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&amp;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.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

The world breathed a sigh of relief as 2011 came to a close; aviation had experienced two remarkably safe years, following 2009, during which two extraordinary airline accidents focused the public’s attention on what appear to be serious lapses in fundamental airmanship. The two accidents–<a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2009-02-13/colgan-q400-crashes-outside-buffalo-50-dead" target="_blank">Colgan Air/Continental Connection Flight 3407 on Feb. 12, 2009</a>, and Air France Flight 447 on June 1, 2009–aren’t the only ones that uncovered airmanship problems, but they captured the public’s attention in a way that is still having reverberations. The Colgan accident in particular has led to political action in the U.S. to tighten FAA minimum standards for Part 121 airline pilots as well as a push for <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2009-09-29/faa-working-toward-new-level-safety-says-babbitt" target="_blank">increased professionalism in all segments of aviation</a>.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

The State of Training

Aviation industry investigating multiple factors to improve initial pilot training.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Six accidents, two with fatalities, took place during calendar year 2023

FAA Releases 2023 Helo Air Ambulance Ops Data Summary

Charles Alcock

Both manufacturers announced new business during the European Rotors trade show

Helicopter Operators Sign Orders with Airbus and Leonardo

How a long-time fixed-wing pilot transitions to the rotary-wing world

Learning To Fly Helicopters in the Guimbal Cabri G2

Mark Huber

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

Jury awards $116 million for doors-off crash victim

FlyNYON Tragedy Results in Hefty Jury Award

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

More In Rotorcraft

FAA Releases 2023 Helo Air Ambulance Ops Data Summary

Six accidents, two with fatalities, took place during calendar year 2023

Helicopter Operators Sign Orders with Airbus and Leonardo

Both manufacturers announced new business during the European Rotors trade show

Learning To Fly Helicopters in the Guimbal Cabri G2

How a long-time fixed-wing pilot transitions to the rotary-wing world

FlyNYON Tragedy Results in Hefty Jury Award

Jury awards $116 million for doors-off crash victim

First MD500E to MD530F Helicopter Conversion Done

Upgrade is available at MD Helicopters service centers

Bell Soars in 3Q with Higher Civil Helo Deliveries, FLRAA

Commercial shipments nearly doubled, while new military program brought in more than $80M

Bell Appoints Japanese Dealer for 505 Helicopter

Japan General Aviation Service is already a customer for the larger 429 model

Avincis Strengthens Portugal Helicopter MRO Base

Plan will help ensure long-term job stability for Portugal workforce

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