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

Crewchief Systems has released AskCrewchief, a tool that allows users of its maintenance record-keeping software to ask questions about aircraft status via text or voice. The Crewchief platform combines digitized paper records with operational information and manufacturer and regulatory maintenance requirements.
With AskCrewchief, an aircraft owner can query the system in natural language to determine aircraft status. This includes, for example, asking when an upcoming inspection is due, which recurring airworthiness directives will need to be done, or other compliance-related questions. The feature is available for Crewchief GA subscribers.
Crewchief recently added telemetry integrations with Garmin avionics and via AirSync’s recording device, and it also obtains flight-log estimates from FlightAware.
“This is the latest step in how we strive to serve our members,” said Crewchief co-founder and CEO Aaron de Zafra. “From day one, our goal has been to give the aviation community clear, in-context answers when they need them. AskCrewchief takes everything our platform understands about an aircraft’s service history and makes accessing it as natural as asking a question. It reflects how we operate, continuously adding value for our members.”

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.

Crewchief’s Artificial Intelligence Tool Lets Users Do the Asking

Natural-language queries make valuable information instantly available

Using AskCrewchief, an aircraft owner can query the system in natural language to determine aircraft status.

Crewchief’s AI Tool Lets Users Do the Asking

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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 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 company expects more authorizations to follow

Cutter Earns FAA STC for Gogo Galileo on Pilatus PC-24

Amy Wilder

Move supports Global and Challenger business jet operators

Skyservice Expands Bombardier ASF Network to Vancouver

Charles Alcock

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Planning and skilled personnel can reduce downtime for grounded jets

AMAC Refines the Art of Rapid Aircraft-on-ground Response

Opened in 2011 to serve growing needs of European operators

Textron Aviation Prague Mx Center Celebrates 15th Year

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Company specializes in business aviation interior and exterior detailing and appearance

Equivu Capital Buys Majority Stake in Leading Edge

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.

Software created after founder’s airplane suffered an emergency landing

AircraftIQ Connects Info for Keeping Accurate Track

Kerry Lynch

Office is co-located at Jet Aviation Singapore

Gulfstream Opens Customer Support Office in Singapore

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

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.

More In Maintenance and Modifications