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

Reiser Simulation and Training and Leonardo are co-developing a flight training device (FTD) that replicates the AW139 medium-twin helicopter. The FTD costs much less than a full-flight simulator and is far more cost-effective when the higher simulation level is not required.
Portland, UK-based HeliOperations has signed a memorandum of understanding with Reiser for the purchase of an AW139 level-3 FTD. By placing the FTD at its facility, HeliOperations will be able to improve safety and boost operational readiness among its pilots. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to driving innovation, expanding accessibility, and elevating safety standards in rotorcraft training,” according to Reiser.
The FTD uses high-fidelity cockpit components that include avionics, flight controls, and an electronic control loading system that replicates the feel of the helicopter’s controls. Full night-vision-goggle capability is available as well, along with an instructor operator station.
“For Reiser, this partnership and the development of another helicopter training device together with Leonardo marks an important milestone in the collaboration and extends the product portfolio by one of the most relevant helicopter types in the world,” said CEO Johannes Hain.

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

Leonardo and Reiser Co-developing AW139 Flight Training Device

Training system replicates the helicopter’s cockpit, controls, and avionics

Portland, UK-based HeliOperations has signed a memorandum of understanding with Reiser for the purchase of an AW139 level-3 flight training device. 

Leonardo and Reiser Developing AW139 Level-3 FTD

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Stuart “Kipp” Lau

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

Student performance has improved by more than 400%

Upset Prevention Training Producing Big Results at United Aviate

Jessica Reed

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.

Omar Hosari is president of Syria's civil aviation authority and Paul Fermo president of Ascent AeroSystems.

People in Aviation — December 2025

Amy Wilder

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.

January rollout begins with Phase A of EASA recurrent program

CAE Implements CBTA Model for Bizav Recurrent Training

Foundation donates Sky Arrow sale proceeds and matching funds to Able Flight

Ricci Foundation Helps Able Flight, Program Grad Soar

Charlotte Bailey

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

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

In this article

Leonardo AW139

Reiser Simulation and Training

More In Training and Workforce

Upset Prevention Training Producing Big Results at United Aviate

Student performance has improved by more than 400%

People in Aviation — December 2025

Omar Hosari is president of Syria's civil aviation authority and Paul Fermo president of Ascent AeroSystems.

CAE Implements CBTA Model for Bizav Recurrent Training

January rollout begins with Phase A of EASA recurrent program

Ricci Foundation Helps Able Flight, Program Grad Soar

Foundation donates Sky Arrow sale proceeds and matching funds to Able Flight

European Heli Centre Breaks Ground on Training Facility

Third site on track to be operational in 2027 with Reiser full-flight simulator

AINsight: When Home Isn’t Where the Hangar Is

Commuting crews can work for some business aircraft operators

JSSI, IADA Award First Aviation Innovation Grant

The program aims to foster advances in bizav

Loft Dynamics and Trifork Partner on Pilot Training

Procedural training platform works on Apple Vision Pro virtual reality headset

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN