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 FAA renewed NBAA’s request for an extension to Exemption 7897, the “NBAA Small Aircraft Exemption,” late last week. The renewal expires March 31, 2013, and, according to NBAA, “allows operators of piston-powered airplanes, small airplanes and all helicopters to use, among other provisions, the limited options for cost reimbursement permitted under Part 91 Subpart F.”


The exemption, which is available only to NBAA members, applies to operations such as ferry and training flights, aerial work, demonstration flights and carriage of people and products on flights that are incidental to the business of the company operating the aircraft, but using smaller aircraft instead of the large aircraft to which the regulations normally apply. These regulations typically allow more expenses related to the flight to be recouped.


Operators that seek to use the exemption must also comply with the provisions of FAR 91.503 through 91.535, notify the FAA and provide the FAA a copy of the inspection program under 91.409(f) that is being used to maintain the aircraft.

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 Renews NBAA Small Aircraft Exemption

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.

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

Former NTSB Vice Chair Brown Sues for Reinstatement

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.

More In Regulations and Government

Former NTSB Vice Chair Brown Sues for Reinstatement

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

MySky Acquiring State Tax Guide from JSSI

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

AIA Endorses FAA Funding in FY2026 Proposal

Industry group praises prioritizing safety and workforce support

NBAA Urges Members To Stress Trade Importance To Gov’t

Department of Commerce taking comments through June 3

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

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

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

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

Business Aviation Asserts Role in European Recovery

EBAA says industry still faces discrimination and ‘irrational’ decisions

Business Aviation Customers Feel the RefuelEU Pinch

Out-of-scope operators are being erroneously charged

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