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

Aura Aero is bringing its Integral R flight training airplane to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and is anticipating FAA validation of the design shortly. The two-seat Integral R, which is also capable of aerobatics, received EASA approval in December 2024.
Three models of the airplane will eventually be available: the current piston-powered Integral R, powered by a 210-hp Lycoming AEIO-390-A3B6; the Integral S with a 180-hp Lycoming aerobatic IO-360-M1A or non-aerobatic version; and the electric Integral E, powered by a Safran EngineUS motor. The Integral S is due for EASA certification by the end of this year and the electric version by the end of 2026, with deliveries planned in 2027.
The aerobatic capability makes the Integral suitable for civil and military training and for delivery of upset prevention and recovery training. Its safety features include a whole-airplane parachute system and “anti-deflagration” fuel tanks, which help prevent fuel vapors from rapid combustion if the tanks are breached.
All Integral models are made of composite materials and feature Garmin avionics. The Integral R is tailwheel-configured, while the Integral S has a nose wheel. Fuel capacity is 42 gallons, and the Integral R cruises at 150 knots at 8,000 feet.
Aura Aero sees the U.S. as a key market for the Integral aircraft and this year opened a 10,000-sq-ft hangar at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Research Park in Daytona Beach, Florida, where initial assembly, delivery, and support of U.S.-bound Integrals will take place. The company is also building a 500,000-sq-ft factory in Daytona Beach, which will be its U.S. headquarters and location for assembly of Aura’s ERA 19-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner.
At EAA AirVenture, Aura Aero is showing the Integral R at the International Aerobatics Club pavilion, where Aura ambassador and aerobatic airshow performer Michael Goulian will discuss highlights of the airplane.

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