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

FreeFlight Systems has appointed AvPanels as a preferred reseller of its Terrain series of radar altimeters designed to avoid disruption by spurious 5G C-band network interference. The manufacturer&nbsp;said&nbsp;the equipment, which used&nbsp;digital signal technology, is the first major upgrade to radio frequency circuits in decades and weighs&nbsp;60 percent less than current devices.&nbsp;Texas-based AvPanels is a specialist in avionics solutions for Part 27 helicopters.
Operators of rotorcraft—including the Robinson R44,&nbsp;Bell 206/407, Airbus AS350, and&nbsp;MD Helicopters MD 500/530—can now order the Terrain RA-5500 units for single installations, the RA-6500 for dual installations, or opt for the RA-4500 Mark II unit as a drop-in replacement for existing RA-4000 or RA-4500 equipment. FreeFlight said&nbsp;it intends to have supplemental type certificates in place for other models by mid-May.
“We are seeing increased demand for 5G-tolerant radar altimeter solutions across rotorcraft, business aviation, and advanced air mobility markets,” said FreeFlight sales and marketing v-p Shane LaPlante. “We understand the criticality of safe continued operations in the face of airworthiness directives and are excited to extend these solutions to law enforcement, air medical, search and rescue, and other operators that navigate dense urban centers.”

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

FreeFlight Terrain Radar Altimeters Block 5G Interference

The manufacturer has appointed AvPanels as a preferred reseller for equipment it says is the first major upgrade to radio frequency circuits in decades.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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

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 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.

The NFL championship game represents a major logistics puzzle for business aviation

FAA Gearing Up for Super Bowl Traffic in New Orleans

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Software will support increasingly autonomous flight operations

Anra and Future Flight Global Build eVTOL Operations Digital Twin

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.

Local aircraft operators can expect years of disruption

FAA Issues Florida TFR Guide Ahead of Inauguration

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

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.

Contract with Avinor covers major tower upgrades at Oslo and 14 regional airports

Frequentis Will Modernize Norwegian Air Traffic Management

The new tower is twice the height of the previous one

KTEB's New ATC Tower Is Dedicated

The funds were disbursed to smaller airports across the country

FAA Issues New Round of Airport ATC Tower Grants

Kerry Lynch

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

Third school to participate in the FAA’s Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative program

Embry-Riddle Joins FAA Controller Training Program

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

HAI Convention News 2023

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