Charles Alcock
Managing Editor
Charles Alcock is a senior editor with AIN, 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 Manchester University in the northwest of England and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.
Latest from Charles Alcock
FutureFlight On The Radar
UK Industry Group Urges Stronger Government Backing for Advanced Air Mobility
A report published by an aerospace, defense, security, and space trade association says failure to act could undermine efforts for UK companies to achieve leadership in the new sector.
FutureFlight
Advanced Air Mobility Aspirations Were High On The Agenda At Heli-Expo Show
Industry leaders shared insights into what the new air transportation services will look like and the issues they are facing to launch operations with new electric aircraft.
FutureFlight
Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation Backs Airbus Study On Emergency Medical Role For eVTOL Aircraft
Norway's geography poses particular challenges to the task of getting urgent care to patients in life-threatening situations.
FutureFlight
No Shortcuts in Evia Aero's Path To Being Europe's First Green Regional Airline
The Bremen, Germany-based start-up believes that operating in a truly sustainable way means driving emissions out of every aspect of its operation from day one.
Avionics
EC145s and Chinook Helicopters To Get Foresight MX HUMS
GPMS International is working with Metro Aviation and Columbia Helicopters to certify its predictive health and usage monitoring systems for more aircraft.
Security
MedAire Opens Up Historical Airport Risk Data to Portal Users
The travel risk management company MedAire is now offering almost a decade of past data from its airport assessments.
Aircraft
Advanced Air Mobility Pioneers Aim to Transform Vertical Flight
Plans for a Norwegian emergency medical service to deploy the CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL are set to be among the early use cases for all-electric aircraft.
Aircraft
Rotortrade Closes Helicopter Deals in Nigeria, Guatemala
Leonardo distributor Rotortrade has sold aircraft to operators in West Africa and Central America this week.
Maintenance and Modifications
Foresight MX HUMS Now Available For MD 530F Helicopters
The Foresight predictive health and usage monitoring system continuously monitors the condition of the aircraft's engine and drivetrain.
ATC
FreeFlight Terrain Radar Altimeters Block 5G Interference
The manufacturer has appointed AvPanels as a preferred reseller for equipment it says is the first major upgrade to radio frequency circuits in decades.
Engines
New StartStick 20 Portable GPU Supports Larger Aircraft
Aviation Battery Systems has expanded its range of products to provide flexibility and cost savings for operators of heavy twin-engine helicopters.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Guardian and Flightcell Launch Iridium Certus System
Expected to result in cost savings for small aircraft operators, the new Iridium Certus 100 system delivers 88 kbps bi-directional data connectivity.
Aircraft
Spanish Private Owner is Latest European Customer for Bell 429
The twin-engine Bell 429 will be operated by Costa del Sol-based sales representative World Aviation for VIP transportation and charter flights.
Engines
Rolls-Royce Recognizes Top Performing Engine Service Centers
Four service providers in the engine maker's First Network this week received awards for the support they provide to helicopter operators.
Maintenance and Modifications
Coulson Adds High Capacity Tanks to Chinook Firefighters
Coulson Aviation is working with Columbia Helicopters to install RADS-L high-flow tanks for water or fire retardant to the Model 234 Chinook rotorcraft.
Avionics
Enstrom Upgrades Helicopter Cockpit Displays
Enstrom's 2023 480B and 280FX models will feature Garmin G500H TXi all-glass instrument panels and Howell digital engine instrumentation systems.
Charter & Fractional
Korean Forest Service Orders Columbia's New-build 234 Chinook
The sale reflects Columbia Helicopter's emphasis on manufacturing, overhauling, and upgrading the venerable family of heavy-lift rotorcraft.
Rotorcraft
Kaan Air and Vulcan Join To Sell Leonardo Helos
Kaan Air formed a joint venture with Vulcan Aviation to sell rotorcraft in the UK and Ireland.
Rotorcraft
Vertical Flight Society Taps Collins as New Director
VFS is bringing Angelo Collins on board as executive director in June as Michael Hirschberg becomes director of strategy.
Aircraft
Airbus Launches IFR-capable H125 Helicopter
With a cockpit upgrade including a three-axis autopilot from Genesys Aerosystems, the IFR-certified H125 will operate more flexibly.
Rotorcraft
HAI Members Get Help with Safety Management Systems
Wyvern will help helicopter operators to implement safety management systems that will soon be required by the FAA for air tour operators.
Rotorcraft
Bell Sells Seven More 407 GXis To European Customers
Operators in Ireland, the UK, and Poland have placed orders for the latest version of the Bell 407 family of single-engine helicopters.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
HAI Program Simplifies Pilot Training and Check Tasks
Helicopter Institute will oversee all pilot training and evaluations, including scheduling, tracking, and verifying proficiency and competency.
Aircraft
Airbus Invests in Strong North American Rotorcraft Market
Airbus Helicopters grew its share of the North American market to 61 percent in 2022, with growing demand for its twin-engine models.
Regulations and Government
HAI Explores Rebranding To Reflect Evolving Priorities
The Helicopter Association International could soon be renamed to underline its commitment to new forms of vertical aviation.
Engines
Precision Aviation Boosts MRO Offering With PTB Acquisition
Adding PTB's 23 maintenance, repair, and overhaul locations brings significant support capability for Pratt & Whitney PT6 and Honeywell TPE331 engines.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Meridian Completes Full Bell 206L4 Refurbishment
The model Meridian delivered to New York Helicopter Charter has a fully overhauled engine, new avionics, and equipment including wire strike protection.
Maintenance and Modifications
Phenix Will Equip Ultra 2XL Drone with Multi-use Cargo Hook
Onboard Systems is helping Phenix Solutions design and certify the equipment for the Ultra 2XL unmanned aircraft system.
Aircraft
Assembly Close For First CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL Prototype
As it prepares for eVTOL flight testing is taking a thorough, partnership-based approached to building the advanced air mobility ecosystem.
FutureFlight
Sustainable Aviation Group to Release Air Transport Carbon Roadmap
The UK industry coalition of airlines, airports and other stakeholders is presenting its agenda for achieving net zero carbon emissions during the Sustainable Skies event to be held during April in Farnborough.
