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

Jump Aero today announced plans to develop a new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft specifically for emergency medical service first responders. The California-based startup is seeking input from prospective users, investors, and partners to determine specifications for the aircraft.

 


Its all-electric aircraft is expected to fly at speeds of up to 200 mph and be able to land on a suburban street. The payload and dimensions of the eVTOL have yet to be determined, and no images of the envisioned&nbsp;design have yet been released.

 


Jump Aero was formed by CEO Carl Dietrich, who previously founded Terrafugia, which is developing a flying car called the Transition and the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2018-10-10/terrafugia-prepping-transition-production">TF-2 eVTOL</a>. He left the company in April 2019 after selling it to China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

 


Dietrich told AIN that he expects the as-yet-unnamed aircraft to supplement the role of ground-based EMS vehicles, rather than replacing helicopters. “This will fill a new role for an aircraft [in EMS operations], providing quick response to advanced life support calls that are currently filled by ambulances and rescue trucks,” he explained. The new company claims its aircraft will save lives by cutting in half the time it takes first responders to reach patients.

 


Jump Aero is backed by some undisclosed private investors and is seeking further capital. Dietrich is the president and chief designer for the company, for which co-founders also include Jeff Myjak (head of fabrication), who is president of composite boat builder Still Water Design;&nbsp;and Anna Dietrich, who was formerly COO and CFO with Terrafugia and is now co-executive director of the newly formed <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2019-11-06/new-urban-air-mobility-group-hopes-help-shape-future-policy">Community Air Mobility Initiative</a>. The new company’s advisory board includes Michael Dyment, founder and managing director of Nexa Capital Partners, and TJ Kennedy, co-founder of the Public Safety Network, which supports first responders.

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.

Jump Aero's new eVTOL aircraft will be for EMS services

Jump Aero, launched by Terrafugia founder Carl Dietrich, wants to develop an eVTOL aircraft specifically to support emergency medical services.

Jump Aero To Develop an Emergency Medical Service eVTOL Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

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.

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.

Baykar intends to preserve Piaggio’s identity and ‘relaunch’ the company 

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Curt Epstein

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.

The group is working to restore the first production Lear Jet to flight.

DAS Aviation Signs On as Classic Lear Jet Sponsor

AmyWilder

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.

Acquisition strengthens Woodward’s aircraft technology portfolio 

Woodward, Safran Ink Deal for Electromechanical Assets

Matt Thurber

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.

Company president Jason Huang resigns and Lily Hu takes over

Icon Aircraft Moving Some Manufacturing to China

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 

Volocopter Makes Final Push Toward eVTOL Aircraft Type Certification

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

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

New Zealand Air Ambulance Service Orders Beta's eVTOL Aircraft

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

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