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

Alpine Aerotech, a Canadian helicopter MRO based in Kelowna, British Columbia, has received a Transport Canada Civil Aviation supplemental type certificate (STC) for its Bear Paw on the Airbus H145D3. The company also received an FAA STC to install the Astronautics AFI 4700 RoadRunner EFIS on Bell 212 and 412 helicopters.
Air-ambulance provider Stars worked with Alpine Aerotech on the Bear Paw STC, to support its EMS operations in challenging terrain across Western Canada. The lightweight Bear Paw kit features a quick-clamp installation system and ice grippers. “The certified kit enhances skid floatation on soft or uneven surfaces, such as snow, mud, and sand—ensuring safer landings and takeoffs in remote locations,” according to Alpine Aerotech.
The Astronautics STC gives Bell 212 and 412 operators a reliable electronic replacement for aging attitude direction indicators and horizontal situation indicators that are heavy and expensive to service. Features of the AFI 4700 RoadRunner include synthetic vision, traffic, radar altitude, marker beacon, and upcoming GPS overlay. Minimal wiring changes are needed to install the AFI 4700, which is a drop-in replacement for the helicopters’ instrument panels.
“Operators are continually faced with the rising issue of aging equipment, and this system provides a cost-effective way forward,” said Bert Geofroy, avionics manager at Alpine Aerotech. “Along with its safety benefits, it enhances capability while improving dependability.”

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.

 Alpine Aerotech STCs Astronautics Display for Bells and Bear Paw for H145

Projects help customers improve efficiency and safety

Alpine Aerotech received STCs for its Bear Paw on the Airbus H145D3 and to install the Astronautics AFI 4700 RoadRunner EFIS on Bell 212 and 412 helicopters.

 Alpine Aerotech STCs EFIS for Bells, Bear Paw for H145

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

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 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.

First installation set for end of September

FAA Clears Lithium Battery for Gulfstream Jets

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

Astronautics

More In Maintenance and Modifications

FAA Clears Lithium Battery for Gulfstream Jets

First installation set for end of September

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

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