Charles Cox

United States of America

 

Charlie Cox had a long and productive career in rotorcraft acoustics. After graduating from the University of Texas in the early 1960s, he began work with Bell Helicopter, where he remained until his retirement 42 years later. Initially, in the dynamics group, he recognized the growing need within acoustics, founding Bell’s Acoustics Group and leading it for most of his career.

His pioneering work in helicopter acoustics produced many acoustics-related publications. Most well-known is the iconic “Fly Neighborly” Guide that supports piloting techniques to minimize community impact. During the development of rotorcraft noise regulations in the 1980s, Charlie worked with his industry counterparts and regulatory authorities to achieve practical noise rules, first for helicopters and later for tiltrotors. He was an active participant in ICAO Working Group 1 and represented the rotorcraft industry at several ICAO, CAN, and CAEP meetings.

He continued to be active in Helicopter Association International (HAI) and AHS International during his retirement. Most who knew him will respect his accomplishments but will remember him most for his good humor and for his steady and considerate friendship. Charles passed away on May 17, 2013, at his home in Grapevine, Texas. Charlie’s contributions to the acoustics community are well recognized by the rotorcraft industry. 

AHS Updates: Vertiflite July/August 2013