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 FAA recently implemented a policy that expands the kinds of harnesses that can be used when utility line workers perform human external cargo (HEC) activities. According to Vertical Aviation International (VAI), this now covers “U.S. government-accepted harnesses that meet standards recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and accepted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).”
VAI explained that the <a href="https://verticalavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/signed_PS-AIR-27_29.865.pdf">new policy</a>, updated on September 8, “permits helicopter operators to use ANSI/ASSP Z359.11-compliant full-body harnesses for Class B human external cargo under…[FAR] Part 133. It permits operators to use these harnesses as an alternative to TSO-C167-approved harnesses when they are listed in the operator’s Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual (RLCFM).”
Operators will need to update their RLCFM to reflect use of these harnesses and include inspection, care, retirement, and life-limit procedures, and make sure crew training and preflight checks match the new RLCFM language.
“VAI has pushed for this flexibility since 2017,” said Chris Martino, VAI’s senior director of operations and international affairs. “It improves safety, reduces friction for operators, and supports the skilled teams who keep critical infrastructure running.”

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

FAA Policy Allows for OSHA-approved Human External Cargo Harnesses

Allows use of restraints as an alternative to TSO-C167–approved harnesses

The new policy “permits helicopter operators to use ANSI/ASSP Z359.11-compliant full-body harnesses for Class B human external cargo under…[FAR] Part 133.”

FAA Policy Allows for OSHA-approved HEC Harnesses

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

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.

Emergency air services group joins calls for the UK to readopt EGNOS navigation

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

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

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

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Curt Epstein

He was an eyewitness to the birth and development of the helicopter

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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.

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