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
FAA Outlines Concerns With Airborne Network Security
AC highlights a specific concern with aircraft using Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity instead of other means.
Avionics
Connected Aircraft Tapping Into Real-time Weather Info
More operators are making Internet access available to pilots so they can access WSI’s extensive weather information while airborne.
Safety
FAA Wants More Access to Airman Health Records
The FAA is launching an industry effort to evaluate pilot fitness to fly, plus another program for updating aeromedical technology
Avionics
Apple iOS 8.3 Causes GPS Incompatibility Issues
The problem with external GPS compatibility should be fixed with the next release of Apple’s iOS mobile operating system.
Avionics
IS&S Helps Airlines with NextGen Gear-up
Airlines and business jet operators can upgrade to NextGen capabilities by installing IS&S displays.
Training and Workforce
FAA Looks To Boost Training Device Hour Credits
The agency is seeking to raise the number of hours such devices can contribute to an instrument rating.
Avionics
L-3 Extends Underwater Beacon Life, Highlights ADS-B Transponders
In addition to introducing a new 90-day underwater locator beacon, L-3 is helping operators meet the upcoming ADS-B mandate.
Safety
AIN Blog: Drones Uncaged!
At EAA AirVenture, drone and radio-control pilots will be able to fly during the evening at Pioneer Airport.
Aircraft
HondaJet Sustains Minor Damage in Tire Incident
First conforming HondaJet suffered a blown tire after landing.
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Debuting Three Technologies at Paris Show
The company brought its combined vision, MultiScan ThreatTrack weather radar and Pro Line Fusion for helicopters.
Training and Workforce
FlightSafety Flies Level D PC-12 Simulators
The company’s two Level D Pilatus PC-12 simulators cover the -47 Series 10 and the newer NG models.
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Demos Pro Line Fusion for Helicopters
Paris Air Show visitors can sample the touchscreen displays of the Pro Line Fusion helicopter flight deck.
Training and Workforce
TRU To Provide Training for Fusion-equipped King Airs
Pilot training will be done at ProFlight’s Lutz, Fla., facility, while maintenance training will be at the new TRU Maintenance Training Academy in Wichita.
Avionics
Program Funds Airborne Ash Detection System Development
Program will test Elbit’s ClearVision infrared enhanced vision system and Nicarnica’s Airborne Volcanic Object Imaging Detector.
Aircraft
In the Works: SyberJet Aircraft SJ30i
The SJ30i is now scheduled to enter service late next year.
Aircraft
Is Cessna Considering a Large-cabin Jet?
Recent news reports suggest that there might be a follow-on to the Longitude.
Regulations and Government
Pilot Shortage Hitting Home at Racca Member Airlines
Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association members are perturbed about the shortage of qualified pilots.
Aircraft
Piaggio Aerospace Realigns Organizational Structure
Four Piaggio Aerospace executives have taken on new positions as part of the restructuring.
Avionics
EASA Approves SwiftBroadband Mod with ICG eRouter
The eRouter adds Wi-Fi connectivity to the Global Express.
Airports
NBAA Files Part 16 Complaint To Halt Hampton Restrictions
The Part 16 complaint filed with the FAA could stop East Hampton restrictions and also withhold federal transportation funds.
Avionics
Levaero Receives STC for Lexavia EVS in PC-12NG
A pending second issue of the STC will allow installation of the LFS6000 in legacy PC-12s equipped with compatible MFDs.
Avionics
ADS-B Packages Under Way for Honeywell Primus Flight Decks
The upgrades will meet the latest DO-260B standards required for U.S. and European ADS-B out compliance.
Avionics
Astronics Adds Lower-priced Enhanced Vision System
Target market for the new Max-Viz 1200X enhanced-vision system is the light general aviation, kit-building and experimental aircraft markets.
Maintenance and Modifications
Ontic Experiencing Unprecedented Growth
Ontic is expanding as growth continues to support more repair and manufacturing licensing deals.
Aircraft
Embraer Sees Positive Signs in Business Jet Market
New technology in the Legacy 450 and 500 jets will stimulate new deliveries, according to Embraer.
ATC
NBAA, NATA Raise Concerns about ATC Separation from FAA
May 19 hearing on FAA reauthorization covers air traffic control modernization and reform.
Maintenance and Modifications
Embraer Doubling Size of Le Bourget MRO Facility
Embraer’s factory-owned service center is moving to a larger facility with better customer access at Le Bourget Airport.
Airlines
Pilot Shortage Turns to Crisis among Small Cargo Carriers
Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association members search for solutions
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Dassault Chooses Venue for 5X, 8X Cabin Systems
Aircraft OEMs and the aftermarket are expanding installations of the Rockwell Collins Venue cabin management system.
Airports
ArincDirect Adds Services and ICG eRouter
Rockwell Collins partners with International Communications Group to offer eRouter.
