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 new inReach Mini 2 satellite communications device is now available from Garmin and offers increased battery life and access to Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou satellite positioning networks, in addition to the U.S. GPS constellation. Battery life now allows up 30 days of continuous use in 30-minute tracking mode or up to 14 days with 10-minute tracking. Retail price is $399.99.

 


Like the original inReach Mini, the Mini 2 can be used for sending and receiving text messages and to alert rescuers in emergency situations via Garmin’s IERCC emergency response coordination center. The Mini 2 is also compatible with Garmin’s Explore mobile app, allowing downloading of maps, creating a course, navigating, typing messages, and obtaining current weather information. Pilots can pair the Mini 2 with Garmin avionics, smartwatches such as the D2 Air, and the Garmin Pilot mobile app, as well as marine chart plotters and in-vehicle navigators. To trigger an SOS, the user can push a safeguarded button on the Mini 2 or do so directly from the paired device.

 


A new feature on the Mini 2 is&nbsp;a “quick view” look at device widgets with essential information. The Mini 2 display also boasts a greater resolution, providing “optimized viewing in all conditions,” according to Garmin.

 


Monthly service plans start at $11.95, and a plan is required for communications&nbsp;using the inReach Mini 2.

Garmin Updates InReach Mini Iridium Satcom

The inReach Mini 2 satellite communications device is now available from Garmin and offers increased battery life and access to more satellite networks.

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