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

Reliable Robotics has completed a round autonomous flight trials with its converted Cessna 208B Grand Caravan at the main commercial airport in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The operations, which were concluded on October 21, were part of the U.S. government-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).
As one of the selected eIPP locations, the City of Albuquerque partnered with Reliable Robotics to demonstrate how uncrewed aircraft could be used for cargo deliveries to and from smaller rural communities. The two-day flight test campaign was conducted from Albuquerque International Sunport (KABQ), where there is a busy mix of commercial airline and military traffic in Class C airspace.
The Grand Caravan is fitted with the company’s Reliable Autonomy System (RAS) which it said is enabled for full gate-to-gate automated operations. Under the control of a remote pilot based more than 700 miles away at the company’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, the aircraft taxied, took off and landed in fully automated mode. Once in the air, an onboard safety pilot supervised the flight and communicated with air traffic controllers.
According to Reliable Robotics, the RAS technology can be applied to any aircraft and integrates with existing infrastructure without the need to make changes to how the U.S. National Airspace System functions. The FAA has accepted the company’s plan for certifying the system, including a means of compliance for autopilot engagement.
Earlier this week, the company announced it has raised $115 million in new capital, which took the total amount generated by its Series D funding round to $275 million. The new capital includes a $25 million load from Silicon Valley Bank and total equity funding now totals more than $380 million.

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Automated Cessna Grand Caravan Aircraft Demos Cargo Flights in New Mexico

eIPP flight trials showed use case for autonomous freighter aircraft

In partnership with the city of Albuquerque, Reliable Robotics flew its automated Grand Caravan aircraft around New Mexico to demonstrate cargo operations.

Automated Grand Caravan Demos Cargo Flights in New Mexico

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

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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.

The STC will replace the aging Honeywell DU-870 CRT on Citation and Embraer models

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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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