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
Mothballing a viable option, but must be well managed
The recession’s lingering effects may prompt operators to consider storing their aircraft until conditions improve.
FBOs
Signature chain charts its course for the coming decade
A regime change at BBA Aviation’s Signature Flight Support early this year saw Michael Scheeringa hired as president of the world’s largest FBO chain.
Charter & Fractional
Stats show frax suffering but still a key genav factor
The fractional share marketplace is changing rapidly in response to the lengthy global recession.
Industry Perspective: Dassault Falcon
John Rosanvallon, Dassault Falcon’s president and CEO, has worked at the company for 34 years.
Industry Perspective: Hawker Beechcraft
Bill Boisture joined Hawker Beechcraft as chairman and CEO on March 23.
15 Business Aviation Milestones
Business aviation would be nowhere if it weren’t for the pioneers who jump-started aeronautical development in the first part of the last century.
Training and Workforce
SimCom upgrades units, adds light-jet fam course
SimCom Training Centers is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, as well as the addition of new training programs and upgraded simulators.
Airframer takes the long view of the market for business jets
Steve Ridolfi, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft
Steven Ridolfi joined de Havilland as a structural dynamics engineer in 1982,
Aircraft
Eclipse Aerospace Begins Mods on E-500s
Eclipse Aerospace, the new owner of the assets of Eclipse Aviation, has wasted no time consolidating facilities, organizing inventory and modifying Eclipse
FBOs
Mac Dan FBO Closed at Essex County Airport
Mac Dan Aviation, one of two FBOs at Essex County Airport in northern New Jersey, closed its doors last Wednesday, according to a security guard tending th
Aircraft
In The Works: Hawker Beechcraft – King Air 350i
The King Air 350i, announced at last year’s NBAA Convention, is due to receive FAA certification shortly.
Aircraft
In The Works: Dornier Seaplane – Seastar CD2
Dornier’s twin-turboprop all-composite Seastar CD2 made its first appearance at the EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wis., in July, the first stop in a tour
Aircraft
In The Works: Sky Aircraft – SK-105 Skylander
Sky Aircraft, based in Chambley in France’s Lorraine region, is part of GECI International, which also includes Reims Aviation, maker of the F406 twin turb
Aircraft
VLJs Neither ‘Revolutionary’ Nor ‘Disruptive’
The marketing hype surrounding very light jets (VLJs) has “largely subsided,” according to Brian Foley, president of business aviation consulting firm Bria
Regulations and Government
Accident prompts call for new birdstrike regs
The NTSB issued recommendations that the FAA revise birdstrike certification requirements and more carefully monitor charter operators following the Board’
NBAA Convention preview: Sputtering economy casts a shadow over this month’s event
This year’s 62nd National Business Aviation Association Annual Meeting & Convention (October 20 to 22) probably won’t exceed previous records, but later th
Aircraft
Phenom 100 owners gather, plan to form an association
A small group of Embraer Phenom 100 owners came together in Santa Barbara, Calif., on A
Aircraft
Eclipse Aero reopens factory, starts hiring, looks to future
The bankrupt status of Eclipse Aviation finally ended in August after Eclipse Aerospace bought the assets of the very light jet manufacturer for $40 millio
Environment
FAA issues guidance on biodiesel contaminant
The FAA’s recent special airworthiness information bulletin (SAIB: NE-09-25R1) regarding recommended safe-operating guidelines in the possible presence of
Environment
EAA AirVenture boosts recycling effort
The 578,000 or so people who attended this year’s EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wis., consumed beverages contained in at least six tons of packaging.
FBOs
Jet Aviation Beijing in new digs
After joining the Phillips 66 aviation fuel dealer network, FBO and charter/management company Trego-Dugan Aviation announced that it is offering dou
Abbott named new ExecuJet FBO director
Jet Aviation’s Beijing, China, operation, a joint venture among Jet Aviation, Deer Air and Reach Investment established before last year’s Olympic Games, h
Regulations and Government
De-icing rule extension sought
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has joined with other aviation associations to ask the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a 60-da
FBOs
Air BP expands at five airports
Air BP Aviation Services has added five FBOs to its fuel dealer network, and all accept the Air BP Sterling Card.
FBOs
Sole FBO facility opens at new Missouri airport
It took just 22 months for the new airport in Branson, Mo., to be built, from the first movement of earth by McAninch Construction in July 2007 to the firs
Charter & Fractional
The Fractional Market
The recession has dealt an enormous blow to the fractional share industry.
FBOs
TAC Air plans new facility at Blue Grass Airport
The TAC Air chain, with 13 FBOs in the U.S., has broken ground on a new development at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Ky.
