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 Sporty’s PJ2 GPS is the company’s newest handheld radio and adds basic GPS navigation features to the product line that features standard headset jacks with no adapter required. Now available, the 1.18-pound PJ2 GPS retails for $399.
With 6 watts of transmit power, the PJ2 GPS includes a com radio with one-touch emergency frequency activation that also pulls up GPS navigation to a designated home airport. While the color screen doesn’t include a moving map, the GPS does display groundspeed, altitude, track, and simplified GPS navigation.
Users can store up to 100 frequencies, and the radio includes a built-in intercom for aircraft that aren’t equipped with electrical systems. Pilots can use headsets with Bluetooth connectivity to connect to the PJ2 or earbuds when listening on the ground.
PJ2 GPS power is available from two sources: either a lithium-ion battery or a backup AA battery pack. A USB-C power input is available to charge the lithium-ion battery or to provide external power.
“Sixty-five years ago, the first product ever sold by Sporty’s was a custom radio,” said president and CEO John Zimmerman. “While technology has evolved dramatically, our focus remains the same: delivering pilot-friendly tools that work exactly when you need them most.”

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

Sporty’s PJ2 GPS Adds Nav Features to Handheld Radio

Device features standard headset plugs with no adapter required

With 6 watts of transmit power, the PJ2 GPS includes a com radio with one-touch emergency frequency activation that pulls up GPS nav to a designated airport. 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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.

Airline-focused app’s latest version gains a number of new features

Jeppesen ForeFlight Adds FliteDeck Pro Graphical Notams

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.

T4000 bundles multiple sensors into a single heated unit

Microair Integrates Pitot Probe with Air Data Computer

Units equipped with no-memory-effect nickel-metal hydride batteries

Emergency Battery Power Supplies Are True Blue’s Newest

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.

Dealers and manufacturers share information at the annual confab

Avionics Industry Optimistic as AEA Opens Convention

Charles Alcock

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

U.S. start-up aims to convert civil and military aircraft to uncrewed operations 

Merlin IPO Raises $200 Million for Autonomous Flight Goals

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Procedures help pilots flying into challenging airports and at night

Garmin Adds 15 More Guided Visual Approaches to Database

Adds to company’s capabilities in avionics and flight control design

Innovative Aerosystems Buys S-TEC 3100 Autopilot Line

Amy Wilder

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.

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

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.

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