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

Read the latest news about Archer Aviation. 

Archer Aviation has started piloted flight tests with its Midnight eVTOL aircraft prototype. On June 2, the company announced that the first flights with chief test pilot Jeff Greenwood at the controls took place in California last week.
The first sortie in this next phase of flight testing featured a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL), with Archer seeking to demonstrate this capability in tandem with the Midnight vertical takeoff and landing performance. With 12 propellers, including six that tilt in VTOL mode,&nbsp;the electric aircraft cruised at speeds of up to 109 knots and reached a maximum altitude of more than 1,500 feet.
According to Archer, flight testing will now focus on factors including flight control responsiveness, stability, and aerodynamic and control model validation. The company will gather data to support its type certification campaigns in both the U.S. and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-04-25/abu-dhabi-backs-evtol-air-taxi-services-archer-and-joby">UAE</a>, where it expects to see the first commercial air taxi operations with the four-passenger Midnight.
<h2>Flying for the Marines, Bell, and Now Archer</h2>
Greenwood has been with Archer since 2021 and provided input on cockpit design and selecting vendors for Midnight’s flight displays. The former U.S. Marine Corps pilot is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and used to work for Bell Textron, flight testing its helicopters.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="Archer chief test pilot Jeff Greenwood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34eb1c92-9505-4adb-a357-fffd98cf6368" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Archer%20piloted%20flight%20IMG_2528.JPG" width="3000" height="2119" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Archer’s chief test pilot, Jeff Greenwood, flew the first piloted flights with its Midnight electric aircraft.</figcaption>
</figure>

“Flying Midnight felt just like flying the simulator; everything responded exactly as we trained for, which is exactly what you hope for during a test flight,” he commented. “That level of consistency is no surprise. It’s a testament to the engineering and operational excellence of our team, whose attention to detail and dedication to safety made this milestone possible.”
According to Archer, government regulators and both civil and military customers have indicated that they favor both CTOL and VTOL performance to ensure support for operational flexibility and enhanced safety. Archer has not said what the Midnight’s maximum range will be in CTOL mode, but is anticipating eVTOL flights of just under 87 nm.

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Archer’s Midnight eVTOL Aircraft Starts Piloted Test Flights

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Archer has started the next phase of flight testing for its Midnight eVTOL aircraft, with chief test pilot Jeff Greenwood at the controls.

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