Matt Thurber
Editor-in-Chief

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&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.

Latest from Matt Thurber

Maintenance and Modifications

TrustFlight Signs Heartland Aviation for MEL Manager

Software helps aircraft operators manage the minimum equipment list process
Heartland Aviation Bombardier Challenger 350
Avionics

Garmin Adds Engine Indicating for TPE331-10 Turbines

Upgrade changes round dials to larger arc-type gauges
Garmin Engine Indicating System
Finance, Taxes, Insurance

Honeywell Outlines Plan To Separate Aerospace, Automation

Company will become three publicly listed entities in the second half of 2026
Vimal Kapur Honeywell chairman and CEO
Avionics

Universal FMS GPS Rollover Date Coming Due May 31

Failure to upgrade could cause service interruptions
Universal Avionics flight management system for aircraft
Avionics

Fargo Jet Completes PC-12 Avionics Modernization

New Garmin avionics and a Finoff Aviation engine upgrade modernize the Swiss turboprop
Fargo Jet Pilatus PC-12 avionics and engine upgrade
Avionics

Mitigating the Effects of GNSS Jamming and Spoofing

Compromised navigation information is an ongoing problem
GPS spoofing
Rotorcraft

VAST Effort Explores Helicopter Safety Rating System

System would encourage operators to add equipment to prevent accidents
Airbus H160
Aircraft

Epic Aircraft Embarking on Second E1000 GX Demo Tour

Some 75 stops are planned and more will be added
Epic Aircraft E1000 GX
Maintenance and Modifications

Atlantic Jet Partners Buys Component MRO Specialist

Plans call for growing the services provided by the combined companies
Atlantic Jet Partners Sky Aircraft Maintenance
Aircraft

Honda Aircraft Inaugurates Echelon Jet Test Facility

Testing will inform further refinement of the next Honda business jet
Honda Aircraft Echelon integration test facility
Rotorcraft

Single-engine Helicopter Market Stable, Supply Climbs

Aero Asset’s annual report noted a four-year peak in supply in Q4 2024
Aero Asset retail single-engine helicopter sales activity
Aircraft

Airbus Pauses Plans to Bring NextGen eVTOL Aircraft to Market

Decision was announced as the European manufacturer announced strong growth in helicopter sales
CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL
Rotorcraft

Airbus Helicopter Deliveries, Orders Climb During 2024

Helicopter sales for 2024 climbed 10% over 2023, including 58 Super Pumas
Airbus H125 helicopter
Maintenance and Modifications

FAA Issues Part 145 Repair Station Approval to Jets MRO 

Certification covers a variety of Textron Aviation and Bombardier models
Jets MRO receives FAA Part 145 repair station approval
Rotorcraft

Fundamental Advisors Acquires Utility Operator HeloAir

Purchase marks company’s first investment in utility helicopter segment
HeloAir Bell 407 helicopter aerial filming
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Innovative Advantage Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation

Company's fiber-optic backbone and digital nodes keep aircraft cabins up to date
Innovative Advantage AVDS node
Aircraft

Volo Mission Becomes Robinson R66 Utility Distributor

Company will provide transition and cargo hook training
Volo Mission cargo hook training
Finance, Taxes, Insurance

ForeFlight Pricing Tool May Lead to Insurance Savings

Owners of popular aircraft may find opportunities to lower their premiums
ForeFlight Fair Price Tool for aircraft insurance
Maintenance and Modifications

Enstrom Helicopter Announces 2025 Mx Training Dates

Piston and turbine helicopter maintenance courses are open to mechanics and pilots
Enstrom Helicopter maintenance training
Accidents

Loss of Control Causes Caravan Flight Test Accident

In-flight breakup followed accelerated stall with full flaps
Caravan flight test accident
Rotorcraft

Meridian Delivers 29th Refurbished Bell 206 to FlyNYON

Works includes new avionics, fresh paint, ultra-leather seats, and pop-out floats
FlyNYON Bell 206 helicopter refurbished by Meridian Helicopters
Maintenance and Modifications

Sharp Technics Tapped as First Korea S-92 Support Center

Company will improve local maintenance turn times and parts supply
Sharp Technics K Republic of Korea
Rotorcraft

PJ Helicopters Orders GPMS Foresight MX HUMS

The HUMS equipment helps the helicopter operator manage its utility fleet
PJ Helicopters
Avionics

StandardAero To Begin StableLight Autopilot Installs

The autopilot is based on Thales' Compact Autopilot System for the Airbus H125
Avionics

Avilution’s XFS Software Achieves First FAA Approval

Product is a replacement for unreliable Eclipse 500 air data computers
Mark Spencer Avilution founder
Finance, Taxes, Insurance

AIN Media Group Acquires Aircraft Valuation Company AircraftPost

Foundation of new data division will propel further growth
Aircraft on display at EBACE 2024
Training and Workforce

Aerocor Adds In-aircraft Premier Type Rating Training

Program aims to help new Premier pilots and develop new instructors
Beechcraft Premier I
Maintenance and Modifications

EASA Approves ExecuJet Middle East for Global 7500 Mx

Dassault-owned facility offers maintenance services on a variety of aircraft types
Bombardier Global 7500 business jet
Accidents

Civil Drone Causes Midair Collision with Super Scooper

Damage to a wing leading edge grounded the CL-415 water bomber
Quebec 1
Training and Workforce

Cirrus Updates Approach App with AR Preflight Training

App now offers more than 50 courses
Cirrus Approach app augmented reality training