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
Aircraft
Diamond Signs with Safran for Electric DA40 Propulsion
The electric version of Diamond's DA40 training airplane will be powered by Safran's EngineUs motor with an integrated motor controller.
Aircraft
Junkers JU-52 Returning to the Skies
The venerable and popular Junkers JU-52 is getting a new lease on life with an updated version planned for entry into service in 2026.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
SpaceX Signs First Aircraft Operator for Starlink Satcom
JSX's Embraer ERJs will be the first airborne application of SpaceX's Starlink satcom.
Safety
IMC Club Founder Forms Pilot Proficiency Network
IMC Club founder Radek Wyrzykowski is encouraging all pilots to learn about IFR flying with his new Pilot Proficiency Network.
Avionics
FDS Adds Interface Unit for Legacy Data Recorders
Flight Data Systems' new Flight Data Acquisition Interface Unit can help owners/operators upgrade to a modern FDR at minimal cost.
Avionics
TailBeaconX ADS-B/navlight Transponder Receives FAA STC
The supplemental type certificate for the uAvionix tailBeaconX ADS-B transponder offers a lower-cost way to achieve ADS-B Out compliance.
Training and Workforce
WAI/King CFI Scholarship Awarded to Charnell Walls
Charnell Walls wants to use her CFI scholarship as a springboard into teaching young girls to fly.
Avionics
Honeywell Anthem Moving Avionics into the Future
Extensive use of touchscreens and cloud connectivity are highlights of Honeywell's new Anthem avionics suite designed for small and large aircraft.
Avionics
Universal Avionics, Trimec Partner on Falcon 2000
Universal Avionics and Trimec are developing an STC to install the InSight flight deck in Falcon 2000/2000EX business jets.
Avionics
FreeFlight Readies 5G-interference-resistent Radar Altimeters
FreeFlight Systems expects to receive FAA TSO approval of its Terrain series 5G-resistant radar altimeters shortly.
Avionics
GPS Antenna Coupler Prevents Test Interference
CCX's new antenna coupler facilitates testing of GPS receivers while avoiding interference with nearby aircraft.
Avionics
Five Flight Deck Instruments Join Mid-Continent's Flex Family
Mid-Continent Instruments unveiled five new instruments in its Flex family of customizable aircraft instrumentation.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
True Blue Outlines New Power Products
True Blue Power unveiled a new AC-to-AC frequency converter and wireless chargers for cabin installations.
Avionics
Thommen Targets CRT-to-LCD Upgrade Market
Thommen is expanding its LCD manufacturing capabilities to deliver more LCDs for retrofit of aircraft with CRT-type displays.
Garmin Adds Touchscreen to Topline Aviator Watch
Garmin's new D2 Mach 1 watch adds a touchscreen and new functions such as information about glide distance and time.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Alto Puts VIP in Control of Audio Experience
Alto Aviation's latest upgrade adds custom control of audio acoustic modes for business jet VIPs.
Avionics
ForeFlight Raises Prices; Enhances W&B and Hazard Advisor
ForeFlight has raised prices and released new weight and balance and hazard advisor features.
Aircraft
Unleaded Avgas Effort Kicks Into Gear
The Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions initiative held a meeting March 16-17 to advance the elimination of lead from avgas.
Rotorcraft
Vita Inclinata Returns with Hoist, Sling Load Stabilizer
The problem of how to stop a sling load from spinning has been solved by Vita Inclinata.
Aircraft
FlightSafety To Train Lilium eVTOL Pilots
FlightSafety International will provide mixed-reality training devices and training services for pilots who will be flying the Lilium Jet.
Rotorcraft
Paraclete Adds Wireless Comm to Helo Pilot Helmets
Paraclete and Global-Sys are working together to provide wireless communications for helicopter helmets.
Rotorcraft
ForeFlight Enhances Features for Helicopter Pilots
Helicopter operators have access to many new features available in the ForeFlight moving-map app.
Maintenance and Modifications
Winglet-equipped King Air Shows Efficiency Gains
A Tamarack-modified King Air 350 flew two long-distance flights to try and set a city-pair record.
Avionics
Hands On: Garmin Smart Glide
Smart Glide is another tool in Garmin's box of Autonomi safety products and helps lower pilot workload during an engine-out emergency.
Aircraft
Real-world Ops: Tamarack Winglets Boost CJ Performance
James Benham shows how Tamarack Aerospace's winglet mod enhances performance—and sustainability—of his CitationJet.
Aircraft
Honda Aircraft CEO Michimasa Fujino To Retire March 31
Michimasa Fujino will continue as an advisor to Honda Aircraft after retiring.
Fuel
FAA, Industry Partner on Eagle Unleaded Avgas Initiative
Although the FAA-industry Eagle initiative aims to eliminate leaded avgas by 2030, unleaded aviation gasoline already exists.
Aircraft
Eve Sees ‘Massive Market’ for APAC Urban Air Mobility
Evtol developer Eve signed LOIs for up to 90 more aircraft at the Singapore Airshow, bringing its order total to 1,785 worth $5.4 billion.
Training and Workforce
Red 6 Demos Augmented Reality Combat Training
Combat readiness is critical for any air force, and Red 6 aims to improve fighter pilots' skills with augmented reality training.
Avionics
Hainan Airlines Picks Collins Pitot, Air Data Sensors
Collins Aerospace pitot and air data sensors will be retrofitted to 500 Hainan Airlines aircraft.
