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 previously modifying a customer’s Pilatus PC-12 with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-10-21/finnoff-bundles-pc-12-upgrades-performance-package">Finoff Aviation’s</a> PT6A-67P engine and seven-blade MT propeller, as well as dual Concorde batteries, Fargo Jet Center has added a full Garmin avionics suite to the airplane.&nbsp;The avionics upgrade includes touchscreen G600 TXi primary and multifunction displays paired with a GCU 485 PFD controller and a G600 TXi to display engine parameters. Backup is provided by a GI 275 electronic flight instrument.
Two previously installed GTN 750 touchscreen navcoms were paired with a GMA 350c audio panel, Flight Stream 510 wireless gateway, and a GFC 600 autopilot under the upgrade. Dual Garmin transponders add ADS-B Out/In capability. For global voice, text messaging, position reporting, and weather updates, the Fargo Jet team installed a GSR 56 Iridium satcom transceiver.
Replacing the original Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PT6-67B with the -67P engine enables the modified PC-12 to climb at a faster rate and cruise at higher speeds. The composite MT propeller reduces vibration, lowers noise levels by four to six dBAs and cabin noise by six to seven dBAs, and also improves climb performance.
“Our goal is to unlock the full potential of the PC-12,” said Fargo Jet avionics lead technician Drew Stiles. “This upgrade transforms the flight deck with more advanced yet user-friendly avionics, giving operators the tools and confidence to excel on every flight.”

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

Fargo Jet Completes Pilatus PC-12 Avionics Modernization Package

New Garmin avionics and a Finoff Aviation engine upgrade modernize the Swiss  turboprop

Fargo Jet Center’s avionics upgrade adds fresh utility to a Pilatus PC-12 that the company had modified with a Finoff Aviation engine and propeller package.

Fargo Jet Completes PC-12 Avionics Modernization

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Results could inform development of Merlin's autonomous flight control system

Merlin and Quikjet Team on Pilot Fatigue Study

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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.

Upgrade changes round dials to larger arc-type gauges

Garmin Adds Engine Indicating for TPE331-10 Turbines

Sarah Rose

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.

Company 'received overwhelming support from European operators'

Boost Systems Gets EASA Approval for Carrying Device

Chad Trautvetter

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.

Added features include CPDLC, ADS-B In weather, and enhanced connectivity

Collins Unveils Pro Line 21 Upgrade for Cessna CJs, XLS+

Failure to upgrade could cause service interruptions

Universal FMS GPS Rollover Date Coming Due May 31

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.

In this article

Pilatus PC-12 Series

Fargo Jet Center

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Company 'received overwhelming support from European operators'

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