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

P1, the first production version of the Cirrus Vision SF50 single-engine jet, took off from Duluth (Minn.) International Airport on Thursday, flown by test pilot Terry LeSage. “Pilot feedback on P1 is simple,” he said. “The aircraft handled just great. It was not noticeably different from C2 [the third conforming test article], with handling qualities matching those of its predecessors and all systems working as intended.”&nbsp;

 


After about 10 days of flying, P1 will be painted and then will fly for another week before undergoing final interior and exterior detailing. FAA certification of the all-composite Vision Jet is planned by the end of next month.

 


P1’s primary mission will be proving the Vision type-rating training program for approval by the FAA’s Flight Standardization Board. Rob Haig, executive director of flight operations, will oversee development of the training program and Vision instructor pilot training.

 


The Cirrus backlog is up to more than 600 aircraft and the company is preparing for high-volume production. Major structural components are built at the company’s&nbsp;composites facility&nbsp;in Grand Forks, N.D. then shipped to Duluth for final assembly. P1 is also being used to help prove each step of the design and build process. This includes trimming, drilling, bonding, hardware and systems installation, attaching the wing and stabilizer, engine installation, mounting flight controls and accessories, then painting with the first coat of primer.&nbsp;

 


According to Cirrus, “The pace of completing this first production aircraft has been deliberate and steady by design. It is built in tandem with the certification test process and must be proved at each station. The structural components led the way, enduring a long and rigorous&nbsp;testing process before P1’s structures could be built. Next, the airplane moved into testing of the lamination and bonding processes, then systems testing with subsequent installation and addition of components within that area.”

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.

Cirrus Flies First Production Vision Jet

The first production Cirrus Vision Jet will be used for proving the jet's type-rating training program.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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

People In Aviation

Kerry Lynch

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.

Next delivery for BACN program slated for 2025

Bombardier's USAF BACN Global Jet Deliveries Reach Eight

Milestone reached two years after the latest version entered service

Bombardier's Challenger 3500 Reaches 100th Delivery

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

Garmin's Autoland feature could save lives if a pilot becomes incapacitated 

Textron Cessna Citation CJ4, CJ3, and M2 Jets Updated to Gen3 with Garmin Autoland

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.

Hybrid-electric aircraft will operate in VTOL or STOL modes with range of up to around 544 nm

Manta Turns to China's Shenyang Aviation To Advance VTOL/STOL Aircraft

Sarah Rose

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.

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.

Fastest single-engine aircraft in Piper’s history gets nods from EASA and other agencies

M700 Fury Racks Up Foreign Certifications

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.

More In Aircraft

People In Aviation

People in Aviation

Bombardier's USAF BACN Global Jet Deliveries Reach Eight

Next delivery for BACN program slated for 2025

Bombardier's Challenger 3500 Reaches 100th Delivery

Milestone reached two years after the latest version entered service

Textron Cessna Citation CJ4, CJ3, and M2 Jets Updated to Gen3 with Garmin Autoland

Garmin's Autoland feature could save lives if a pilot becomes incapacitated

Manta Turns to China's Shenyang Aviation To Advance VTOL/STOL Aircraft

Hybrid-electric aircraft will operate in VTOL or STOL modes with range of up to around 544 nm

M700 Fury Racks Up Foreign Certifications

Fastest single-engine aircraft in Piper’s history gets nods from EASA and other agencies

FAI Rent-a-jet Nominated for ITIJ Air Ambulance Award

Marks the operator's sixth nomination for the International Travel & Health Insurance Journal (ITIJ) Awards

Textron Aviation Ships 41 Bizjets in 3Q Despite Strike

Four-week strike will affect aircraft deliveries in the fourth quarter

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