid-January.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Low-cost Connectivity Sees Boost in Activity
BizjetMobile is experiencing a boost in messaging activity on its Iridium-based connectivity systems.
Training and Workforce
TOP FLIGHT AWARDS NOMINEES: Training
The training arena saw some interesting developments during the past year, especially in light of Covid restrictions.
Avionics
TOP FLIGHT AWARDS NOMINEES: Technology
The Top Flight Awards technology category saw a variety of candidates, from new displays to airborne connectivity and ADS-B efforts.
Avionics
Aerocor Buys BlueMAX Data Transfer Unit
The BlueMAX data transfer unit offers a method to download engine and flight data from compatible avionics.
Avionics
Garmin Pilot 10.3 Mobile App Adds Notam Highlights
Pilots can more easily view airspace and obstacles that might affect their flight path on the new version of the Garmin Pilot app.
Avionics
Avidyne IFD100 App Now Runs in Split-screen
Multitasking allows Avidyne's IFD100 app to run in a split-screen alongside other multitasking-capable apps.
Avionics
RTCA Warns of 5G's Effect on Radar Altimeters
An auction of frequency licenses in the spectrum from 3.7–3.98 GHz could cause significant safety problems for all segments of aviation.
Avionics
Scott IPC Releases Int'l Plotting Chart App
Scott International Procedures has released the Scott Plot ePlotting Chart app to help pilots flying overseas trips.
Maintenance and Modifications
ATP Aviation Hub Now Integrated with Flightdocs
Flightdocs customers can now access their ATP Aviation Hub libraries directly from the Flightdocs platform.
Safety
Traveling During a Pandemic, Part 2
AIN editor-in-chief gets out of the house for a trip to France during the coronavirus pandemic.
Avionics
Avidyne Switching on FOQA for Bizav
Avidyne's new FOQA Flight Data Intelligence program will help pilots spot flying performance issues before they cause problems.
