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.

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Matt Thurber

Broussard, Louisiana-based Meridian Helicopters has finished its 29th complete refurbishment of a Bell 206L4 helicopter, which was sold to charter operator FlyNYON.&nbsp;The refurbishment process took six months and 2,700 man hours.
In addition to overhauling the Rolls-Royce 250-C30P engine and the helicopter’s dynamic components, the airframe was painted and the seats were fitted with ultra-leather. The three-tone paint colors match the color scheme of the seats. Meridian also installed a full Garmin avionics suite, an Air Comm environmental control system, and a pop-out emergency float system.
“We are very excited to be taking delivery of this beautiful 206L4. With its arrival, our fleet grows to seven helicopters, which will help to meet the 2025 demand of our loyal customers,” said FlyNYON CEO Patrick Day.
“We have a long relationship with FlyNYON through years of leasing helicopters,” said Michael Bashlor, managing partner of Meridian Helicopters. “Meridian takes great pride in the fact that FlyNYON selected us to provide this beautiful Bell 206L4. Our goal with this aircraft was to deliver a turnkey solution—a lightweight VIP aircraft equipped with very specific equipment and options. We strived to deliver a like-new aircraft that exceeded expectations.”

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Meridian Delivers 29th Refurbished Bell 206 Helicopter to FlyNYON

Works includes new avionics, fresh paint, ultra-leather seats, and pop-out floats

Meridian Helicopters' refurbishment of the Bell 206L4 took six months and 2,700 hours.

Meridian Delivers 29th Refurbished Bell 206 to FlyNYON

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In this article

Bell 206 Series

Meridian Helicopters

More In Rotorcraft

Fundamental Advisors Acquires Utility Operator HeloAir

Purchase marks company’s first investment in utility helicopter segment

U.S. Army FLRAA Program Boost Bell’s Revenues in 2024

2025 growth expected despite forecast of squeeze on operating margins

PJ Helicopters Orders GPMS Foresight MX HUMS

The HUMS equipment helps the helicopter operator manage its utility fleet

Airbus Delivers H225M Helicopters to French Military

Pair of H225M twins are part of a batch of eight ordered in 2021

FAA Updates Vertiport Design Standards for eVTOL Aircraft

Revised engineering brief seeks to harmonize eVTOL and helicopter infrastructure standards

Skyryse Unveils Cockpit Design for Fly-by-wire R66

Making flying easier and safer is company's goal

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Tools can be freely downloaded for use by companies and organizations

Bahrain Orders Nine Airbus H145 Helicopters for Police

Helicopters will fly for law enforcement and emergency medical operations

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