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

Transport Canada has validated the EASA type certificates for Pipistrel’s Explorer, Velis Club and Velis Electro light aircraft. The Textron subsidiary announced the approval on November 12 saying it opens up the potential for orders from flight schools.
The all-electric Velis Electro two-seater earned its European type certificate in 2020, with the UK Civil Aviation Authority following in 2022 before the FAA issued a light sports aircraft (LSA) exemption in 2024. Last year, Transport Canada validated the Electro’s electric engine.
In 2022, Pipistrel delivered the first Velis Electro to the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics in Ontario. It is being used by the University of Waterloo and its partner the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre to support research into battery-powered electric flight.
The Pipistrel Explorer, powered by a 100-HP Rotax 912 piston engine, is approved for day and night VFR operations and has an IFR-ready avionics suite. It achieved EASA type certification in 2021, while the Velis Club is approved under EASA’s CS-LSA rules for day VFR operations.
"Transport Canada's validation of these aircraft type certificates serve as an acknowledgement of our teams engineering expertise and highlights the growing international recognition of our products in key global markets,” said Gabriel Massey, Pipistrel’s president and managing director. “This validation not only strengthens our position in the Canadian market, but also significantly enhances flight training capabilities across the country.”&nbsp; 
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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.

Transport Canada Certifies Three Pipistrel Light Aircraft

All-electric Velis Electro two-seater is now certified in Canada

Transport Canada type validated the EASA type certificates for the Velis Electro, Explorer and Club light aircraft produced by Textron subsidiary Pipistrel.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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 developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Joby has also flown a hybrid, autonomous version of the aircraft

Saudi Regulator To Accept FAA Approval for Joby’s eVTOL

David G. Mayer

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.

Many find navigating the legal and tax issues are more than worth it for charity flights

AINsight: Three Top Issues in Charitable Flights

Curt Epstein

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

Based aircraft counts are also a factor in grant determination

In Wake of GA Ban Exemption, FAA Defines ‘Based Aircraft’

Jessica Reed

Fifty countries now require advance passenger data for business aviation

Bizav Operators Must Shift to Proactive Compliance

Kerry Lynch

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.

NBAA is urging members to reach out to Congress as Modern Skies Coalition pens letter

Aviation Community Calls on Congress To Act on Funding

Amy Wilder

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

More In Regulations and Government

Saudi Regulator To Accept FAA Approval for Joby’s eVTOL

Joby has also flown a hybrid, autonomous version of the aircraft

AINsight: Three Top Issues in Charitable Flights

Many find navigating the legal and tax issues are more than worth it for charity flights

In Wake of GA Ban Exemption, FAA Defines ‘Based Aircraft’

Based aircraft counts are also a factor in grant determination

Bizav Operators Must Shift to Proactive Compliance

Fifty countries now require advance passenger data for business aviation

Aviation Community Calls on Congress To Act on Funding

NBAA is urging members to reach out to Congress as Modern Skies Coalition pens letter

Aircraft Registry Reforms Raise Transparency Concerns

Experts urge balance between transparency and privacy

Notams Prohibit Nonscheduled Ops at 12 U.S. Airports

Ban is expected to end as soon as the government shutdown is over

Bizav Experts Caution Against Illegal Jet-seat Selling

Panel urges unity across legal operators

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