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 business aviation community got a close look at the air mobility change that is coming in the shape of new electric and increasingly autonomous aircraft this week at NBAA-BACE 2022.&nbsp;A higher-profile emerging technologies zone at the show includes several pioneers working to bring eVTOL and eSTOL aircraft to market.

 


The most eye-catching item in an array of new aircraft models is the cabin mockup for Supernal’s four-passenger eVTOL. The Hyundai Motor subsidiary gave visitors the chance to be virtual air-taxi passengers by enjoying a simulated ride to a shopping center and restaurant.

 


Also pitching their plans for the advanced mobility sector are rival eVTOL aircraft developers Jaunt, Overair, and Wisk. Electra is displaying a model of its nine-passenger eSTOL aircraft and on Tuesday announced the signing of a letter of intent with private charter group Welojets, which plans to add 32 of the hybrid-electric models to its fleet.

 


Representing efforts to introduce hydrogen propulsion to the aviation sector is ZeroAvia. The company is preparing to start test flights with its fuel-cell-based powertrain on a 19-seat Dornier 228 aircraft.

 


Also on Tuesday, NBAA held a panel discussion on the certification process for new electric aircraft that also covered preparations for AAM infrastructure. Speakers included leaders from Overair, Archer Aviation, Textron eAviation, and Eviation, which last month achieved first flight of its all-electric Alice aircraft. From the FAA, associate administrator&nbsp;for airports Shannetta Griffin, and acting associate administrator for aviation safety David Boulter, emphasized that the agency is stepping up its efforts to have a sound regulatory process in place.

 


“The eVTOL aircraft have given us a different [certification] challenge with the electric motors and higher volumes [of production],” Boulter said. “We have settled on FAR 21.17(b) as the certification basis, combining Part 23 and Part 27 with some special conditions. For operations, we will treat them as powered lift somewhere in the middle of fixed-wing and helicopter rules. We will have the operational rules in place in time, including requirements for pilots.”

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.

Advanced Air Mobility Pioneers Point To Bizav's Future

Developers of new eVTOL and eSTOL aircraft got a lot of attention at this week's NBAA-BACE.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

Midnight eVTOL aircraft production begins in 2025

Archer Completes Georgia eVTOL Factory

AmyWilder

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.

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.

Deliveries of the turboprop single can now start in the UK

Piper M700 Fury Secures UK CAA Nod

Kerry Lynch

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.

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.

Testing on Quarterhorse Mk 1 was completed in 21 days

Hermeus Completes Quarterhorse Demonstrator Ground Tests

Jessica Reed

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.

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.

Leadership changes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025

Dave Yip To Take Over as Acting CEO of Metrojet

N1000-XSS1 technology demonstrator achieves first test flight

U.S. Start-up Nimbus Flies Electric Bizjet Demonstrator

Latest structural tests earned credits towards FAA type certification

Joby Completes Static Load Tests on eVTOL Aircraft Tail

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

NBAA-BACE 2022

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