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

EASA has published the 2025 edition of its European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS), providing updated priorities for national regulators and the industry. The <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/general-publications/european-plan-aviation-safety-epas-2025?utm_campaign=d-20250122&amp;utm_term=pro&amp;mtm_source=notifications&amp;mtm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=title&amp;mtm_placement=content&amp;mtm_group=easa_general_publication">document</a>&nbsp;highlights eight new safety issues and six new rulemaking tasks (RMTs) covering topics such as ground handling, security, and VTOL aircraft.
For instance, under the systemic safety and resilience section of the updated EPAS, the new RMT.0753 is intended to ensure effective implementation of regulations addressing the risks posed to aviation safety by cyberattacks. In the rotorcraft section, there is a new task focused on verifying the integrity of parts relating to helicopter rotor and transmission failures.&nbsp;EASA is also stepping up efforts to support implementation of new European aviation safety regulations covering ground handling at airports.
The rules are set to be published in the next few months, with a transition period covering several years. The agency is already preparing to conduct mock audits to assess how enforcement will work.
In the fourth quarter, EASA will launch a fresh consultation over possible changes to regulations covering aircraft equipment requirements related to airspace use. The latest EPAS does not elaborate on the scope of the consultation, which is expected to support decision-making in 2028, beyond saying that it is intended to address “identified inconsistencies.”

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

EASA Adds Regulatory Tasks to European Plan for Aviation Safety 

New safety topics related to cybersecurity, ground handling, and VTOL aircraft

EASA has published the 2025 edition of its European Plan for Aviation Safety, including several new regulatory tasks on which it will seek industry engagement.

EASA Adds Tasks to European Plan for Aviation Safety 

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.

Workshops will delve into regulatory requirements, managing risk, and using data

ACSF To Host SMS Workshops with Symposium

Curt Epstein

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Quick thinking and decisive action led to a peaceful conclusion

Hero Pilot Apprehends Teen Gunman at Arkansas Airport

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

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 relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Groups say NTSB, FAA, and controllers must have adequate resources to do their jobs

Aviation Orgs Pledge Safety Commitment, Urge Full Funding 

Stuart “Kipp” Lau

Multiple laws came into place after the crash

Colgan Air Flight 3407: How a Single Crash Sparked Unprecedented Reform

Mishaps started with flight crews not responding correctly to flight control warnings on takeoff

AINsight: Recent Bizav Accidents Are Head-scratchers

Chris Lutat

Knowing FMS and debrief protocols are important 'Ins' for 2025

What’s In and What’s Out for 2025: You Decide

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.

Flexjet leads industry in FAA SMS compliance efforts

Flexjet Meets FAA’s SMS Rule Far Ahead of 2027 Deadline

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

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