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

Engineering firm Aero Mech is adding an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for installation of a Starlink low-earth-orbit satcom system on Hawker 700/800/900-series twinjets, with field availability starting April 17. The company is also developing a Starlink STC for Pilatus PC-12s.
Included in the Hawker STC is installation of the Starlink terminal’s power supply on the forward wall of the aft baggage compartment and the router, with a protective cover,&nbsp; on the aft seat track. Given the many configurations of Hawkers in the field, Aero Mech can optimize the antenna installation to accommodate other antennas as part of the modification.
According to Aero Mech, the target date for approval of the PC-12 STC is by late September, and this will be followed by a Starlink STC for the PC-24 in the fourth quarter. Other STCs underway include the Cessna CitationJet/CJ series; Citation Ultra and Encore, and SkyCourier.
The company holds STCs for the Beechcraft King Air 200/300; Citation Excel/XLS, Sovereign, Latitude, and Longitude; Cessna Caravan series; and de Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 through -300.

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.

Aero Mech Adds Hawker Jets to Starlink Installation List

Company plans approval for PC-12 and PC-24 later this year

Aero Mech holds STCs for the Beechcraft King Air 200/300, Citation 560XL series, Sovereign, Latitude, Longitude, and Caravan series.

Aero Mech Adds Hawker Jets to Starlink STC List

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.

Available in 3.5- and 4.3-inch sizes for cabin applications or 10.1-inch for galley

Alto Unveils New-gen Touchscreen Cadence Panels

Amy Wilder

Springville facility doubles capacity for interior completions

SureFlight Expands to Utah With Interiors Shop

Chad Trautvetter

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

VVIP cabin adds premium finishes, lighting, and storage features

VVIP Interior Added as Option for Bell 429 Designer Series

Iridium satcom will help pilots and ground crews remain connected

Alpine Helicopters Picks Skytrac Solution for Upgrade Program

Device enables airborne connectivity via cellphone networks

Wireless Communications Slated for More Airbus Models

Device enables secure communications for EMS helicopter crews

AeroSync Mission Available for Leonardo AW119

Seven-month development timeline targets August 2026 certification

Omni Developing Galileo FDX STC for Challenger Bizjets

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.

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