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

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has launched a consultation on a proposed Special Condition rules covering the certification requirements for electric and/or hybrid propulsion systems (EHPS). The proposed new rules, published on January 27, are mainly for propulsion systems developed for new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) designs, complimenting the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2019-07-02/easa-issues-special-condition-govern-vtol-aircraft">Special Condition VTOL</a>&nbsp;that the agency introduced for these aircraft in July 2019.
Once the Special Condition is established, following a consultation process that ends on March 3, 2020, EASA will propose&nbsp;acceptable means of compliance that can be applied for the certification of specific propulsion systems, taking account of the type of aircraft they are intended to support. In mid-February, the agency is expected to propose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-24/easa-set-publish-accepted-means-compliance-proposals-evtol-certification">acceptable means of compliance for VTOL aircraft</a>.
The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/Consultation%20Paper%20SC_EHPS%20-%202020-01-24.pdf">proposed certification requirements</a>&nbsp;will cover propulsion systems for manned or unmanned aircraft conducting normal or emergency operations. For now, they will not apply to EHPS for aircraft certified under CS-25 rules on the grounds that emission requirements for electric and hybrid propulsion systems have not yet been defined. The Special Condition will cover propulsion systems of any power rating and will address the interface between the propulsion unit and rotors and/or propellers. However, specifications for the propellers themselves will be covered by the separate CS-P rules.
The rules outline requirements for covering the design and construction of the EHPS themselves, as well as any associated systems and equipment, such as fuel, lubrication and cooling systems.

Charles Alcock

The proposed requirements will cover propulsion systems for manned or unmanned aircraft conducting normal or emergency operations.

EASA Consults Industry on Special Condition Rules for Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Systems

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