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&amp;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.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

On Tuesday night, the U.S. Senate voted to extend authorization of FAA operations, pushing the decision on a five-year FAA reauthorization bill to March 8. The House of Representatives voted for the extension on December 11. This second extension funds FAA operations based on the terms of Congress’ five-year reauthorization bill of 2018.
“We thank lawmakers for extending FAA authorization into 2024,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “However, an ongoing series of extensions creates the potential for disruptions to long-term planning for the FAA and to the operational, safety, and other agency services needed by the aviation sector, which is among the nation’s most highly regulated industries. We will continue working with Congress to pass a multi-year authorization bill as soon as feasible.”
“Allowing the FAA’s authorization to expire is a nonstarter,” said Aerospace Industries Association president and CEO Eric Fanning, “but an extension through March only delays the inevitable: Congress must reauthorize the FAA to strengthen our global leadership in aviation, maintain the gold standard for safety and certification, and unleash innovation that will fundamentally transform the way Americans travel. Safety is the industry’s top priority, and we cannot allow a pattern of short-term extensions to continue.”
The extension prevents the halting of airport construction projects, aviation trust fund spending on projects, airline ticket tax collection, special drone authorizations, employee furloughs, and other spending measures.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

U.S. House of Representatives Passes FAA Reauthorization Extension through March 8

Temporary funding delays the decision on five-year FAA reauthorization

“We thank lawmakers for extending FAA authorization into 2024,” said NBAA president Ed Bolen. “An ongoing series of extensions creates the potential for disruptions."

House Passes FAA Reauthorization Extension

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Industry groups commend passage, cite stigma reduction goals

Bipartisan Mental Health in Aviation Act Clears House

Kerry Lynch

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Tariffs, European Issues, GNSS all discussed during JetNet IQ Summit.

Bizav Leaders Urge Continued Pressure on Tariff Issue

Charlotte Bailey

100% bonus depreciation could safeguard Canadian competitiveness

CBAA Pushes Five Strategies for 2026 Federal Budget

Gordon Gilbert

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Watchdog recommends urgent action at FAA and NWS

GAO: Urgent Need for More Aviation Meteorologists

Charles Alcock

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Air says the approval allows it to expand flight testing in the U.S. 

FAA Grants Experimental Airworthiness Certification for Air One eVTOL

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

FAA employees spread throughout Washington will move into DOT headquarters

DOT Streamlining Systems, Consolidating FAA

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Website includes information for policymakers and industry data

EBAA Launches Climbing Fast European Advocacy Platform

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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