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

A year and a half after debuting the D2 Air pilot&nbsp;smartwatch, Garmin has released an updated version, the D2 Air X10, with voice assistant control and phone calling from the watch. The X10 retails for $549.99.
The original D2 Air, which was priced at $499, offered pilots key features from the more expensive D2 series, including most aviation functions and the pulse oximeter, as well as a high-resolution Corning Gorilla Glass 3 touchscreen Amoled display.
Now the X10 lets pilots receive phone calls from the watch and access voice assistant features when the watch is paired with a compatible iOS or Android smartphone. This gives Apple iPhone owners a new option for a non-Apple watch with built-in aviation features and voice and phone capabilities.
Aviation features include a three-axis compass and horizontal situation indicator (HSI) and altimeter with adjustable barometer setting. The HSI is useful for navigating to an airport or waypoint, which is selectable with the direct-to function or by picking one from the database. The user can set alerts for altitude, speed, time, and distance, and there is a handy fuel timer, as well as flight tracking.
Battery life of the X10 is improved from the original D2 Air,&nbsp;now up to seven&nbsp;days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours while flying and using GPS and the pulse oximeter.

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

Garmin D2 Air X10 Watch Adds Voice, Phone Functions

The updated Garmin D2 Air X10 smartwatch adds new phone calling and voice assistant features as well as longer battery life.

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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.

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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