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

Emergency medical support provider Life Flight Network is expanding its fleet, placing firm orders on Wednesday for 12 Pilatus PC-12 Pros. Deliveries of the medvac-configured single turboprops are due to start in 2027 under a 10-year agreement signed with the Swiss manufacturer.
Life Flight is based in the Pacific Northwest region and is now the U.S. launch customer for the PC-12 Pro model with an intensive care-level aeromedical interior. Its fleet currently consists of a mix of PC-12 NG aircraft and several helicopters, including the Bell 429 and 407 GXi, as well as Leonardo’s AW119Kx and Airbus EC135.
"This ten-year agreement represents a transformational step forward for our organization,” said Life Flight CEO Ben Clayton. “The PC-12 Pro provides the performance, reliability, and advanced safety technology necessary to serve our communities across the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain West, and Hawaii. We are committed to investing in aircraft that enhance patient care, support our crews, and uphold the highest standards of safety.”
The Pro version of the PC-12 features Garmin’s G3000 Prime avionics suite and features such as the Safety Autoland system. Pilatus made the first U.S. deliveries of the $6.8 million aircraft in November.
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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.

Life Flight Orders a Dozen Pilatus PC-12 Pro Air Ambulances

Deliveries will start in 2027 under a 10-year agreement with the Swiss manufacturer

U.S. emergency medical support group Life Flight Network is modernizing its fleet with an order for 12 of Pilatus's latest PC-12 Pro single-turboprop aircraft.

Life Flight Orders a Dozen PC-12 Pro Air Ambulances

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Chad Trautvetter

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.

Aeromedical operator will start taking delivery of the turboprop singles in 2027

Life Flight Goes Pro with Order for a Dozen PC-12s

Amy Wilder

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.

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.

Regulators differ on autonomy definitions and certification approaches

Panel Explores Drone, Autonomous Aircraft Rules

Charlotte Bailey

First delivery to a Brazilian customer is expected in July 

Brazil Approves Daher's TBM 980 

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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

First of four 10X prototypes rolled out in Bordeaux on Tuesday

Dassault Chases Bizjet Market Pinnacle with Falcon 10X 

Company continues to work with agency to get the super-medium, fly-by-wire helicopter approved

Bell Relentlessly Pursuing FAA Certification for 525

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

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Life Flight Goes Pro with Order for a Dozen PC-12s

Aeromedical operator will start taking delivery of the turboprop singles in 2027

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First delivery to a Brazilian customer is expected in July

Dassault Chases Bizjet Market Pinnacle with Falcon 10X

First of four 10X prototypes rolled out in Bordeaux on Tuesday

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Some supply chain easing, but production and completions constraints could persist

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Bizav posted 500-flight increase per day in North America

Advanced Air Mobility Edges Toward Commercial Launch

eVTOL vehicles may yet replace helicopters in some use cases

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