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

Elixir Aircraft brought the prototype of its two-seat light airplane to the Paris Air Show (Static B4), after it received its final painting just before the opening of the show. The new airplane design was publicly unveiled at the Paris Salon two years ago.&nbsp;


Based in Périgny, south-east of Paris, Elixir is aiming for EASA-LSA certification for the all-composite airplane, and the price is set at €150,000 ($168,000), excluding VAT.&nbsp;


Performance projections promise a Vne of 172 knots, a maximum takeoff weight of 454 kg (1,200 pounds) and useful load of 280 kg (617 pounds). Baggage capacity is 25 kg (55 pounds). With a 29-gallon (110 liter) fuel capacity, the Elixir will have endurance of up to seven hours. Power is provided by a 100-hp Rotax 912iS, which drives an MT propeller.&nbsp;


The Elixir’s low-wing airframe is made using a “one-shot” construction method, according to the company, eliminating rivets needed for metal construction or the bonding of components found in more traditional composites structures. The wing is optimized for stall avoidance, and the fuel tank features an “anti-deflagration” (explosion-preventive) design. A BRS whole-airplane parachute is installed for emergency situations. The tricycle landing gear is all oleo-pneumatic, and wheels and brakes are provided by France’s Beringer.&nbsp;


Inside the cockpit, the avionics system is Garmin’s G3X, with VHF radios and transponder by Trig Avionics. A tablet dock is built into the cockpit to help pilots who prefer using mobile devices as electronic flight bags. Backup instruments include an airspeed indicator and altimeter.&nbsp;


According to Elixir, “The adventure is amazing, we have been surrounded by experts in every domain, all driven by a common objective: build a safe, easy, comfortable and yet affordable certified aircraft. Our dream is coming to life."

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.

Elixir Aims New Design at EASA-LSA Market

The new Elixir two-seater will fly for up to seven hours on a 110-liter (29-gallon) tank of fuel.

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.

Only the piston aircraft segment posted a decline

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Hanneke Weitering

Two captains held the prototype 33 feet above the water for 30 seconds

Regent Flies Electric Seaglider with Crew for First Time

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.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Icing approval would open year-round service to northern communities

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Kerry Lynch

Deal to close this year

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David Donald

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.

The two NATO allies will purchase seven of the tanker/transport aircraft

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News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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.

GE Aerospace has tested the GE9X, Leap 1A, Leap 1B, and more with the 747.

GE Aerospace Flies Boeing 747 To Test New Engine Tech

Charles Alcock

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

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City officials and a local university are working with manufacturer Electra

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Platform offers 100 kilogram payload and 300 nm range

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