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

Hartzell Propeller has opened a 150,000-sq-ft&nbsp;innovation center that will focus its efforts to help advance propulsion technology. The facility at its Piqua, Ohio, headquarters is backed by a $2 million grant from JobsOhio, with the company committing to invest more than $10 million in the center over the next five years on top of the $30 million already invested.
The facility houses production of both Hartzell’s carbon fiber aircraft propellers and its WhirlWind airboat propellers. Also under the same roof is the factory’s service center, which is part of Hartzell’s global support network.
“Combined with the support of JobsOhio, the innovation center also enables critical research and development for emerging markets such as advanced air mobility, incuding our collaboration with Beta Technologies,” said Hartzell Propeller president JJ Frigge. “Together, this investment accelerates our ability to transform ideas into certified, real-world solutions that advance aviation today and well into the future.”
Hartzell, which employs more than 350 at its headquarters, has been making aircraft propellers for more than a century since founder Robert Hartzell was persuaded by Orville Wright in 1917 to diversify his family business. Its first propellers were made by hand using walnut.
In July, Hartzell earned FAA Part 35 certification for the first propeller specifically designed for electric aircraft propulsion systems. Blade’s Alia CX300 and 250 aircraft employ the five-blade carbon fiber propellers.

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

Hartzell Opens Propeller Innovation Center In Ohio

JobsOhio backs company's investment with $2 million grant

Hartzell Propeller will invest a total of $40 million in the Piqua, Ohio, innovation center where it will develop new propulsion technology. 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

European start-up is aiming to start test flights in 2027

Molicel Batteries Will Power Vaeridion's Electric Microliner

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

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

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.

European group’s helicopter division makes strong contribution to 2025 financials

Airbus Presses Pratt & Whitney on A320 Engine Shortages

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

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.

Airlines and special-missions applications are in the Dutch start-up’s sights

Conscious Keeps Focus on Hydrogen-powered Dash 8 Aircraft

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

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.

India’s JetSetGo plans to buy up to 50 of the Valo aircraft

Evolito Will Supply Propulsion Units for Vertical eVTOL Aircraft

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

New agreement includes a 12-year maintenance plan

Vietjet Opts for More Pratt & Whitney GTF-Powered A321s

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

More In Engines

Molicel Batteries Will Power Vaeridion's Electric Microliner

European start-up is aiming to start test flights in 2027

Airbus Presses Pratt & Whitney on A320 Engine Shortages

European group’s helicopter division makes strong contribution to 2025 financials

Conscious Keeps Focus on Hydrogen-powered Dash 8 Aircraft

Airlines and special-missions applications are in the Dutch start-up’s sights

Evolito Will Supply Propulsion Units for Vertical eVTOL Aircraft

India’s JetSetGo plans to buy up to 50 of the Valo aircraft

Vietjet Opts for More Pratt & Whitney GTF-Powered A321s

New agreement includes a 12-year maintenance plan

CFM Picks Singapore for RISE Engine Airport Trials

Ground tests will be done at either Changi or Seletar airports

ST Engineering Unveils Bizav Thrust Reverser Demonstrator

Experimental technology intended to complement existing engine nacelle capabilities

Pratt’s Eagle Services Asia Engine MRO Leverages Automation

Robots cut time and man-hours for inspections and engine core and compressor stacking

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