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 new U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirement for aircraft operators to provide passenger manifest and aircraft information before departure for all international flights to and from the U.S. should be less of a chore thanks to a new electronic filing service offered jointly by NBAA and Arinc Direct Business Aviation Solutions. The electronic advanced passenger information system (eAPIS) allows operators to provide all the required information online and is fully approved by the agency as a means of compliance. 
In addition to submitting data, operators can use the system to modify and store APIS data for future use via secure Arinc servers– a feature that is not available at the APIS portal of the border patrol’s own Web site. Users have access to real-time approval of their APIS transmissions and can make these applications for flights operated under both Part 91 rules and Part 135. Technical support for the system is available 24/7.
The eAPIS tool can be used by NBAA members for $25 per flight. In fact, existing Arinc Direct customers already have the eAPIS software with the necessary data drawn from the flight planning function of the system. “APIS requirements are not always easy to meet, and we want to assist our members to ease the stress of doing business in other countries,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.
According to Arinc Direct business director James Hardie, eAPIS can easily be adjusted to meet new passenger information requirements being introduced by other countries. The company’s security division has said it is about to contract to help two undisclosed western European states develop their own APIS architecture. South Africa has committed to implementing APIS by June 2010, when it will host the soccer World Cup tournament.
Arinc’s engineering team is also working on developing ways to run the eAPIS functions on mobile devices. In the context of business aviation, this could be useful in situations where an operator and its passengers suddenly need to change travel plans and have to quickly meet the APIS requirements of their next destination.
Meanwhile, Arinc has yet to sign up a launch customer for its new Oi onboard Internet service, which it launched just ahead of the 2008 NBAA Convention. According to Colette Parks, Arinc’s satellite application director, the main obstacle in the business aviation market has been a delay in upgrading the Inmarsat Classic satcom systems so they are compatible with the group’s new I4 satellites. This upgrade is being tested and should be available beginning early next month. Arinc (Booth No. 779), which is owned by the Carlyle Group, is celebrating its 80th anniversary.&nbsp;

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.

eAPIS service to ease customs reporting tasks

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2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

Both NBAA and AOPA stressed importance of privacy on Capitol Hill

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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.

Industry group praises prioritizing safety and workforce support

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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.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Department of Commerce taking comments through June 3

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

Rep. Nadler has co-sponsored a half-dozen bills in recent years to curb helo ops

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News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

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

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