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

Meridian Helicopters has delivered a refurbished Bell 206L-3 to Lasen, a Las Cruces, New Mexico-based helicopter operator that specializes in aerial leak detection. The helicopter is equipped with Lasen’s Airborne Lidar Pipeline Inspection System, which detects volatile emissions from liquid transmission pipelines.
The refurbishment of the Bell 206 included a full Garmin avionics upgrade, fresh paint, and installation of zero-time components. Avionics installed were a Garmin GTN 650 GPS navigator, GTR 225 com radio, and GMA 350HC digital audio panel.
“N233MH stands out as one of the most beautiful aircraft I’ve ever encountered,” said Lasen director of operations Ben Galloway. “A thank you to the team at Meridian Helicopters for all the hard work you’ve put into it. You guys certainly take pride in your product and it shows. I know we’re in good hands and I’m looking forward to working with you and your team.”
Meridian is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cadorath and is based in Lafayette, Louisiana.

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

Lasen Takes Delivery of Leak-detecting Bell 206L-3 Helicopter

The project involved complete refurbishment of the helicopter

The 206 is equipped with Lasen’s Airborne Lidar Pipeline Inspection System, which detects volatile emissions from liquid transmission pipelines.

Lasen Takes Delivery of Leak-detecting Bell 206

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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.

Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs

Sikorsky Lengthens S-92 Inspection Intervals

Shipment to New Zealand will take place next year after paint and upgrades

Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five AW169 Helicopters

Plans call for growing the department's public safety presence

Fort Worth Police Buy Second Bell 505

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.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Key innovations and safety updates event highlights

European Rotors 2024 Focuses on Vertical Flight Future

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Heli-Expo 2024

In this article

Bell 205/206 Series

Meridian Helicopters

More In Rotorcraft

Sikorsky Lengthens S-92 Inspection Intervals

Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs

Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five AW169 Helicopters

Shipment to New Zealand will take place next year after paint and upgrades

Fort Worth Police Buy Second Bell 505

Plans call for growing the department's public safety presence

European Rotors 2024 Focuses on Vertical Flight Future

Key innovations and safety updates event highlights

Rotortrade Partners with Safran, Joins Mentor Program

Preowned helicopter specialist is expanding its capabilities

Bell Logs Sales for 505 and 407GXi Helicopters

Includes the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in Europe

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

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN