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

A draft environmental impact report for Van Nuys (Calif.) Airport’s “Noisier Aircraft Phaseout” project suggests that most aircraft might divert to Bob Hope Airport in Burbank to avoid new noise restrictions at Van Nuys. The restrictions would be imposed in phases, starting on Jan. 1, 2009, with a ban on aircraft arriving or departing Van Nuys with takeoff noise levels of 85 dBA or more, dropping to 77 dBA on Jan. 1, 2016. Stage 2 jets would be most affected by the proposed phaseout, and these accounted for about 10 percent of annual Van Nuys operations last year. Bob Hope Airport is expected to absorb the majority of diverted aircraft by 2014–a total of 192 operations per year or 1.7 percent more operations versus a projected 1.1-percent normal growth in Stage 2 aircraft operations. Bob Hope Airport has proposed its own Stage 2 nighttime ban. Van Nuys is taking public comments on its proposal through December 1.

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Van Nuys Noisy Phaseout Could Bolster BUR Traffic

A draft environmental impact report for Van Nuys (Calif.) Airport’s “Noisier Aircraft Phaseout” project suggests that most aircraft might divert to Bob Hop

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Site will support both piloted and pilotless VTOL flight testing

Wisk Begins Building eVTOL Vertiport at Hollister Airport

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.

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.

FAA program tests links between small fields and major hubs

Electra Demos Hybrid-electric Flights in Three States

Charles Alcock

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.

S-76s and AW139s will carry passengers to and from London-area airports

Flexjet Bases European Helicopter Fleet at Blackbushe

Kerry Lynch

Neither FAA nor Congress appear open to helping Cleveland expedite airport closure

FAA’s Bedford, Lawmakers Oppose Burke Lakefront Closure

Amy Wilder

Restriction targets individual pilots, not the operator or aircraft

Haneda Plans Three-strikes Rule To Bench Errant Pilots

Groups point to $195 million in economic contribution

Local Groups Band Together To Support Lakefront Airport

Curt Epstein

Project is expected to take a month, starting in mid-September

New Jersey Airport To Close for Runway Repair

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.

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