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

French aviation authorities have issued Part 21G approval to start-up Aura Aero, marking the first step toward&nbsp;production of its Integral family of light aircraft. The authorization clears the way for the company to advance its longer-term goal to develop the 19-seat Electrical Regional Aircraft.
The Part 21G approval certifies that parts produced by Aura Aero comply with their design specifications. The company is now seeking clearance to build complete aircraft, with production initially focused on the piston-powered Integral R two-seater, tail-dragger design, which has been ordered by two French flying clubs.
According to the Toulouse-based company, it will soon start production of the Integral S model, which is also piston-powered and with a tricycle landing gear. The company&nbsp;intends to make a first flight with the electric-powered Integral E model in 2022.
Earlier this year, Aura Aero opened a 38,000-sq-ft&nbsp;manufacturing facility in a former French air force hangar. It says that it already holds orders for 50 examples of the Integral E, mainly from flight-training organizations and aerobatic clubs. 
The company has not yet finalized the projected performance for the ERA model but believes that the market likely needs an aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of around 8.5 metric tons (18,700 pounds) and a range of up to around 900 miles. It plans to use a hybrid-electric propulsion system for the airliner since current battery technology would limit its range to no more than 250 miles and this would be further limited by the need to have 45 minutes of power reserves for safety margins. 
Aura Aero says it will have a prototype ready to start test flights in 2024. Early concept drawings show an aircraft with six sets of propellers on the wing.&nbsp;
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Charles Alcock

French start-up Aura Aero, which has been awarded Part 21G production approval, aims to bring a 19-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner to market. (Image: Aura Aero)

Aura Aero Secures Part 21G Manufacturing Approval

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