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
Aircraft
Combined Cessna/Beechcraft Aims For Future Growth
Two of the largest aircraft manufacturers are now one under the Textron Aviation umbrella.
NBAA 2014 Set To Touch Down in Orlando on Tuesday
Latest edition of the business aviation show promises new aircraft, avionics and other products, as well as plenty of educational sessions.
Avionics
Two new Apps by Aerovie Make Flying Safer
Aerovie apps are tackling challenging safety problems, including Pireps and comprehensive flight-tracking.
Avionics
Ruag To Market Jetcraft HUD Vision Access
Under the agreement, Ruag will sell and install the enhanced flight vision system.
Avionics
ASIG Adds to FlyTab EFB Approved Model List
The AML STC is available for both U.S. and Canadian operators of the types covered by the STC.
Avionics
CMC Highlights GPS Landing System Sensor
The unit can act as a completely independent precision approach system.
Security
Security Expert Raises Issues of Satcom Vulnerabilities
The Black Hat USA security conference in August included a presentation on satcom cyber security issues.
Avionics
FAA/Industry Guidelines Show Easier Path to LOAs
Complaints are still rolling about delays in RVSM LOAs, but the FAA and industry are trying to work together to ease the process.
Aircraft
Pilot Report: Eclipse 550
With the $2.895 million 550 now in production, Eclipse Aerospace offers the lowest-priced new very light jet available.
Rotorcraft
Bell 407GX Tours Socal High Spots
A supplement to the Bell 407GX flight manual enables carriage of heavier external loads while flying in hot-and-high conditions.
Orlando Rolling Out the Red Carpet for NBAA 2014
This year’s NBAA Convention in Orlando celebrates business aviation’s heroes and the latest and greatest information and products.
Aircraft
Nextant 400XTi: A Beechjet Made Modern
Nextant Aerospace stands to remanufacture a significant percentage of the Beechjet/Hawker 400 fleet.
App Makers See Opportunity in Altitude, Oxygen Warnings
New technology in mobile devices may lead to added functionality to help pilots prevent decompression and low-oxygen emergencies.
Avionics
SiriusXM Simplifies iPad Weather Display
Pilots can subscribe to SiriusXM’s weather and radio products using an iPad that wirelessly connects to the new SXAR1 receiver.
Avionics
IntelliAudio Adds Dimensional Sound to PS Engineering Audio Panel
PS Engineering tapped into research conducted by the U.S. Air Force’s Wright Patterson Air Force Laboratory to develop IntelliAudio.
Engines
GE Passport Engine Now Slated To Fly Late This Year
GE’s Passport engine for the Bombardier Global 7000 and 8000 remains on track for certification next year.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Software Can Help Owners Comply With Complex Tax Laws
Upcoming changes to U.S. tax law could affect how aircraft owners account for depreciation and expensive repairs.
Blocking Aircraft Still Possible
The FAA still offers a way for operators to request that their aircraft be blocked from flight-tracking websites.
Avionics
Product Support Survey 2014 Part 2: Avionics
Garmin remains tops for avionics, Aircell leads for cabin electronics
Aircraft
AirVenture Report: 2014
Hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts celebrated the wonders of aviation at the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh show.
Safety
LOA Delays Still Risking Safety, Wasting Fuel
The FAA’s policy of placing Letter of Authorization approvals on the bottom of its priority pile is fueling frustration among bizav operators.
Maintenance and Modifications
2014 Product Support Survey: Part 2 - Avionics
Garmin and Aircell again top the list of avionics manufacturer rankings in AIN’s Avionics Product Support Survey.
European ADS-B Delay Rule Not Expected Until September
The European Commission’s adoption of a rule delaying the implementation mandate for ADS-B OUT equipment is expected in September.
Regulations and Government
Aircraft Tail Blocking Complicated by ADS-B OUT Systems
There currently is no physical means to block reception of mode-S transponder or ADS-B signals by a simple receiver.
Europe Delays ADS-B out Equipment Mandate
Aircraft flying in European airspace have until June 7, 2020, to meet the ADS-B out mandate for retrofits to older aircraft.
Regulations and Government
FAA: Flight-sharing Services Violate Regulations
The FAA’s interpretation is that flight-sharing websites are holding out transportation services, something that private operators cannot do.
Maintenance and Modifications
Maintenance Special Report 2014
Diverse issues are shaping the business aviation maintenance industry.
