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

Adding to its Aviation Blade Services subsidiary’s independent Sikorsky Black Hawk rotor blade MRO services, First Aviation is expanding into the AS350/H130 main rotor blade market. The company will be working with membership-based parts distributor Piranha Aerospace as the “preferred sales path” for the Airbus rotor blades.
“The addition of these Airbus Helicopter rotor blade capabilities marks a significant step in the company’s growth plan and is the first of multiple models to be added in 2024,” according to First Aviation COO Paul Bolton.&nbsp;
Boulder City, Nevada-based Piranha helps members keep operating costs down by providing predictable pricing, optimized product offerings, product availability, and personalized customer service.

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

First Aviation Adds Airbus AStar Rotor Blade Repairs

The expanded rotor blade repair services add new capabilities

First Aviation will be working with membership-based parts distributor Piranha Aerospace as the “preferred sales path” for the Airbus rotor blades.

First Aviation Adds AStar Rotor Blade Repairs

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

Fire and disaster management agency to use aircraft in aerial reconnaissance role

Japan Orders Its First H160 for Emergency Response

Flights with two scaled technology demonstrators will inform potential future iterations 

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Lightweight white-phosphor NVG have a 94-degree field of view

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Proposed rule addresses pilot awareness of control limits

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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.

European Helicopter Association and Vertical Aviation International extended their alliance 

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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.

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In this article

First Aviation

More In Rotorcraft

Japan Orders Its First H160 for Emergency Response

Fire and disaster management agency to use aircraft in aerial reconnaissance role

Singaporean eVTOL Conducts Test Campaign In Germany

Flights with two scaled technology demonstrators will inform potential future iterations

FAA Approves TSO for ASU Panoramic Night-vision Goggles

Lightweight white-phosphor NVG have a 94-degree field of view

FAA Floats Special Conditions for Skyryse Fly-by-wire R66

Proposed rule addresses pilot awareness of control limits

Vertical Lift Groups Extend Trade Show Partnership

European Helicopter Association and Vertical Aviation International extended their alliance

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Originally developed for the U.S. military, X2 technology is in search of a new customer.

Bell 505 Makes Asia-Pacific Debut with Aichi Police

Joins fleet of longtime operator of Bell 206s and 412s

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