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 upcoming mandate for the Future Air Navigation System (Fans) comes with a requirement that is sure to frustrate business aircraft pilots planning to fly North Atlantic tracks to and from Europe: a letter of authorization (LOA) to participate.


Not only will operators need to install datalink systems, but Part 91 operators will also need to apply to the FAA for an LOA covering pilot training, a maintenance program and operational procedures. This is similar to the LOA requirement for RVSM and raises the specter of yet more delays as overburdened FAA inspectors add another job to their pile of tasks.


Next February, the two center North Atlantic tracks between FL360 and FL390 become Fans-only. Fans will not apply to all North Atlantic airspace in 2015, but could be required in almost all MNPS airspace, not just the North Atlantic Track. Those without Fans capability will have to fly the northern “Blue Spruce” routes or alternate altitudes, according to Carey Miller, manager of business development for Universal Avionics.


That company’s UniLink UL-80X-series communications management unit recently received FAA TSO approval, part of a soon-to-be-STC’d Falcon 50 Fans package by Chicago Jet. The STC includes ICG’s ICS-220A Iridium satcom. Chicago Jet is also developing a Falcon 900 Fans package and will address other aircraft once that is certified. Chicago Jet will help customers obtain Fans LOAs as part of an installation package. “We want to deliver a complete package to make it turnkey simple,” said Chicago jet president Mike Mitera.

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.

Fans Is Coming, and So Is Yet Another LOA

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

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.

Both NBAA and AOPA stressed importance of privacy on Capitol Hill

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President Trump directed the removal of Brown from the board in May

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Acquisition will enable MySky to offer state tax information alongside federal information

MySky Acquiring State Tax Guide from JSSI

Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Industry group praises prioritizing safety and workforce support

AIA Endorses FAA Funding in FY2026 Proposal

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.

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

Department of Commerce taking comments through June 3

NBAA Urges Members To Stress Trade Importance To Gov’t

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

Rep. Nadler has co-sponsored a half-dozen bills in recent years to curb helo ops

U.S. Lawmakers Seek To Bar Helicopters in New York City

FAA told to ‘hire, hire, hire’ in its safety workforce

FAA Official: ‘Don't Over-engineer’ SMS

Charles Alcock

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

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

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