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 FAA plans to begin releasing its new Mobile Clearance tool for general and business aviation pilots next month following operational evaluations in Houston in May, the agency said today. Mobile Clearance allows pilots to request and receive IFR departure clearances using the ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot electronic flight bag apps.
First deployments will be at the evaluation sites, which include Appleton International Airport (KATW) in Wisconsin and New Century AirCenter (KIXD) in Olathe, Kansas. The FAA plans to add Kansas City, Missouri; Nashville, Tennessee; and Austin, Texas, in the fourth quarter, followed by nationwide deployment to 300 airports that don't have pre-departure clearance services next year. Some of the facilities receiving Mobile Clearance will include FAA Tracons. Mobile Clearance will also work a non-tower airports, although IFR releases won't initially be available without a tower to manage that process.
Pilots will also be able to cancel IFR flight plans, once on the ground, using ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot, “helping them transition to [VFR] while allowing controllers to focus on aircraft separation,” according to the FAA. “This new tool is part of the FAA’s effort to modernize communications between pilots and air traffic controllers to improve safety and efficiency.”
“Mobile Clearance is a smart, simple improvement that builds on technology pilots already use every day,”&nbsp;said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “By moving routine clearances to a digital format, we can improve communication accuracy for pilots, reduce misunderstandings, and help controllers stay focused on aircraft movement and runway safety.”

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

FAA Deploying Mobile Clearance for General and Business Aviation Pilots

U.S. nationwide service will begin in 2027

FAA's Mobile Clearance service allows pilots to request and receive IFR departure clearances using the ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot apps.

FAA Deploying Mobile Clearance for Genav/Bizav Pilots

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

AIN readers rate avionics, cabin management, and airborne connectivity manufacturers

AIN Product Support Survey 2026: Avionics

Kerry Lynch

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

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.

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.

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.

Experts gather to discuss the problems and solutions surrounding GNSS interference

AIN Roundtable—Readying for Potential Navigation Spoofing, Jamming

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Product enables aircraft to work together with no need for satcom or cellular communications

Ciconia C&CAS Demos Coordination, Collision Avoidance

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.

New release adds missed approach climb gradient table and climb gradient values on departure procedures

Garmin Expands SmartCharts Reach to Canada and Mexico

Charles Alcock

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.

Light jet now approved by Brazilian, U.S., and European regulators 

Autoland-equipped Phenom 300EV Gets Trio of Approvals

Expands availability of company's oxygen-mask head-up display system

Klatt Works Adds Gulfstream as Approved SAVED Supplier

Improves safety when flying into challenging airports

Honeywell Expands Guided Visual Approach List to 120

Jessica Reed

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

EAA AirVenture 2026

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