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

Lithium-ion battery manufacturer True Blue Power and 101 Aviation are anticipating FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approvals of Gen5 lithium-ion batteries in Gulfstream and Bombardier business jets in the first half of 2026. The batteries are on display this week at True Blue Power’s NBAA-BACE exhibit.
The STCs are being developed by 101 Aviation and will cover the Bombardier CRJ series, Challenger 601, 604, 605, and 650, and Global Express, as well as the Gulfstream IV, V, and G450. More STCs will follow, according to True Blue Power.
In the Gulfstreams and Global Express, two 50-amp-hour TB50s will be installed, while the Challengers and CRJs will use a TB50 and 20-amp-hour TB20.
Advantages of the True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries are estimated savings of $4,000 per year on battery service costs; improved aircraft availability; average useful life of eight years; nearly half the weight of comparable Ni-Cad or lead-acid batteries; cooler and faster engine starts; and more energy for emergency and backup power.&nbsp;Recharge times are much faster, and the batteries incorporate built-in heaters that warm them up before engine start in cold temperatures.
True Blue Power lithium-ion batteries are certified to TSO-C179b, RTCA DO-311A, RTCA DO-160G, and RTCA DO-178C design assurance level A.
“True Blue Power’s advanced lithium-ion battery technology has a perfect safety record, with more than 12 million flight hours on FAA Part 23, 25, and 27 aircraft,” said Michael McClain, president of 101 Aviation. “These STCs provide the opportunity for business jet operators to maximize aircraft availability, reliability, and income-earning potential. Built to last, we’re backing our STC Kit with an extended four-year warranty.”

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Lithium Main-ship Battery Approvals Near for Bombardier, Gulfstream Jets

Approvals due next year for various Bombardier and Gulfstream models

In the Gulfstreams and Global Expresses, two 50-amp-hour TB50s will be installed, while the Challengers and CRJs will use a TB50 and TB20.

Lithium Battery STCs Underway for Popular Bizjets

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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

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.

Five maintenance-related sessions will meet the eight-hour training requirement

Maintenance Track Participants Earn IA Renewal Credits

Kerry Lynch

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.

MRO, defense, flight test are at capacity, taking over from work vacated

Bombardier Evolving in Wichita with Busy Base

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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

NBAA-BACE 2025

In this article

True Blue Power

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Foreign object damage to some fan blisks now covered by program

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