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

The FAA has cleared Heart Aerospace to start flight tests with the X-1 demonstrator for its planned ES-30 hybrid-electric regional airliner program. On Thursday, the start-up announced it has received a special airworthiness certificate in the experimental category (SAC-EC), allowing it to start flights from Plattsburgh International Airport (KPBG) in New York immediately.
The news breaks a long silence from Heart about the status of the program since it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-11-26/heart-selects-new-york-site-es-30-regional-airliner-flight">relocated from Sweden to the U.S.</a> in 2024. The company is now completing final preparations for a first flight with the 30-seater.
According to Heart, receipt of the SAC-EC follows extensive ground testing with the X-1 aircraft, including evaluations of its structures, propulsion system, and other equipment, as well as low- and high-speed taxi trials. In a year-long process, FAA officials also assessed the company’s documentation and flight-test plan.
Heart will use the X-1 to validate flight characteristics and key technologies, generating data it needs to complete development of the aircraft. In 2024, the company said the X-1 demonstrator would use a provisional version of the ES-30’s propulsion system, with a more advanced version to follow on a subsequent <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-13/heart-rolls-out-technology-demonstrator-hybrid-electric">X-2 pre-production prototype</a>.
With a wingspan of 106 feet and a 76-foot-long fuselage, the ES-30 will have a maximum takeoff weight of 25,000 pounds. Heart has not revealed a revised timeline for type certification or confirmed projected range and speed since mid-2024, when it said it was expecting to complete <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-07-10/heart-presses-ahead-new-independent-hybrid-regional-airliner">EASA approval in 2028</a> based on the start of flight testing in 2025.

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.

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