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

On March 8, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board issued a preliminary report on the February 16 accident involving the first of Joby's two full-scale prototype eVTOLs (tail number N542AJ)&nbsp; near Jolson, California. In a basic summary of confirmed facts, it says that at 9.58 a.m. the aircraft (designated JAS4-2) experienced an unspecified component failure over an uninhabited area during remotely piloted flight testing.
Investigators said there were no injuries, but that the aircraft was substantially damaged with a fire breaking out on the ground. The all-electric aircraft was conducting a developmental flight test under FAA's 14 CFR Part 91 rules, covered by an experimental category special airworthiness certificate under CFR 14 Part 21 regulations.
Joby has been using a second prototype aircraft for flight testing with the U.S. Air Force's Agility Prime program. The company has not commented on the accident or indicated what impact it might have on its plans to certify the four-passenger aircraft and start commercial services by 2024.
&nbsp;

Charles Alcock

NTSB Investigators Publish Preliminary Report Into Joby eVTOL Flight Test Accident

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN