Matt Thurber
Editor-in-Chief

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&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.

Latest from Matt Thurber

Maintenance and Modifications

Castle Air Expands Helo Maintenance with Heliwork Buy

Company expands UK footprint and adds new blade and component capabilities
Castle Air Group
Avionics

Honeywell FMS Guided Visual Approaches Add Capability

New airports and integrations give pilots more options for mitigating risk
Honeywell guided visual approaches
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Galileo Available from Textron Aviation Service Centers

System includes the HDX antenna and Gogo Avance router
Gogo Galileo satcom on Cessna Citation
Rotorcraft

Milestone and Leonardo Sign Power-by-the-hour Agreement

Deal covers more than 100 helicopters owned by the leasing company
Francesco Bellardi, Leonardo v-p customer support and services, and Kieran Hannan, Milestone Aviation head of fleet and technical operations
Maintenance and Modifications

Henderson Jet Services Harvesting HondaJet Elite Parts

Company says there is strong demand in the aftermarket
HondaJet Elite
Maintenance and Modifications

Honeywell Signs Yingling as Avionics, Engines Dealer

Company is already stocking up to fill customer needs
Yingling Aviation maintenance facility in Wichita
Regulations and Government

Provisions of Reconciliation Bill Welcomed by NBAA 

More than 50 aviation organizations support items that would benefit aviation
U.S. Capitol Building (Photo: Bill Carey)
Accidents

Tim Lilley: Fixing What Caused the DCA Midair Collision

The father of one of the pilots who died in the crash wants something positive to come from the tragedy
Sheri and Tim Lilley at the ACSF Safety Symposium
Maintenance and Modifications

Pro Star Aviation Opens Pilatus Sales and Service Center

Facility is company’s second MRO location
Pro Star Aviation, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Safety

AINsight: Will Secondary Doors Be a Flying Jail Cell?

Flight deck security continues to be an issue and doesn’t seem to acknowledge safety concerns
Cockpit door
Rotorcraft

Air Methods Introduces Mauna Loa Pilots to HEMS Careers

‘Grass is Greener’ initiative aims to help flight instructors transition to professional flying jobs
Air Methods training Mauna Loa Helicopters pilots
Avionics

Garmin GTN 750Xi Navigators Now FAA Datalink-capable

Properly equipped aircraft can now access departure clearances and push-to-load messages
Garmin FAA Data Comm data link on GTN 750Xi GPS navigator
Maintenance and Modifications

Broward Aviation Buys Spares, Repairs Firm Support Air

Move adds capabilities to serve Airbus, Boeing operators
Broward Aviation Services acquires Support Air
Maintenance and Modifications

StandardAero Van Nuys Approved by Mexico Regulator

Company now has three facilities approved for maintenance on Mexican aircraft
StandardAero facility in Van Nuys, California
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Gogo STC Offers Continued Service for Legacy Customers

Offers alternative to more expensive upgrades
Gogo C1 air-to-ground connectivity system for business aircraft
Training and Workforce

NBAA Webinar Looks at Lasting Impact of Bizav

Event features prominent company founders and organization chiefs
AIN Founder & Chair Emeritus Wilson Leach
Safety

FAA Revises Helicopter Routes Near Reagan National

Zones and helicopter flight paths have been moved to mitigate risks of traffic conflicts
Reagan National Airport helicopter zone and route modifications
Regulations and Government

Deadline Near for FAA Certificate Holders Outside U.S.

After July 7, pilots, mechanics, and other airmen will be subject to enforcement action
Pilot
Avionics

Garmin Unveils Next Avionics Suite: G5000 Prime

New avionics join G3000 Prime to serve transport-category market
Garmin G5000 Prime avionics
Maintenance and Modifications

Duncan Aviation Begins PW500 Overhauls in Nebraska

First engine will be tested in a test cell, then added to company’s rental pool
Duncan Aviation engine technician Teddy Tesfaye
Maintenance and Modifications

Haven Aviation Adds Green Bay Facility to MRO Network

New base expands service to Upper Midwest-based customers
Haven MRO Green Bay, Wisconsin
Rotorcraft

Garmin Helicopter Autopilot Certified in Robinson R66 

A new training program will help pilots make the most of the new flight control system
Robinson R66 NxG helicopter Garmin autopilot
Training and Workforce

Switzerland Qualifies Brunner Mixed-reality DA42 Sim

Lufthansa Aviation Training will use the simulator in its pilot training program
Brunner Elektronik’s mixed-reality Novasim MR DA42 flight simulator
Rotorcraft

Rotortrade Opens New Brazil Subsidiary

Brazil has largest helicopter fleet in the region
Rotortrade do Brasil
Aircraft

Otto’s Phantom Bizjet Promises Midsize Performance and Comfort

All-composite light jet will feature windowless cabin
Otto Aviation's Phantom 3500 business jet
Maintenance and Modifications

Pinnacle Aviation Buys Mx Provider Aviation One

Purchase enables company to offer retail aircraft maintenance services in U.S. Southwest
Pinnacle Aviation Maintenance
Maintenance and Modifications

ExecuJet MRO Completes 120-month Check on Legacy 500

Work involved major disassembly of the airframe
ExecuJet MRO Services Australia and Embraer team
Maintenance and Modifications

Hartzell Lengthens Warranty on Props for Raisbeck King Airs

Extension goes to six years or 4,000 flight hours, whichever is first
King Air
Airports

Chicago Midway Decommissioning Closed Runway 13L-31R

The project will add holding, parking, and deicing areas to what is now Taxiway H
Chicago Midway Airport
Maintenance and Modifications

Jet Parts, DAS Aviation Merger To Improve Efficiency

Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies
DAS Aviation component repair