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

CAE and Sun Air Jets have created a pilot development program (PDP) that will allow young pilots to gain flight experience in second-in-command (SIC) roles on Beechcraft King Air 350s operated by Sun Air.&nbsp;
While two pilots are not required for the King Air 350, the FAA allows charter operators to adopt a PDP that enables SICs to legally log flight time in single-pilot aircraft. The operator must seek FAA issuance of OpsSpec A062 to use the PDP for SIC logging.
Once in the program, pilots can build flight time towards upgrades to pilot-in-command roles, and several have already done so since the program was launched.&nbsp;CAE’s Morristown, New Jersey facility provides training for Sun Air’s King Air pilots.
“This [PDP] will help provide additional qualified pilots while increasing overall safety,” said Sun Air Jets director of operations Ed Fares. “The program is designed to bring beneficial operating experience to our young pilots, allowing them the opportunity to grow into bigger jet aircraft and a strong foundation as a safe and professional pilot.”
“With the increased demand for business aviation pilots, CAE is committed to working in partnership with operators like Sun Air Jets to ensure they have the highly trained pilots needed to maintain safe and efficient operations,” said Alexandre Prevost, CAE president of business aviation and helicopter training.

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The pilot development program will help train new pilots

While two pilots are not required for the King Air 350, the FAA allows charter operators to adopt a pilot development program, which enables second-in-command pilots to log flight time in single-pilot aircraft. 

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