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
Safety
GPS Interference Issue Back on the Table
The former LightSquared telecom network is accused of GPS interference again, but this time under a new company name, Ligado Networks.
Avionics
Hands-on with the Bose ProFlight Series 2 Headset
Bose's ProFlight Series 2 aviation headset brings lightweight active noise canceling to the business jet and airline market.
Aircraft
Honda Aircraft Bullish on Bizav's Future
Business aviation is facing serious challenges, but there are some bright spots, according to Honda Aircraft.
Safety
APG Acquisition Opens Doors for Future Growth
AFV Partners' purchase of Aircraft Performance Group will open opportunities for technological developments in flight planning and operations.
Avionics
New Garmin Portable Adds Approach Overlays
Garmin's new aera 760 portable GPS navigator adds many avionics-like features in a compact 7-inch display.
Maintenance and Modifications
Maintenance Trainer Adopts Online Learning
Fulcrum Labs and Aviation Institute of Maintenance have partnered to offer more online training for A&P mechanic students.
Maintenance and Modifications
GoDirect Trade Aims To Be Amazon of Aviation Parts
Honeywell's GoDirect Trade e-commerce platform is trying to remove barriers to aviation parts transactions.
Accidents
NTSB Releases Factual Report on Halladay Accident
The NTSB factual report on the fatal crash of baseball player Roy Halladay's Icon A5 found nothing wrong with the airplane.
Pandemic Spurs Massive Aviation Changes
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on aviation is difficult to measure, but clearly enormously significant.
Training and Workforce
FlightSafety’s Recurrent Groundschool Now Online
FlightSafety's LiveLearning online recurrent groundschool will be available for more than 20 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft models.
Avionics
Aspen Avionics Lowers Multi-display Pricing
Aspen Avionics is offering discounts on the purchase of multiple displays and on safety features.
Avionics
CCX Adds New Tester Features
CCX's T-RX avionics tester has expanded capabilities for testing GPS receivers and VHF datalink transceivers.
Aircraft
Pilot Report: Embraer's New Phenom 300E
The new Phenom 300E adds safety, performance, and comfort features to a best-selling light jet.
Maintenance and Modifications
SmartBay Certified on Tecnam P92JS
Operating costs of the SmartBay sensor suite-equipped Tecnam P92JS are about half that of a light helicopter.
Safety
NBAA Event Addresses Flight Ops Mission Readiness
NBAA’s News Hour webinar on March 31 addressed how companies can maintain flight department readiness
Maintenance and Modifications
IS&S Autothrottle Certified for PC-12 in Canada
The IS&S autothrottle is gaining new certifications in turboprop aircraft.
Avionics
Appareo Unveils Stratus Insight EFB App
The new Insight app from Appareo gives pilots a clearly spelled out transcription of ATC communications.
Safety
Honeywell Ramps Up N95 Mask Production
Honeywell is putting to work storage space at its Phoenix engine campus to add capability to manufacture N95 masks.
Avionics
ForeFlight 3D Preview Labels Now Live
The ForeFlight EFB app is now available in Version 12.2, which includes new features such as 3D Preview fix markers and labels.
Regulations and Government
ATC-Zero: What That Means for Business Aviation
An NBAA webinar spelled out what ATC-Zero means and how closures of air traffic control facilities affect business aviation operators.
Avionics
Spirit Aeronautics Looks Back on 20 Years of Service
Spirit Aeronautics is celebrating its 20th years in the avionics and maintenance business.
Sudden Tight Market Spurs Online Jobs Fair
Aviation Job Search is hosting an online job fair March 20, 2020, to help people who have lost jobs during the recent economic upheavals.
Avionics
Head-wearable Display Obtains First Certification
The ClearVision EFVS and SkyLens head-wearable display will soon be flying operationally in regional airlines, then business jets and helicopters.
Charter & Fractional
FL3XX, Stellar Join on Management, Charter Exchange
Stellar Labs and FL3XX have agreed on a partnership to help customers access their companies' charter and aircraft management services.
Regulations and Government
FAA Eliminates Part 91 RNAV LOA for Europe
A new FAA policy removes a significant burden for Part 91 operators flying in Europe.
Aero Friedrichshafen Postponed Amid Virus Effects
The postponed Aero Friedrichshafen show in April is set to be rescheduled at a later date.
Avionics
EASA Certifies ClearVision with Head-wearable Display
The first civil certification for the Universal Avionics SkyLens head-wearable display will help operators maintain flight schedules.
Maintenance and Modifications
Stevens Macon Offering Mx Services for Mexico Bizjets
Two of Stevens Aerospace's three maintenance facilities are now approved by Mexico's regulator.
Avionics
ForeFlight’s 3D and Profile Views Show Weather Layers
ForeFlight's latest release makes it easier for pilots to visualize cloud, icing, and turbulence forecasts along the flight-planned route.
Avionics
GTN 650/750Xi Certified for Variety of Helicopters
Slide-in replacement with Garmin's new GTN 650Xi/750Xi units is now available for select helicopter models.
