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
Engines
Unison Helps Turbine Engines Acclimate to New Regulatory Constraints
The Acclimate ignition system features solid-state electronics, with exciter performance that can vary depending on specific requirements.
Aircraft
AW149 Ready to Hit International Market
The AW149 is ready to replace thousands of older helicopters in the eight-metric-ton class.
Barco Signs MOU With GE Aviation
Barco and GE are targeting the helicopter displays and avionics systems markets.
Rockwell Collins Technology Offers Variety of Solutions
Rockwell Collins announced new orders for equipment that helps aircraft fly more efficiently in congested airspace.
Rockwell Collins Sees Bright Market Outlook
Commercial, military and business aviation markets are all looking up for end-users of Rockwell Collins products.
Engines
GP7200 Adds Two New Thrust Ratings
The engine that powers the A380 is able to deliver higher power at hot ambient temperatures for improved airline performance.
Bell Highlights New Rotorcraft Tech at Farnborough Airshow
A highlight of the Bell Helicopter exhibit is the mockup of the fly-by-wire Bell 525 Relentless.
L-3 Aviation Products Meeting NextGen Mandates
A variety of L-3 Aviation Products systems are aimed at meeting existing and upcoming NextGen mandates.
ACSS Technology is Meeting NextGen Mandates
L-3 is responding to a complex set of requirements for meeting the automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast navigation standards.
Aircraft
Sparkle Roll Jet Takes Delivery of Avanti II Extended Range
The Extended Range Avanti II adds a permanent additional fuel tank in the closet in the lavatory, increasing the twin turboprop’s range to 1,720 nm.
Aircraft
Lycoming Engines Sees New Markets In UAS Segment
Lycoming’s first UAS project dates to World War II and an unmanned twin-engine aircraft.
Bombardier Forecasts Bizjet Dip, But Commercial Up
Bombardier’s commercial and business aircraft forecast projects a healthy number of deliveries during the next 20 years, although down from last year.
Bombardier Downgrades 20-year Business Jet Forecast
Bombardier’s business aircraft forecast projects a healthy number of deliveries during the next 20 years, although the figures are down from last year.
Voss Industries Pursuing Russia, China Relationships
Voss Industries officials see the Farnborough Airshow as an ideal forum to assess emerging technologies that can help its customers.
Aircraft
Citation X+ Makes Speedy Crossing To Europe
After a stop in Paris, Cessna’s recently certified Citation X+ arrived at the Farnborough Airshow.
Esterline CMC Brings Cockpit 9000 and 4000 to FIA 2014
The push to meet airborne equipment mandates is driving greater demand for CMC’s avionics upgrades.
Aircraft
Sales Soar For Twin Otter OEM
The Viking Air Twin Otter Series 400 is selling well, while a new full flight simulator is being built to train pilots in water and land operations.
Regulations and Government
Harrison Ford, NBAA, AOPA File SMO Part 16 Complaint
ProFlight Adds Annunciator Trainer to CJ3 Distance Learning
Preparing for a type rating or currency program ahead of time is much easier with tools such as ProFlight’s distance learning system.
Avionics
Twin Commander Garmin G950 Upgrade Certified
The STC replaces the existing avionics and instruments with a 12.4-inch MFD and two 10.4-inch PFDs.
Beech 1900D Also a G950 Retrofit Candidate
The G950 system replaces the 1900D’s original Rockwell Collins EFIS 84 avionics and other instruments with the three-display G950.
Tempus Jets Has Global Express Fans/ADS-B Solution
The package includes engineering, installation, certification, equipment and return to service.
TSO Issued For NXT-600 ADS-B out Transponder
The FAA has issued technical standard order (TSO) approval to ACSS for its NXT-600 mode-S transponder.
Astronics Max-Viz 1500 EVS OK’d for Pilatus PC-12s
The STC kit includes the Max-Viz 1500 sensor, power supply and unpainted fairing.
Charter & Fractional
Linear Charter Marketplace Aiming For Nationwide Branding
Potential charter buyers might find worthy options in private charter when searching travel websites.
Airport Particle Emissions More Widespread Than Previously Believed
Emissions of particles from turbine engines have an impact on residents quite a distance downwind of major airports, according to a new study.
Clay Jones Retiring from Rockwell Collins Board on July 31
Anthony Carbone becomes nonexecutive chairman of Rockwell Collins on August 1.
Santa Monica Citizens Groups Seeks Vote on Airport Development Plans
A citizens group formed to seek a vote on development of Santa Monica airport land gathered signatures from more than 15,000 city residents.
Maintenance and Modifications
Despite Setbacks, Aviation Alliance Moving Forward With 421, GIII Remanufacturing Programs
The Aviation Alliance headed by Geoff Miller is attempting to remanufacture the Cessna 421C and Gulfstream GIII.
