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

Business aircraft charter, management, and sales company Pinnacle Aviation has acquired Part 145 repair station Aviation One. The purchase enables Scottsdale (Arizona) Airport-based Pinnacle Aviation to expand into retail maintenance and offer mobile repair services. Aviation One's 25,000-sq-ft hangar at nearby Mesa Airport will be retained but has been rebranded as Pinnacle Aviation Maintenance.
According to Pinnacle Aviation, adding mobile maintenance will enable the provision of AOG services in the Southwest U.S. The expanded retail maintenance capability covers service for owners and operators of business aircraft manufactured by Beechcraft, Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer, Dassault Falcon, and Gulfstream, among others.
Maintenance capabilities include phase checks, pre-purchase inspections, annual inspections, line maintenance, structural repair, and avionics troubleshooting. To accommodate growth in its maintenance business, Pinnacle Aviation is hiring A&amp;P and avionics technicians.
“The addition of the Part 145 certificate and facility is a strategic investment in the future of Pinnacle Aviation,” said Curt Pavlicek, founder and president of Pinnacle Aviation. “We’re now equipped to serve not only our managed fleet but also aircraft owners across the region who are looking for a maintenance partner they can trust. This move broadens our capabilities and further reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional service at every level.”

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.

Pinnacle Aviation Buys Maintenance Provider Aviation One

Purchase enables company to offer retail aircraft maintenance services in U.S. Southwest

Both Pinnacle Aviation and Aviation One locations will be retained, but the companies are now branded as Pinnacle Aviation Maintenance. 

Pinnacle Aviation Buys Mx Provider Aviation One

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

Work involved major disassembly of the airframe

ExecuJet MRO Completes 120-month Check on Legacy 500 

Extension goes to six years or 4,000 flight hours, whichever is first

Hartzell Lengthens Warranty on Props for Raisbeck King Airs

Curt Epstein

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

The addition will support Flightstar’s MRO growth

Illinois MRO/FBO Flightstar Expands with New Hangar

Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

Jet Parts, DAS Aviation Merger To Improve Efficiency

Amy Wilder

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.

Installation supports ISR and law enforcement missions

SEA Adds Mission Console and Sensor Mount for Caravan

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.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

New customer support leader Lor Izzard is building on earlier improvements

Gulfstream Steps Up Investment in Customer Support

Kerry Lynch

Industry experts caution on the need for a full pre-buy and one that is carefully laid out

Back on the Plate, Pre-buys Still Face Post-covid Challenges

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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