Matt Thurber
Editor-in-Chief
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&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.
Latest from Matt Thurber
Rotorcraft
Heli-Expo preview 2010
The annual Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo–at the George R.
Aircraft
General Dynamics Fourth Quarter a Strong Performance
In a conference call with analysts yesterday, General Dynamics president and CEO Jay Johnson summarized full-year and fourth-quarter results for the defens
Aircraft
In The Works: Viking Air DHC-6-400 Twin Otter
Viking Air expected Transport Canada and EASA certification for its new version of the venerable de Havilland Canada Twin Otter by the end of last month.
Aircraft
In The Works: Cirrus Aircraft – Vision SF50
Cirrus Aircraft is still seeking additional capital to see its single-engine Vision SF50 jet program through to certification and production.
Aircraft
In The Works: Antilles Seaplanes G-21 Super Goose
Antilles Seaplanes has experienced problems with its plans to resurrect the Gru
Aircraft
In The Works: Ruag Aerospace – Dornier 228NG
Last November, Ruag Aerospace rolled out the new version of the Dornier Do-228 twin turboprop, the 228NG, and began the flight-test program for the resurre
Book Review: Aircraft Performance Myths & Methods
Jim Deuvall has written and published a handy primer on aircraft performance that can help pilots expand their understanding of how jets perform.
Pentastar takes over EMS ops for University of Michigan
Pentastar Aviation has signed up its first emergency medical services (EMS) customer and is now running all University of Michigan Health System Survival F
Airports
VNY tenants: rent rates need review
Tenants at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in Southern California are upset that their rental rates keep increasing while the California economy continues to deteri
Charter & Fractional
Air Partners adds frax to its charter, management business
Canadian aircraft management company Air Partners has launched a fractional-share program to capitalize on historically low used aircraft prices.
Maintenance and Modifications
NIAR To Host Online Composites Maintenance Course
An online composites maintenance technology course begins March 1 and is hosted by Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIA
Maintenance and Modifications
P&WC, Blackhawk Celebrate Sale of 500th PT6A Mod
Pratt & Whitney Canada and Blackhawk Modifications held a celebration ceremony at the engine manufacturer’s Montreal headquarters earlier this week hig
Maintenance and Modifications
Cleaning Landing Gear Can Cause Corrosion, Says Duncan
Aggressive cleaning of aircraft landing gear may shorten the life of landing gear components, according to Duncan Aviation accessory tech representative Je
JSSI Helps Speed Bizav Aid for Haiti Relief Efforts
Jet Support Services (JSSI) management and technical services representatives volunteered their time to help deliver supplies to earthquake-damaged Haiti.
Charter & Fractional
Jet Aviation has own charter op with purchase of K Services
Jet Aviation has launched its own charter company after purchasing sole-proprietor charter operator K Services and naming the new charter division Jet Avia
Brad Hatt Departing Hawker Beechcraft Next Month
Hawker Beechcraft senior vice president of sales Brad Hatt is leaving the company as of February 8, according to a letter sent to employees last Thursday b
FBOs
APP Buys Four Volo FBOs, Plans Rebranding
Thom Harrow, former president of Volo Aviation, last year formed a new company called Airport Property Partners (APP) and in December purchased four Volo F
Airports
SMO foes find new tool in anti-airport battle
A study of pollution generated by aircraft at Santa Monica Airport (SMO) has galvanized residents around the airport who have been fighting for many years
Regulations and Government
Operators question value of LOAs for RVSM operations
Now that reduced vertical separation minimums (RVSM) operations have been running smoothly in the U.S.
Safety
To meet ICAO standards, firms seek IS-BAO audits
As the clock ticks toward the November compliance date for ICAO’s Annex 6 Part II, which contains standards and recommended practices for international ope
Regulations and Government
Study: Pilots Ignore Oxygen Regulations
More than 60 percent of business jet pilots do not use oxygen masks when required to by FAA regulations, according to a survey conducted by corporate pilot
Accidents
Four Fatalities in Ohio MU-2 Accident
A Mitsubishi MU-2 crashed yesterday afternoon during approach to landing at Lorain County Regional airport in Elyria, Ohio.
FBOs
Phillips 66 adds FBOs
PHILLIPS 66 ADDS FBOs Central Flying Service of Little Rock, Ark., has switched to the Phillips 66 fuel brand.
FBOs
FBO opens at Newquay Cornwall
After more than a year operating as a civilian airport, Newquay Cornwall Airport in the UK welcomed a new FBO facility built by Midwest Executive Aviation.
FBOs
Aero mark opens new Idaho FBO
Idaho Falls-based Aero Mark has opened a new FBO and hangar facility called Aero Mark XL (for “extra large”).
FBOs
Volo Aviation preparig for April opening
Volo Aviation’s newest FBO at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Bridgeport, Conn., is on target to open in April.
FBOs
Arrindell Aviation continues customer service training
For the fourth year in a row, Arrindell Aviation Services, an FBO at St.
