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&amp;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.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

The AOPA Foundation’s High School Aviation STEM Curriculum is adding a maintenance and manufacturing pathway to complement the existing pilot, drone, and career preparation courses that have reached more than 130,000 students since 2016. Gregory and Cindy Kozmetsky’s GCK Legacy Fund is backing the new curriculum.
Designed to prepare students for careers in aviation maintenance and manufacturing, the program is supported by an advisory board of industry leaders and educators. There is no cost to participating schools.
Team members will spend two to three years developing the curriculum. A field test is planned “as early as 2028,” according to the foundation, which plans to “identify certifications and skills students need to enter the workforce, design hands-on learning experiences, and equip teachers with resources and training to deliver it effectively.”
“Like a lot of AOPA members, I’ve experienced the mechanic shortage firsthand,” said AOPA acting co-president Katie Pribyl. “Between long waits at shops that are booked out for months and annual inspections that stretch on for weeks—not to mention the void that’s left when a trusted A&amp;P retires—the mechanic shortage has a real impact on our members every day.
“Every student in this course represents dozens of aircraft that can keep flying. That’s why the addition of this maintenance and manufacturing curriculum isn’t just good for students—it’s good for our members who depend on a healthy maintenance workforce to keep flying.”

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

AOPA Foundation Adds Maintenance and Manufacturing to School STEM Program

Early testing of the new curriculum could take place in 2028

The AOPA Foundation’s High School Aviation STEM Curriculum is adding a maintenance and manufacturing pathway.

AOPA Foundation Adds Mx, Manufacturing to School Program

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Third annual event precedes students’ work placements

ACA Hosts Intern Training Week at London Biggin Hill 

Amy Wilder

Position will position focus on technical operations education, research, and curriculum development

Duncan Family Trust Endows WMU Aviation Professorship

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

As usual, EAA AirVenture was an incredible show and an extraordinary experience

AINsight: Planes, Trains, Automobiles, and Oshkosh!

Kerry Lynch

Event has expanded to two days

Bombardier Opens Flight Attendant Safety Seminar

Volunteer pilots are flying human trafficking survivors to new lives through Freedom Aviation Network, where altitude becomes the first step toward freedom

Beyond the Clouds, Rising above Danger

Jessica Reed

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

People in Aviation - August 2026

People in Aviation—August 2026

Tool cross-references type ratings, training records for short- and long-term roles

CrewBlast Debuts AI Tool To Vet Crew Credentials

Charles Alcock

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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