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

Nextant Aerospace has achieved the first phase in its Challenger 604XT remanufacturing program: STC approval of the Rockwell Collins touchscreen Pro Line Fusion flight deck upgrade on the large-cabin Bombardier business jet. Subsequent phases will include new cabin floor plans, a composite interior shell with LED lighting, oversized tables, and performance enhancements such as a 500-nm range extension and increasing its maximum altitude to FL450, from FL410.

 


The 604XT is the first business jet to be certified with touchscreen panel displays; other business jets with touchscreens use them for avionics control&nbsp;and, in the case of the Gulfstream G500/G600, also to replace overhead systems buttons and switches. Honeywell and Garmin touchscreen-controlled avionics are becoming increasingly popular in jets, but Rockwell Collins is the first to certify touchscreen panel-mounted displays in business aircraft—King Airs and now the 604XT. Honeywell is also offering touchscreen panel displays as a potential upgrade for Epic-based flight decks.

 


The 604XT program is being done “in collaboration” with Rockwell Collins and Bombardier. Avionics features of the Pro Line Fusion upgrade include the touchscreens, synthetic vision with airport dome, WAAS/LPV, ADS-B Out, and a Mid-Continent Instruments Standby Attitude Module. Options will include Safe Flight AutoPower autothrottles, as well as FANS 1/A and ATN B1 datalink (formerly Link 2000+).

 


According to Nextant, the first customer delivery of a 604XT with the avionics upgrades will take place next month. More than 25 installations have been sold. “We have three aircraft in-house ready for installation, plus seven more scheduled before year-end,” said Nextant Aerospace executive vice president Mark O’Donnell.

 


The 604XT is Nextant’s third remanufacturing program, joining the 400XT and G90XT programs.

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

Nextant Receives STC for Challenger 604XT Flight Deck

The Nextant 604XT, the first business jet with touchscreen panel displays, has been approved by the FAA.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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 developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

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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.

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