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

Cirrus Aircraft is adding <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2019-10-30/autoland-garmins-newest-safety-feature">Garmin’s Autoland capability</a> to its G2 Vision Jet, with certification of the autonomous emergency landing system expected in early 2020. The Cirrus Safe Return Emergency Autoland system will be a standard feature on the Vision Jet once it is certified.

 


Safe Return is intended solely for emergency use, primarily when a pilot becomes incapacitated, and not for pilots to use for ordinary landings. The system is activated by the push of a button mounted in the cabin overhead and easily reachable by rear-seat passengers.

 


Once activated, Safe Return takes over control of the airplane and changes the images on the avionics displays to simpler graphics that explain to passengers exactly what is happening. Safe Return analyzes weather and terrain and looks for the nearest suitable airport and navigates toward the airport.

 


Meanwhile, the system switches the transponder to the 7700 emergency code and broadcasts, using text-to-speech technology, on 121.5 MHz and local airport frequencies to let authorities and other pilots know that an emergency is underway, where the airplane will be landing, and that it needs the runway made available. The broadcasts also serve to notify emergency responders that medical help for the pilot may be required.

 


Safe Return is a capability available to aircraft manufacturers that equip their airplanes with Garmin’s G3000 (Perspective+ in the Vision Jet) avionics and Garmin’s autothrottle. Cirrus added the autothrottle with the upgraded G2 version earlier this year.

 


The automatic system also evaluates winds to select the correct runway, makes sure there is enough fuel, reduces speed as the airplane nears the airport (flying a holding pattern if necessary), lowers flaps and landing gear, lands on the runway centerline, and stops the airplane on the runway.

 


If Safe Return is accidentally engaged, the pilot can disengage it by simply pressing the autopilot disconnect button on the yoke.

 


Piper Aircraft is also offering Autoland on the new <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2019-10-31/piper-unveils-next-gen-m600-sls">M600 SLS</a>.

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.

Cirrus Certifying Autoland in G2 Vision Jet

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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.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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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.

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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.

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

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.

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News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

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

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