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
Aircraft
Cirrus Adds to Vision Jet-single Orders at NBAA
As Cirrus Design’s Vision single-engine jet prototype continues to add flight hours, the manufacturer concluded a successful exhibit at this week’s NBAA sh
FBOs
FBO Profile: Volo Aviation
For many years, Volo Aviation quietly and steadily built an aircraft charter and management business headquartered at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratfor
Airports
LAS runway closure coming soon
Operators planning flights to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) might want to make alternative arrangements beginning November 1, when Runway
Airports
Customs clearance available at Aruba
Universal Aviation Aruba will be able to pre-clear visitors for all U.S.
FBOs
Aurora Jet Center joins Avitat network
After buying Aurora Jet Center at Aurora State Airport in Oregon, new owner Metal Innovations signed a fuel provider agreement with Western Petroleum, and
Regulations and Government
TSA issues security action items for FBOs
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued updated security action items (SAIs) for FBOs.
Environment
Chevron rewards fuel buyers
Chevron Global Aviation launched a fuel buyer reward program called FlyBuys that offers gas and merchandise gift cards as rewards.
FBOs
OxfordJet now serving European travelers
The developers of the new Oxfordjet FBO at the UK’s Oxford Airport handed over the new business aviation center in July, capping a building effort that beg
FBOs
BBA adds Signature Gatwick
The Signature Flight Support FBO network grew to 23 locations in Europe following the company’s acquisition of Southern Aero Services, parent of the Interf
FBOs
SheltAir invests $41 million in several facility upgrades
SheltAir Aviation plans to finish its new FBO at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport around the end of the year and open for service early next year
Airports
SMO brief appeals reversal of ban
The city of Santa Monica, Calif., filed an appeal to the court injunction that precludes Santa Monica Airport (SMO) from imposing a ban on Category C and D
GKN Develops Hot Bond in Autoclave Composites Repair
GKN Aerospace has developed a new repair process allowing hot-bonding of composite structure inside an autoclave.
Pieper Confident about Eclipse Production Prospects
Starting next year, Eclipse Aviation plans to ramp up production of the Eclipse 500 back to a rate of about one airplane per day, chairman and CEO Roel Pie
Aircraft
Revived Twin Otter makes first flight
Viking Air of Sidney, British Columbia, flew its DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 prototype for the first time on October 1 from Victoria International Airport.
Pieper puts focus on Eclipse profitability
Since taking the helm at Eclipse Aviation on July 28, chairman, CEO and investor Roel Pieper has worked to turn the manufacturer from a development company
Sixth Special Olympics Airlift Preparations Begin
Cessna Aircraft yesterday launched the massive volunteer effort for the airlift of athletes to the Special Olympics, introducing actor, pilot and Citation
Aircraft
Dassault announces SVS upgrade for Falcon family’s EASy avionics
Dassault Falcon yesterday announced the long-anticipated upgrade to the Honeywell Primus Epic-based EASy (Enhanced Avionics System) flight deck: the EASy P
Avionics
Dassault Makes EASy Even Easier
Dassault Falcon today announced the long-anticipated upgrade to the Honeywell Primus Epic-based Enhanced Avionics System (EASy) flight deck–the EASy Phase
Charter & Fractional
Avantair Financials Show Revenue Jump
Fractional-share operator Avantair saw its revenues climb significantly for the fiscal year that ended on June 30.
Charter & Fractional
DayJet Eclipse 500 Fleet Might Be In Play
A group of buyers formed by Houston-based JetsAmerica is offering to purchase former DayJet Eclipse 500s from lienholder United Technologies Finance.
Aircraft
In The Works: Grob Aerospace SPn
The Grob SPn is delayed indefinitely, due to Grob Aerospace’s having declared insolvency on August 18 in Germany.
Aircraft
In the Works: Embraer Legacy 450 and 500
Embraer announced major suppliers that are participating in the joint-definition phase of the Legacy 450 and 500 midsize jet program.
Aircraft
In The Works: Cessna Citation Columbus
Cessna supplier Spirit AeroSystems will manufacture the fuselage for the Citation Columbus in a new 375,000-sq-ft factory in Wichita.
Engines
HF120 advances toward FAA tests
GE Honda Aero Engines has started building the first HF120 engine for FAA certification testing scheduled to begin early next year.
Aircraft
In The Works: Cessna Citation CJ4
Cessna flew the first production Citation CJ4, S/N001, on August 19, a little more than three months after the first flight of the prototype.
Aircraft
In The Works: Boeing BBJ3
Boeing’s first BBJ3 is nearing completion at DeCrane Aircraft in Georgetown, Del., which is installing long-range fuel tanks and a head-up display.
Regulations and Government
SCR process in place to correct certification oversights
One of the tools in the FAA’s kit is the special certification review (SCR).
More Customers Sue Eclipse for Refund
Two more lawsuits were filed against Eclipse Aviation in September, bringing to four the total number of complaints about nonrefunding of purchase deposits
FBOs
Despite slowing traffic, Atlantic grows for future
“For all intents and purposes there is an economic downturn,” said Lou Pepper, CEO of the FBO chain that is owned by Australia’s Macquarie Infrastructure.
