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.

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Matt Thurber

Meridian Helicopters has delivered a refurbished Bell 206L-3 to Lasen, a Las Cruces, New Mexico-based helicopter operator that specializes in aerial leak detection. The helicopter is equipped with Lasen’s Airborne Lidar Pipeline Inspection System, which detects volatile emissions from liquid transmission pipelines.
The refurbishment of the Bell 206 included a full Garmin avionics upgrade, fresh paint, and installation of zero-time components. Avionics installed were a Garmin GTN 650 GPS navigator, GTR 225 com radio, and GMA 350HC digital audio panel.
“N233MH stands out as one of the most beautiful aircraft I’ve ever encountered,” said Lasen director of operations Ben Galloway. “A thank you to the team at Meridian Helicopters for all the hard work you’ve put into it. You guys certainly take pride in your product and it shows. I know we’re in good hands and I’m looking forward to working with you and your team.”
Meridian is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cadorath and is based in Lafayette, Louisiana.

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Lasen Takes Delivery of Leak-detecting Bell 206L-3 Helicopter

The project involved complete refurbishment of the helicopter

The 206 is equipped with Lasen’s Airborne Lidar Pipeline Inspection System, which detects volatile emissions from liquid transmission pipelines.

Lasen Takes Delivery of Leak-detecting Bell 206

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In this article

Bell 206 Series

Meridian Helicopters

More In Rotorcraft

Viola Sees Expansion at VAI, More Work To Do

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