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

After introducing the PlaneSync GDL 60 connected aircraft management system in April for new-production aircraft with G3000 avionics, Garmin is now offering it for retrofit. PlaneSync is now available for aircraft with GTN Xi navigators, TXi flight displays, GI 275 electronic flight instruments, and select Garmin-integrated flight decks.
The GDL 60 eliminates the need for Garmin’s Flightstream 510 wireless gateway, with similar inflight Connext features such as data streaming to smart devices. This includes ADS-B traffic and weather, SiriusXM satellite weather and audio, GSR 56 Iridium satcom weather and messaging, GPS and attitude data, and engine and flight data service subscriptions.
PlaneSync automatically sends database updates to the aircraft even with no one present and when powered off, then when the pilot powers up the aircraft, the updates are synchronized with compatible avionics. The updates are done via the GDL 60’s 4G LTE or Wi-Fi connectivity.
With the optional 4G connectivity, PlaneSync allows pilots to remotely access fuel and systems status; aircraft location; Hobbs, tachometer, and flight times; battery voltage; and outside air and oil temperature. This information is viewable on the Garmin Pilot app or using Garmin’s D2 Mach 1 aviator smartwatch.
Early next year, Garmin will add the ability for engine and flight log data to be transmitted automatically after landing. The GDL 60 starts at $3,995.

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

Garmin Makes PlaneSync GDL 60 Available for Retrofit in Variety of Aircraft

PlaneSync enables remote status monitoring and database uploading

Now available for retrofit installation, PlaneSync enables remote status monitoring and database uploading.

Garmin Makes PlaneSync Available for Retrofit

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

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

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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.

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

Autoland-equipped Phenom 300EV Gets Trio of Approvals

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

Klatt Works Adds Gulfstream as Approved SAVED Supplier

Improves safety when flying into challenging airports

Honeywell Expands Guided Visual Approach List to 120

Jessica Reed

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

EAA AirVenture 2023

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