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

Indianapolis Downtown Heliport (8A4) remains open after the FAA withdrew its notice of permanent closure and rescinded a Nov. 25, 2024 letter of intent to allow permanent closure and sale of the facility. The public comment period on the closure ended on Feb. 26, 2026, and the FAA received 737 comments: 41 supporting permanent closure, 686 supporting it remaining open, eight unclear, and two others.
Vertical Aviation International (VAI), its members, and local helicopter entrepreneur Chuck Surack, who owns Enstrom Helicopter, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-01-31/proponents-fighting-keep-downtown-heliports-open">advocated</a> to keep the heliport open, as did Indiana attorney general Todd Rokita. His office filed a petition for review in federal court and asked the court to reconsider the sale of the 5.36-acre property to Indianapolis.
“This is a win for Indiana’s taxpayers, public safety,&nbsp;the future of advanced air mobility, and aviation generally,” Rokita said. “The downtown heliport is a unique asset that, in addition to serving passengers and general aviation, also serves law enforcement, homeland security, military support, and emergency medical services. It will also help with the emerging technology. Closing it for non-aviation redevelopment would have been shortsighted and contrary to the public interest, not to mention a waste of the millions of dollars state taxpayers have invested in the infrastructure. We don’t want the Indianapolis mayor or the Indianapolis Airport Authority to do here what the shortsighted city of Chicago did to Meigs Field.”

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Aviation Scores a Win with Reversal of Indianapolis Heliport Closure

Plans called for selling the 5.36-acre property to the city of Indianapolis

Vertical Aviation International, its members, and local helicopter entrepreneur Chuck Surack, who owns Enstrom Helicopter, advocated to keep Indianapolis Downtown Heliport open.

Aviation Wins with Reversal of Indy Heliport Closure

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Initial fleet renewal could precede additional 30 domestically assembled units

Romania Orders 12 SAFE-backed H225M Helicopters

Charles Alcock

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

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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.

Facility at Al Maktoum International Airport will complement the group’s FBO

Falcon Executive Cleared for Flights at Dubai Helipark

Curt Epstein

Pricing on heavy twins reached a five-year high in the first half

Aero Asset: Twin-engine Helicopter Sales Activity Up 

Program started with Utah and North Dakota

Louisiana Rotor Pathway Advances Rotorcraft Careers

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

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

In this article

Vertical Aviation International (VAI)

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Romania Orders 12 SAFE-backed H225M Helicopters

Initial fleet renewal could precede additional 30 domestically assembled units

Falcon Executive Cleared for Flights at Dubai Helipark

Facility at Al Maktoum International Airport will complement the group’s FBO

Aero Asset: Twin-engine Helicopter Sales Activity Up

Pricing on heavy twins reached a five-year high in the first half

Louisiana Rotor Pathway Advances Rotorcraft Careers

Program started with Utah and North Dakota

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Local rotorcraft industry leader urges international partners to get involved in crisis

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Frederic Lemos departs after serving as CEO of ACH since 2017

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Medium twin-engine rotorcraft will supplement European firefighting operations

One Bell Kenya Facility Serves Three East Africa Fleets

Facility offers maintenance, avionics, and shipping support

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