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

Airbus Helicopters has opened a training academy at the UK’s Oxford Airport (EGTK) that can instruct more than 400 rotorcraft pilots, maintenance technicians, and managers per year, the company announced on Friday. According to Airbus, the investment in the 129,000-sq-ft site is necessary to meet the helicopter industry’s shortfall of skilled staff. It will offer flight training, maintenance, repair and overhaul instruction, and executive leadership programs.
The academy’s training programs meet the requirements of the UK government’s Skills Agenda, including Level 3, 4, 5 and 6 apprenticeships funded jointly by employers and the state. It will support training of personnel with the Royal Air Force, the UK Military Flying Training System, the National Police Air Service, and around two-thirds of the country’s air ambulance operators. Operating to UK CAA and EASA standards, the academy lays claim to being the country’s only training center to offer a Part 147-approved B2 technicians course for Airbus helicopters.
“We are seeing a shortage of technical rotary wing specialists in the UK, further impacted by the added workload to industry and the [post-Brexit] lack of mutual recognition between CAA and EASA. The launch of this training academy is part of a long-term vision to ensure critical services to support the UK’s rotary wing fleet,” said Richard Atack, managing director of Airbus Helicopters in the UK.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Airbus Helicopters Opens Multi-Disciplinary UK Rotorcraft Training Academy

Oxford center trains pilots, maintenance technicians, and managers

Airbus Helicopters has opened an academy at Oxford Airport in the UK to train rotorcraft flight crew, technicians, and managers.

Airbus Helicopters Opens UK Training Academy

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sheryl Barden

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.

NBAA's Mentoring Network helps build business aviation’s next generation

AINsight: Investing Beyond Your Own Team via Mentoring

Curt Epstein

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

The company offers training in the U.S., Spain, and Singapore

Bell Training Academy Reaches New Flight Hour Peak

Kerry Lynch

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

New deals cover training, services

Leonardo Increases Collaborations with CAE, Lockheed Martin

Jeremy Kariuki

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.

Donation serves as a continuation of the late Tracy Forrest’s aviation philanthropy

Foundation Pledges $1M For EAA Aviation Discovery Park

Matt Thurber

Goal is to emulate flight school training airplane avionics for more accurate simulation

Redbird Updates G1000 Sim Software and Instrument Panel

Charlotte Bailey

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.

Farnborough Airshow 2026

More In Training and Workforce

AINsight: Investing Beyond Your Own Team via Mentoring

NBAA's Mentoring Network helps build business aviation’s next generation

Bell Training Academy Reaches New Flight Hour Peak

The company offers training in the U.S., Spain, and Singapore

Leonardo Increases Collaborations with CAE, Lockheed Martin

New deals cover training, services

Foundation Pledges $1M For EAA Aviation Discovery Park

Donation serves as a continuation of the late Tracy Forrest’s aviation philanthropy

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Goal is to emulate flight school training airplane avionics for more accurate simulation

New UK F-35As Primarily for Training, Not Nuclear Role

Size of future fleet needed to support NATO nuclear mission currently under discussion

Egyptian Aviation Academy Orders 10 Cessna Skyhawks

Aircraft to be delivered in 2027

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