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

Doroni Aerospace is aiming to complete the construction of a full-scale prototype of its planned H1 eVTOL aircraft by June as it prepares to begin flight testing later in 2022. Over the past year or so, the U.S.-based start-up has shifted its plans to develop a two-seater vehicle after hearing feedback from prospective customers on an earlier single-seat model.
According to founder and CEO Doron Merdinger, the H1 is mainly aimed at personal transportation and freight operations, rather than commercial air taxi services, and has a target base price of up to $150,000. The company intends to certify the vehicle under light-sport aircraft rules that would not require operators to have a full pilot’s license; they would simply need to&nbsp;undergo 15 hours of training and complete five&nbsp;solo flight hours.
The all-electric design features two sets of wings, each integrated with a pair of ducted fans. With a 500-pound payload, the H1 is expected to have a range of 60 miles and fly at speeds of up to around 140 mph. Merdinger told FutureFlight that the range limit might double by 2024 when his team aims to be ready to start deliveries.
The company was founded in 2016 by Merdinger and Ukrainian aerospace engineer Roman Antonov, who started his career with the country’s famous Antonov Design Bureau. Merdinger’s own background has mainly been in the luxury goods business.
In 2021, Doroni achieved second place in the Florida Aerospace Consortium’s Innovation and Tech Forum. To date, it has raised almost $500,000 through crowd-funding and recently moved into a production facility in Coral Springs, Florida.

Charles Alcock

Doroni Aerospace says its H1 personal eVTOL aircraft will be operated by owners under light sports aircraft rules requiring only limited flight training. (Image: Doroni Aerospace)

Doroni Starts Construction of Full-Scale H1 Personal eVTOL Aircraft

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