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
ACSF Encourages Use of Illegal Charter Hotline
The Air Charter Safety Foundation’s Illegal Charter Hotline is a useful resource for legitimate charter operators.
Safety
Update on 3rd-class Medical Disappoints AirVenture Pilots
The Meet the Administrator forum at EAA AirVenture 2015 offered no relief for pilots seeking to fly without a third-class medical certificate.
Aircraft
Ultra-rapid Air Vehicle Patent Highlights Airbus R&D Efforts
The patent shows interesting features of an Airbus design for an ultra-rapid air vehicle that could carry 20 passengers at up to Mach 4.5.
Avionics
Avionics Market Shows 3.1-percent Climb Over Q1
The AEA Avionics Market Report showed that sales climbed in the second quarter, but faced a year-over-year drop compared to the first half of 2014.
Avionics
Flying Colours Adding Challenger ADS-B STC
The Flying Colours ADS-B OUT upgrade is for the Challenger 604 and 605 models.
Training and Workforce
FlightSafety’s G550 Simulator Models Real Upset Behavior
FlightSafety’s new G550 upset training course uses simulator aerodynamic modeling based on extended envelope flight-tests.
Charter & Fractional
AIN Blog: Uber of Aviation? Not (yet)
Will the aviation industry ever tolerate a real Uber-like service or is it simply impossible due to the regulatory climate?
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Satcom Direct Adds Android App for GlobalVT Service
Voice calls and texting are now available on Satcom Direct's GlobalVT Android app, using the same phone number.
Avionics
Avcon STCs Learjet 60 AHRS Upgrade
Learjet upgrade replaces outdated AHRS with new and easier-to-calibrate Rockwell Collins AHC-3000A.
Avionics
757 FANS STC Issued to Associated Air Center
FAA approves Associated Air Center FANS/CPDLC upgrade for Boeing 757-200.
Aircraft
Product Support Survey 2015 Part I: Aircraft
AIN Readers rate the level of product support provided by aircraft manufacturers.
GKN Buying Fokker Technologies for $780 Million
Expertise includes “design, development and production of lightweight aerostructures, electrical wiring interconnection systems and landing gear” and MRO.
Engines
Rotax Expands Aircraft Engine Family
The new engine will develop takeoff power to 15,000 feet and have a service ceiling of 23,000 feet.
Training and Workforce
TouchTrainer FM 210 Flight Training Device Makes AirVenture Debut
The flight training device is the company's first skills trainer.
Accidents
Piper Malibu Crashes on Landing to Oshkosh Show
The airplane, N4BP, carried five people who were headed to EAA AirVenture 2015, held this week at the airport.
Avionics
Trig Adds GTN 650/750 to TT31 ADS-B Approval
When integrated with the GTN navigator, the TT31 with the latest software update provides a simple way to meet the 2020 ADS-B OUT mandate.
Avionics
Jeppesen Offers Bundle for Avidyne, Garmin Connectivity
Owners can use a single subscription to update multiple avionics products.
Avionics
BendixKing KI 300 Replaces Legacy Attitude Indicators
The display replaces the company's popular line of mechanical gyro-based attitude indicators.
Avionics
FAA Approves Aspen Software-derived Angle-of-Attack
The company unveiled the AOA indicator four months ago and has begun deliveries.
Avionics
FreeFlight and Garmin Offer ADS-B Integration
The Garmin 430W/530W navigators provide the GPS source for the FreeFlight Rangr ADS-B system.
Aircraft
Certification Imminent for Nextant G90XT
The company plans to deliver two to four of the remanufactured King Air C90s by year-end.
SocialFlight Hot Spots Promote Aerial Tourism
Hot Spots provides detailed info about destinations for aerial tours.
AirVenture Opens With Strong Attendance, More Aircraft
The annual gathering of enthusiasts is a time to attract young people to the opportunities in aviation, said EAA chairman Jack Pelton.
Avionics
L-3 Aviation and Aspen Avionics Share Interface
Connecting the two devices allows pilots to see information simultaneously, such as weather on the Lynx and traffic on the Aspen.
Aircraft
Tecnam P2010 Prepping for U.S. Deliveries
The company expects the four-place single to receive FAA approval by this year's fourth quarter.
Engines
Gemini Diesel Is Option for Legend Cub
The engine should deliver performance similar to the avgas Continental O-200-powered Legend Cub, but with 20 percent lower fuel burn and lower emissions.
Training and Workforce
Redbird Sidekick Measures, Records Aircraft Performance
Live telemetry from the data-collection device will be broadcast during an aerobatic performance.
Avionics
GTN Software Update Adds Requested Features
Garmin's upgrade to the touchscreen navigators adds features customers have been asking for.
Avionics
Garmin Bluetooth Audio Panel Targets Fixed-wings and Helicopters
The GMA 350c, 35c and 350Hc will be available in the third quarter.
Avionics
Avidyne Invites Developers To Create New Mobile Apps
Two kits will facilitate access to wireless data streams from the avionics.
