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
Charter & Fractional
Aviation Industry Expo 2006: Charter Operational Control
Judging from the size of the audience–about 200 people–many charter operators sent personnel to the NATA show to attend the first FAA operational control b
Maintenance and Modifications
Aviation Industry Expo 2006: User Fees: What May or May Not Be
If Air Transport Association (ATA) CEO James May has his way, business aviation will start paying more of what he believes is a fair share of the costs of
Regulations and Government
Aviation Industry Expo 2006: Taxation and regulation issues weigh heavily at NATA event
During a year when non-airline aviation is expected to continue growing to record levels, a number of challenges face those whose service businesses propel
RAA Convention 2006: CRJ fires traced to change in terminal insulation material
A subtle change in the material used in an electrical component caused seven fires in Bombardier CRJs, according to an NTSB recommendation released on Marc
Safety
‘Virtual radar’ system raises security concerns
The popular but, some would say, odd pastime of planespotting has recruited new high-tech help, a “virtual radar” hooked to a personal computer that allows
Maintenance and Modifications
Pratt & Whitney enters market for PMA parts
Pratt & Whitney took the aviation world by surprise when it announced in February the launch of a new division to manufacture PMA replacement parts for CFM
DC-9 detained in Mexico with five tons of drugs
According to a report by Air Security International, a DC-9 then registered to a U.S.
Rotorcraft
Lawsuit claims faulty PMA part downed helicopter
A lawyer who filed a lawsuit on behalf of family members killed in a June 15, 2003, helicopter crash began taking depositions from defendant Rolls-Royce in
Online logbook program helps pilots keep current
The paperwork demands of a high-performance single- or twin-engine airplane or helicopter are enormous and can be a continuing headache for owners and oper
Training and Workforce
Level-E training likely for MU-2
In the most recent flare-up of controversy about MU-2 safety and upcoming formal training requirements, a small bit of information about something called “
Accidents
NTSB’s final reports delayed by agency’s limited resources
An aircraft accident happens, on average, three or more times a day in the U.S.
FBOs
TXI sold to Vitesse
Vitesse, an Indianapolis flight services firm, purchased the TXI Aviation FBO, charter and maintenance company at Dallas Love Field.
Airports
San Diegans to vote on Miramar
Early last month the San Diego Regional Airport Authority board voted seven to two to put to a county-wide vote this November whether to obtain land for a
FBOs
Texas Jet expands again
Based at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport, FBO Texas Jet recently added two new 12,000-sq-ft hangars.
FBOs
Jet Aviation Dusseldorf welcomes World Cup
Germany’s newest FBO is Jet Aviation’s facility at Dusseldorf International Airport, completed just in time to welcome visitors to the 2006 World Cup games
FBOs
Sarasota host to Rectrix
Rectrix Aerodrome Centers is building a new FBO facility with hangars at Florida’s Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport.
FBOs
Montego Bay joining jet set
A new FBO terminal is under construction at Montego Bay Sangster International Airport in Jamaica.
FBOs
Alaska FBO adds Passur
Anchorage, Alaska-based FBO Great Circle Flight Services purchased Passur’s Portal, Pulse and inSight products to help market its services to potential cus
FBOs
Shelter from the storm
Montgomery Aviation, an Avfuel-branded FBO at Indianapolis Executive Airport in Indiana, recently installed a 100-foot-wide, 33-foot-high canopy on the ram
FBOs
FBO Profile: Livermore Municipal Airport
Livermore Municipal Airport is one of those facilities where the city that owns the airport keeps the FBO operation to itself.
FBOs
From Million Air to Meridian
As of June 1, the Million Air FBO franchise at Teterboro Airport left the Million Air chain and was renamed Meridian Teterboro.
FBOs
Owls head catches Avitat
Maine Atlantic Aviation has opened a new FBO at Knox County Regional Airport in Owls Head, Maine.
FBOs
Landmark plans VNY presence
On February 1, LAWA, which owns and operates Van Nuys, issued a request for proposal for demolition of existing buildings and development of a new facility
FBOs
Thanks for the memories, Petersen
Change is coming to the FBO scene at California’s busy Van Nuys Airport, with one pending acquisition and a possible new facility.
Maintenance and Modifications
Industry favors overhauling mechanic training
The maintenance industry must do something to address the growing demand for maintenance that will result from increased levels of flying.
ATA and ‘Commercial Airspace’
As the user-fee battle rages, rhetoric from Air Transport Association (ATA) member airlines is reaching vast audiences.
Aircraft
A look at the MU-2's Reputation
In his review of the MU-2 accident data, Greg Feith, a former NTSB investigator and aircraft safety consultant, tried to validate or dispel the following p
Aircraft
Pilot training essential to improve MU-2 safety
MU-2 operators can expect to have to complete a more stringent flight-training program, similar to a type rating, as a result of the FAA’s inquiry into the
