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

Argus International has added 14 audit categories to its Gold audit standard for charter operators, which previously focused on pilot background checks, accident and incident history, verification of pilot experience, operating certificates, and insurance. The added categories give users more information about the operator’s flight operations and maintenance programs, according to Argus.
The flight operations Gold criteria now include evaluation of safety management systems (SMS); emergency response plans; organizational structure; training programs; fatigue management; and flight operations procedures.&nbsp;Maintenance features cover in-depth review of maintenance management; personnel qualifications; quality assurance; training; maintenance control and planning; record-keeping; parts inventory and shelf life; and documentation systems.
More than 400 charter operators hold Argus Gold ratings, and many are working on meeting the more rigorous standard or higher audit tiers.
“These enhancements ensure that Argus Gold-rated operators are aligned with industry-leading safety practices and are well-positioned to meet FAA Part 5 SMS regulations,” said Mike McCready, president of Argus International. “Achieving the Gold rating now represents a proactive commitment to safety and a clear pathway to the prestigious Argus Platinum and Platinum Elite ratings.
“Operators who pursue the new Gold standard are sending a strong message to their clients and partners: safety and quality are non-negotiable,” he concluded.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Argus Enhances and Expands Gold Audit Standard for Charter Operators

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More than 400 charter operators hold Argus Gold ratings, and many are working on meeting the new standard or higher audit tiers.

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