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 supplemental type certificate (STC) for Onboard Systems International's Talon HEC (human external cargo) dual cargo hook system for the Bell 429 helicopter. The STC covers new installations and retrofits of 429s with existing single- and dual-hook cargo hooks.
Onboard Systems' Talon cargo hook kit for the 429 includes fixed provisions, controls, and dual Talon LC hydraulic cargo hooks, according to the company. “The Onboard Systems kits offer improved ground clearance and enhanced safety features such as keeperless hooks that eliminate dynamic rollout, a high-reliability hydraulic backup release system, and an optional Onboard weighing system.”
Capable of use with Part 133 external load missions such as HEC, high-value cargo transport, utility line work, short-haul loads, and search-and-rescue, the maximum capacity for HEC missions is 1,322 pounds. Non-HEC external loads up to 3,000 pounds can be carried.
Both right- and left-hand pilot-in-command position installations are available, as are optional HEC Y-rope, longlines, rigging plates, and other equipment. Retrofit kits are compatible with Bell dual-hook factory-fixed provisions, according to Onboard, which is also offering fixed and removable provisions kits.
Customers have been asking for the Onboard HEC kit “for years,” said Mike Fox, v-p of sales and marketing. “We've just shipped our first system to our launch customer, Capitol Helicopters, and are now ramping up production to fulfill follow-on orders.”

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Onboard Talon Dual Cargo Hook Approved in Bell 429 Helicopters

Kits are retrofittable to 429s with existing single- or dual-hook systems

The Onboard Talon cargo hook kit for the Bell 429 includes fixed provisions, controls, and dual Talon LC hydraulic cargo hooks. 

Onboard Talon Dual Cargo Hook Approved in Bell 429

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

Single-flight-control user interface makes helicopter flying safer and easier

FAA Issues Special Airworthiness Cert for Skyryse One

Kerry Lynch

Helicopter flights will be available to transport attendees between the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport

Blade Helo Shuttle Service Returns to 2024 NBAA-BACE

Europe was the only region to see sales increase, up by 5%

Aero Asset: Twin-engine Helo Market Retail Sales Drop

Company plans to offer medevac, cargo and passenger transport, and utility services

SGi Becomes Leonardo AW09 Launch Customer for Indonesia

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

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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.

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Bell 429

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More In Rotorcraft

FAA Issues Special Airworthiness Cert for Skyryse One

Single-flight-control user interface makes helicopter flying safer and easier

Blade Helo Shuttle Service Returns to 2024 NBAA-BACE

Helicopter flights will be available to transport attendees between the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport

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Europe was the only region to see sales increase, up by 5%

SGi Becomes Leonardo AW09 Launch Customer for Indonesia

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Portuguese operator has supported its Spanish client for more than 30 years

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