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
Avionics
Coalition Concerned About Radio Altimeter Interference
An aviation industry coalition is concerned that a recent FCC decision will cause interference with radar altimeters.
Safety
Starr Offers Usage-based Insurance Pricing
By sharing flight records with Starr Insurance, pilots can obtain discounts on aircraft rental insurance.
Avionics
ForeFlight App Adds Multitasking
With iOS multitasking, ForeFlight adds new utility to its electronic flight bag app.
Safety
Online Audits Offer Pandemic-era Solution
When the coronavirus pandemic shut down most travel, business aviation safety experts had to figure out a new way to conduct audits.
Safety
Opinion: Autonomous Genav Flight Not Far Away
Does Garmin's Autoland system mean that fully autonomous general aviation flying is next?
Maintenance and Modifications
Bluetail Launches Business Aircraft Record Digitization Platform
Bluetail's new service is aimed at helping business aircraft owners and operators manage records efficiently.
Safety
ADS-B Data Tapped for Turbulence Tips
Researchers are devising ways to tap ADS-B information to refine turbulence-detection algorithms.
Avionics
Garmin Autoland Certified in Piper M600
Garmin's Autoland technology has been certified in the Piper M600, the first time such a system has ever received FAA certification.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Collins Adopts Creative Cabin Management System Testing
When the pandemic shut down travel, Collins Aerospace figured out a way to conduct customer CMS testing remotely.
Safety
GPS Interference Issue Back on the Table
The former LightSquared telecom network is accused of GPS interference again, but this time under a new company name, Ligado Networks.
Avionics
Hands-on with the Bose ProFlight Series 2 Headset
Bose's ProFlight Series 2 aviation headset brings lightweight active noise canceling to the business jet and airline market.
Aircraft
Honda Aircraft Bullish on Bizav's Future
Business aviation is facing serious challenges, but there are some bright spots, according to Honda Aircraft.
Safety
APG Acquisition Opens Doors for Future Growth
AFV Partners' purchase of Aircraft Performance Group will open opportunities for technological developments in flight planning and operations.
Avionics
New Garmin Portable Adds Approach Overlays
Garmin's new aera 760 portable GPS navigator adds many avionics-like features in a compact 7-inch display.
Maintenance and Modifications
Maintenance Trainer Adopts Online Learning
Fulcrum Labs and Aviation Institute of Maintenance have partnered to offer more online training for A&P mechanic students.
Maintenance and Modifications
GoDirect Trade Aims To Be Amazon of Aviation Parts
Honeywell's GoDirect Trade e-commerce platform is trying to remove barriers to aviation parts transactions.
Accidents
NTSB Releases Factual Report on Halladay Accident
The NTSB factual report on the fatal crash of baseball player Roy Halladay's Icon A5 found nothing wrong with the airplane.
Pandemic Spurs Massive Aviation Changes
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on aviation is difficult to measure, but clearly enormously significant.
Training and Workforce
FlightSafety’s Recurrent Groundschool Now Online
FlightSafety's LiveLearning online recurrent groundschool will be available for more than 20 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft models.
Avionics
Aspen Avionics Lowers Multi-display Pricing
Aspen Avionics is offering discounts on the purchase of multiple displays and on safety features.
Avionics
CCX Adds New Tester Features
CCX's T-RX avionics tester has expanded capabilities for testing GPS receivers and VHF datalink transceivers.
Aircraft
Pilot Report: Embraer's New Phenom 300E
The new Phenom 300E adds safety, performance, and comfort features to a best-selling light jet.
Maintenance and Modifications
SmartBay Certified on Tecnam P92JS
Operating costs of the SmartBay sensor suite-equipped Tecnam P92JS are about half that of a light helicopter.
Safety
NBAA Event Addresses Flight Ops Mission Readiness
NBAA’s News Hour webinar on March 31 addressed how companies can maintain flight department readiness
Maintenance and Modifications
IS&S Autothrottle Certified for PC-12 in Canada
The IS&S autothrottle is gaining new certifications in turboprop aircraft.
Avionics
Appareo Unveils Stratus Insight EFB App
The new Insight app from Appareo gives pilots a clearly spelled out transcription of ATC communications.
Safety
Honeywell Ramps Up N95 Mask Production
Honeywell is putting to work storage space at its Phoenix engine campus to add capability to manufacture N95 masks.
Avionics
ForeFlight 3D Preview Labels Now Live
The ForeFlight EFB app is now available in Version 12.2, which includes new features such as 3D Preview fix markers and labels.
Regulations and Government
ATC-Zero: What That Means for Business Aviation
An NBAA webinar spelled out what ATC-Zero means and how closures of air traffic control facilities affect business aviation operators.
Avionics
Spirit Aeronautics Looks Back on 20 Years of Service
Spirit Aeronautics is celebrating its 20th years in the avionics and maintenance business.
