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

Ronaldo is Thrilled with Happy Design Studio Jet Livery

Many private aircraft owners prefer to show off their distinct liveries
Christiano Ronaldo's Bombardier Global XRS business jet
Charter & Fractional

Chapman Freeborn Passenger Count Surges in Middle East

Charter flight broker is making its MEBAA Show debut
Claudia Krajhanzl, Chapman Freeborn v-p for passenger services in the IMEA region
Rotorcraft

Vita Rescue System Hoist Is Qualified by U.S. Army

Testing was also conducted by the Air Force
Vita Rescue System with helicopter
Rotorcraft

Subaru Bell 412EPX Certified by EASA

European operators can now fly the helicopter in EU countries
Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopter
Rotorcraft

FAA Revises Human External Cargo Fall Protection Policy

ANSI standards will impose a more uniform framework
Airbus H145 aerial work
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Satcom Direct Buy Boosts Gogo into Orbit

Move opens new markets for airborne connectivity offerings
Gogo's Oakleigh Thorne
Maintenance and Modifications

Business Jets Will End and Extend Life at C&L Aerospace

Company will offer airframe and engine parts from 13 Citations
C&L Aerospace landing gear
Aircraft

Honeywell, Bombardier Settle Dispute, Sign Tech Pact

Move could signal development of a new super-midsize jet
Bombardier Challenger 3500
FBOs

Jetex, Les Roches Partner on Bizav Postgrad Program

Top performers will be considered for initial employment with Jetex
Jetex Dubai DWC
Charter & Fractional

Leviate Expands Charter Fleet with Six More HondaJets

U.S. charter-management company's fleet expansion will continue into next year
HondaJet
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Innovation, Acquisitions Abound in Connectivity Market

Bizav users have more choices, although consolidation is taking place
Eutelsat low-earth-orbit satellite
Avionics

Avionics Advancing Slowly but Surely into the Future

Recent developments presage some compelling new products
Garmin G3000 Prime flight deck
Maintenance and Modifications

GPMS Gains Additional Helicopter HUMS Distribution

Data from health and usage monitoring system helps helicopters fly safely
GPMS Foresight MX HUMS
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Nextant Gains Starlink Approval for Global 5000/5500

STC expands the number of aircraft types approved for the high-speed satcom system
Starlink electronically steered antenna
Maintenance and Modifications

PremierMRO Adds Collins Aerospace Avionics Dealership

A variety of avionics services come with the dealership designation
PremierMRO Dayton, Ohio
Cabin Interior and Electronics

PC-24 Approved for Spectrum Aeromed Ambulance Equipment

Large cargo door and roomy cabin make the airplane more suitable for medevac operations
Spectrum Aeromed air ambulance equipment in Pilatus PC-24 business jet
Aircraft

First Global 6500 Delivered for U.S. Army HADES Program

Endurance up to 18 hours makes the Bombardier jet an ideal ISR platform
Bombardier Global 6500 for U.S. Army HADES program
Avionics

Jeppesen and ForeFlight Sale Could Yield $8B For Boeing

A sale of peripheral assets could net up to $12 billion for the aerospace and defense group
ForeFlight Jeppesen
Rotorcraft

ACE Aero Modding Black Hawks with Skyryse Controls

The upgrade makes the helicopter much simpler to fly
Skyryse One modified helicopter
Rotorcraft

Sikorsky Lengthens S-92 Inspection Intervals

Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs
Sikorsky S-92 helicopters
Maintenance and Modifications

Saft Developing Li-ion Batteries for Biz Aircraft, Helos

Batteries offer significant weight savings and better performance
Saft lithium-ion battery
Maintenance and Modifications

DOT IG To Examine Consistency in FAA STC Process

Consistency and proper assessment of the need for STCs are targets
FAA STC Advisory Circular
Avionics

Aerodata Backup GPS Approved for Anti-spoofing/jamming

Vulnerability to bad actors is a critical aviation issue
Aerodata GPS anti-spoofing, anti-jamming
Rotorcraft

Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five AW169 Helicopters

Shipment to New Zealand will take place next year after paint and upgrades
Northern Rescue Helicopter Leonardo AW169
Rotorcraft

Fort Worth Police Buy Second Bell 505

Plans call for growing the department's public safety presence
Fort Worth Police Department Bell 505 helicopter
Cabin Interior and Electronics

West Star Developing Three Embraer Gogo Galileo STCs

Approval for these aircraft is expected in early 2025
Embraer Praetor 600 in flight
Aircraft

Transport Canada Certifies Cirrus SR G7 and Vision G2+

Similarities between the piston- and jet-powered Cirruses make transition training easier
Cirrus SR and Vision Jet airplanes flying in formation
Safety

Hypervigilance and the Right Influence

Tony Kern brings his A game to the annual safety event
Tony Kern Convergent Performance
Accidents

Bombardier Safety Standdown: Surviving the Fire

Preparation and training resulted in a survivable accident
Kevin Van Splunder Bombardier Safety Standdown
Safety

Bombardier Safety Standdown Promotes Safety Influencers

Wichita welcomed attendees to the 28th edition of the Safety Standdown
Franco Pietracupa-Bombardier