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 FAA has issued a draft <a href="http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:DxCrOvBQ_f4J:www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/media/Draft AC 21.93 " target="_blank">Advisory Circular</a> (AC) that is intended to help supplemental type certificate applicants determine whether a modification involves a minor or major change to type design. While FAR 21.93(a) defines a minor change as “one that has no appreciable effect on the weight, balance, structural strength, reliability, operational characteristics or other characteristics affecting the airworthiness of the product,” figuring out the difference between a major or minor change has always been difficult for technicians. According to the draft AC, “When you propose a change to an existing type design, you must classify the change as minor or major in accordance with 21.93.” This is not precisely true, according to the Modification and Replacement Parts Association, which pointed out that “the existing language of 21.93 does not impose a burden to identify whether a proposed change is a major or minor change to type design. While affirmative classification of minor changes can aid in compliance, it is not a requirement of the regulations.”

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.

FAA Seeks Analysis of Major/Minor STC Changes

The FAA has issued a draft <link http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:DxCrOvBQ_f4J:www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/media/Draft AC 21.93 "8-6-09.doc+draft+A

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Austria, the Netherlands, and Sweden are the latest export customers for the multi-role aircraft

Fokker To Modify C-390s for NATO Special Missions

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.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Fokker To Modify C-390s for NATO Special Missions

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Saft Developing Li-ion Batteries for Biz Aircraft, Helos

Batteries offer significant weight savings and better performance

All In Aviation Makes Safe Bet with Mx Provider Purchase

The move gives the company repair locations at two airports

DOT IG To Examine Consistency in FAA STC Process

Consistency and proper assessment of the need for STCs are targets

FEAM Aero Will Support SkyDrive eVTOL Aircraft Operators

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Jets MRO Moves into New Digs at Dallas Executive Airport

40,000-sq-ft hangar allows company to expand aircraft maintenance services

Aviation Heaven Rolls Out Global MRO Map

The online tool helps operators find suitable service for aircraft

ExecuJet Haite Pulls Off Embraer Legacy Triple Play

Projects were handled over a four-month span

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