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 Aviation Alliance’s plan to <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ainalerts/2013-01-24/new-aircraft-remanufacturing-firm-formed">remanufacture</a> Cessna 421s and Gulfstream GIIIs is moving forward, according to managing director Geoff Miller, despite financial setbacks that have caused delays. Some people, such as former Cessna CEO Jack Pelton, and partners are no longer associated with the Alliance, and a new source of funding had to be found. “That’s why there was a hesitation in the cash flow,” Miller told AIN.


The original plan called for Ventura Aerospace to engineer the programs, but Ventura is no longer associated with the Alliance. “We have terminated our relationship with them, as of 45 days ago,” said Mike Snow, vice president of Ventura’s Aircraft Technical Service division. He added that the Aviation Alliance owes money to Ventura, “and we quite honestly don’t expect to see it.” Miller said he is paying Ventura what it is owed and has found new partners for engineering and marketing.


The 421 Excalibur program replaces the Continental geared piston engines with Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PT6A-135As and adds aerodynamic and other improvements for a finished price of $2.6 million. Program costs ballooned, however, in part because much of the Jack Riley re-engining STC that the Alliance bought had to be redone. The GIII Fanstream program aims to re-engine with P&amp;WC geared turbofans that will boost range to nearly 5,000 nm.

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.

Aviation Alliance: 421, GIII Reman Programs Still Alive

Some people, such as former Cessna CEO Jack Pelton, and partners are no longer associated with the Alliance, and a new source of funding had to be found.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

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.

Specialist technicians can act quickly to help aircraft operators

Aero-Dienst Boosts AOG Support with Dedicated Teams

Curt Epstein

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Alliance Aviation Group plans to expand expertise to more aircraft types

Dublin FBO/MRO Receives EASA Part 145 Approval

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

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

Company made its debut at Boeing Field during the Depression era

Galvin Flying Ceases Operations after 94 Years

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Data from health and usage monitoring system helps helicopters fly safely

 GPMS Gains Additional Helicopter HUMS Distribution

A variety of avionics services come with the dealership designation

PremierMRO Adds Collins Aerospace Avionics Dealership

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.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Aero-Dienst Boosts AOG Support with Dedicated Teams

Specialist technicians can act quickly to help aircraft operators

Dublin FBO/MRO Receives EASA Part 145 Approval

Alliance Aviation Group plans to expand expertise to more aircraft types

Galvin Flying Ceases Operations after 94 Years

Company made its debut at Boeing Field during the Depression era

GPMS Gains Additional Helicopter HUMS Distribution

Data from health and usage monitoring system helps helicopters fly safely

PremierMRO Adds Collins Aerospace Avionics Dealership

A variety of avionics services come with the dealership designation

Fokker To Modify C-390s for NATO Special Missions

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

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

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN