Hangar X Studios

Weather is the hidden limiter of advanced air mobility and drone scale—not batteries, airframes, or autonomy. In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Don Berchoff, founder and CEO of TruWeather Solutions, to unpack the “weather tax” businesses already pay through delays, cancellations, lost payload, and conservative go/no-go decisions driven by uncertainty.

Don explains why low-altitude “micro weather” (often at ~1 km resolution or less) is so difficult to observe and predict with today’s infrastructure, especially below 5,000 feet where sensing gaps are largest. They explore how removing the pilot—the best weather s...

The drone industry is at a pivotal moment — and misinformation is flying just as fast as the aircraft themselves.

In this episode of Hangar X, host John Ramstead sits down with Sally French (aka “The Drone Girl”), one of the most trusted voices in drone journalism, to cut through the noise surrounding the FCC’s recent ruling on foreign-made drones.

Are DJI drones banned?
Will commercial operators be grounded?
Is the U.S. about to fall behind globally?

They also explore:

The massive implications of upcoming Part 108 BVLOS regulations

Ho...

In this episode of Hangar X, host John Ramstead sits down with Emily Deaton, CEO of Jet Aviva, to unpack the post-pandemic transformation of business aviation. From the surge in first-time buyers to the stabilization of demand, Emily shares insider insights into who’s buying aircraft today, what’s driving long-term ownership trends, and what market signals reveal about the broader health of aerospace.

They dive into how buyer behavior has evolved since COVID, why the traditional “charter-to-fractional-to-ownership” path is disappearing, and what first-time buyers should really focus on before purchasing an aircraft (hint: it’s not the airpla...

Aviation is entering one of the most disruptive economic shifts in its history — and investor Dean Donovan is right at the center of it.

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead welcomes back one of aerospace’s sharpest market minds to unpack where capital is flowing, what technologies are real versus hype, and why the future of aviation will be shaped by defense-driven innovation, hybrid propulsion, drone-enabled services, and radically new aircraft designs like blended wing bodies.

Dean shares why all-electric enthusiasm is cooling, why hybrid systems are emerging as the dominant path...

The future of aerospace isn’t just about new aircraft — it’s about building an entirely new digital infrastructure in the sky.

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Amit Ganjoo, CEO of ANRA Technologies, one of the world’s leading providers of drone traffic management and mission orchestration platforms.

Amit shares how ANRA is helping transform low-altitude airspace into a scalable, software-driven environment capable of supporting millions of autonomous drones, eVTOLs, and advanced air mobility operations. From pioneering NASA’s earliest UTM collaborations to becoming the first certified U-space se...

What if flying a small airplane or helicopter felt as safe—and as simple—as riding an elevator? In this episode of Hangar X, host John Ramstead sits down with Mark Groden of Skyrise to unpack the company’s mission: redesigning how aircraft are flown through integrated hardware and software.
Mark shares the personal tragedy that sparked his focus on aviation safety, then explains how Skyrise’s operating system (SkyOS) and flight assistant (Skyler) reduce pilot workload, eliminate common accident causes like loss of control, and bring airline-grade automation to aircraft that historically haven’t benefited from it. From autor...

Episode Summary

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Pramod B. Raheja, aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and CEO of Airgility, to explore the rapidly evolving world of autonomous drones and aerial robotics.

From flying drones through doorways in GPS-denied environments to redefining what autonomy really means on the battlefield and in public safety, this conversation dives deep into the intersection of AI, robotics, defense, and logistics. Pramod shares how Airgility pivoted from cargo drones to cutting-edge autonomy, why edge computing is the real differentiator, and how future drone operators will...

In this fast-paced lightning round, Jeremy Schneiderman, CEO and Founder of Drone Nerds, joins host John Ramstead to unpack some of the most critical shifts happening in the drone and UAS industry today. From the transformative power of BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations to the rapid evolution of drone-in-a-box systems, Jeremy shares practical insights on how automation, regulation, and domestic manufacturing are reshaping what’s possible with drones.

Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes look at what has fueled Drone Nerds’ rise as a national leader—its people-first culture, deep vendor relationships, and mission to be the “e...

Bristow’s Chief Transformation Officer David Stepanek returns to Hangar X to share real-world lessons from one of the most credible electric aviation test programs today: commercial-style operations in Norway using BETA Technologies’ all-electric ALIA (CX). Rather than focusing on limitations, David explains Bristow’s pragmatic “crawl–walk–run” approach—starting with conventional electric flight, validating operations, maintenance, charging, and safety processes, then scaling toward hybrid-electric and uncrewed offshore cargo missions.
From Stavanger–Bergen flights across fjords to battery-cycle data, tire wear realities, and an unexpected EMI/radio-communication issue that prompted a full safety review, this episode offers a grounded look at...

In this episode of the HangarX Podcast, host John Ramstead talks with Scott Drennan, President and COO of Otto Aviation, about the breakthrough thinking behind the Phantom 3500—a super-mid business jet built around laminar flow. Fresh off NBAA, Otto announced 300 firm Flexjet orders, signaling strong confidence in an aircraft promising lower fuel burn, coast-to-coast range, and a new cabin experience.

Scott shares how Otto uses physics-first aerodynamics, advanced CFD, precision composite manufacturing, and “digital windows” to create a 19,000-lb aircraft performing like a 35,000–40,000-lb jet. The discussion covers drag-reduction benefits, certification strategy, high-altitude laminar resilience, and how...

Drones are quickly moving from hobby gear to essential industry infrastructure. In this Hangar X Studios episode, host and ex–fighter pilot John Ramstead talks with Jeremy Schneiderman, CEO of Drone Nerds, about the shift from consumer drones to enterprise, mission-critical systems.
Jeremy shares how Drone Nerds grew from a small retailer into a major U.S. drone partner, and how aerial data is changing public safety, insurance, energy, construction, agriculture, and defense. They cover FAA rules (Part 107 now, Part 108/BVLOS next), DJI’s edge, NDAA and state bans, and why “drone-in-a-box” remote ops could drive the next adoption...

Electrification is coming to aviation, but Ampaire’s CEO Kevin Noertker says the practical near-term path is hybrid-electric, not fully electric. In Hangar X, he explains how Ampaire shifted from bold sci-fi concepts to a certifiable retrofit strategy, proven in rugged deployments.

Episode Highlights

Big belief: Electrification will transform aviation like it did cars.

Pivot to hybrid: Full-electric retrofits proved the tech, but hybrids were faster to certify and sell.

Infrastructure bottleneck: Hawaii showed charging networks lag aircraft readiness.

How it saves fuel: Cruise-optimized combustion + electric boost for takeoff/cl...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead talks with Manoel Coelho, CEO and Founder of Speedbird Aero, the company pioneering autonomous logistics and drone delivery.

From launching Brazil’s first certified drone delivery operation to partnerships in Israel, Scotland, and Singapore, Speedbird is proving how unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can transform food, medical, and cargo transport.

Manoel shares how his team overcame regulatory and technical hurdles to deliver real-world impact — from tackling food scarcity to enabling advanced medical logistics.

This episode explores what’s next for Part 108 drone operations, insights from B...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Steve Zohabian, Chief Operating Officer at XTI Aerospace, to discuss how the company is reshaping the future of flight with the TriFan 600. From DARPA’s “Frankenstein” Learjet experiment to the next generation of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, Steve shares how XTI is leveraging proven technology, agile processes, and a visionary team to unlock what he calls the “vertical skyway.” This conversation covers the technical, regulatory, and business challenges of advanced air mobility—and why XTI’s hybrid approach is poised to change aviation forever.

Episode Hi...

