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

Bell has logged seven more sales for its 407GXi single-engine helicopter. On Tuesday, the manufacturer (Booth B5504) announced deals at the Heli-Expo show&nbsp;potentially worth around $17.9 million based on list prices.
The Polish National Police signed a purchase agreement for four of the aircraft with local distributor JB Investments. It plans to use them for highway surveillance flights as part of efforts to improve road safety. They will join a fleet that already includes three 407 GXi models, as well as two Bell 206s and a Bell 412HP.
Bell also booked purchase agreements with two undisclosed UK-based corporate customers and with Ireland-based packaging group Zeus Essential Holding. Company owner Brian O’Sullivan said he will use the helicopter to travel between various locations in Europe.
The 407 GXi is powered by the latest Rolls-Royce M250-C47E/4 turbine engine with dual-channel Fadec controls that Bell says delivers strong hot and high performance, fuel efficiency, and a cruise speed of 133 knots. In the cockpit, pilots use Garmin’s G1000H NXi integrated flight deck with high-resolution displays and fast processors.

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

Bell Sells Seven More 407 GXis To European Customers

Operators in Ireland, the UK, and Poland have placed orders for the latest version of the Bell 407 family of single-engine helicopters.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

Powercor deploys Bell 407GXi rotorcraft in Australia

Aerial Inspections Make the Difference in Fighting Bushfires

Matt Thurber

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

Loft Dynamics device makes emergency training much more realistic 

Los Angeles Police Dept Puts VR Simulator to Work

Traffic jams make it worthwhile for people to fly on short helicopter charter flights

Sweet Helicopters Keeps Indianapolis 500 Fans Moving

Facility will serve regional customers and improve the OEM’s efficiency

Airbus Helicopters Opens Niagara Distribution Center

Brazil’s energy market is a strong driver of rotorcraft activity in LATAM

Rotortrade Sees Growth in Latin American Helo Market

Hanneke Weitering

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Contender to replace the branch's Airbus UH-72 Lakota trainers

Robinson Reveals R66 for Army Helicopter Training

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Universal Vulkaan Aviation has now ordered seven VIP helicopters

Leonardo’s Indian Distributor UVA Orders Two AW169s

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.

HAI Convention News 2023

More In Rotorcraft