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

Transport Canada has granted a supplemental type certificate (STC) to Skyservice Business Aviation for Satcom Direct’s Data Link Unit (DLU) in the Learjet 45. Satcom Direct worked with Skyservice to develop the STC and is helping the company with upcoming EASA and FAA STCs, which should be approved in the second quarter.

 


The SD DLU is an Iridium satcom that facilitates FANS-over-Iridium datalink communications and is the only DLU that is FAA technical standard order-approved (TSO C159c), according to Satcom Direct. The DLU was developed by TrueNorth Avionics, which Satcom Direct purchased in December 2016.

 


Skyservice has upgraded one of its Learjet 45s with the SD DLU.&nbsp;Two more Learjet 45s will receive the upgrade shortly. With the DLU upgrade, the Learjet 45 can use controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC) to fly in airspace where FANS-1/A equipage is required. The DLU also enables ATN-B1 services&nbsp;and CPDLC-equipped aircraft can take advantage of digital clearances available at many airports in the U.S.

 


“Skyservice is one of the first MROs to comply with 9,600-/10,000-/14,800-hour inspections and has more than 30 years' experience in Learjet maintenance,” said Paul Weeks, Skyservice vice president of maintenance. “The SD DLU is a proven product that supports more efficient Learjet 45 operations.”

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

Skyservice STCs Learjet 45 Iridium Datalink

Satcom's Direct's Data Link Unit is now approved for installation in the Learjet 45.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

Embraer 170 flew from Seattle to Alaska and back without GPS

Honeywell Tests Magnetic Navigation in GPS-free Flight

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

Scandinavian Avionics To Support Legacy Nighthawk Systems

Curt Epstein

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

AIN Product Support Survey 2026: Avionics

Kerry Lynch

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

AIN Roundtable—Readying for Potential Navigation Spoofing, Jamming

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.

More In Avionics

Honeywell Tests Magnetic Navigation in GPS-free Flight

Embraer 170 flew from Seattle to Alaska and back without GPS

Scandinavian Avionics To Support Legacy Nighthawk Systems

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

AIN Product Support Survey 2026: Avionics

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

AIN Roundtable—Readying for Potential Navigation Spoofing, Jamming

Experts gather to discuss the problems and solutions surrounding GNSS interference

Ciconia C&CAS Demos Coordination, Collision Avoidance

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

Garmin Expands SmartCharts Reach to Canada and Mexico

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

Autoland-equipped Phenom 300EV Gets Trio of Approvals

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

Klatt Works Adds Gulfstream as Approved SAVED Supplier

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

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