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

The Blackhawk Group today unveiled its newly formed propeller solutions initiative, led by Chip Kiehn, v-p propeller programs. The company is highlighting the propeller initiative and its progress on certification of the heated de-ice system supplemental type certificate (STC) for Piper Meridian turboprops this week at its EAA AirVenture exhibit.
Offering a variety of propeller upgrades and installations as well as maintenance and long-term support, the new propeller solutions operation delivers “proven performance improvements, OEM-backed service and support, and expert guidance from purchase through installation and beyond,” according to Blackhawk.
Propeller upgrades are available at Blackhawk’s Performance Center network, now with seven locations in the U.S. and UK. Propeller upgrades boost performance with faster climbs, higher cruise speeds, and quieter cabins.
“Operators are looking for complete performance solutions,” said Kiehn. “By combining premium propeller technology with the Blackhawk Group's installation expertise and customer support, we’re helping customers get more from their aircraft.”
The Piper Meridian STC, expected to be approved “in the September timeframe,” adds a heated anti-ice boot on the elevator horn gap for legacy Meridians. Blackhawk is also highlighting its MT X-Range 135A Engine+ upgrade, which replaces the original Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PT6A-42A with the more powerful PT6A-135A for improved performance and efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and reduced noise.

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.

Blackhawk Group Launches a New Propeller Solutions Group

Consolidates activities under Chip Kiehn, new v-p of propeller programs

Offering a variety of propeller upgrades and installations as well as maintenance and long-term support, the new propeller solutions operation delivers proven performance improvements, according to The Blackhawk Group.

Blackhawk Group Launches New Propeller Solutions Group

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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.

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

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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.

EAA AirVenture 2026

In this article

Piper M500

BlackHawk Aerospace

More In Maintenance and Modifications

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

Duncan Aviation Authorized for Honeywell APU Repairs

MRO’s Lincoln facility expects to bring work online in early 2027

Western Aircraft Finishes First Falcon 8X 1C Inspection

Inspection required every 96 months or 4,000 cycles

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