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
FAA, Industry Mull LED Airport Lighting Issues
There is concern that LED airport lights have not been tested with enhanced vision systems, night-vision goggles and HUDs.
Avionics
Alcatel, Inmarsat Plan European ATG Satcom Service
The system promises speeds of up to 75 Mbps, about 50 percent faster than Inmarsat’s upcoming GX satcom system.
Charter & Fractional
Now Closed, CitationAir Surrenders Certificate to FAA
The Part 135 certificate for CitationShares Management LLC dba CitationAir has been removed from the FAA's National Vital Information Subsystem database.
Safety
ArincDirect Fully Integrated by Rockwell Collins
ArincDirect is highlighting fuel tankering, integrated weight-and-balance cacluations, FOS integration and connectivity solutions.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Rockwell Collins Aims to Deliver Reliable IFE
Another Airbus A340 operator has selected the Rockwell Collins Venue inflight entertain/cabin management system.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Gogo Adding Text & Talk to SwiftBroadband Satcom
Gogo is expanding its presence in the Middle East with a new office in Dubai and an agent in Abu Dhabi.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Rockwell Collins Aims to Deliver Reliable IFE
Another Airbus A340 operator has selected the Rockwell Collins Venue inflight entertain/cabin management system.
Avionics
Lower-priced Max-Viz EVS Launched by Astronics
FAA certification for the Max-Viz 1400 is expected next year.
Avionics
Inmarsat GX Aviation Ground Stations Completed
The GX Aviation high-speed broadband satcom service is set to launch “early in the second half of 2015.”
Maintenance and Modifications
Textron To Set Up Cessna, Beech Maintenance Training in Wichita
Facility will start with maintenance training for in-production Beechcraft airplanes in January 2016 and Cessna models a year later.
Safety
Study: Security of Aviation Apps Questioned
Pilots should double-check data presented on aviation tablet applications to prevent possible security breaches.
Safety
Proposed Rule for Third-class Medical Relief in Limbo
An FAA notice of proposed rulemaking may allow private pilots to fly without a medical certificate.
Accidents
MU-2 Probable Cause Leaves Key Questions Unanswered
The NTSB’s report on the probable cause of the crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2 does not solve the mystery of the accident.
Aircraft
Bombardier Global 7000 Aiming For 2015 First Flight
Suppliers and the OEM are ramping up assembly of the first flight test Global 7000.
Training and Workforce
AIN Blog: Reaching Out to Aviation's Future Employees
Barrington Irving's visit to Southern California inspires ideas about how to attract kids to aviation careers.
Regulations and Government
AIN Blog: Model Aircraft Are Officially Subject to FAA Oversight
Model airplanes are aircraft, according to the National Transportation Safety Board
Regulations and Government
Congress Urged to Make FAA Reauthorization a Priority
Aviation industry groups and politicians urged members of the 113th Congress to expedite plans to continue funding the FAA.
Charter & Fractional
Charter and Fractional Report 2014
The charter market, according to the many companies interviewed for this special report, is in relatively good shape.
Avionics
Performance Planning Feature Added To ForeFlight App
The app now offer performance-planning capability.
Charter & Fractional
NetJets China Flies First Charter Customer
The inaugural NetJets Business Aviation Ltd flight in a Hawker 800XP touched down at five airports in China.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
AT&T Drops Plan For High-Speed Airborne Datacom
The AT&T air-to-ground 4G LTE network was slated to offer service late next year.
EASA Approval Granted for Sandel HeliTaws
The company’s entire product line is now FAA and EASA certified.
Avidyne Adds ADS-B in Receiver
The MLB100 delivers ADS-B traffic and free Flight Information System-Broadcast weather to compatible Avidyne displays.
Citation X+ Pilot Report
Cessna’s re-do of the Citation X thoroughly updates the classic speedster with new avionics and cabin features and an even swifter top speed.
Trine Aerospace Adds Caravan Camera Mount STC
Retractable camera mount system is designed to protect expensive surveillance equipment from FOD and lightning strikes.
Sporty’s Lowers Price of SP-400 Backup Com/ILS
With an updated sunlight-readable screen, the SP-400 is a useful backup device for any cockpit.
MU-2 Pilots Remain Enthusiastic About Their Airplanes
Two MU-2 pilots explain why the like the high-performance twin-turboprop.
