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.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

The Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet turned heads at this week’s Festival of Speed show at Goodwood Aerodrome in southern England when it became the first business jet to land on the rural site’s 2,621-foot&nbsp;grass runway. The Swiss manufacturer is&nbsp;in the process of getting the PC-24 certified for operations on grass, with the super-midsize&nbsp;twinjet&nbsp;having already been approved for dirt and gravel runways by both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the U.S. FAA.

 


According to Pilatus, the PC-24’s short-and-unpaved landing capability allows it to operate from almost twice as many airports as comparably sized jets. The aircraft also is approved for steep approach, such as the 5.5-degree approach to London City Airport.

 


At the Festival of Speed event (July 4-7), the PC-24 is being displayed in the VIP air arrival area alongside a pair of Pilatus PC-12NG turboprop singles by UK authorized Pilatus center&nbsp;Oriens Aviation. Also featured in the event’s aviation display area are Bell 407 and 505 helicopters and a PAL-V Liberty flying car.

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.

The PC-24 jet is on display at Goodwood's Festival of Speed.

The PC-24 jet is being certified for grass field operations and demonstrated this capability by landing at the UK's Goodwood Festival of Speed show.

PC-24 Shows Versatility with Grass Strip Touchdown

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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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.

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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.

An average of seven Vision Jets per month were delivered during the first three quarters of this year

Cirrus Delivers 600th Vision Jet Since 2016 Market Entry

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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.

Latest prototype of the two-seater now features improved rotors 

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Agreement covers up to 12 of the Alia-250 model and is Beta's second sale in New Zealand

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New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Midnight eVTOL aircraft production begins in 2025

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Deliveries of the turboprop single can now start in the UK

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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.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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