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 U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) is auditing the FAA’s “consistency of interpretation and application of policy regarding supplemental type certificates (STCs)” as required by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The act specifies audits of STCs, repair stations, and technical standard orders, and the STC audit will be the first.
Companies that develop STCs and seek FAA approval have been complaining that their projects are suffering significant delays due to a lack of FAA resources and consistent application of the regulations. Many also believe that there is reluctance on the part of FAA personnel to approve complex STCs because of problems identified as part of the two Boeing 737 Max crashes and the resulting deficiencies in FAA oversight of Boeing certification processes. Critics allege that inconsistency in STC approval decisions is also a problem with the process.
According to the DOT watchdog, the first audit’s objectives are “to determine whether (1) FAA has sufficient controls in place to provide reasonable assurance that inspectors are consistent in determining what aircraft alterations require an STC, and (2) FAA inspectors process STC applications consistently across FAA offices and geographic regions.” OIG inspectors will conduct the audit at FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C., and FAA regional offices responsible for STC approvals.

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.

DOT Inspector General To Examine Consistency in FAA STC Process

Consistency and proper assessment of the need for STCs are targets

Companies that develop STCs and seek FAA approval have been complaining that their projects are suffering significant delays due to a lack of FAA resources.

DOT IG To Examine Consistency in FAA STC Process

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

Batteries offer significant weight savings and better performance 

Saft Developing Li-ion Batteries for Biz Aircraft, Helos

Curt Epstein

The move gives the company repair locations at two airports

All In Aviation Makes Safe Bet with Mx Provider Purchase

Charles Alcock

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.

Maintenance, repair, and overhaul group has 52 line stations in the U.S. and Europe

FEAM Aero Will Support SkyDrive eVTOL Aircraft Operators

Chad Trautvetter

40,000-sq-ft hangar allows company to expand aircraft maintenance services

Jets MRO Moves into New Digs at Dallas Executive Airport

The online tool helps operators find suitable service for aircraft

Aviation Heaven Rolls Out Global MRO Map

Projects were handled over a four-month span

ExecuJet Haite Pulls Off Embraer Legacy Triple Play

AmyWilder

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

New probes will be available in early 2025

New Fuel Probes for Cessna Caravan to Launch in 2025

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.

More In Maintenance and Modifications