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
Airports
City To Santa Monica FBOs: 'You Have 30 Days To Vacate'
The city of Santa Monica is stepping up its efforts to close its airport, and now is asking the airport's two FBOs to leave.
Avionics
Duncan Launches Three-day TDR-94 Transponder Turntime
With proper scheduling the process should take one day, says Duncan.
Avionics
Astronautics Contracted by FAA for Cybersecurity Research
The research program covers three phases and will last nearly a year and will be done at Astronautics's Milwaukee headquarters.
Avionics
Gogo Adds New Router Options
The company is currently testing routers that interface with its systems.
Avionics
TrueNorth Intros Simphone Pro and Upgrade Program
The new TrueNorth Simphone Pro is available with or without dual Iridium voice and data channels.
Avionics
Industry Tackling Avionics Complexity Issues
The vast capabilities of modern technology are having a profound effect on cockpit avionics design.
Airports
Atlantic Aviation Files Part 16 Complaint Against City of Santa Monica
The complaint by Atlantic Aviation alleges that the city of Santa Monica is intentionally planning to limit services at Santa Monica Airport.
Avionics
Digital Copilot Designed To Improve Single-pilot Safety
A Mitre team is developing software that predicts pilots’ information needs.
Charter & Fractional
Operators Optimize With BoldIQ’s Astro
Astro software can make the difference between losing money or locking in a profit.
Safety
FAA Warns Pax About Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Phones
Aviation authorities are highlighting the risks of flying with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, which is subject to a global replacement program.
Avionics
Product Support Survey 2016: Avionics
AIN readers rate avionics manufacturers on their product support during the past year.
Avionics
ForeFlight Mobile v8.0 Now Live
Data-driven aeronautical maps open up opportunities for ForeFlight Mobile's development team and for third-party developers as well.
Airports
FAA: City Must Run SMO Without Unjust Discrimination
The FAA is warning the city of Santa Monica to treat pilots and tenants fairly while the airport remains open.
Avionics
Avionica Customers Offered GigSky Data Services
Uploading of safety data from Avionica's miniQAR and 4G module is now simpler using GigSky's worldwide 3G/LTE cellular data network.
Regulations and Government
DOT Inspector General Faults FAA’s NextGen R&D Plan
The FAA needs to work on its long-term vision for the NextGen Air Transportation System, according to the DOT Office of Inspector General.
Maintenance and Modifications
AIN Survey: Independent Maintenance Shops Surviving and Thriving
Independent maintenance providers discuss the challenges and benefits of working with OEMs to support their customers.
Airports
City Council Votes To Close Santa Monica Airport
The resolution, passed unanimously at the city council meeting August 23, calls for closing the airport and eliminating its two FBOs.
Airports
AIN Blog: Resolution Seeks To Remove Aviation Uses at KSMO
The city council is expected to vote on a resolution that would help it hasten the closure of Santa Monica Airport.
Charter & Fractional
FlyOtto Aims To Simplify T-prop, Piston Chartering
There is no need for a membership, no initial or recurring fees, just two blank spaces to fill out on its website: the departure and destination locations.
Avionics
Ergo 360 Adds Shipping for Ditching Dilemmas
Aeronautical Data Systems has expanded the utility of its Ergo 360 safety app with the addition of AIS-based shipping information.
Avionics
AIN Blog: How To Fix the Low-cost Simulation Game
There must be a better way to replicate modern integrated flight decks in low-cost simulators so pilots can use them for realistic practice.
Airports
FAA Rules that Santa Monica Must Keep Airport Open
The latest decision is the FAA's response to the city of Santa Monica's appeal in a complaint brought by airport tenants and operators.
Charter & Fractional
Texas Air Shuttle Launches All-you-can-fly Service
The new scheduled public charter provider is flying from GA airports in the Dallas, Houston and Austin areas.
Avionics
1H16 Avionics Sales Slump 6.5%, Says AEA
Avionics sales for the first half of 2016 amounted to more than $1.1 billion, according to the AEA.
Security
Astronautics Helps Form Wisconsin Aero Research Group
Astronautics will host a research lab at its Milwaukee campus, to facilitate study of aerospace security and cyber projects.
Avionics
Boeing 787 To Receive Upgraded Astronautics EFB
The upgraded Astronautics EFB is equipped with a larger and even more reliable solid-state drive and faster processor.
Avionics
Butler STCs Learjet 24/25 and 35/36 ADS-B Upgrade
With the addition of the new STCs, Butler National now provides ADS-B upgrades for the Learjet 24/25, 35/36 and 60 models.
Airports
AeroplexAerolease Developing Another VNY Facility
Aeroplex/Aerolease Group is adding to its Van Nuys Airport facilities with a new $7.5-million, 123,162-sq-ft development.
