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

Aviation groups have reiterated their call for an “orderly, nationally coordinated transition to unleaded avgas” in response to a new report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency confirming that emissions from leaded avgas may endanger public health and welfare. In a joint statement on the <a href="eaded%20Fuel%20Cause%20or%20Contribute%20to%20Air%20Pollution%20that%20May%20Reasonably%20Be%20Anticipated%20to%20Endanger%20Public%20Health%20and%20Welfare">EPA’s latest endangerment guidance</a> issued on October 18, industry groups including the National Business Aviation Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association said they will continue to work with the agency toward eliminating lead from avgas.
“While the EPA finding is a key step in the process, the EPA is not given the authority to ban, regulate, or limit aviation fuel,” said the groups' statement. “Instead the EPA’s finding triggers further deliberate rulemaking by FAA as the nation’s aviation safety regulator to ensure the successful development and deployment of viable unleaded avgas alternatives, given the critical safety and other issues at stake.”
The coalition of industry groups also includes the American Association of Airport Executives, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, American Petroleum Institute, Experimental Aircraft Association, Helicopter Association International, International Council of Air Shows, National Air Transportation Association, and National Association of State Aviation Officials.
The joint response said that <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2023-01-19/genav-groups-caution-epa-transition-leaded-avgas">the groups</a> are committed to removing lead from avgas no later than the end of 2030. They reported “considerable progress” in making “market-viable” high-octane unleaded replacement fuels available to the U.S. piston aircraft fleet, while also maintaining safety performance.
“The premature removal of an essential fuel that many aircraft require for safe operation before a replacement is available would compromise the safety, efficiency, and economic viability of the U.S. airspace and airports, the general aviation industry and transportation infrastructure,” the groups' statement concluded.

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

In EPA Response, Aviation Groups Urge Orderly Removal of Lead from Avgas 

EPA guidance confirms danger to public health from leaded aviation fuel

While not disputing EPA public health warnings about leaded avgas, aviation groups insist its removal must be directed by the FAA on the basis of safety.

Aviation Groups Urge Orderly Removal of Lead from Avgas

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

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.

The fuel provider will leverage its expertise in panel discussions

Avfuel Talks SAF and Future Airport Strategy at EBACE

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

As of the end of the first quarter of 2025, 4Air's SAF map showed 114 locations

100 Plus Locations Now Offer Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Company says independence and putting customers and partners first is key to success

Titan Puts Fuel Supply Continuity and Transparency First

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.

Report seeks shared models and data systems to investigate contrail impact and mitigation strategies

National Academies Call for U.S. Contrail Research Plan

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

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.

The most ambitious mandated targets for SAF usage are in the European Union 

Argus Charts Sustainable Aviation Fuel Usage Worldwide

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

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Project SkyPower is supported by the CEOs of 15 aviation and energy companies

EU’s Fuel Tankering Rules Are Tough for Bizav Operators

Reporting system for new European Union requirements begins on March 1

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