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
Avionics
BendixKing KI 300 Replaces Legacy Attitude Indicators
The display replaces the company's popular line of mechanical gyro-based attitude indicators.
Avionics
FAA Approves Aspen Software-derived Angle-of-Attack
The company unveiled the AOA indicator four months ago and has begun deliveries.
Avionics
FreeFlight and Garmin Offer ADS-B Integration
The Garmin 430W/530W navigators provide the GPS source for the FreeFlight Rangr ADS-B system.
Aircraft
Certification Imminent for Nextant G90XT
The company plans to deliver two to four of the remanufactured King Air C90s by year-end.
SocialFlight Hot Spots Promote Aerial Tourism
Hot Spots provides detailed info about destinations for aerial tours.
AirVenture Opens With Strong Attendance, More Aircraft
The annual gathering of enthusiasts is a time to attract young people to the opportunities in aviation, said EAA chairman Jack Pelton.
Avionics
L-3 Aviation and Aspen Avionics Share Interface
Connecting the two devices allows pilots to see information simultaneously, such as weather on the Lynx and traffic on the Aspen.
Aircraft
Tecnam P2010 Prepping for U.S. Deliveries
The company expects the four-place single to receive FAA approval by this year's fourth quarter.
Engines
Gemini Diesel Is Option for Legend Cub
The engine should deliver performance similar to the avgas Continental O-200-powered Legend Cub, but with 20 percent lower fuel burn and lower emissions.
Training and Workforce
Redbird Sidekick Measures, Records Aircraft Performance
Live telemetry from the data-collection device will be broadcast during an aerobatic performance.
Avionics
GTN Software Update Adds Requested Features
Garmin's upgrade to the touchscreen navigators adds features customers have been asking for.
Avionics
Garmin Bluetooth Audio Panel Targets Fixed-wings and Helicopters
The GMA 350c, 35c and 350Hc will be available in the third quarter.
Avionics
Avidyne Invites Developers To Create New Mobile Apps
Two kits will facilitate access to wireless data streams from the avionics.
Maintenance and Modifications
True Blue Intros Lithium-ion Battery for Experimental Aircraft
Special pricing is available for the TEX16 main-ship battery during EAA AirVenture.
Training and Workforce
Global Air Renews Scholarship Program
Four scholarships are available. Applications are due August 10.
Avionics
Many New Pilot-friendly Features in ForeFlight 7.2
The latest version of the ForeFlight Mobile app offers many new connectivity features.
Avionics
FreeFlight Systems Opens ADS-B Hotline
Owners can get answers to questions about NextGen and ADS-B.
Avionics
Garmin Connext Adds New iPad App Functionality
The system can display data from Garmin avionics on iPads running the ForeFlight Mobile and Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck apps.
Avionics
Logbook Features Added to Garmin Pilot App
Version 7.4 of the popular app should be available during EAA AirVenture.
Avionics
Garmin Virb XE Goes Wireless
The new aviation specific version of Garmin’s Virb XE action camera is available.
Avionics
Team X Releases New Garmin GPS For Experimental, LSA
The GPS 20A ADS-B OUT-compliant Waas GPS can be used in the experimental and LSA markets to meet the 2020 ADS-B Out mandate.
Aircraft
In the Works: Windecker Eagle
The four-seat Windecker Eagle will be flying in the experimental exhibition category.
FBOs
FBO Profile: Embraer Sorocaba
The company’s facility at Sorocaba Airport in Brazil offers a welcoming experience for business aircraft operators.
Charter & Fractional
Union Asks for Single Carrier at Flight Options/Flexjet
IBT 1108 petitioned NMB on July 4 to determine whether Flight Options and sister company Flexjet “constitute ‘a single transportation system.’”
Avionics
Apple iOS 8.4 Fixes External GPS Issues
Previous iOS 8.3 update introduced a problem that rendered some external GPS devices unable to send location data to the mobile device.
Aircraft
Pilot Report Embraer Legacy 500
Fly-by-wire comes to midsize aircraft, and it is a smooth transition.
Maintenance and Modifications
OEMs Put Technology To Work in MRO Operations
The manufacturers of business jets employ various technologies to make maintenance more efficient and thereby reduce operating costs for customers.
Avionics
Aspen Avionics Acquires GPS Manufacturer Accord Technology
Aspen Avionics is adding certified GPS receiver technology to its product mix.
Avionics
Avidyne Updates iPad IFD Trainer to 10.1 Software
The app is available with either an international or U.S. database.
Avionics
FreeFlight Adds ForeFlight Compatibility to Rangr ADS-B
ADS-B in weather and traffic information is now available.
