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

In many accidents, confusion in the cockpit seems to have been a factor. This is not a new subject, but one that remains top-of-mind for pilots, regulators, safety experts and agencies and, of course, the companies that design and manufacture avionics.

 


As technology advances and offers greatly enhanced features, more and more capability is added to modern cockpits. But this apparent benefit can also add a burden for pilots, who must learn how to use these capabilities safely and effectively. If technology is so great, why can’t it be used to make pilots’ jobs easier instead of more complex? And if technology has advanced to the point that it can add significantly useful capabilities while at the same time reducing complexity, shouldn’t this reduce training times for pilots transitioning into modern cockpits? Alas, this does not appear to be the case, but it is something that aircraft manufacturers and avionics designers are working on, and ultimately technology should offer a roadmap to a future that helps pilots instead of confusing them with complexity.

 


AIN polled readers to identify their issues with avionics complexity and confusion, then asked avionics manufacturers how they are addressing them. While some of the pilots’ complaints are specific to certain avionics systems, this report is intended to focus less on such granular issues and more to highlight challenges and examine how to overcome them.

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

Industry Tackling Avionics Complexity Issues

The vast capabilities of modern technology are having a profound effect on cockpit avionics design.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

Billund, Denmark-based company will also offer dealer coordination for European customers

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AIN readers rate avionics, cabin management, and airborne connectivity manufacturers

AIN Product Support Survey 2026: Avionics

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News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

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.

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.

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.

Experts gather to discuss the problems and solutions surrounding GNSS interference

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Product enables aircraft to work together with no need for satcom or cellular communications

Ciconia C&CAS Demos Coordination, Collision Avoidance

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.

New release adds missed approach climb gradient table and climb gradient values on departure procedures

Garmin Expands SmartCharts Reach to Canada and Mexico

Charles Alcock

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.

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Billund, Denmark-based company will also offer dealer coordination for European customers

AIN Product Support Survey 2026: Avionics

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AIN Roundtable—Readying for Potential Navigation Spoofing, Jamming

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Light jet now approved by Brazilian, U.S., and European regulators

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Expands availability of company's oxygen-mask head-up display system

Honeywell Expands Guided Visual Approach List to 120

Improves safety when flying into challenging airports

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