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
Airports
Touching Bases: Telluride Runway Work Continues
Although the reconstruction of Telluride Regional Airport’s runway was completed late last year, Phase III work is under way and should be finished this ye
Airports
Touching Bases: EBAA Adds New Committee for Airports and Handling
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has launched an airports, handling and ground operations committee (AHGOC).
FBOs
Touching Bases: Fuel-Shopping Software Adds New Features
Global Aviation of Hillsboro, Ore., has enhanced its online fuel-shopping software by adding a customized Dega Tech/FuelerLinx platform.
FBOs
Touching Bases: Atlantic Aviation Offers its Own IPhone App
Atlantic Aviation has jumped on the iPhone bandwagon and now offers a free iPhone application allowing customers to access information about the Atlantic F
FBOs
Touching Bases: Open House at Hobby’s 1940 Air Terminal
Houston Hobby Airport’s March 20 Wings & Wheels Open House is hosting Cessna Day and an AOPA-sponsored Let’s Go Flying! event.
FBOs
Touching Bases: GlobalAir Adds FBO Ratings
GlobalAir.com’s Airport Resource Center now allows users to view and add rankings for FBOs using a five-star scale.
FBOs
Touching Bases: Midwest Opens Tees Valley FBO
Midwest Executive Aviation is expanding with a new FBO and business aviation center at Durham Tees Valley Airport in the UK.
Regulations and Government
Touching Bases: EPA Delays Comment Period for De-icer Guidelines
The comment period for the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed de-ice effluent limitations guidelines has been extended to February 26, thanks to ef
Regulations and Government
Touching Bases: Banyan Welcomes Fliers Bound for the Bahamas
Banyan Air Service is hosting Bahamas Day on February 20 from 9 a.m.
Airports
Touching Bases: Santa Monica Friends to Testify
The court overseeing the attempt by the City of Santa Monica, Calif., to
FBOs
Touching Bases: Avfuel Adds Two Centers
Million Air Moses Lake and Scottsdale AirCenter have joined the Avfuel network.
FBOs
Touching Bases: Panorama Renovates Lobby, Ramp at Westchester facility
Panorama Flight Service at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y., completed a major renovation of its FBO and held a celebration to mark the occ
Rotorcraft
Heli-Expo preview 2010
The annual Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo–at the George R.
Aircraft
General Dynamics Fourth Quarter a Strong Performance
In a conference call with analysts yesterday, General Dynamics president and CEO Jay Johnson summarized full-year and fourth-quarter results for the defens
Aircraft
In The Works: Viking Air DHC-6-400 Twin Otter
Viking Air expected Transport Canada and EASA certification for its new version of the venerable de Havilland Canada Twin Otter by the end of last month.
Aircraft
In The Works: Cirrus Aircraft – Vision SF50
Cirrus Aircraft is still seeking additional capital to see its single-engine Vision SF50 jet program through to certification and production.
Aircraft
In The Works: Antilles Seaplanes G-21 Super Goose
Antilles Seaplanes has experienced problems with its plans to resurrect the Gru
Aircraft
In The Works: Ruag Aerospace – Dornier 228NG
Last November, Ruag Aerospace rolled out the new version of the Dornier Do-228 twin turboprop, the 228NG, and began the flight-test program for the resurre
Book Review: Aircraft Performance Myths & Methods
Jim Deuvall has written and published a handy primer on aircraft performance that can help pilots expand their understanding of how jets perform.
Pentastar takes over EMS ops for University of Michigan
Pentastar Aviation has signed up its first emergency medical services (EMS) customer and is now running all University of Michigan Health System Survival F
Airports
VNY tenants: rent rates need review
Tenants at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in Southern California are upset that their rental rates keep increasing while the California economy continues to deteri
Charter & Fractional
Air Partners adds frax to its charter, management business
Canadian aircraft management company Air Partners has launched a fractional-share program to capitalize on historically low used aircraft prices.
Maintenance and Modifications
NIAR To Host Online Composites Maintenance Course
An online composites maintenance technology course begins March 1 and is hosted by Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIA
Maintenance and Modifications
P&WC, Blackhawk Celebrate Sale of 500th PT6A Mod
Pratt & Whitney Canada and Blackhawk Modifications held a celebration ceremony at the engine manufacturer’s Montreal headquarters earlier this week hig
Maintenance and Modifications
Cleaning Landing Gear Can Cause Corrosion, Says Duncan
Aggressive cleaning of aircraft landing gear may shorten the life of landing gear components, according to Duncan Aviation accessory tech representative Je
JSSI Helps Speed Bizav Aid for Haiti Relief Efforts
Jet Support Services (JSSI) management and technical services representatives volunteered their time to help deliver supplies to earthquake-damaged Haiti.
Charter & Fractional
Jet Aviation has own charter op with purchase of K Services
Jet Aviation has launched its own charter company after purchasing sole-proprietor charter operator K Services and naming the new charter division Jet Avia
Brad Hatt Departing Hawker Beechcraft Next Month
Hawker Beechcraft senior vice president of sales Brad Hatt is leaving the company as of February 8, according to a letter sent to employees last Thursday b
