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

Bell Textron announced the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in Europe, to be delivered to Adam Fawsitt, along with another three 505 purchase agreements last week at European Rotors. All four helicopters are for private operators. Bell also signed purchase agreements for 15 IFR-configured 407GXi helicopters to Global Medical Response (GMR), as well as options for nine more.
“At [GMR], we recognize the vital role air ambulances play in providing timely, lifesaving care across a diverse landscape,” said Daniel Sweeza, national president of air operations of Colorado-based GMR. “Expanding our fleet allows us to further bridge the gap of access to healthcare. With this expansion, we are reinforcing our commitment to being there when every second counts, ensuring that patients have rapid access to advanced critical care, no matter where they are.”
“As an aircraft owner looking for a modern single-engine turbine aircraft, I selected the Bell 505 for its incredible performance, advanced avionics, modern technology, and great looks,” Fawsitt said. “I’ve enjoyed working closely with the Bell team and their United Kingdom Independent Representative, HelixAv, to specify my perfect helicopter and look forward to flying the 100th Bell 505 [delivered] in Europe.”

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

Bell Signs Purchase Agreements for 505 and 407GXi Helicopters

Includes the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in Europe

Bell has signed purchase agreements for four Bell 505s for European private operators and 15 Bell 407GXis for Global Medical Response.

Bell Logs Sales for 505 and 407GXi Helicopters

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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.

Preowned helicopter specialist is expanding its capabilities

Rotortrade Partners with Safran, Joins Mentor Program

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

In this article

Bell 505 Jet Ranger X

Bell 407 Series

Bell

More In Rotorcraft

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

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

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