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

Business aircraft operators are frustrated that the FAA takes so long–months in many cases–to sign off Letters of Authorization (LOA), principally for RVSM operations. One operator has been waiting five months for an LOA after a Falcon changed ownership in April; this jet is flown and maintained by the same crew, and it was already N registered and RVSM approved before the sale. The operator recently nearly declared an emergency because he wasn’t allowed to climb above 29,000 feet and was facing a line of thunderstorms. If you have experienced significant delays with the LOA process that compromise safety, or if you are an FAA inspector who wishes to give your side of this issue, please contact AIN senior editor <a href="mailto:mthurber@ainonline.com?subject=LOA%20delays">Matt Thurber</a> with full assurance of anonymity.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

AIN Seeks Operator Input on FAA Letters of Authorization Delays

One operator has been waiting five months for an LOA after a Falcon changed ownership in April.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

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

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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.

PRD ushers in a new era of efficiency and a new bureaucracy

The Double-edged Sword of the Pilot Records Database

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.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

More In Regulations and Government

The Double-edged Sword of the Pilot Records Database

PRD ushers in a new era of efficiency and a new bureaucracy

Advanced Air Mobility Sector Welcomes FAA's eVTOL Operating Rules

Regulator's "October surprise" turned out to be a good one for the advanced air mobility sector

NBAA, Collins Aerospace End APIS Service Agreement

Alternative services and declining participation led to the change

NATA CS Buys Compliance and Safety Management Rival

The combined platform promises new advancements in AI and automation

Energy Reserves and Pilot Training For eVTOLs Addressed in FAA's SFAR Rules

Developers of "powered-lift" aircraft are digesting what the details mean for their eVTOL business plans

Joby Discusses eVTOL Rules with International Aviation Safety Agencies

Officials from the UK, Japan, and Australia are being hosted at the company's California HQ this week

Rolland Vincent Associates Joins IBAC Partnership Group

Consultancy will work to support bizav growth

Charter Safety Group Adopts Document Management System

Air Charter Safety Foundation wants to encourage members to digitize documents

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