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
Charter & Fractional
Silver Air Taps FlightPro 135 for Regulatory Compliance
The web-based software simplifies the process of staying legal while reducing the paperwork burden.
Avionics
Stevens Aviation To Install CMD ADS-B Packages
CMD's ADS-B OUT solution is a relatively simple installation for aircraft equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 4 and 21 avionics.
Avionics
Avionica Unveils 4G QAR Data Delivery Module
The new 4G module will be STC approved for installation on 250 aircraft types, including all business jets and turboprops.
Aircraft
Citing Demand, Flexjet Accelerates G450 Deliveries
Flexjet placed an order for up to 50 Gulfstreams last October, which includes the G450, G650 and the new G500.
Avionics
FANS Upgrade Now Available for Falcon 900/900B
The upgrade allows aircraft to fly North Atlantic tracks where Fans equipage is required.
Airports
SoCal Bizav Operators Hail New VNY Customs Office
The new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility at Van Nuys Airport saves international travelers an extra stop at LAX.
Safety
JetSuite Joins Aviation Safety Action Program
Participation in ASAP allows pilots, mechanics and dispatchers to report safety issues without fear of repercussion.
Aircraft
Flight Demo: Searey Elite Amphibian
Flying the Progressive Aerodyne Searey amphibian highlighted the versatility and pure fun of this type of aircraft.
Avionics
TrueNorth Simphone DLU Selected for FANS Upgrade
The Simphone FANS-1/A DLU Iridium satcom simplifies position reporting and communication with controllers over North Atlantic routes.
Avionics
Iridium Satcom-maker ICG Sold to Rockwell Collins
The acquisition of ICG adds new Iridium satcom capabilities to the Rockwell Collins product line.
Avionics
TCAS 7.1 Upgrade Certified for Early Citations
Textron Aviation is installing the TCAS II Change 7.1 software at its factory-owned service centers.
Aircraft
Latitude Prepping for Brazil Certification
The Citation Latitude is making its first LABACE appearance and is on track for Brazilian certification in early 2016.
Regulations and Government
Huerta: New FAA Enforcement Policy "A Big Big Change"
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta discussed an important new policy change at the EAA AirVenture Meet the Administrator forum on July 23.
Charter & Fractional
ACSF Encourages Use of Illegal Charter Hotline
The Air Charter Safety Foundation’s Illegal Charter Hotline is a useful resource for legitimate charter operators.
Safety
Update on 3rd-class Medical Disappoints AirVenture Pilots
The Meet the Administrator forum at EAA AirVenture 2015 offered no relief for pilots seeking to fly without a third-class medical certificate.
Aircraft
Ultra-rapid Air Vehicle Patent Highlights Airbus R&D Efforts
The patent shows interesting features of an Airbus design for an ultra-rapid air vehicle that could carry 20 passengers at up to Mach 4.5.
Avionics
Avionics Market Shows 3.1-percent Climb Over Q1
The AEA Avionics Market Report showed that sales climbed in the second quarter, but faced a year-over-year drop compared to the first half of 2014.
Avionics
Flying Colours Adding Challenger ADS-B STC
The Flying Colours ADS-B OUT upgrade is for the Challenger 604 and 605 models.
Training and Workforce
FlightSafety’s G550 Simulator Models Real Upset Behavior
FlightSafety’s new G550 upset training course uses simulator aerodynamic modeling based on extended envelope flight-tests.
Charter & Fractional
AIN Blog: Uber of Aviation? Not (yet)
Will the aviation industry ever tolerate a real Uber-like service or is it simply impossible due to the regulatory climate?
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Satcom Direct Adds Android App for GlobalVT Service
Voice calls and texting are now available on Satcom Direct's GlobalVT Android app, using the same phone number.
Avionics
Avcon STCs Learjet 60 AHRS Upgrade
Learjet upgrade replaces outdated AHRS with new and easier-to-calibrate Rockwell Collins AHC-3000A.
Avionics
757 FANS STC Issued to Associated Air Center
FAA approves Associated Air Center FANS/CPDLC upgrade for Boeing 757-200.
Aircraft
Product Support Survey 2015 Part I: Aircraft
AIN Readers rate the level of product support provided by aircraft manufacturers.
GKN Buying Fokker Technologies for $780 Million
Expertise includes “design, development and production of lightweight aerostructures, electrical wiring interconnection systems and landing gear” and MRO.
Engines
Rotax Expands Aircraft Engine Family
The new engine will develop takeoff power to 15,000 feet and have a service ceiling of 23,000 feet.
Training and Workforce
TouchTrainer FM 210 Flight Training Device Makes AirVenture Debut
The flight training device is the company's first skills trainer.
Accidents
Piper Malibu Crashes on Landing to Oshkosh Show
The airplane, N4BP, carried five people who were headed to EAA AirVenture 2015, held this week at the airport.
Avionics
Trig Adds GTN 650/750 to TT31 ADS-B Approval
When integrated with the GTN navigator, the TT31 with the latest software update provides a simple way to meet the 2020 ADS-B OUT mandate.
Avionics
Jeppesen Offers Bundle for Avidyne, Garmin Connectivity
Owners can use a single subscription to update multiple avionics products.
