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

Cabin Interior and Electronics

Duncan Adds Starlink Satcom Dealership

Four of the company's facilities will offer Starlink installations
Duncan Aviation Starlink user
Safety

EASA Provides More Guidance on AI for Aviation

Agency wants to ensure human oversight of artificial intelligence development
Safety

FltPlan Updates FRAT and SMS Program

The improvements give operators more flexibility and control of safety programs
FltPlan Flight Risk Assessment Tool
FutureFlight

Pipistrel Gains FAA Exemption for Velis Electro

The FAA's granting of an exemption to Textron eAviation means that Pipistrel Velis Electro owners and buyers can fly their electric-powered airplanes under light sport aircraft regulations without restriction.
Article image
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Clay Lacy Aviation Adds Starlink Satcom Dealership

Starlink terminal installation takes 15 to 25 days of downtime
Starlink business aviation satcom antenna installation
Avionics

Iridium Agrees To Buy GNSS Protector Satelles

The acquisition may help avionics providers prevent GNSS jamming and spoofing
Iridium satellite network
Aircraft

Piper M700 Gets FAA Nod

Deliveries of the airplane will begin immediately
Piper M700 Fury airplane
Security

GNSS Jamming and Spoofing Events Present a Growing Danger

Many reports of jamming and spoofing come from conflict zones
GNSS jamming
Accidents

NTSB Revises Probable Cause for Citation Accident

The revision is a rare case of a successful petition for reconsideration
Tamarack active winglet on Cessna CitationJet
Aircraft

Icon A5 Gross Weight Grows by 60 Pounds

The higher weight boosts payload and endurance
Icon A5 light sport aircraft
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Iridium Adds Outerlink as Value-added Reseller

The VAR designation enables sales to government users
Iridium global coverage
Rotorcraft

First Aviation Adds AStar Rotor Blade Repairs

The expanded rotor blade repair services add new capabilities
Helicopter blades
Rotorcraft

Ace, Mint Sign BEST Black Hawk Support Agreement

The partners will offer MRO services on T700 engines
Black Hawk helicopter
Avionics

Nova Picks FreeFlight ADS-B In for SAR Customers

The lightweight, dual-band receiver has a small footprint
Nova Skytrac
Maintenance and Modifications

Leonardo, Comau Testing Automatic Blade Inspection System

Robotic testing mitigates problems associated with repetitive work
Comaux Leonardo robotic arm
Rotorcraft

Guardian G6 Terminals Approved for Iridium Next

Lightweight satcom terminals offer bi-directional 88 Kbps transmission speed
Guardian Mobiiity G6-S airborne connectivity terminal
Training and Workforce

Ryan and Precision Demo VR Helimod Simulator

Available training scenarios will help helicopter pilots survive challenging situations
Ryan Aerospace simulator
Rotorcraft

Bell Logs Order for Four Parapublic 429s

Orders bolster the manufacturer's mission-focused fleet
Bell 429 at Heli-Expo 2024
Rotorcraft

StandardAero, Airbus Celebrate 40 Years of Component MRO

Extensive in-house repair capabilities help keep costs low
StandardAero Richmond BC
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Skytrac, Videosoft Solve Streaming on Iridium Certus 

Low-bandwidth streaming will aid airborne surveillance
Videosoft Global and Skytrac video streaming
Rotorcraft

THC Orders Support Growing Saudi Mobility Needs

The massive order will support Saudi Arabia's vision for the future
THC AW139
Rotorcraft

FlySight, Viewpoint Collaborate on Mission Computing Solution

Integration provides new solutions for helicopter operators
Viewpoint booth at Heli-Expo 2024
Rotorcraft

Coptersafety Expands FAA Part 142 Helicopter Training

The training is approved by the FAA under Part 142 regulations
Coptersafety AW139 flight simulator
Avionics

Nova Systems Opts for Astronautics AeroSync Max

The device acts as a secure data gateway
Astronautics AeroSyncMission
Rotorcraft

FAA Designates Hillsboro Heli Academy as Examining Authority

Designation streamlines the pilot training process
Hillsboro Helicopter Academy
Rotorcraft

Airwolf STCs Lithium-ion Batteries, Releases Charger

Charger helps operators maintain lithium-ion batteries
Airwolf Charger
Rotorcraft

Airbus Expands Support for HUMS Customers

GPMS HUMS adds benefits beyond health and usage monitoring
GPMS HUMS
Rotorcraft

Hensoldt Makes the Cellphone Detection Connection

Enhanced mission management is available with the EuroNav 7 integration
Hensoldt integration to geolocate cellphones
Rotorcraft

Lasen Takes Delivery of Leak-detecting Bell 206

The project involved complete refurbishment of the helicopter
Lasen takes delivery of Bell 206 from Meridian Helicopters
Rotorcraft

ASU Unveils Lightweight E3 Night-vision Goggle

The new night-vision goggle is available for orders
Aviation Specialties Unlimited night-vision goggle