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 first prototype Epic E1000—FT1—made its first flight on December 19 at Oregon’s Bend Municipal Airport. The maiden flight was flown by chief pilot David Robinson and lasted 20 minutes. FT1 is the first of two flight-test articles that will be flown for the E1000 FAA certification program, which is expected to be completed by year-end 2016. FT1 flight testing will include general handling qualities, operational performance, systems operations in normal mode, failure scenarios, extreme conditions and flight-into-known-icing testing, according to Epic Aircraft. FT2 is under construction and “will focus on assessing interior and cabin functionality, including fuel, hydraulic, avionics, navigational and environmental systems.”

 


The $2.95 million, all-composite E1000 is powered by a 1,200-shp (flat-rated) Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PT6A-67A. Performance specifications include a top speed of more than 325 ktas, range of 1,650 nm, maximum altitude 34,000 feet and full-fuel payload of 1,120 pounds. The flight deck is equipped with a three-display Garmin G1000 suite.

 


Epic Aircraft is already working with the FAA on its production certificate and expects to achieve that late this year, shortly after certification. After ramping up production, Epic expects to build 50 E1000s per year.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Epic E1000 Prototype Enters Flight-test Program

The first prototype of the Epic E1000 single-engine turboprop is one of two that will fly the flight test campaign. 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Henry Brooks of Collins Aerospace will serve as chair of the board

GAMA Announces 2025 Executive Committee Leadership Team

Kerry Lynch

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

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.

Carrier has six Gulfstream G700s in its fleet and awaits four more

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