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

Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency&nbsp;has approved the use of Cirrus Aircraft’s Safe Return emergency autoland system in Brazilian airspace. The approval comes with the endorsement of Brazil’s Department of Airspace Control. Safe Return is Cirrus's branding for&nbsp;Garmin's <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2019-10-30/autoland-garmins-newest-safety-feature">autoland system</a>.
Safe Return can be engaged by anyone on the airplane, for example, if the pilot becomes incapacitated. If the pilot or passengers are unable to engage autoland, then Safe Return engages automatically after a certain period of time of pilot inactivity.&nbsp;
When engaged, Safe Return immediately turns the airplane toward&nbsp;the nearest suitable airport and shows a&nbsp;moving map on each primary display with the path that the airplane is taking to get to the selected airport. It broadcasts an emergency radio message on appropriate frequencies&nbsp;and resets the transponder to the 7700 emergency code. These radio messages not only alert authorities to what is going on, but also warn pilots flying in the area that an emergency is underway.
To slow the airplane as it nears the airport, Safe Return reduces power, enters&nbsp;a hold if necessary, then flies the instrument approach to the runway, lowering the landing gear and flaps at the correct time. Just above the runway, Safe Return reduces power and lines the airplane up with the centerline, then it lands the jet and applies brakes until it stops.

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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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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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

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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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