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 Textron expanded its European customer base, announcing new helicopter sales with operators based in Germany and Slovakia. The deals—signed last week at the European Rotors show in Cologne—added three Bell 505s and a Bell 429 to the U.S. manufacturer’s backlog.
With its German dealer, Rheinland Air Service, Bell signed a contract with Heli Transair for the light-single-engine 505s, which will be deployed mainly for powerline patrols and cargo transportation, but also be used for pilot training. The Frankfurt-based operator mainly supports major energy providers and also has bases at Osnabrück, Kiel, and Landshut.
According to Bell, the 505 has the highest hook load capability in its class. It is powered by a Safran Arrius 2R turboshaft with a dual Fadec.
Air Transport Europe agreed to add a fifth Bell 429 twin to its fleet and this also will be equipped for emergency medical flights. The company, headquartered at Popgrad in the Tatra mountains region, has seven bases in Slovakia and two more in the neighboring Czech Republic.

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

Bell Signs Orders For Four Helicopters With German and Slovak Operators

Three more 505 singles and a 429 will be delivered in Europe

Germany's Heli Transair and Air Transport Europe in Slovakia, respectively, ordered three Bell 505 helicopters and a 429 model at the European Rotors show.

Bell Signs Orders For Four Helicopters in Europe

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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.

Deal is with Airbus Nordic distributor Østnes Helicopters 

Airbus Snags 10-ship H125 Order at European Rotors

Charlotte Bailey

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.

Autocraft confident E20+ aircraft will receive GCAA certification in 2027 or 2028

Abu Dhabi-backed eVTOL Nears First Flight in UAE

Matt Thurber

VIP-equipped helicopter will be flown in corporate and charter operations

Rotortrade Delivers H135T3 from Italy to Star Air India

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

Twin-engined rotorcraft are being leased through Milestone Aviation

Bristow Leases Five H160 Helicopters for African Fleet

Amy Wilder

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

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.

Simulator lets pilots log Bell 525 hours ahead of type cert

Bell 525 Flight Sim Earns FAA Interim Level C Approval

Build of remotely piloted aircraft to be completed by the end of the year

Honda To Fly First Full-scale eVTOL Prototype in Early 2026

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.

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