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

Robinson Helicopter and Lake Fusion Technologies are collaborating on a laser-based obstacle warning system that could be offered to helicopter buyers. The companies are working on a joint engineering and development program during the next 12 to 24 months.
Lake Fusion’s situational awareness system (SitAwS) uses light detection and ranging (Lidar) sensors for 3D detection of obstacles, which would be particularly helpful in visibility-challenged environments and especially near power lines. An EASA certification program for SitAwS is underway.
SitAwS is another potential addition to Robinson Helicopter’s effort to focus on safety as a core value, which includes the installation of 4K cockpit cameras in every helicopter and Garmin autopilots as standard equipment in the R66 turbine helicopter. “The SitAwS integration is a strategic continuation of this effort to proactively increase features and functions improving safety during flight,” according to Robinson.
“This teaming agreement with Lake Fusion Technologies represents a continued focus on our commitment to safety,” said Robinson Helicopter president and CEO David Smith. “Integrating advanced Lidar-based detection like SitAwS offers a tangible increase in pilot situational awareness, directly addressing the detection of hazards such as power lines that pose a threat in dynamic flight environments. This is a critical investment in the future operational safety of the entire Robinson fleet.”

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

Robinson Helicopter and Lake Fusion Team on Obstacle Detection System

Lidar-based system can improve safety in visibility-challenged environments 

Lake Fusion’s situational awareness system uses Lidar (light detection and ranging) sensors for 3D detection of obstacles.

Robinson, Lake Fusion Team on Obstacle Detection System

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

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.

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.

Pentagon permission facilitates sale of Bell 412EXP and 407M

U.S. Approves $800M Bell 407/412 Sale to Iraq Military

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

Fire and disaster management agency to use aircraft in aerial reconnaissance role

Japan Orders Its First H160 for Emergency Response

Flights with two scaled technology demonstrators will inform potential future iterations 

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New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

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.

In this article

Robinson R66

Robinson Helicopter Company

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