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
Maintenance and Modifications
Maintenance Special Report 2014
Diverse issues are shaping the business aviation maintenance industry.
Charter & Fractional
CitationAir To Cease Flight Operations On October 31
Company stopped selling fractional shares in new aircraft and ceased renewals for current fractional-share customers in February 2012.
Regulations and Government
AIN Seeks Operator Input on FAA Letters of Authorization Delays
One operator has been waiting five months for an LOA after a Falcon changed ownership in April.
Charter & Fractional
Surf Air Plans Massive Fleet Growth, Raises New Funds
Membership airline Surf Air plans to grow much larger with new funding and an order for up to 65 PC-12 NGs.
Charter & Fractional
NetJets China Finishes Charter Certificate Proving Runs
NetJets China has completed the fourth phase in the process to receive its Chinese air operator certificate.
Security Expert Claims Satcom Vulnerable To Hacking
A presentation at the Black Hat USA 2014 conference points out security vulnerabilities in some satcom systems.
AirPooler Puts Ride-sharing System On Hold While Clarifying FAA Standpoint
The AirPooler ride-sharing system is waiting for FAA input before re-opening its service to passengers who want to share expenses on GA flights.
Charter & Fractional
Sentient Jet Celebrating 15th Anniversary
The jet card pioneer has 4,000 jet cardholders and sold 32,000 charter hours last year.
In The Works
Honda’s first production HondaJet flies, Flaris moves its maiden flight back and Evektor receives new funding for the EV-55.
Maintenance and Modifications
Nextant Unveils G90XT Flight Deck
Single-lever power controls are a prominent feature in the G90XT’s new Garmin G1000-based flight deck.
Leading Edge Anti-icing Application Tool Saves Time and Money
A new anti-icing tool from training provider Leading Edge Deicing Specialists equips operators to apply their own anti-icing fluid.
NextGen Fund Money Begins Flowing
The process was easy for one provider and customer.
Trig Avionics Partners With NextGen GA Fund
The company sees its products as one hub for customers’ ADS-B installations.
Aircraft
Product Support Survey 2014 Part 1: Aircraft
Gulfstream, Embraer tie for top spot among jets, Mitsubishi leads t-props
2014 Product Support Survey: Part 1 Aircraft
Some surprises are in store in the 2014 AIN Product Support Survey, Part 1 Aircraft.
Textron’s TRU Dives into Business Aircraft Training
Acquisition of ProFlight is “an important next step as we build our business aviation pilot training capabilities.”
Santa Monica Airport Proponents File FAA Part 16 Complaint
NBAA, AOPA, airport businesses and aircraft owners and operators are asking the FAA to help keep Santa Monica Airport open.
SocialFlight Adds ‘Things To Do Nearby’ Feature
Pilots can click on a button on the SocialFlight website or app to find interesting activities near airports.
Engines
Continental Expands Diesel Aircraft Engine Product Lines
A number of aircraft OEMs have selected Continental Motors diesel engines for jet-A-powered light airplanes.
Aircraft
Summit Interior Certified in Quest Kodiak Turboprop
Quest Aircraft has delivered 120 Kodiak single-engine turboprops since starting production in 2007.
Aspen Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Aspen revealed new ADS-B OUT solutions and a partnership with the Geico Skytypers at AirVenture 2014.
L-3’s Lynx Promises Easier ADS-B Compliance
By using existing antennas and wiring, L-3 Aviation’s new single-box Lynx ADS-B OUT solution should make installation simpler and easier.
Aircraft
Cessna Debuts Second Diesel-powered Single
The new Cessna Turbo Skyhawk JT-A should be FAA certified in 2015 and will retail for $435,000.
Flying Challenge Pilots Face Off in Skills Competition
Twelve skilled flyers will compete to see who can win the Flying Challenge Cup on July 30.
BendixKing Intros New Integrated Avionics System
The AeroVue integrated avionics system will first be certified in the Beechcraft King Air 200.
Avidyne IFD540 GPS Navcom Receives FAA Certification, AML-STC
More than 1,000 aircraft makes and models are eligible for installation of Avidyne’s freshly certified IFD540 FMS/GPS/navcom.
Aircraft
Vantage Engine To Be STC’d In Skyhawk
Instead of overhauling the engine in Cessna Skyhawks, Superior Air Parts is offering its new FAA-approved 180-hp Vantage engine for just $25,000.
Garmin Releases Major GTN Software Upgrade
Garmin’s new Flight Stream devices connect cockpit avionics to mobile devices running Garmin’s Pilot mobile app.
EAA AirVenture Set To Open Oshkosh Gates
The annual EAA AirVenture extravaganza promises excitement and innovation for visitors from all over the world.
