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

The FAA has issued a supplemental type certificate (STC) to Butler National subsidiary Avcon Industries and its affiliate Butler Avionics to replace portable Halon fire extinguishers with non-Halon units for all Learjets from the Model 24 through the Learjet 75.
Replacement portable extinguishers, manufactured by Amerex, use Halotron BrX, and they are size-equivalent, “having minimal impact on fit and compatibility,” according to Avcon.
While Halon is still allowed to be used for aircraft fire extinguishers, its manufacture has been prohibited since 1994 because it is an ozone-depleting substance. Recycled Halon is used to recharge portable aircraft fire extinguishers, aircraft cargo compartment fire extinguishing systems, and fuel inerting systems, but supplies of Halon eventually will be exhausted.
Though the U.S. still allows Halon fire extinguishers in aircraft, EASA has ruled that Halon portable aircraft fire extinguishers be replaced by Dec. 31, 2025, and other systems by 2040. This rule does not apply to non-EU-registered aircraft, according to NBAA.
Avcon is applying for EASA validation of the Learjet STC and plans to add other aircraft models to the STC’s approved model list.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Avcon Gets FAA Approval To Install Non-Halon Fire Extinguishers in Learjets

Halotron BrX replacement units are size-equivalent and weigh about the same

Amerex replacement portable extinguishers use Halotron BrX, and they are size-equivalent, “having minimal impact on fit and compatibility,” according to Avcon.

Avcon Approved for Non-Halon Extinguishers in Learjets

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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

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.

The 12-month project increased the size by 60%

StandardAero Completes Major Georgia Facility Expansion

Kerry Lynch

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 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.

100th installation was aboard a G650ER

Gulfstream Reaches 100th Starlink Installation

Charles Alcock

Channel Partner approval followed new investment by parent company Opul Jets

Honeywell Adds Zenith to TFE731 Engine Support Network 

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

StandardAero Completes Major Georgia Facility Expansion

The 12-month project increased the size by 60%

Gulfstream Reaches 100th Starlink Installation

100th installation was aboard a G650ER

Honeywell Adds Zenith to TFE731 Engine Support Network

Channel Partner approval followed new investment by parent company Opul Jets

India Approves ExecuJet MRO Services To Support Falcon 6X

Dassault is set to deliver the first 6X to an operator in India

Software Designer Debuts Maintenance Manager at CJP

Program eases maintenance planning and management

MRO Profile: Serbia's Prince Aviation Poised for Growth

Serbian MRO is rapidly expanding its facilities and capabilities

Roundtable: Maintenance’s Next Horizons with Data, SMS

Four industry leaders highlight how they’ve used data, implemented SMS

VIP Completions Delivers G550 Refurbishment in 8 Weeks

VIP Completions collaborated with Ukrainian architecture firm Yodezeen

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