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

Over the next six months, Dassault will be expanding the workforce at its Sorocaba service center in Brazil. The São Paulo-area facility, which is its first company-owned service center outside France and the U.S., opened four years ago, in June 2009, and holds authorizations from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency, as well as from aviation authorities in Brazil, Argentina and Bermuda.
The Sorocaba center is authorized to perform line maintenance and airframe inspections on all Falcon jets, apart from the older Falcon 20 and 100 models. Additionally, the facility has clearance to perform engine maintenance on engines powering the Falcon fleet, including GE’s CFE738, Honeywell’s TFE731 series, and Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada’s PW307A and PW308C turbofans.
The facility is equipped for specialized nondestructive testing services, such as penetrant and eddy-current methods. A full-service battery shop is available to repair, replace or change main and emergency batteries on Falcons and a variety of other aircraft.
The Sorocaba personnel includes an aircraft-on-ground “go-team” to provide rapid response directly to an aircraft anywhere in South America, with the parts and tools necessary to get it flying again with minimal delays. Throughout Latin America, there are currently around 129 Falcons registered in various countries.
At Sorobaca, which is about 56 miles from the center of São Paulo, Dassault houses more than $3 million worth of commonly used parts. There is also space in its hangars to accommodate three Falcons at a time.
Last month, Dassault launched a new customer service application that allows operators to access its support network on a variety of mobile and tablet devices. It includes instant touch-call features for AOG hotlines, technical centers, spares and field service facilities, as well as tools for searching service center locations and contact Falcon pilots.

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.

Dassault Expands Staffing at Sorocaba Service Center

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

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.

Purchase enables company to offer retail aircraft maintenance services in U.S. Southwest

Pinnacle Aviation Buys Mx Provider Aviation One

Work involved major disassembly of the airframe

ExecuJet MRO Completes 120-month Check on Legacy 500 

Extension goes to six years or 4,000 flight hours, whichever is first

Hartzell Lengthens Warranty on Props for Raisbeck King Airs

Curt Epstein

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

The addition will support Flightstar’s MRO growth

Illinois MRO/FBO Flightstar Expands with New Hangar

Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

Jet Parts, DAS Aviation Merger To Improve Efficiency

Amy Wilder

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.

Installation supports ISR and law enforcement missions

SEA Adds Mission Console and Sensor Mount for Caravan

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.

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

LABACE Convention News 2013

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Pinnacle Aviation Buys Mx Provider Aviation One

Purchase enables company to offer retail aircraft maintenance services in U.S. Southwest

ExecuJet MRO Completes 120-month Check on Legacy 500

Work involved major disassembly of the airframe

Hartzell Lengthens Warranty on Props for Raisbeck King Airs

Extension goes to six years or 4,000 flight hours, whichever is first

Illinois MRO/FBO Flightstar Expands with New Hangar

The addition will support Flightstar’s MRO growth

Jet Parts, DAS Aviation Merger To Improve Efficiency

Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

SEA Adds Mission Console and Sensor Mount for Caravan

Installation supports ISR and law enforcement missions

Gulfstream Steps Up Investment in Customer Support

New customer support leader Lor Izzard is building on earlier improvements

Back on the Plate, Pre-buys Still Face Post-covid Challenges

Industry experts caution on the need for a full pre-buy and one that is carefully laid out

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN