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

Like a carefully choreographed dancer, the arms of a robotic paint sprayer pivot around a newly built HondaJet, applying layer after layer of paint in the colors selected by the buyer.
But it isn’t just simple fill-in-the-blank colors. The robotic arms are guided by laser projection technology, which tells them exactly where to spray the various layers of paint. Two robots are attached to a gantry inside the paint booth, and the gantry can move forward and backward, while the robot arms dart in, out, and in every direction.
“Our paint process combines modern robot application and laser projection technologies to display, paint, and measure internal schemes and the customer’s exclusive designs down to the smallest detail,” according to the company (Booth 3167, Static A502). “This technology allows us to produce intricate paint designs while remaining within FAA regulations on exterior paint thickness.” Honda Aircraft began painting with the robotic system in 2016 and is believed to be the only business aircraft manufacturer using this technology to paint the entire aircraft.[inline-image="213063"]
The various applications of paint effects available on new Honda Jets have been on display with recent versions of the new HondaJet Elite S. These include subtle pearl, low-light glass reflectance, and deep-color effects as well as matte finishes. When the Elite S was introduced on May 26, it was painted in a high-tech camouflage-style scheme. Another example includes the distinctively adorned “AlphaTauri” HondaJet, the airplane purchased by Red Bull that is flown by Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri for Formula 1 events.
The Elite S began deliveries in June and comes with a 200-pound increase in maximum takeoff weight, a nosewheel steering enhancement, and new paint color options. With a base price of $5.4 million, the GE Honda Aero HF120-powered HondaJet can fly 1,437 nm with four occupants and at a top speed of 422 ktas. The HondaJet can seat up to eight occupants, and its unique over-the-wing engine mount configuration creates a roomier cabin with a separate lavatory and spacious external baggage compartment.

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.

Honda Aircraft Advances Paint Technology and Options

The HondaJet Elite S brings new options for paint color and schemes to Honda Aircraft customers.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

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.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

ATR 72 aircraft performs pre-modification flight in Toulouse

Kepplair Starts Converting ATR 72 Into Water Bombers

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.

Only the piston aircraft segment posted a decline

GAMA: Bizjets, T-props, and Rotorcraft Deliveries Up

Hanneke Weitering

Two captains held the prototype 33 feet above the water for 30 seconds

Regent Flies Electric Seaglider with Crew for First Time

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.

Icing approval would open year-round service to northern communities

Horizon Begins Icing Tests for Cavorite X7 eVTOL

Kerry Lynch

Deal to close this year

Bombardier To Grow Manufacturing Capacity with MHICA Buy

David Donald

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.

The two NATO allies will purchase seven of the tanker/transport aircraft

Spain and Poland Agree to Buy A330MRTT Tanker Transports

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

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.

GE Aerospace has tested the GE9X, Leap 1A, Leap 1B, and more with the 747.

GE Aerospace Flies Boeing 747 To Test New Engine Tech

Charles Alcock

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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