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
Maintenance and Modifications
True Blue Intros Lithium-ion Battery for Experimental Aircraft
Special pricing is available for the TEX16 main-ship battery during EAA AirVenture.
Training and Workforce
Global Air Renews Scholarship Program
Four scholarships are available. Applications are due August 10.
Avionics
Many New Pilot-friendly Features in ForeFlight 7.2
The latest version of the ForeFlight Mobile app offers many new connectivity features.
Avionics
FreeFlight Systems Opens ADS-B Hotline
Owners can get answers to questions about NextGen and ADS-B.
Avionics
Garmin Connext Adds New iPad App Functionality
The system can display data from Garmin avionics on iPads running the ForeFlight Mobile and Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck apps.
Avionics
Logbook Features Added to Garmin Pilot App
Version 7.4 of the popular app should be available during EAA AirVenture.
Avionics
Garmin Virb XE Goes Wireless
The new aviation specific version of Garmin’s Virb XE action camera is available.
Avionics
Team X Releases New Garmin GPS For Experimental, LSA
The GPS 20A ADS-B OUT-compliant Waas GPS can be used in the experimental and LSA markets to meet the 2020 ADS-B Out mandate.
Aircraft
In the Works: Windecker Eagle
The four-seat Windecker Eagle will be flying in the experimental exhibition category.
FBOs
FBO Profile: Embraer Sorocaba
The company’s facility at Sorocaba Airport in Brazil offers a welcoming experience for business aircraft operators.
Charter & Fractional
Union Asks for Single Carrier at Flight Options/Flexjet
IBT 1108 petitioned NMB on July 4 to determine whether Flight Options and sister company Flexjet “constitute ‘a single transportation system.’”
Avionics
Apple iOS 8.4 Fixes External GPS Issues
Previous iOS 8.3 update introduced a problem that rendered some external GPS devices unable to send location data to the mobile device.
Aircraft
Pilot Report Embraer Legacy 500
Fly-by-wire comes to midsize aircraft, and it is a smooth transition.
Maintenance and Modifications
OEMs Put Technology To Work in MRO Operations
The manufacturers of business jets employ various technologies to make maintenance more efficient and thereby reduce operating costs for customers.
Avionics
Aspen Avionics Acquires GPS Manufacturer Accord Technology
Aspen Avionics is adding certified GPS receiver technology to its product mix.
Avionics
Avidyne Updates iPad IFD Trainer to 10.1 Software
The app is available with either an international or U.S. database.
Avionics
FreeFlight Adds ForeFlight Compatibility to Rangr ADS-B
ADS-B in weather and traffic information is now available.
Avionics
FAA Outlines Concerns With Airborne Network Security
AC highlights a specific concern with aircraft using Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity instead of other means.
Avionics
Connected Aircraft Tapping Into Real-time Weather Info
More operators are making Internet access available to pilots so they can access WSI’s extensive weather information while airborne.
Safety
FAA Wants More Access to Airman Health Records
The FAA is launching an industry effort to evaluate pilot fitness to fly, plus another program for updating aeromedical technology
Avionics
Apple iOS 8.3 Causes GPS Incompatibility Issues
The problem with external GPS compatibility should be fixed with the next release of Apple’s iOS mobile operating system.
Avionics
IS&S Helps Airlines with NextGen Gear-up
Airlines and business jet operators can upgrade to NextGen capabilities by installing IS&S displays.
Training and Workforce
FAA Looks To Boost Training Device Hour Credits
The agency is seeking to raise the number of hours such devices can contribute to an instrument rating.
Avionics
L-3 Extends Underwater Beacon Life, Highlights ADS-B Transponders
In addition to introducing a new 90-day underwater locator beacon, L-3 is helping operators meet the upcoming ADS-B mandate.
Safety
AIN Blog: Drones Uncaged!
At EAA AirVenture, drone and radio-control pilots will be able to fly during the evening at Pioneer Airport.
Aircraft
HondaJet Sustains Minor Damage in Tire Incident
First conforming HondaJet suffered a blown tire after landing.
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Debuting Three Technologies at Paris Show
The company brought its combined vision, MultiScan ThreatTrack weather radar and Pro Line Fusion for helicopters.
Training and Workforce
FlightSafety Flies Level D PC-12 Simulators
The company’s two Level D Pilatus PC-12 simulators cover the -47 Series 10 and the newer NG models.
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Demos Pro Line Fusion for Helicopters
Paris Air Show visitors can sample the touchscreen displays of the Pro Line Fusion helicopter flight deck.
Training and Workforce
TRU To Provide Training for Fusion-equipped King Airs
Pilot training will be done at ProFlight’s Lutz, Fla., facility, while maintenance training will be at the new TRU Maintenance Training Academy in Wichita.
