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

Training and Workforce

One-G Flight Simulator Replicates TBM 900 Turboprop

Company flew a TBM 900 to capture performance and handling data
One-G Simulation Tarbes 9.00 flight simulator
Rotorcraft

Rotortrade Releases Optimistic Global Market Report

Covers state of rotorcraft industry through the end of 2025
Airbus H145 aerial work
Airports

FAA Mandates Radar for Airplane, Helicopter Separation

Agency issued a general notice to highlight the change
Bryan Bedford, FAA Administrator at Verticon 2026
Finance, Taxes, Insurance

Washington State Bill To Repeal Aircraft Luxury Tax

Last year’s law would have imposed a 10% fee on transactions
Avionics

Garmin Adds 15 More Guided Visual Approaches to Database

Procedures help pilots flying into challenging airports and at night
Garmin guided visual approaches
Avionics

Innovative Aerosystems Buys S-TEC 3100 Autopilot Line

Adds to company’s capabilities in avionics and flight control design
S-TEC 3100 autopilot
Safety

Garmin Alert Cautions Pilots about Descent Below MDA

Advisory glide paths do not provide obstacle or terrain clearance assurance
Garmin Service Alert
Maintenance and Modifications

Aero Star Aviation Expands into Citation Maintenance

Adds Cessna 560XL and Latitude to MRO menu
Aero Star Aviation
Rotorcraft

Rotortrade Launches Rotorcraft Leasing Business

New division adds flexible ownership opportunities for helicopter buyers
Rotortrade
Maintenance and Modifications

Buyers of Robinson Helicopters Get Crewchief Built-in

System replaces paperwork with digital platform
Robinson R44
Rotorcraft

Leonardo Maintains Growth Trajectory in All Segments

Orders are up 5.1% compared to 2024
Leonardo booth Verticon 2026
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Alpine Helicopters Picks Skytrac Solution for Upgrade Program

Iridium satcom will help pilots and ground crews remain connected
Skytrac Systems
Rotorcraft

R44 Utility Is Latest Robinson Iteration

Buyers can opt for the new configuration that targets utility operators
Robinson 44 Utility interior,
Rotorcraft

Robinson Expands into Uncrewed VTOL Market

New division encompasses heavy-lift drones and uncrewed helicopters
Robinson booth Verticon 2026
Rotorcraft

R88 Progressing with More Supplier Selections

Providers include GPMS, Outerlink, and Skurka Aerospace
Robinson R88 Verticon 2025
Maintenance and Modifications

Essential Turbines Triples Rolls-Royce MRO Capacity

New facility will speed up turnaround times for U.S. customers
Essential Turbines
Rotorcraft

DARPA Grants Bell X-Plane Status for Sprint Program Aircraft

Work has begun on the high-speed VTOL demonstrator
Artist’s concept for the SPRINT X-76
Rotorcraft

MD Helicopters Unveils 6-bladed MD 564 Utility Helicopter

Upgraded rotorcraft delivers significantly improved performance
MD 564
Maintenance and Modifications

Precision Support Services Gains EASA Part 145 Approval

Repair station certificate bolsters company’s ability to serve worldwide customers
Rotorcraft

JCAB Agrees on SkyDrive General Certification Plan

Company aims to begin deliveries in 2028
SkyDrive Tokyo demo flight
Avionics

FreeFlight Fields 5G-resilient Radar Altimeters

RA-4500 MK II will continue to evolve as performance criteria evolve
Freeflight RA-4500 MK II
Rotorcraft

Digital AirWare Signs Up Connected Ecosystem Software Users

Company founded to fill gaps in maintenance platform features
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Wireless Communications Slated for More Airbus Models

Device enables airborne connectivity via cellphone networks
AeroSync Max
Rotorcraft

Black Hawk Demonstrates Automated Flight with Genesys Autopilot

Capability is available for liftoff, hover, cruise, and landing
Moog Black hawk
Cabin Interior and Electronics

AeroSync Mission Available for Leonardo AW119

Device enables secure communications for EMS helicopter crews
Life Link AW119
Rotorcraft

Autonomous RUC-60 Black Hawk Testing Expands

Autonomy enables higher-risk missions without risking human crews
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
Rotorcraft

Rotortrade Logs Record Year for Helicopter Sales

More than 90% of 2025 transactions involved Airbus and Leonardo models
Rotortrade headquarters
Rotorcraft

Leonardo: AW609 Tiltrotor To Enter Service in 2027

Company expects early adopters to serve civil and government passenger transport needs
Leonardo AW609
Avionics

Easier Arrival Arranged for Landing on Aspen Runway 33

Honeywell FMS guided visual approach ensures a stabilized flightpath
Aspen FMS guided visual approach
Maintenance and Modifications

Asian Sky Group Sells GIV-SP after Major Mx Event

Two-year job included refurbishment and avionics upgrades
Asian Sky Group Gulfstream IV-SP business jet