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

Regent Craft this week submitted the design basis agreement (DBA) for its Viceroy seaglider to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), which is handling the certification process for the electric-powered, wing-in-ground effect vessel. The Rhode Island-based company announced the milestone on March 20, two weeks after starting sea trials with a prototype.
Under maritime regulatory structures, the DBA establishes what the Viceroy must do to show an equivalent level of safety to other similarly-sized vessels. Regent is hopeful the Coast Guard will approve the agreement by around the middle of this year.
The <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-10-01/regent-reveals-progress-full-sale-seaglider-prototype">Viceroy is designed</a> to carry a dozen passengers on regional trips along coastlines of up to 180 miles. It will cruise just above the water’s surface at speeds of up to 160 knots, operating from existing dock infrastructure.
The vessels will be operated by a maritime captain with a USCG Master Near Coastal 25-ton license or international equivalent. Regent said its captains will also need a Viceroy type rating that will involve five to six weeks of transition training (from other high-speed craft) and can be conducted at its facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
A Viceroy prototype that has been used for trials in Narragansett Bay is 55 feet long with a wingspan of 65 feet. Regent, which has named this vessel Paladin, says it is the largest-ever all-electric “flying machine.”
<h2>Sea Trials Assess Operational Modes</h2>
The sea trials will be conducted over several months to assess the three modes of operations: floating on its hull near a dock, slowly foiling on hydrofoils, and flying at high speeds within one wingspan of the ocean. According to Regent co-founder and chief technology officer Mike Klinker, by the middle of this year, the company expects to start full float-foil-fly testing.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="Regent sea trials with seaglider in Rhode Island" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5084a44d-6d34-45e3-a911-e03c37cbd00e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/67dc214e920b97649f8bd7b4_seatrial1.png" width="1500" height="1000" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>The Regent team lifted the seaglider prototype into the water of&nbsp;Narragansett Bay to start sea trials.</figcaption>
</figure>

The seaglider’s electric propulsion system consists of waterproof batteries and 12 electric motors and propellers. According to Regent, at maximum power output for the transition from foiling to flying in ground effect, each motor outputs about the same horsepower as a Honda Civic.
In January, the company started building a 255,000-sq-ft manufacturing facility in Rhode Island’s Quonset Business Park. It says this will be ready to assemble the first Viceroys in 2026 and start deliveries by early 2027.
According to Regent, it has taken a mix of firm orders backed by non-refundable deposits and commitments worth more than $9 billion from civil operators in multiple countries.&nbsp;These prospective operators include Southern Airways and UrbanLink on the U.S East coast, UME Shipping with plans for cargo operations in the Red Sea, and Ocean Flyer in New Zealand.
Regent&nbsp;is also working on a proposed version of the seaplane that could be deployed for military missions and has been engaging with the U.S. Marine Corps on this plan.

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.

Regent Submits Seaglider Approval Plan to Coast Guard as Sea Trials Start

Sea trials with a prototype are underway in Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay

Regent is stepping up the U.S. Coast Guard certification process for its Viceroy seaglider as sea trials begin using a prototype of the 12-passenger craft.

Regent Submits Seaglider Approval Plan to U.S. Coast Guard 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

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

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

However, the agency faces challenges with data sharing and analysis

Report: FAA Progressing on Runway Safety Recommendations

Chad Trautvetter

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

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.

He most recently led Vertical Aviation International and succeeds Pete Bunce

Viola Takes the Helm at GAMA

Sarah Rose

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.

Employees were laid off under DOGE's sweep of government agencies

PASS Applauds Reinstatement of 132 FAA Employees

Kerry Lynch

Bedford has led the airline since 1999, overseeing dramatic growth

Republic Airways Chief Bedford Receives Nom To Lead FAA

David G. Mayer

Ever-shifting U.S. strategy adds complexity and costs to business aircraft transactions

AINsight: How Tariffs Hit Aircraft Sales and Financing

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

Secretary Duffy pushing for aviation infrastructure overhaul within four years

Duffy Calls for Swift Action To Modernize NAS and ATC

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 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.

In this article

Regent

More In Regulations and Government

Report: FAA Progressing on Runway Safety Recommendations

However, the agency faces challenges with data sharing and analysis

Viola Takes the Helm at GAMA

He most recently led Vertical Aviation International and succeeds Pete Bunce

PASS Applauds Reinstatement of 132 FAA Employees

Employees were laid off under DOGE's sweep of government agencies

Republic Airways Chief Bedford Receives Nom To Lead FAA

Bedford has led the airline since 1999, overseeing dramatic growth

AINsight: How Tariffs Hit Aircraft Sales and Financing

Ever-shifting U.S. strategy adds complexity and costs to business aircraft transactions

Duffy Calls for Swift Action To Modernize NAS and ATC

Secretary Duffy pushing for aviation infrastructure overhaul within four years

Aviation Groups Urge Exemption from Tariffs

Groups asked for meeting with administration officials to discuss supply chain risks

Business Aviation Leaders Call for UK To Rejoin EASA

Regulatory disconnects have resulted in shrinking numbers of UK-registered aircraft

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN