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
Regulations and Government
Harrison Ford, NBAA, AOPA File SMO Part 16 Complaint
ProFlight Adds Annunciator Trainer to CJ3 Distance Learning
Preparing for a type rating or currency program ahead of time is much easier with tools such as ProFlight’s distance learning system.
Avionics
Twin Commander Garmin G950 Upgrade Certified
The STC replaces the existing avionics and instruments with a 12.4-inch MFD and two 10.4-inch PFDs.
Beech 1900D Also a G950 Retrofit Candidate
The G950 system replaces the 1900D’s original Rockwell Collins EFIS 84 avionics and other instruments with the three-display G950.
Tempus Jets Has Global Express Fans/ADS-B Solution
The package includes engineering, installation, certification, equipment and return to service.
TSO Issued For NXT-600 ADS-B out Transponder
The FAA has issued technical standard order (TSO) approval to ACSS for its NXT-600 mode-S transponder.
Astronics Max-Viz 1500 EVS OK’d for Pilatus PC-12s
The STC kit includes the Max-Viz 1500 sensor, power supply and unpainted fairing.
Charter & Fractional
Linear Charter Marketplace Aiming For Nationwide Branding
Potential charter buyers might find worthy options in private charter when searching travel websites.
Airport Particle Emissions More Widespread Than Previously Believed
Emissions of particles from turbine engines have an impact on residents quite a distance downwind of major airports, according to a new study.
Clay Jones Retiring from Rockwell Collins Board on July 31
Anthony Carbone becomes nonexecutive chairman of Rockwell Collins on August 1.
Santa Monica Citizens Groups Seeks Vote on Airport Development Plans
A citizens group formed to seek a vote on development of Santa Monica airport land gathered signatures from more than 15,000 city residents.
Maintenance and Modifications
Despite Setbacks, Aviation Alliance Moving Forward With 421, GIII Remanufacturing Programs
The Aviation Alliance headed by Geoff Miller is attempting to remanufacture the Cessna 421C and Gulfstream GIII.
First Production HondaJet Takes To The Skies
First flight of the first production HondaJet is another step toward entry into service early next year. ###Channels###BA
Obama Nominates Hart To NTSB Chairmanship
Newly nominated NTSB chairman has long background in aviation safety.
Regulations and Government
Senator Inhofe Outlines New Pilot’s Bill of Rights
Pilots would enjoy more protections from the FAA under a new Pilot’s Bill of Rights
Kathleen Blouin Retires after 22 Years at NBAA
NBAA’s senior vice president of conventions and forums will continue to serve as a consultant after retiring. ###Channels###P
Gama Aviation Opens New FBO Lounge at Sharjah
Gama Aviation’s new FBO at Sharjah International Airport getting good reviews from pilots and passengers.
California Highway Patrol Chooses GippsAero GA8 Airvan
West Coast Aircraft Sales sells a GippsAero GA8 to the California Highway Patrol.
Rockwell Collins and Kobev Team For Fans Training
Pilots who need to learn how to operate new Fans and CPDLC features can use a new training system in their own aircraft.
Pilot Report: Daher-Socata TBM 900
Owner-pilots are the biggest market for the speedy Daher-Socata TBM 900 single-engine turboprop.
SMO Airport Officials Accused of Conflict of Interest
The legal wrangling over the proposed closure of California’s Santa Monica Airport continues.
Mobile FliteDeck Pro for Windows 8 Released
The new program from Jeppesen offers worldwide navigation charts on Microsoft’s Surface 2 tablets, and allows split-screen dual application usage.
California Aviation Hall of Fame Honors Initial Class
A group of local luminaries is chosen for enshrinement in the Golden State’s newly launched aviation pantheon.
Charter & Fractional
Air Charter Operator Loses $220K in Flight Scam
Customer booked a trip from California to Utah and then to Arizona, claiming to be traveling with a well known rap music artist.
FltPlan Releases Go App For Android Devices
App delivers most of the website’s functionality and additional features such as geo-referenced approach and taxi charts and a moving map.
Regulations and Government
SMO Airport Charter Amendment Heading to Fall Ballot
Group delivers signatures to the Santa Monica city clerk for a charter amendment requiring voter approval for any plans to redevelop the city’s airport.
Aircell Eliminating Unlimited Gogo Biz Data Plans
Change prompted by the rapid growth in data usage.
SMO Airport Charter Amendment Heading to Fall Ballot
Group delivers signatures to the Santa Monica city clerk for a charter amendment requiring voter approval for any plans to redevelop the city’s airport.
