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

An STC issued to Kollsman signals new opportunities for retrofit installation of enhanced flight vision systems (EFVS) in business jets. The FAA issued the STC on June 6 to Elbit Systems of America’s Commercial Aviation-Kollsman unit for the Kollsman EFVS on the Bombardier Challenger 604.


The STC allows operators to take advantage of FAA regulations–specifically, FAR 91.175–allowing descent below decision height/decision altitude using EFVS with EVS infrared imagery displayed on the HUD. The STC coincides with proposed new FAA regulations that would allow pilots using EFVS to fly below the current FAR 91.175 limit–100 feet above touchdown zone elevation–and dispatch to below-minimums airports for commercial operators. When the new rules are implemented, they will add even more incentive for Part 91 and 135 operators to purchase EFVS.


The 40- to 50-pound EFVS package for the 604 will cost “a little more than $1 million,” not including installation, according to Kollsman v-p of commercial aviation Roy Gentry. The package includes the digital HUD, EVS, installation kit, AFM supplement and pilot training. The EFVS STC is “a first for the 604 and certainly our first for the business aviation marketplace,” he said. Next up are EFVS STCs for the Challenger 605 and CRJ series, Gentry said.

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.

Kollsman Receives STC for EFVS in Challenger 604

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.

The company’s major MRO facility opened in 2021

Metrojet Engineering Clark Adds Guernsey Mx Approval

Repairs and inspections can be done at the customer’s facility

PJI Extends Mobile GSE Service Nationwide

The move expands the company's aircraft maintenance capabilities 

Pula Aviation Services Buys UK MRO

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.

Operators face hidden costs from seasonal insect activity

Bug Residue Measurably Increases Aircraft Drag, Fuel Burn

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

Company expands UK footprint and adds new blade and component capabilities

Castle Air Expands Helo Maintenance with Heliwork Buy

Charles Alcock

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

New two-bay hangar is expected to open in the second half of 2026

Bombardier Progresses London Biggin Hill Paint Facility

Company says there is strong demand in the aftermarket

Henderson Jet Services Harvesting HondaJet Elite Parts

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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