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

Garmin has expanded FliteCharts and SafeTaxi databases to include Mexico and Bahamas coverage. Pilots can purchase the databases for installed avionics or to display on the Garmin Pilot app. In the app, the U.S. Premium subscription includes Bahamas charts, and Latin America Premium subscribers get Mexico charts.
FliteCharts are georeferenced terminal procedures charts, and SafeTaxi charts, also georeferenced, show the aircraft’s location on the airport relative to airport hotspots, runways, taxiways, FBOs, and buildings. Users can view hold short lines overlaid on the airport diagram as well.
Garmin recommends buying the Bahamas and Mexico databases in the Americas OnePak or North American device bundle, but the North America (FliteCharts) and Americas (SafeTaxi) databases are also available standalone. The new databases were released with the May 2026 cycle.
Other recent features in Garmin Pilot include the ability to add <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-04-09/garmin-adds-airport-fbo-rating-tool-its-pilot-efb">comments</a> on airports and FBOs and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-11-24/garmin-adds-graphical-notams-overlay-smartcharts">graphical notam</a> depictions on SmartCharts.

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Garmin Adds Mexico and Bahamas to FliteCharts and SafeTaxi Database

Charts available for avionics or EFB app

FliteCharts are geo-referenced terminal procedures charts. SafeTaxi charts show aircraft location relative to hotspots, runways, taxiways, FBOs, and buildings.

Garmin Adds Mexico, Bahamas To FliteCharts, SafeTaxi 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

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.

Boston start-up targets freighter conversion market with new offering

Merlin Introduces Condor Autonomy Platform for Large Freighters

Jessica Reed

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

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.

Transaction combines space-based ADS-B surveillance system with its host satellite network

Iridium To Acquire Aireon in $367M Deal

Amy Wilder

Tool provides guidance for 100 airport runway ends

Starr Safety Network Adds Honeywell FGV Approaches

Charlotte Bailey

 All-electric regional concept to feature G600 TXi avionics

Vaeridion Partners With Garmin for Microliner Test Aircraft

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.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Products offer improved functionality and capabilities

EASA Approves Multiple Garmin Avionics Retrofits

Charles Alcock

U.S. start-up is pressing for FAA certification in 2028

Reliable Robotics Raises $160 Million For Autonomous Flight 

Feature identifies reachable runways and off-airport landing sites in event of emergency

ForeFlight App Introduces Emergency Glide Mode

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.

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Garmin

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