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

Aeronautical Data Systems (ADS) and Orbcomm have signed a strategic partnership for Orbcomm to deliver Automatic Identification System (AIS) ship-position information to users of ADS’s Ergo safety apps. The Ergo apps show georeferenced aircraft position on a moving map with an overlay of AIS-derived shipping traffic that could be helpful for a rescue in case an aircraft needs to ditch in the ocean.

 


Using the Ergo app running on an Apple iPad, pilots can see near-real-time ship positions and, when the iPad is connected to a suitable maritime transceiver, send emergency messages to nearby ships. The AIS information includes vessel speed, direction, and country of origin. Ergo can send “an automatic mayday distress call formatted to maritime protocols on a continuous 2.5-minute loop, updating all pertinent aircraft location information at each interval,” according to ADS. “The pilot can select the most desirable vessels to ditch near, but all ships within VHF range (potentially 200 to 250 nm, depending on altitude) will receive this call on the maritime distress channel 16.”

 


“This is equivalent to pulling a fire alarm in the middle of the ocean to alert any resource within hearing distance to come and help,” said ADS CEO Jim Stabile. ADS and Orbcomm expect display of AIS information to “complement the Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS) due to be implemented in 2023.”

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

ADS Taps Orbcomm AIS Data To Display Ship Positions

Aeronautical Data Systems and Orbcomm have partnered to provide AIS ship-position information to ADS Ergo app users.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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.

Platform allows trained medical oversight anywhere

Aircare International Debuts New In-flight Diagnostic Kit

Charles Alcock

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.

Test flights include full transition from vertical to horizontal cruise flight and back again

Joby Logs eVTOL Aircraft Transition Flights with Pilots Onboard

Stuart “Kipp” Lau

Improper rudder use can lead to loss of control in aircraft

AINsight: Focus on the Rudder and LOC-I Accidents

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.

Acting FAA Administrator Rocheleau highlighted areas that still need work

FAA Sees Results from Targeting Hotspot Airports

Jessica Reed

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Virtual FDR is a cloud-based alternative to traditional “black box” units 

CGI Expands Virtual Flight Data Recorder Initiative

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Safety

Aircare International Debuts New In-flight Diagnostic Kit

Platform allows trained medical oversight anywhere

Joby Logs eVTOL Aircraft Transition Flights with Pilots Onboard

Test flights include full transition from vertical to horizontal cruise flight and back again

AINsight: Focus on the Rudder and LOC-I Accidents

Improper rudder use can lead to loss of control in aircraft

FAA Sees Results from Targeting Hotspot Airports

Acting FAA Administrator Rocheleau highlighted areas that still need work

CGI Expands Virtual Flight Data Recorder Initiative

Virtual FDR is a cloud-based alternative to traditional “black box” units

Thousands of Pilots Join GA Safety Campaign

Recent events renew focus on training

SCAA, Web Manuals To Host San Diego Safety Stand Down

Event to highlight safety and compliance

EASA Advances Airborne Collision Prevention for GA

Affordable tech aims to reduce midair collision risks

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