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

Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Charles Alcock

Axis Flight Simulation today unveiled its Virtual Cockpit Procedure and Walkaround Trainer (VPT). The headset device incorporates virtual- and mixed-reality technology to serve as a standalone training tool or to be used in conjunction with Axis’ full-flight simulators covering tasks such as system familiarization, emergency scenarios, and flight procedures.
VPT incorporates hand- and eye-tracking capabilities to allow users to engage with the information they need for training sessions. Using hand gestures, they can also activate the system’s artificial intelligence “instructor” feature, which answers questions on aircraft systems, controls, and functions with spoken guidance, visuals, and references to relevant sections of manuals.
The first version of the Axis VPT has been developed for use by business jet pilots operating the Bombardier Challenger 350, and the company said it can adapt the device for other aircraft types on request. The technology, which will be demonstrated at the EATS 2024 training show next week has been jointly developed by the Austrian group’s sister company <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-10-21/propair-adds-vr-mr-software-axis-flight-simulators">Propair Flight</a>.
“Our VPT will significantly advance the realism and efficiency of pilot training,” said Christian Theuermann, a member of Axis Flight Simulation’s executive board. “As one of the first manufacturers to offer VR training for business jets, coupled with innovative features such as hand tracking, we are proud to offer this solution to the market.”

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

Axis Rolls Out Virtual Cockpit Procedure and Walkaround Training Headset

Device features virtual and mixed-reality technology, as well as an artificial intelligence "instructor"

The new Virtual Cockpit Procedure and Walkaround Trainer headset device from Axis Flight Simulation provides a new element to flight training that also taps AI.

Axis Rolls Out Virtual Cockpit Procedure Training Headset

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sheryl Barden

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.

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.

Don’t overlook maintenance directors’ skills when looking for a flight department leader

AINsight: From DOM to DOA

Hanneke Weitering

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 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.

Archer’s flight school can start training eVTOL pilots on a Bell 206 JetRanger

Archer Aviation’s Pilot Training Academy Wins FAA Nod

Jessica Reed

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.

People in Aviation February 2025

Joseph Carfagna Jr.

Exploring pathways in aircraft brokerage for the NextGen

AINsight: Private Aircraft Broker Career Pathways

AmyWilder

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.

Deliveries of the aircraft are expected in 2028

SkyAlyne Secures Textron Contract for 7 King Air 260s

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

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

Course is being offered through the local technology college

Farnborough Airport Launches Operations Training Program

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

Challenger 300/350/3500

Bombardier

More In Training and Workforce

AINsight: From DOM to DOA

Don’t overlook maintenance directors’ skills when looking for a flight department leader

Archer Aviation’s Pilot Training Academy Wins FAA Nod

Archer’s flight school can start training eVTOL pilots on a Bell 206 JetRanger

People in Aviation February 2025

People in Aviation February 2025

AINsight: Private Aircraft Broker Career Pathways

Exploring pathways in aircraft brokerage for the NextGen

SkyAlyne Secures Textron Contract for 7 King Air 260s

Deliveries of the aircraft are expected in 2028

Farnborough Airport Launches Operations Training Program

Course is being offered through the local technology college

One-G Simulation Launches Tarbes 8 Flight Simulator

Simulator offers advanced emergency training scenarios

Gulfstream Names Two New Leaders for Key Operations

Derek Zimmerman and Lor Izzard step into senior roles

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN