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

Perfect Point EDM is demonstrating technology this week at NBAA-BACE that simplifies the tedious process of removing fasteners from aircraft structures without damaging the fastened material and speeding up the removal process. The company’s E-Drill also eliminates shavings, heat, and foreign object debris that occur with twist drilling.
The E-Drill uses electro-discharge machining (EDM), with a precision-sized electrode that matches the fastener size. To remove a fastener, the technician first selects the fastener and material type on the E-Drill display, then positions the vacuum-locator tool over the fastener, using a “bombsight” to align the tool. A vacuum holds the tool firmly, even on curved surfaces.
Once aligned, the technician places the E-Drill into the locator tool and, when positioned firmly, presses a trigger to activate the tool. The E-Drill display shows the EDM electrode cutting into the fastener, and the system automatically stops the E-Drill when it reaches the right depth. The EDM uses water to keep the drilling surface cool so no heat is transferred to the airframe material.
After the cutting process, the technician removes the E-Drill and the locator tool then places the Single-Shot air punch on the fastener and, holding it steady, activates the punch, which cleanly removes the cut fastener head. The air punch automatically aligns correctly with the cut fastener head.
While the Perfect Point process is designed for the hardest materials, including titanium fasteners, it works on any type of riveted fastener, including blind rivets. An adapter is available to fit the tool onto round rivet heads.&nbsp;
The key advantage of the E-Drill, according to Perfect Point CEO Jim Becker, is speed compared to traditional twist drilling. In a trial on a U.S. Air Force F-15, fastener removal time was cut by 90%. Compared to the minutes it takes for each twist-drilled fastener removal, the E-Drill takes about 10 seconds, and there is no debris.

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.

EDM Drill Points Way to Easy Aircraft Fastener Removal

System works on the hardest materials, including titanium 

The E-Drill display shows the EDM electrode cutting into the fastener, and the system automatically stops the E-Drill when it reaches the right depth.

EDM Drill Points Way to Easy Fastener Removal

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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 battery ship set is now available for the Gulfstream GIV, G450, GV, and G550

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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.

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News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

NBAA-BACE 2026

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