Former fighter pilot and host John Ramstead sits down with Dr. Alex Williams for a fast paced masterclass on building world class engineering cultures and the future of aerospace. Alex traces his path from Pratt & Whitney’s combustor technology group to running research labs inside Apple, where he helped pioneer materials innovations such as 7000 series aluminum for iPhone and the engineered titanium surface for Apple Watch. He contrasts slow, committee driven aerospace workflows with Apple’s high velocity, quality obsessed model, then applies those lessons to three urgent vectors shaping aviation today: autonomy and control software, anti drone defenses, and...

Former Army helicopter pilot and FAA leader James “Jim” Viola, now President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), joins host John Ramstead to map where aerospace manufacturing and operations are headed next. From composites and 3D printing to data-driven certification, AI, and hybrid-electric propulsion, Jim explains how innovation can move faster while staying safe. He opens up on supply chain bottlenecks, why condition-based maintenance must replace calendar-based overhauls, what it will take to make AAM and eVTOL commercially viable, and why ATC modernization is the critical path to scale. If you care about building, certifying, or flyi...

Propellers may not be the “sexy” part of an aircraft, but the team at Athule Aero is proving they’re the key to unlocking the future of advanced air mobility. In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Tony Bacarella, CEO of Athule, to explore how their patented “Double Break” propeller technology is cutting noise by up to 75% and improving efficiency by up to 15%. From custom AI-designed blades for drones to game-changing applications in manned VTOLs, general aviation and even naval uses, Tony explains why the humble propeller is the next big catalyst for aerospace...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Dana Sande, President of the UND Aerospace Foundation, to explore how the University of North Dakota became a global leader in aviation and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) education. From pioneering the first unmanned aircraft pilot degree program in the U.S. to building cutting-edge facilities like Gorman Field, the conversation dives into UND’s influence on commercial aviation, UAS innovation, and partnerships with both private industry and the military.

Listeners will gain insight into how UND’s Aerospace Foundation helps the university “operate at the sp...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with John Ibele, co-founder of Meadowlark Aircraft Manufacturing, to explore the future of American-made drones. With decades of experience in high-volume manufacturing at Seagate, Ibele shares how lessons from producing millions of disk drive components in Asia can be applied to building drones right here in the U.S. The conversation spans topics like design for manufacturing (DFM), the advantages of domestic production, the challenges of scaling drone manufacturing, and the ambitious vision behind Meadowlark’s flagship fixed-wing VTOL drone, the FH125 “Strix.”

This episode is a f...

India may be the world’s seventh-largest country with the largest population, but when it comes to helicopters, the numbers tell a surprising story—just 270 helicopters serve over 1.4 billion people. In this episode of Hangar X, host John Ramstead sits down with Air Marshal (Retd.) Anil Butola, President of the Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI) and former Indian Air Force test pilot, to unpack the state of India’s helicopter and vertical lift industry.

From his 42-year career in the Indian Air Force to leading efforts to reform civil aviation regulations, Air Marshal Butola shares unique insigh...

 In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Tom Kading, entrepreneur, engineer, and founder of Fargo Patent Law, to discuss how aerospace innovators can protect and leverage their intellectual property. From patents and trade secrets to brand strategy and investor readiness, Tom shares practical advice for startups and established companies navigating the rapidly growing UAS and aerospace markets. Whether you’re building drones, VTOLs, or next-gen software, this conversation will help you rethink IP not just as paperwork, but as a core business asset.

Episode Highlights

In this inspiring episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with aviation advocate Cynthia Glenn live at VertiCon. Together, they tackle one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: how to bring more women into aviation. Cynthia shares her personal journey into flying, the hurdles she faced, and the mentors who encouraged her to pursue her dream. She also highlights the power of community, mentorship, and personal invitation in breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of women pilots.

