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

The Blackhawk Performance Center (BPC) in Glendale, Arizona, is now an authorized service center for the Williams International FJ33-5A engine that powers the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet.&nbsp;As the sole Williams-authorized service provider in Arizona for the FJ33-5A, the facility can offer Check 1 and 2 inspections, engine removal and replacement, rental engine support, and hot section inspections.
The Glendale BPC is also an authorized service center for Cirrus Aircraft. “The addition of Williams’ service capability is a natural extension of our demonstrated proficiency in servicing Cirrus aircraft,” said Charlie Love, president of the BPC network. “Our team in Glendale has been supporting Vision Jet operators for nine years, and this authorization reinforces our commitment to delivering OEM-backed engine maintenance with the highest level of quality and care.”
Earlier this year, The Blackhawk Group announced that it <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2025-01-06/blackhawk-group-acquires-glendale-aero-services-mro">acquired Glendale Aero Services</a>. Blackhawk also recently said it has been selected as a preferred installation facility for the Avidyne <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2025-07-25/avidyne-gets-faa-nod-vantage-12-cirrus-retrofit">Vantage 12</a> flight display system avionics upgrade for Cirrus SR20 and SR22 models. With 12-inch displays, synthetic vision, and full system redundancy, the upgrade is available for more than 4,000 in-service SR20s and SR22s.

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.

Williams International Picks Blackhawk’s Arizona Center for FJ33 Service

Facility is the only one in Arizona authorized to service Vision Jet engine

As the sole Williams-authorized service provider in Arizona for the FJ33-5A, the Blackhawk Performance Center can offer Check 1 and 2 inspections and more.

Williams Adds Arizona Blackhawk Center for FJ33 Service

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

Cirrus Vision SF50

BlackHawk Aerospace

Cirrus 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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