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 <a href="?q=node/23946">Premier II program</a> is making progress, with first flight occurring in mid-March. “The aircraft flew on March 13 and performed flawlessly,” said a Haw- ker Beechcraft spokeswoman, “and completed all basic control and maneuverability checks expected during a typical first-flight envelope.” Key differences between the Premier IA and the II include more powerful 3,000-pound-thrust Williams International FJ44-3AP engines and winglets. Maximum cruise speed will be 15 knots higher–465 knots at 33,000 feet– and the jet will be able to climb unrestricted to 45,000 feet and fly 1,500 nm with one pilot and four passengers. The new engines enable an increase in payload of 530 pounds and 300 nm more range. The Premier II was originally scheduled to enter service this year, but that has been pushed back to late 2012 or early 2013.

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.

In the works: Hawker Beechcraft – Premier II

The <link news/single-news-page/article/hawker-beechcraft-premier-ii-23946/ _blank>Premier II program</link> is making progress, with first flight occurrin

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

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.

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

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.

Rapcon-X is a heavily modified Bombardier Global 6500 business jet

Sierra Nevada’s Rapcon-X ISR Jet Makes First Flight

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.

Ultra short landing and takeoff performance could support military applications

Electra's Hybrid-Electric STOL Demonstrator Flies in Pentagon Exercise

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.

To date, 300 of the large-cabin jet family have been delivered

Gulfstream Notches G600/G500 Delivery Milestone

The turboprop twin is the first of a two-ship order

Textron Aviation Delivers Aeromed King Air 360CHW

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.

Digital platform to make supply chain processes more transparent and collaborative

Embraer Rolls Out ONEChain To Improve Supply Chain Ops

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

More In Aircraft

Sierra Nevada’s Rapcon-X ISR Jet Makes First Flight

Rapcon-X is a heavily modified Bombardier Global 6500 business jet

Electra's Hybrid-Electric STOL Demonstrator Flies in Pentagon Exercise

Ultra short landing and takeoff performance could support military applications

Gulfstream Notches G600/G500 Delivery Milestone

To date, 300 of the large-cabin jet family have been delivered

Textron Aviation Delivers Aeromed King Air 360CHW

The turboprop twin is the first of a two-ship order

Embraer Rolls Out ONEChain To Improve Supply Chain Ops

Digital platform to make supply chain processes more transparent and collaborative

Heart Selects New York Site For ES-30 Regional Airliner Flight Testing

Technology demonstrator will be brought across the Atlantic from Sweden in early 2025

First Global 6500 Delivered for U.S. Army HADES Program

Endurance up to 18 hours makes the Bombardier jet an ideal ISR platform

Gulfstream G700 Heads to MEBAA Show with Cert in Hand

Long-range business jet has accumulated 65 city-pair records

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN