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

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.

Ultra-long-range model has amassed 75 records, many from customer trips

Speed Records Abound for Bombardier's Global 7500

We talk through the process from conception to delivery

Flying Privately: How Aircraft Like the Bombardier Global 7500 Come to Life

Hanneke Weitering

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 about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

AltiSky will assemble, sell, and service VoltAero's aircraft

VoltAero Picks U.S. Distributor for Cassio Hybrid-electric Aircraft 

Jennifer Leach English

Company noncommittal on expanding its lineup upwards, citing $1B investment cost

Embraer’s Plans for a Larger Bizjet Remain Up in the Air

Operations ebbed, backlogs were steady, and available aircraft increased

GJC: Bizjet Market Continues To Stabilize in 3Q2024

Greenville-based charter operator pre-orders 10 eVTOL air taxis

SAI Flight To Operate SkyDrive eVTOL in South Carolina

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

NBAA-BACE 2022

More In Aircraft

Speed Records Abound for Bombardier's Global 7500

Ultra-long-range model has amassed 75 records, many from customer trips

Flying Privately: How Aircraft Like the Bombardier Global 7500 Come to Life

We talk through the process from conception to delivery

VoltAero Picks U.S. Distributor for Cassio Hybrid-electric Aircraft

AltiSky will assemble, sell, and service VoltAero's aircraft

Embraer’s Plans for a Larger Bizjet Remain Up in the Air

Company noncommittal on expanding its lineup upwards, citing $1B investment cost

GJC: Bizjet Market Continues To Stabilize in 3Q2024

Operations ebbed, backlogs were steady, and available aircraft increased

SAI Flight To Operate SkyDrive eVTOL in South Carolina

Greenville-based charter operator pre-orders 10 eVTOL air taxis

AMSL Starts Untethered Flight Tests with Vertiia eVTOL Aircraft

Australian start-up is developing a hydrogen-powered aircraft

Deliveries Increase as EHang Works to Boost eVTOL Aircraft Performance

Chinese manufacturing wants to extend range with solid-state batteries

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