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
Aircraft
AD places limit on rare Hansa jet
There is reportedly one HFB 320 Hansa still flying or flyable, based in Turkey.
Aircraft
FAA requires more stringent training for MU-2 operators
The FAA is not planning to ground the Mitsubishi MU-2, despite a plea from Rep.
Safety
NTSB wants less trust in thrust reversers
The use of thrust reversers to shorten landing distance is a great benefit to aviation.
Safety
Proposed rule changes target icing accidents
Eleven years after the October 1994 crash of American Eagle Flight 4184 in Roselawn, Ind., the FAA proposed a revision to Part 25 certification regulations
FBOs
Signature adds another facility in California
Signature Flight Support added another FBO to its U.S.
Regulations and Government
FAA launches new program to manage en route traffic
After nearly a year of planning, the FAA is launching a new en route traffic-management tool called airspace flow programs (AFP).
Safety
FAA warns of unintended release of rotary seatbelt buckles
Pilots flying almost every type of business jet and airliner and some turboprops face a risk of inadvertent seatbelt release, according to a bulletin the F
Safety
Vigilance required to ensure ramp safety
Ramp accidents and incidents continue to plague the aviation industry, but the good news is that FBOs, charter operators and flight departments are taking
FBOs
Signature Flight Support: FBO company struggles to improve its reputation
Signature Flight Support has steadily stuck to its strategy since its founding in 1992 and has grown to become the largest multiple-base FBO company
FBOs
Showalter FBO turns 60
Orlando Executive Airport FBO and Phillips 66 dealer Showalter Flying Service is 60 years old this year and held a huge hangar party in April to celebrate
FBOs
New FBO association forming
Another aviation association is forming, this time to serve FBOs with three or fewer facilities.
FBOs
Phillips 66 overhauls web site
ConocoPhillips has redesigned its Web site to help pilots find Phillips 66 FBOs and allow FBOs to take advantage of new technology.
FBOs
Rochester sells to Million Air
Million Air franchise Regent Aviation in Saint Paul, Minn., bought Rochester Aviation at Minnesota Rochester International Airport and renamed the FBO Rege
FBOs
Three more for Trajen
FBO chain Trajen has purchased three more FBOs, bringing its total to 22 facilities.
Airports
Say goodbye to Mirabel
The passenger facilities at Canada’s Montréal-Mirabel International Airport are candidates for a $C100 million ($87 million) transformation into an “indoor
FBOs
Two new FBOs for Signature
On May 1, Signature Flight Support opened the first purpose-built business aviation center at Robin Hood Airport in Doncaster/Sheffield, UK.
FBOs
Atlas Aviation's second maes an FBO chain
As of May 1, the former Island Aviation FBO at Merritt Island Airport in Florida reopened as the second FBO owned by Atlas Aviation.
FBOs
Business aviation grows in Sioux Falls
South Dakota corporate aviation continues growing, and to meet the needs of the flying community, Business Aviation Services is building a new FBO terminal
FBOs
Charlotte, one year later
Wilson Air Center’s Charlotte/Douglas International Airport FBO in North Carolina recently celebrated one year of operation, under a management contract wi
FBOs
Macquarie buy makes it three big FBO chains
When Macquarie Infrastructure completes its planned $338 million acquisition of the Trajen FBO chain in the third quarter, the aviation industry will have
FBOs
AIN readers weigh in on value of fuel promotions
With crude oil and jet-A prices rising and demand continuing to grow, retail purchasers of fuel might wonder why fuel companies bother with promotional pro
FBOs
Interest in contract fuel rises with jet-A prices
With jet-A prices already soaring and likely to climb during the summer, business jet operators continue to seek ways to save money on fuel.
FBOs
Airport Profile: New Orleans Lakefront
When Addie Fanguy finally managed to catch a ride to New Orleans Lakefront Airport (NEW) with some National Guard friends two days after Hurricane Katrina
FBOs
Landmark reaches 35 FBOs with corporate jets acquisition
Landmark Aviation remains in growth mode, buying the Corporate Jets FBO, maintenance and charter company at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona from FSS Airholdi
Charter & Fractional
Aviation Industry Expo 2006: Charter Operational Control
Judging from the size of the audience–about 200 people–many charter operators sent personnel to the NATA show to attend the first FAA operational control b
Maintenance and Modifications
Aviation Industry Expo 2006: User Fees: What May or May Not Be
If Air Transport Association (ATA) CEO James May has his way, business aviation will start paying more of what he believes is a fair share of the costs of
Regulations and Government
Aviation Industry Expo 2006: Taxation and regulation issues weigh heavily at NATA event
During a year when non-airline aviation is expected to continue growing to record levels, a number of challenges face those whose service businesses propel
RAA Convention 2006: CRJ fires traced to change in terminal insulation material
A subtle change in the material used in an electrical component caused seven fires in Bombardier CRJs, according to an NTSB recommendation released on Marc
Safety
‘Virtual radar’ system raises security concerns
The popular but, some would say, odd pastime of planespotting has recruited new high-tech help, a “virtual radar” hooked to a personal computer that allows
Maintenance and Modifications
Pratt & Whitney enters market for PMA parts
Pratt & Whitney took the aviation world by surprise when it announced in February the launch of a new division to manufacture PMA replacement parts for CFM
