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

Alphachocks manufacturer Satcom Corp. showcased its Series 2 foldable chock at EBACE 2018, and the company now offers chocks to fit any size aircraft. The Series 2 chock can each hold up to 350 tonnes (771,617 pounds) per wheel, with wheel diameter of up to 150 centimeters (59 inches).

 


The company’s first foldable chock is made of forged aluminum and features a simple self-locking design. When the Alphachock is placed against a wheel, the weight of the airplane automatically prevents the chock from unlocking. Removing the chock is easy, by pulling the center and unlocking the self-locking mechanism, even if the wheel is pressing tightly on the chock.

 


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The Series 2 foldable chock for larger aircraft is made of laser-welded high-strength stainless steel and is only two inches thick when folded. To make the chock strong but thin, Satcom designed the flat sections with a hollow airfoil shape buttressed internally with ribs. Each Series 2 chock weights 7.8 kg (17 pounds).

 


Alphachocks are available in custom colors and can be inscribed with company logos. Buyers of the Pilatus PC-24 receive a set of Alphachocks in a carrying case as part of the standard equipment.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Foldable Alphachocks Series 2 Hold Largest Aircraft

The new Series 2 Alphachocks hold up to 350 tonnes per wheel.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

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.

Panelists at the Bombardier Safety Standdown agreed that communication is essential to safety

In Multi-generational Workplace, Communication Is Key

Chad Trautvetter

Experts to review and discuss current and emerging safety challenges

Next ACSF Aviation Safety Symposium Set for April 2025

AmyWilder

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Systems, culture, and training key to preventing aviation mishaps

Ferraro's Safety Case Study: Lessons from a Not-quite Incident

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.

Influence shapes safety culture in aviation

Michael Graham Talks Safety Culture at Standdown

Tony Kern brings his A game to the annual safety event

Hypervigilance and the Right Influence

Wichita welcomed attendees to the 28th edition of the Safety Standdown

Bombardier Safety Standdown Promotes Safety Influencers

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

EBACE 2018

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Panelists at the Bombardier Safety Standdown agreed that communication is essential to safety

Next ACSF Aviation Safety Symposium Set for April 2025

Experts to review and discuss current and emerging safety challenges

Ferraro's Safety Case Study: Lessons from a Not-quite Incident

Systems, culture, and training key to preventing aviation mishaps

Michael Graham Talks Safety Culture at Standdown

Influence shapes safety culture in aviation

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Tony Kern brings his A game to the annual safety event

Bombardier Safety Standdown Promotes Safety Influencers

Wichita welcomed attendees to the 28th edition of the Safety Standdown

Will Boeing Add Jeppesen to Asset-sale Plans?

Speculation suggests that Boeing might sell aviation chart data provider Jeppesen for $6 billion

Bombardier Grows Safety Forums on Success of Standdown

Montreal airframer will host flight attendant summit in Hong Kong

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