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

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

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.

Annual flight volumes in the ECAC states will pass 11 million in 2025

Eurocontrol Forecasts Stronger Flight Growth in Europe

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 information on safety procedures and concerns.

Airservices Australia wants to work through plans to launch remotely piloted operations

Australia's ATC Agency Prepares to Integrate Autonomous eVTOL Aircraft

Stuart “Kipp” Lau

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.

Climb and descend via clearances still tripping up pilots

AINsight: Avoiding RNAV SIDs and STARs Gotchas

Kerry Lynch

Three-quarters of FAA's ATC systems are either unsustainable or potentially unsustainable

Watchdog: FAA ATC Systems 'Urgently' Need Modernization

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

HAI Convention News 2023

More In ATC

Eurocontrol Forecasts Stronger Flight Growth in Europe

Annual flight volumes in the ECAC states will pass 11 million in 2025

Australia's ATC Agency Prepares to Integrate Autonomous eVTOL Aircraft

Airservices Australia wants to work through plans to launch remotely piloted operations

AINsight: Avoiding RNAV SIDs and STARs Gotchas

Climb and descend via clearances still tripping up pilots

Watchdog: FAA ATC Systems 'Urgently' Need Modernization

Three-quarters of FAA's ATC systems are either unsustainable or potentially unsustainable

FAA Hits Controller Hiring Mark for 2024

Agency hired 1,811 controllers and plans to spool up to 2,000 in fiscal year 2025

FCG OPS Adds Real-time Monitoring to Flight Services

Upgrades will be rolled out through the company's trip-support network

AOPA Objects to Possible Florida Airport Landing Fees

The automated fees could start appearing next month

New KTEB Departure Route Activated

WENTZ 1 route will replace the RUUDY 6 departure procedure

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