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

True Blue Power unveiled two main ship lithium-ion batteries designed for smaller general aviation aircraft today at the Aircraft Electronics Association Convention. This fills&nbsp;in the company's line of lithium batteries for all segments of aviation, from experimental aircraft to business jets and commercial and military aircraft. The batteries&nbsp;are available for 14- and 28-volt electrical systems.
Both new batteries retail for $2,499 and have on-condition maintenance, “intelligent cockpit communication via discrete output and RS-232," and come with integral charge current limiting. Weight savings compared to lead-acid batteries is about 20 pounds; each battery weighs 10 pounds. The TB14 for 28-volt aircraft is a 13-amp-hour battery, while the 14-volt TB28-12V is a 26-amp-hour battery.&nbsp;True Blue Power plans to obtain supplemental type certification for the TB14 and TB28-12V in a variety of aircraft models.
In addition to the weight savings, lithium main ship batteries provide faster and more reliable engine starts, according to parent company Mid-Continent, as well as “superior performance in extreme temperatures, from -20 degrees&nbsp;to +70 degrees C.” Maintenance costs are lower, by up to 90 percent, while battery life is&nbsp;eight years&nbsp;and capacity checks are not required.

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.

True Blue Power Adds Lithium-ion Batteries for a Variety of Light Aircraft Models

The new main ship batteries from True Blue Power weigh just 10 pounds and are designed for 14- and 28-volt light aircraft electrical systems. 

True Blue Power Adds Lithium Batteries for Light Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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 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.

Industry experts believed the FAA letter overstepped bounds

FAA Rescinds Burdensome Maintenance Interpretation

Curt Epstein

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.

Aircraft Electronics Association 2023

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Industry experts believed the FAA letter overstepped bounds

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Former Western Jet Aviation facility joined StandardAero in 2023

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