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
Former exec recounts woes at Silver State
When Silver State Helicopters salesman “John Smith” (not his real name) was laid off in mid-November from his job recruiting student helicopter pilots, he
CopterJobs makes recruitment a click away for helicopter workers
Debi Irby always had a tough time finding new employees when she was chief pilot for various helicopter operators.
NVG for all night helo ops, says FAA
The FAA’s David Downey recommends that all night helicopter operations be flown by pilots wearing night-vision goggles (NVGs).
AW139 joins company fleet of avionics supplier Honeywell
In a ceremony held yesterday afternoon, AgustaWestland delivered a new AW139 equipped with a Honeywell Primus Epic avionics suite to Honeywell aviation ser
R66 customers are champing at the bit
Robinson Helicopter dealers who attended yesterday’s press conference said they are ready to place orders for the turbine-powered R66 currently under devel
Honeywell’s Observer III tracker coming to the U.S.
After acquiring Skyforce, a small UK-based avionics company, in 1998, AlliedSignal (now Honeywell) focused on the European market for the helicopter missio
BLR touts benefits of 212 fin mod
Flight testing of BLR Aerospace’s Bell 212 FastFin modification has demonstrated improved performance that will allow the 212 to carry more weight to highe
Charter & Fractional
Air Charter Safety Foundation Holds First Symposium
Yesterday, the newly formed Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) concluded its inaugural Air Charter Safety Symposium, which was held at the NTSB Training
Charter & Fractional
Pogo Sets Possible Price Parameters for IPO
Pogo Jet this week filed an amendment to its S-1 registration statement for an initial public offering of stock to finance the company’s entry into the ver
Regulations and Government
Stimulus Package Includes More Bonus Depreciation
The $168 billion economic stimulus plan President Bush signed yesterday includes a provision that alters section 168(k) of the Internal Revenue Code to all
ATC
GAMA and DOT IG Agree on NextGen Urgency
At Tuesday’s Annual Industry Review and Market Outlook, GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce reiterated business aviation’s call for the government to drop th
Maintenance and Modifications
GII/III Hushkitter Stage III Shut Down
Stage III Technologies on Friday ceased operations pending further funding, leaving just one company–Miami-based Quiet Technology Aerospace–currently provi
FBOs
FBO Profile: Flightline Tallahassee
It all began when Paul “Mac” Langston identified a need for an aeromedical helicopter program in the Florida panhandle.
FBOs
Fargo FBO launches remodel
Fargo Jet Center is staying open in temporary facilities while its FBO terminal is being remodeled.
FBOs
Local NOTAMs available
The FAA formally signed Notam Order 7930.2, according to the NBAA, “enabling the first phase of Notam realignment to proceed.” As of January 28, civil loca
FBOs
FAA nixes shorter runway at Florida airport
The FAA has strongly advised the operators of Witham Field Airport in Stuart, Fla., that their request to shorten 5,826-foot Runway 12/30 is not an option.
FBOs
Aviation Center joins Avfuel
Aviation Center at Page Field in Fort Myers, Fla., is now an Avfuel dealer, accepting contract fuel orders via the Avfuel network as well as Avtrip points.
FBOs
Million Air Nassau rebrands
The former Million Air Nassau is now Odyssey Aviation, having left the Million Air franchise system.
FBOs
Incursions redefined
In a draft Advisory Circular (AC 150/5210-10) covering ground vehicle operations on airports, the FAA reiterated its new definition of runway incursion to
FBOs
Craig Airport chosen for security testing
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority chose Craig Airport for a Florida Department of Transportation program to test a system that will visually monitor day
FBOs
New Livermore FBO meets resistance from local residents
The Livermore Airport Citizens Group has raised an alarm about a consultant’s report on the building of a new FBO and hangars at Livermore Airport near the
FBOs
Three FBOs join Air BP
Elliott Aviation’s four FBOs, Millville Jet Center and Sacramento Jet Center’s two FBOs are now branded Air BP fuel sellers.
FBOs
Atlantic completes Los Angeles and Santa Barbara FBOs
FBO chain Atlantic has moved into its newest FBO, a $13.6 million facility built on a 13-acre ramp at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Training and Workforce
King course eases transition to Garmin’s G1000 cockpit
If you’re planning on flying a Cessna Mustang, Embraer Phenom, HondaJet or Diamond D-Jet, you’ll have to learn how to run Garmin’s G1000 avionics system.
Avionics
IS&S relishes chance to grow as integrated avionics manufacturer
Innovative Solutions & Support is a growing avionics manufacturer that made a name for itself with RVSM solutions, but it is now on the verge of greatl
Aircraft
In The Works: Maverick Jets SmartJet
Maverick Jets has not had much public activity lately and didn’t exhibit at last year’s NBAA Convention as it has in the past.
Aircraft
In The Works: Pilatus Aircraft PC-12 Next Generation
Originally scheduled for certification by the end of last year, the newest version of the Pilatus PC-12 is now slated for certification early this year, wi
Aircraft
In The Works: Diamond Aircraft D-Jet
This year, the aviation world will be watching Diamond Aircraft closely as the first of the so-called single-engine personal jets is scheduled to ach
Aircraft
In The Works: Freight Feeder Aircraft FF5000
Freight Feeder Aircraft has purchased assets from Utilicraft and plans to move forward with development and FAA certification of the former FF1080 twin-eng
Aircraft
In The Works: Embraer Phenom 100
Embraer’s entry into the very light jet market–the Phenom 100– is progressing toward certification and entry into service by the middle of this year.
