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

Fort Worth's police department signed a purchase agreement with Bell Textron for a second Bell 505 helicopter for its air support unit. The department took delivery of its first Bell 505 in 2021 and it has been a longtime Bell customer, including for the Bell 47 and 206 JetRanger.
The air support unit “plans to increase its public safety presence with the platform’s versatile-mission capabilities, such as search-and-rescue missions,” according to Bell.
“Bell is proud the Fort Worth Police Department has chosen to expand its existing all-Bell public safety fleet with the purchase of an additional Bell 505, continuing our long-standing relationship with the department,” said Lane Evans, Bell's managing director for North America. “We remain confident that the Bell 505 platform will continue to be a great asset to the community and surrounding areas for years to come.”
With a Garmin G1000H NXi glass cockpit and synthetic vision, the 505 offers improved visibility with wide panoramic windows and an open cabin design. It cruises at 125 knots and has a range of 306 nm. Powered by a Safran Arrius 2R turboshaft engine, the 505 can hover in ground effect to 14,450 feet or out of ground effect at 10,460 feet.

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

Fort Worth Police Buy Second Bell 505 Helicopter

Plans call for growing the department's public safety presence

With a Garmin G1000H NXi glass cockpit and synthetic vision, the 505 offers improved visibility with wide panoramic windows and an open cabin design.

Fort Worth Police Buy Second Bell 505

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

Shipment to New Zealand will take place next year after paint and upgrades

Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five AW169 Helicopters

AmyWilder

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 about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Key innovations and safety updates event highlights

European Rotors 2024 Focuses on Vertical Flight Future

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Preowned helicopter specialist is expanding its capabilities

Rotortrade Partners with Safran, Joins Mentor Program

Includes the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in Europe

Bell Logs Sales for 505 and 407GXi Helicopters

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Six accidents, two with fatalities, took place during calendar year 2023

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Charles Alcock

Both manufacturers announced new business during the European Rotors trade show

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Mark Huber

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

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