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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Avionics
AeroSync Max Wireless Comms Will Support C4ISR Platform
Astronautics and Nova Systems are installing search and rescue/law enforcement mission systems on an AW139 helicopter for a European operator.
Avionics
RebTech Gets Approval For UH-60 Night Vision Lighting Mod
RebTech's night vision lighting system is being fitted on a UH-60A helicopter operated by HeliStream.
Avionics
Avidyne and IS&S Unveil Helix Avionics Upgrade
A new package for modernizing in-service helicopters combines Avidyne’s Helios flight management system and the IS&S 10.4-inch flat-panel displays.
Aircraft
Airo Group Commits to SPAC-backed Nasdaq Listing
The U.S. group includes eVTOL aircraft developer Jaunt, Aspen Avionics, and several drone operations and flight training subsidiaries.
FutureFlight
Airo Group Tees Up SPAC-backed Nasdaq Initial Public Offering
The U.S. group includes eVTOL aircraft developer Jaunt Air Mobility, Aspen Avionics, and several drone operations and training businesses.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Babcock Will Lease AW139s for Emergency Medical Flights
Leasing group LCI will deliver the twin-engined helicopters in early 2024 to Babcock's operation in Australia.
Rotorcraft
Airbus and International SOS Seek Emergency Medical Progress
The companies' joint LifeSaver program is exploring how response times could be improved for better healthcare outcomes in countries such as Estonia.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
MD Helicopters Settles Copyright Case With Aerometals
The companies have agreed to work together to resume supplies of components and parts made by Aerometals for MD's rotorcraft.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Brighter Market Outlook Prompts Airbus To Upgrade Helicopters
The next two decades will see rising rotorcraft demand across multiple sectors, according to the latest market forecast from Airbus Helicopters.
FutureFlight
Crowdfunding Raises $2.5 Million for Doroni's H1 Personal eVTOL Aircraft
After an initial tethered hover flight with a technology demonstrator, the U.S. start-up is refining the design for the prototype it is building for piloted flight testing.
