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.

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Matt Thurber

Loft Dynamics has secured additional funding that will help the Swiss company continue development of virtual reality (VR) simulators for airlines and expand its core helicopter business. Total capital raised has reached $60 million, including a recent series B round of $24 million, led by The Friedkin Group, with participation from Alaska Airlines and existing shareholders Sky Dayton and Craft Ventures, as well as UP.Partners, according to Loft.
The full-motion Loft VR Airbus H125 helicopter simulator is EASA- and FAA-qualified. It is developing an H145 simulator as well as full-motion VR Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 simulators and a cloud-connected training suite. “Up to 12 times smaller and a fraction of the cost of traditional full-flight simulators,” the airliner simulators will include haptics to replicate the feel of the cockpit controls, plus body and eye-tracking and “AI-powered training intelligence to measure pilot performance and deliver tailored feedback.”
Also included is LoftWIN, which allows instructors to record virtual demonstrations of scenarios, maneuvers, and procedures that students can then replay. “These systems will enable pilots to train safely and regularly for any condition, including rare, high-risk scenarios and past aviation tragedies,” the company said. Students will be able to study at home using Loft’s spatial-computing-powered home training kit for lesson review, access to immersive content, and remote training.
“Pilot training hasn’t kept pace with the rest of aviation,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “We’re still sending trainees across the country to sit in $10- to $20-million warehouse-sized domes—technology that hasn’t evolved in decades. In an era of pilot shortages and increasing air mobility, that’s simply no longer sustainable. We’re building a new standard, one that’s far more realistic and accessible. High-quality, regular training leads to better pilots. And better pilots mean safer skies.
“This funding round isn’t just a milestone—it’s a signal,” he added. “A signal that the wider industry is ready for change. We’re proud to have the backing of The Friedkin Group, Alaska Airlines, and our existing shareholders.”

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