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&amp;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.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Robinson Helicopter has unveiled a new program that allows Robinson helicopter owners to trade in their used machine for a new one. The program covers trade-in of the R22 Beta II, R44 Cadet, R44 Raven I, R44 Raven II, or R66, and owners work with local dealers to facilitate the trade-in.
When Robinson helicopters reach their time between overhaul, owners arrange for a complete refurbishment of the helicopter and overhaul of the engine and components. But the trade-in program offers the alternative of buying a new model with the latest safety features and technological and performance upgrades.
“The trade-in program underscores Robinson Helicopter’s commitment to prioritizing safety and reliability across its products, making it easier than ever for owners to step into a new aircraft, complete with modern features like impact-resistant windshields and advanced Garmin avionics, or even secure a deposit for our upcoming R66 NxG or R88 models,” said David Smith, president and CEO.
Helicopter owners must submit detailed photos of the helicopter and its logbooks to Robinson, which reviews the condition and airworthiness. Once that is done, Robinson will send a written offer for the trade-in value to the dealer. When the offer is accepted, the helicopter must be delivered to the Robinson Helicopter factory in Torrance, California, to be evaluated for airworthiness. The owner then has 90 days to place an order for a new helicopter.
Traded-in helicopters will be evaluated for either teardown for parts or for rebuilding and resale with updated safety advancements and equipment, according to Robinson. “Additional uses will be shared in the coming months.”

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