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

MRO provider Pro Star Aviation yesterday opened its newest base, a Pilatus sales and service center, at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (KGRR) near Grand Rapids, Michigan. The facility supports Pilatus PC-12 turboprops and PC-24 jets, including sales, avionics upgrades, special mission modifications, and MRO.
The multi-bay hangar features a 17,000-sq-ft office building with a pilot lounge, flight-planning area, cafeteria, and quiet spaces.&nbsp;
“Completing this <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-05-02/pro-star-breaks-ground-grand-rapids-hangar-offices">expansion</a> into West Michigan is a proud accomplishment for our team, and we are delighted to celebrate such an important milestone,” said Pro Star Group CEO Henry Laughlin. “Providing our Pilatus customers in the region with exceptional service and support is of great importance, and this new facility will enable us to elevate that effort to the next level.”&nbsp;
Pro Star’s main facility is located at Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (KMHT) in New Hampshire. The Michigan center is one of 60 global independent Pilatus sales and service centers.
“We are delighted to see Pro Star undertake this significant expansion to the Pilatus-authorized center network,” said Pete Wolak, v-p of customer service at the company’s U.S. arm, Pilatus Business Aircraft. “We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional products, and our support network is equally important. This new facility in Grand Rapids will allow us to provide even better support to our customers in North America.”

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.

Pro Star Aviation Opens Michigan Pilatus Sales and Service Center

Facility is company’s second MRO location

Pro Star Aviation’s new multi-bay hangar in Michigan has a 17,000-sq-ft office building with a pilot lounge, flight planning area, cafeteria, and quiet spaces. 

Pro Star Aviation Opens Pilatus Sales and Service Center

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.

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.

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Kerry Lynch

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.

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

Executives share their experience with system

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Charles Alcock

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.

In this article

Pilatus PC-12 Series

Pilatus PC-24

Pro Star Aviation

Pilatus Aircraft

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Executives share their experience with system

Australian Regulator Approves Textron Service Centers

Textron operates service centers in Melbourne, Perth, and Gold Coast

C&L Aerospace Tapped for Challenger Flutter Damper Mx

The company was selected by OEM Héroux-Devtek

Avcon Delivers Aerial Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

The Kansas-based company specializes in modifying airframes

Duncan Aviation Authorized for Honeywell APU Repairs

MRO’s Lincoln facility expects to bring work online in early 2027

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