A lifelong aviation enthusiast who joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in 2007, Curt came to&nbsp;the publication&nbsp;from the broadcast industry where he was a national science and technology television reporter and producer. He writes on the FBO field, aviation finance, and sustainable aviation and occasionally contributes to&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;sister publication&nbsp;Business Jet Traveler. Curt was a member of the AINtv reporting staff that won the 2008 Aerospace Journalist of the Year award for Best Airshow Daily. That same year, he was a finalist for another AJOYA award. He earned an AJOYA for Best Business Aviation Submission in 2018 and was a finalist in that category in 2021. He received the National Air Transportation Association’s&nbsp; Aviation Journalist Award in 2012 and won a Pegasus Sapphire Business Aviation Award for outstanding journalism in 2021.
Before joining AIN, Curt worked with&nbsp;Consumer Reports’ television division, CRTV, and for several local television news staffs. An honors graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University in 1995. Curt lives in New York State with his wife and two young sons.

Business Aviation Services Editor

Curt Epstein

As demand for aircraft on ground (AOG) services continues to <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-06-08/west-star-aviation-rises-meet-soaring-aog-demand">rise</a>, MRO provider West Star Aviation has introduced a live AOG Technician Map. The map gives aircraft operators greater awareness of and access to the company's AOG support network of more than 250 technicians across the U.S.
West Star, which provides round-the-clock mobile maintenance support for operators requiring immediate service away from their home base, said the interactive map includes each technician’s call sign, technical skills, and assigned region. These details make it easier for operators to understand the scale of West Star’s mobile support organization and the level of expertise available nationwide, according to the company.
Supporting the AOG network is a dedicated control center staffed by a dozen people providing around-the-clock coordination and dispatch support to help ensure rapid response when customers need immediate maintenance assistance.
According to the Illinois-based company, the launch of the technician map reflects its continued investment in its AOG capabilities, including expanded technician staff and increased resources to support grounded aircraft.

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.

West Star Aviation Introduces Online AOG Technician Map

The interactive map shows operators where to find 24/7 assistance

West Star Aviation has launched an online interactive AOG technician map that shows aircraft operators where they can locate immediate maintenance help. 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

AIN's Matt Thurber caught up with True Blue Power's chief test pilot and president at EAA Airventure.

True Blue Lithium-ion Battery Powers SIAI-Marchetti S.211 Jet Trainer Electrical System

Charles Alcock

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.

Dassault-owned group's Johannesburg facility supports multiple bizjet types

African Bizav Market Growth Lifts ExecuJet MRO Services

Matt Thurber

In-house-developed system serves all stakeholders involved in supporting aircraft

Central Flying Invites Customers To View Mx Status

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 aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Company says maintenance providers need a way to count the real cost of delivery delays

Applying AI to Drill Into MROs’ Supply Chain Bottlenecks

Amy Wilder

Authorization adds to Oklahoma facility’s GE and Rolls-Royce approvals 

Mint Turbines Gains PT6 Engine Overhaul Authorizations

Upgrade paired with scheduled maintenance package

Thornton Aviation Delivers Challenger 604 Upgrade

First installation set for end of September

FAA Clears Lithium Battery for Gulfstream Jets

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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