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

Alpine Aerotech, a Canadian helicopter MRO based in Kelowna, British Columbia, has received a Transport Canada Civil Aviation supplemental type certificate (STC) for its Bear Paw on the Airbus H145D3. The company also received an FAA STC to install the Astronautics AFI 4700 RoadRunner EFIS on Bell 212 and 412 helicopters.
Air-ambulance provider Stars worked with Alpine Aerotech on the Bear Paw STC, to support its EMS operations in challenging terrain across Western Canada. The lightweight Bear Paw kit features a quick-clamp installation system and ice grippers. “The certified kit enhances skid floatation on soft or uneven surfaces, such as snow, mud, and sand—ensuring safer landings and takeoffs in remote locations,” according to Alpine Aerotech.
The Astronautics STC gives Bell 212 and 412 operators a reliable electronic replacement for aging attitude direction indicators and horizontal situation indicators that are heavy and expensive to service. Features of the AFI 4700 RoadRunner include synthetic vision, traffic, radar altitude, marker beacon, and upcoming GPS overlay. Minimal wiring changes are needed to install the AFI 4700, which is a drop-in replacement for the helicopters’ instrument panels.
“Operators are continually faced with the rising issue of aging equipment, and this system provides a cost-effective way forward,” said Bert Geofroy, avionics manager at Alpine Aerotech. “Along with its safety benefits, it enhances capability while improving dependability.”

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.

 Alpine Aerotech STCs Astronautics Display for Bells and Bear Paw for H145

Projects help customers improve efficiency and safety

Alpine Aerotech received STCs for its Bear Paw on the Airbus H145D3 and to install the Astronautics AFI 4700 RoadRunner EFIS on Bell 212 and 412 helicopters.

 Alpine Aerotech STCs EFIS for Bells, Bear Paw for H145

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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.

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Kerry Lynch

West Star is authorized Embraer Legacy/Praetor overhaul facility

West Star Growing Authorizations, Facilities, Team

Charles Alcock

Hangar complex at Subic Bay International Airport will increase business jet support 

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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 about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

In this article

Astronautics

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Parts Flying Out of Massive Textron Aviation Warehouse

Three global warehouses maintain inventory of about 150,000 parts

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West Star is authorized Embraer Legacy/Praetor overhaul facility

ACTSI Starts Work on Expanded Philippines MRO Facility

Hangar complex at Subic Bay International Airport will increase business jet support

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The network offers swift response times for AOG and remote maintenance needs

Dassault Opens Falcon MRO Facility in Florida

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Specializes in component services

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German company may add maintenance, repair, and overhaul capacity in the U.S. market

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