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

The U.S. Senate passed the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act yesterday, and now it moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. This passage comes as the U.S. government, in a 209-page court filing, yesterday admitted liability in the January 29 midair collision between a PSA Airlines CRJ700 regional jet and U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport (KDCA). The ROTOR Act is intended to mitigate the issues with government aircraft not broadcasting position information via ADS-B while flying in the Washington, D.C. region.
The complaint is a response by the U.S. in the case of Rachel Crafton, administratrix of the estate of Casey Crafton, who died in the accident; she is being represented by attorney Robert Clifford.
“In a very carefully drafted and lengthy legal filing, the United States admits the Army’s responsibility for the needless loss of life in the crash of an Army helicopter and [the CRJ700]&nbsp;at Reagan National Airport, as well as the FAA’s failure to follow air traffic control procedure,” Clifford explained. “The government, however, rightfully acknowledges that it is not the only entity responsible for this deadly crash, and, indeed, it asserts that its conduct is but one of several causes of the loss of life.” The CRJ700’s operator, PSA Airlines, and codeshare partner American Airlines have filed motions to dismiss claims against them.

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.

ROTOR Act Passes Senate, Would Close ADS-B Equipage Loopholes

Legislation would tighten exemptions for military aircraft to operate without ADS-B in the D.C. region

The passage of the ROTOR Act comes as the United States, in a 209-page court filing, admitted liability in the midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 (operated by PSA Airlines) and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29.

ROTOR Act Passes Senate, Would Close ADS-B Loopholes

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.

Typically held in early June, the event will now be in mid-May

NBAA Reschedules 2026 Northeast Regional

Kerry Lynch

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.

Supersonic bill calls for FAA to issue new regs in a year

House Panel To Consider Supersonic, FAA Shutdown Funding Bills

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Sec 373 of the NDAA essentially reverts ADS-B requirements back to previous mandates

Senators Move To Strike Measure Easing Military ADS-B Mandate

Robert Sancetta

Preventative testing can help pilots avoid bigger problems later on

AINsight: Navigating Screening Medical Testing for Pilots

Hanneke Weitering

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.

FAA begins Part 23 review of hybrid-electric EL9 airplane

Electra Files Type Cert Application for EL9 STOL Aircraft

EASA and CAA sign off on Halotron BrX STC

Non-Halon Fire Extinguishers for Learjets Get Euro Nods

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

FAA and NPS propose new rules for Bay Area sightseeing flights 

Bay Area Parks Air Tour Agreement Opens for Comment

Charles Alcock

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

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