Charles Alcock
Managing Editor
Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.
Latest from Charles Alcock
FutureFlight
Hatzolah Air Ambulance Group Orders Four CityHawk VTOL Aircraft
The hybrid-powered CityHawk will feature a specially designed cabin for carrying patients and medical staff.
FutureFlight
Integrated Propeller Plane Concept Makes the Case For All-electric Airliners
Conseil et Technique is proposing to replace wing-mounted turbofans with an electric propulsion system installed around the rear fuselage of airliners.
FutureFlight
EASA Takes More Time to Prepare Special Condition VTOL Certification Rules
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has combined general aviation and vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in its reorganized certification department.
Regulations and Government
EASA Merges General Aviation and VTOL Certification
The European aviation safety agency has reorganized its certification directorate, combining general aviation fixed wing aircraft with VTOL designs.
Charter & Fractional
NetJets Pilots Sign New Pay and Scheduling Deal
A new collective bargaining agreement with NetJets gives U.S. flight crew pay rises and introduces new variable compensation for European pilots.
Aircraft
New Wave of eVTOL Aircraft Set to Keep Surging in 2021
In 2020, the Covid pandemic failed to dent the momentum for advanced air mobility, so expect more from this rampant sector in 2021.
FutureFlight
FAA Issues Final Remote ID Rule for Unmanned Aircraft
The FAA also is allowing small drones to be flown at night and over people.
Regulations and Government
FAA Issues Final Remote ID Rule for Unmanned Aircraft
The FAA has issued new rules requiring the remote ID of unmanned aircraft and permitting small drones to be flown over people and at night.
Engines
French Innovator Pushes Reboot of Propulsion Architecture
Conseil et Technique believes it can make electric power work for airliners by moving propulsion hardware off wings and to the rear of the fuselage.
FutureFlight
Rolls Looks Beyond E-Fan X Program To Reassess Green Propulsion Priorities
The UK-based group is concluding low-profile work on a ground-based testbed for electric and hybrid-electric aircraft propulsion systems.
Regulations and Government
U.S. Imposes Aerospace Export Controls on China, Russia
U.S. firms face complications in dealing with Chinese and Russian aerospace companies after the Commerce Department issued a new Military End User List.
Accidents
Traffic Data Recaps Max Grounding and Return to Service
Satellite data from Spire Aviation provides a vivid snapshot of how Boeing's 737 Max was grounded in March 2019 and how it has returned to service.
Airports
Biggin Hill Airport Presses Ahead with Expansion Plans
Despite the Covid crisis, London's Biggin Hill Airport is seeing further investment in new facilities to bolster its position as a key UK bizav gateway.
FutureFlight
Xwing's Grand Caravans Join Covid Vaccine Distribution Effort
New charter operator Xwing has been delivering vaccines to the Navajo Nation in Arizona.
FutureFlight
U.S. Air Force Backs Elroy's Chaparral Freighter with Follow-on Agility Prime Contract
After making some changes to the Chaparral prototype, Elroy Air expects to resume flight testing of the hybrid-electric cargo transport during 2021.
FutureFlight On The Radar
Venture Capitalists Take a Fresh Look at the Drone Economy
Levitate Capital sees the commercial air mobility sector getting established more slowly than some eVTOL aircraft developers expect, but potentially being a dominant facet of what it calls "the drone economy."
Aircraft
Sustainable D328eco Aims To Lead Turboprop Renaissance
Deutsche Aircraft believes a slow recovery from Covid will inspire airlines to exploit the cost efficiency of turboprop aircraft like its new D328eco.
Accidents
Senate Report Blasts FAA and Boeing Over Max Recertification
The Senate report alleges that Boeing pressured FAA test pilots in human factors evaluation of the 737 Max's Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation.
FutureFlight
MAHEPA Program Prepares to Fly Hybrid Version of Pipistrel's Panthera
The European 'green aviation' group recently conducted flight trials with a hydrogen-powered hybrid-electric Hy4 technology demonstrator.
FutureFlight
Smart, Light, Compact Motor and Controller Improve Hydrogen-Electric Propulsion
Aeristech is providing its electric motor and controller technology to support ZeroAvia's new hybrid hydrogen-electric propulsion system for aircraft.
FutureFlight
Faradair Recruits Partners to Back Bio Electric Hybrid Aircraft Program
The UK company is being supported by Honeywell, MagniX, Cambridge Consultants and Nova Systems as it prepares to fly a prototype in 2024.
FutureFlight
Los Angeles Plots Its Own Path to Urban Air Mobility Through New Partnership
Hyundai is supporting the LA's public-private alliance to lay the groundwork for eVTOL air taxi service to launch in 2023.
FutureFlight
VerdeGo Helps Jaunt Boost Range With Hybrid-Electric Generator
Jaunt wants to offer the potential for long-range trips beyond the 80-mile limits of its all-electric eVTOL family.
Aircraft
Faradair's BEHA Hybrid Aircraft Boosted By Partnerships
Honeywell, MagniX, Cambridge Consultants and Nova Systems named as program partners for Faradair's Bio Electric Hybrid Aircraft.
FutureFlight
Airbus Reveals Alternative "Podded" Design For Hydrogen-Powered Airliners
The European aerospace group is evaluating a number of potential designs for hydrogen-powered aircraft through its ZeroE program.
FutureFlight
ZeroAvia Raises $37.7 million to Advance Hydrogen Propulsion Technology
The company aims to be able to power a 20-seat aircraft on flights as long as 575 miles by 2023 and is preparing for a 250-mile demonstration flight in a smaller aircraft by March 2021.
FutureFlight On The Radar
How Cities Can Try Virtual Urban Air Mobility in a Simulator
The Arch UAM Grand Challenge will provide three cities with a free urban air mobility simulator to help them evaluate plans for integrating eVTOL aircraft into their transportation plans.
Aircraft
ZeroAvia's Hydrogen Airliner Plans Get $37.7 Million Boost
British Airways, Bill Gates, the UK government and an assortment of venture capitalists are among those supporting ZeroAvia's hydrogen propulsion plans.
FutureFlight
Manta Makes First Flight with ANN2 Hybrid VTOL/STOL Model
The Swiss-Italian company aims to have a full-scale prototype flying in 2022 and be ready to start pre-production in 2023, and service entry in 2025.
FutureFlight
Eviation Says Alice Prototype Will Start Flight Tests in 2021
Flight testing of the all-electric Alice fixed-wing aircraft was delayed following a fire in the batteries during ground testing in January 2020.
