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

Training course developer King Schools is now offering a free course for pilots who want to learn to use a manual E6B flight computer and also unveiled a new course, "Maneuvers for the Private Pilot," last week at the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo.
Company founders John and Martha King recently received the AOPA Richard G. McSpadden General Aviation Safety Award, named for the late AOPA Air Safety Foundation Air Safety Institute senior v-p and well-known safety expert. King Schools also announced that it awarded Jamie Klaes the Martha King scholarship for Female Flight Instructors and Eric Heigis won the King Schools NAFI scholarship.
In keeping with the Kings’ passion for flying, “King Schools over its 50-year history has always supported employees who are seeking to fulfill new flying goals,” according to the company. The latest example is King Schools CEO and co-owner Barry Knuttila, who recently earned his helicopter private pilot certificate. “The aviation journey just doesn’t end. There is always more to learn...and to teach.” Knuttila had always wanted to fly helicopters and has been flying airplanes since he was 18 and teaching pilots for more than 15 years.
“They say you are only a beginner once, but in aviation, you have the unique ability to start all over with a new category of aircraft. Flying a helicopter is great fun but also presented a unique learning curve and new challenges specific to transitioning from airplanes.&nbsp;I was able to once again experience the thrill of a first solo, first cross-country, and the amazing sense of accomplishment that growing in competency brings. It’s recharged me and given me new perspective that I believe will make me a better leader of King Schools and a better aviation instructor.”

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

King Schools Releases New Courses and Announces Awards at Sun 'n Fun

The new manual E6B flight computer course is available for free

“There is always more to learn...and to teach," said King Schools CEO and co-owner Barry Knuttila, who recently earned his helicopter private pilot certificate.

King Schools Releases New Courses, Announces Awards

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Chad Trautvetter

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.

CEO Marc Parent to retire from aviation and defense training provider in August 2025

With Retirement, CAE To Be Parent-less

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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.

Attracting and retaining technicians is a mix of pay and quality of life

AINsight: Future of Aviation’s Mx Workforce

Canadian company takes majority share of business aviation training provider

CAE Ups Ante in Simcom Training Joint Venture

Kerry Lynch

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.

Training program rolled out during PMOPA's annual convention

Piper M-Class Org Seeks To Elevate Training

AmyWilder

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Exploring economic impact of private aviation in Africa

VistaJet Expands in Africa Amid 8% Growth Forecast

Sarah Rose

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.

RFDS Queensland will use Bundaberg-based simulator for pilot training

TRU Simulation's King Air Sim Gets Australia Nod

Hanneke Weitering

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

Aircraft avionics and training systems are evolving with artificial intelligence

AI Elicits a New Generation of Avionics and Pilot Training Tools

Charles Alcock

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

Sun n Fun Aerospace Expo 2024

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King Schools

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