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

Certain aircraft equipped with Garmin’s GTN 725/750Xi-series GPS navigators now qualify for access to the FAA Data Comm network. Adding more than 25 business jet makes and models to the Data Comm participation list, the capability enables communication with air traffic control centers with text-based communications and digital receipt of departure clearances before takeoff.
Garmin had already offered such capability for aircraft equipped with its G3000 and G5000 integrated flight decks, but now many more aircraft can access Data Comm via the GTN 725/750Xi when paired with a GDR 66 VHF datalink (VDL) Mode 2 transceiver. Pilots will also be able to use the push-to-load feature to load clearances directly into the navigator, including assigned frequencies, transponder codes, baro settings, and altitudes directly into avionics when the GTN and GDR 66 are paired with a TXi touchscreen display.
Data Comm <a href="https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/En-Route%20CPDLC%20Participation%20List%20%28Pub%20v1.7%29%20May%205%2C%202025_0.pdf">en route services</a> are available from all FAA air route traffic control centers when flying above 16,000 feet. More than 60 U.S. airports offer controller-pilot datalink communications departure clearances.&nbsp;
Aircraft covered by Garmin STCs for the GTN and GDR installation range from high-performance piston singles to turboprops and light jets.
A subscription to Garmin’s Data Comm service costs $499 per year. The GDR 66 and enablement kit for the GTN 750Xi is $19,995 and includes the installation kit. The GTN 750Xi costs $20,995.

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Garmin GTN 750Xi Navigators Now Capable of FAA Datalink Comms

Properly equipped aircraft can now access departure clearances and push-to-load messages

The new capability enables communication with air traffic control centers with text-based comms and digital receipt of departure clearances prior to takeoff.

Garmin GTN 750Xi Navigators Now FAA Datalink-capable

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News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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