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

Columbia Helicopters (CHI) is joining forces with Piasecki Aircraft to upgrade tandem rotor heavy-lift rotorcraft for a variety of civil and military applications. Under a partnership announced today, the companies will upgrade existing Model 107-II helicopters to deliver greater fuel efficiency, power, and reliability as the new Columbia CHI-107-III.
The modifications will include the installation of upgraded General Electric CT-58 turboshafts with 25% more power than the existing T-58 engines. It will also involve fitting a new glass cockpit and an improved autopilot, as well as a new rotor system with lower maintenance requirements, a health monitoring system, and a new fuel system for extended range. The partners have not yet confirmed the details of the improved performance of the aircraft.
As the owner of the former Boeing type and production certificates for the helicopter, Columbia will have overall responsibility for the project. The modifications will be made and then tested at Piasecki’s 219,000-sq-ft facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, which was formerly Sikorsky’s production line for the S-76 and S-92 helicopters. Oregon-based CHI will also now have access to the Piasecki facility, which it calls the Heliplex, to provide support to customers on the U.S. East Coast.
The companies expect the new version of the Model 107-II to be popular for operations such as emergency response, aerial firefighting, forestry, and infrastructure. The military version of the aircraft is the CH-46E Sea Knight, which has served with the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy as well as with forces in Sweden and Japan.
“The new Columbia Model 107-II will transform the heavy-lift helicopter market, providing unrivaled performance and versatility for our customers,” said David Balevic, CEO of Columbia Helicopters. “We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible and, together with our partners at Piasecki, will deliver enhanced heavy-lift aircraft that save lives, protect nations, and build industries for decades to come.”
Columbia provides OEM-level support for the Model 107-II and CH-46 helicopters. It also holds FAA commercial type and production certificates for the Columbia Model 234 Chinook and CHI-107-II rotorcraft.

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

Columbia and Piasecki To Upgrade Former Boeing Model 107 Helicopters

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Columbia Helicopters and Piasecki Aircraft are working to improve the fuel efficiency, power, and reliability of former Boeing Model 107 heavy-lift rotorcraft.

Columbia and Piasecki To Upgrade Model 107 Helicopters

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

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.

Making flying easier and safer is company's goal

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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