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 jet developer Otto Aviation has selected Mecaer Aviation Group to develop and supply the landing gear system and primary flight control actuation system for the Phantom 3500. The all-composite <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-05-29/ottos-phantom-offers-midsize-performance-and-comfort">Phantom 3500</a> features a windowless cabin and is expected to enter service in 2030. Flight testing is planned to begin in 2027.
To meet the goals of providing midsize-jet performance in a light jet, the Mecaer landing gear will feature “complex retraction and articulation kinematics to fit within the aircraft’s tight contours while maintaining structural and operational integrity,” according to Otto Aviation. The landing gear bays are compact and aerodynamically optimized, and the gear’s design will use “advanced multi-link geometries and space-efficient shock absorption systems to preserve the aircraft’s smooth external surface and low-drag profile.”
According to CEO Paul Touw, the jet’s mechanical flight controls will be easier to certify. Fly-by-wire controls are too heavy for the Phantom 3500, which has an mtow of 19,000 pounds. “When you go to fly by wire,” he said, “you’ve got to put augmented electronics and actuators all over the place, and that adds weight. So you really don’t save on a fly-by-wire system until you probably cross the 25,000-pound Rubicon, at least for the technology that exists today.”
“Mecaer Aviation Group brings deep technical expertise, world-class capabilities, and a collaborative spirit that aligns perfectly with our vision for the Phantom 3500,” said Scott Drennan, president and COO of Otto Aviation. “Their ability to engineer high-performance systems that integrate seamlessly with our unique airframe geometry is a major enabler for our program. We’re proud to have them as a partner in redefining the future of private aviation.”

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.

Otto Aviation Selects Mecaer Landing Gear, Flight Controls for Phantom 3500

Aircraft won’t have fly-by-wire flight controls or cabin windows

The all-composite Phantom 3500 features a windowless cabin and is expected to enter service in 2030. Flight testing is planned to begin in 2027.

Otto Selects Mecaer Landing Gear and Flight Controls

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

Bombardier jet holds the most speed records of any business aircraft

Global 7500 Sets 135th City-pair Speed Record

Kerry Lynch

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.

U.S. and Brazil traded 50% tariff threats

As Trade Wars Intensify, Embraer Evaluates Impact

Charles Alcock

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Twin-boom lift-and-cruise design will be available in both all-electric and hybrid-electric versions 

ERC Prepares To Fly Multi-role Romeo Demonstrator Aircraft

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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

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.

Helicopter manufacturer will build an X-plane for Phase 2 of Pentagon’s SPRINT program 

DARPA Selects Bell for Next Phase of HSVTOL Development

Global business aircraft activity up 4.8% YOY in June

Business Aircraft Flight Activity Sees Boost in June

Rival eVTOL developer Joby recently began flying its four-seat air taxi in Dubai

Archer Aviation Launches eVTOL Aircraft Flight Trials in Abu Dhabi

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

Mecaer Aviation Group Inc.

More In Aircraft

Global 7500 Sets 135th City-pair Speed Record

Bombardier jet holds the most speed records of any business aircraft

As Trade Wars Intensify, Embraer Evaluates Impact

U.S. and Brazil traded 50% tariff threats

ERC Prepares To Fly Multi-role Romeo Demonstrator Aircraft

Twin-boom lift-and-cruise design will be available in both all-electric and hybrid-electric versions

DARPA Selects Bell for Next Phase of HSVTOL Development

Helicopter manufacturer will build an X-plane for Phase 2 of Pentagon’s SPRINT program

Business Aircraft Flight Activity Sees Boost in June

Global business aircraft activity up 4.8% YOY in June

Archer Aviation Launches eVTOL Aircraft Flight Trials in Abu Dhabi

Rival eVTOL developer Joby recently began flying its four-seat air taxi in Dubai

New Aircraft and Flight Booking Technology Could Reinvent Regional Air Services

Startups are finding new ways to reintroduce regional air transport.

Textron Aviation Plans Record AirVenture Static Display

Oshkosh exhibit to span jets, props, and electric aircraft

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN