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

On April 16, Chicago Public Schools, Atlantic Aviation, and aviation educator and pilot Barrington Irving are launching an aviation workforce initiative to help students learn about hands-on career opportunities.
The Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS) science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce development initiative aims to give students at Morgan Park High School, in Chicago’s South Side, hands-on exposure to aviation careers. This includes training opportunities through BITTS and potential summer internships, both in FBO and MRO operations.
At the April 16 event, students from Morgan Park will share the stage with Irving, leaders from Atlantic Aviation, and Chicago Public Schools representatives. The event will be held at Atlantic Aviation’s Chicago Midway International Airport FBO.
BITTS is designed to bring new entrants into aviation, but in roles at FBOs and MROs that might not be as apparent as the traditional focus on more highlighted careers such as pilots. The organization’s hands-on training programs take 12 to 16 weeks.
“You’re talking about careers and jobs that most people have never heard of. Navigating our industry can be a challenge, and BITTS helps with that,” Irving said in a recent article published in The Miami Times.

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

Chicago Schools, Atlantic Aviation Launch Barrington Irving STEM Initiative

Program introduces students to FBO and MRO aviation career opportunities 

At the event, students from Morgan Park will share the stage with Barrington Irving, leaders from Atlantic Aviation, and Chicago Public Schools representatives.

Chicago Launching Barrington Irving STEM Initiative

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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.

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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In a Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit (CALS) roundtable on retention, an aviation staffing expert and flight department leaders traded hard-won lessons on money, culture, and knowing who you’re really competing with.

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