Listeners will discover how organizations like the 99s and Women in Aviation International are sh...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead welcomes Lieutenant Colonel Michael “Brabs” Brabner for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of military drone technology. With over 25 years in the U.S. Army and extensive experience in combat, defense acquisitions, and unmanned systems, Brabner shares his insights on how drones are permanently transforming warfare. From lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan to real-time observations from Ukraine, he explains the strategic, tactical, and operational advantages of small UAS, the Army’s shift toward purpose-built attritable systems, and the importance of rapid adaptation. This conversation explores cutting-edge develo...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with aerospace professor and Air Force veteran Robert Lunnie, live from VertiCon. Together, they dive into the challenges and breakthroughs of designing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, focusing on subscale prototyping, flight testing, and real-time transition from vertical to horizontal flight.

Lunnie walks us through his collaborative work with XTI Aerospace, explains the development process behind experimental models like the TriFan, and shares how the University of North Dakota (UND) has become a powerhouse in drone R&D and autonomous flight systems. This episode...

In this compelling episode of Hangar X Studios, host and former fighter pilot John Ramstead sits down with Doug McDonald, founder of isight Drones, for a deep dive into how drones are reshaping commercial industries. From wind blade inspections to agriculture and life-saving medical delivery, Doug shares firsthand insights on real-world drone applications, the challenges of drone logistics, and the evolving regulatory and manufacturing landscape. Recorded live at The Hive in Grand Forks, North Dakota, this conversation spotlights the practical side of drone deployment and the future of advanced air mobility.

Episode Highlights

In this exciting episode recorded live at Verticon, host John Ramstead sits down with Kim Hutchings, co-founder of Volo Mission, the only U.S.-based helicopter training program dedicated exclusively to long line external load operations. Kim shares how a need for formalized training inspired her and her husband—a veteran external load pilot—to launch Volo Mission. They delve into the complexities of long line flying, the skillset it demands, how Volo’s curriculum is transforming pilot readiness, and their latest initiatives to bring more women into the rotorcraft industry. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a commercial pilot, or som...

In this gripping episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Robert DeLaurentis, widely known as the “Peace Pilot,” to explore a life defined by courage, purpose, and innovation in aviation. From surviving a jet fuel explosion in Senegal to flying over the poles in a modified aircraft, Robert shares jaw-dropping stories of risk, resilience, and mission-driven flight.

More than a pilot, Robert is an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and visionary turning a rural Washington airport into a futuristic air mobility hub. He brings deep spiritual insight into his ventures, blending technology, adventure, and a ques...

In this impactful episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead welcomes Michael Whitaker, former FAA Administrator and seasoned aerospace leader, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of aviation. Together, they dive deep into how government, industry, and emerging technology are converging to reshape the vertical economy. From enabling BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone operations to the rollout of SFAR for powered lift aircraft, Michael brings unparalleled insights from both his time inside the FAA and his work in private aerospace.

This episode is a must-listen for innovators, investors, pilots, and aerospace professionals invested...

 In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead is joined by Jim Keyes, a seasoned business leader, investor, and innovator. Jim’s inspiring journey includes serving as the CEO of Blockbuster and 7-Eleven, but his passion for aerospace and space exploration runs deep, beginning in his childhood. Jim shares his personal experiences and insights into the intersection of leadership, innovation, and the rapidly evolving aerospace industry. He discusses his philosophy of personal agency, the importance of overcoming fear, and how the future of aerospace—especially in vertical lift technologies like eVTOL and XVTOL—holds immense potential. Jim also re...

In this gripping episode recorded live at Verticon, former fighter pilot and host John Ramstead sits down with Dave Salem, founder of Eagle West Helicopters and former law enforcement officer turned production test pilot. Dave shares an extraordinary journey that spans from police patrol cars to executing full-down auto rotations at night using NVGs. This conversation dives deep into the world of advanced helicopter training, emergency preparedness, and the life-saving decisions pilots must make in seconds.

Whether you're in aviation, leadership, or just inspired by those who push boundaries in service of others, Dave’s insights on re...

In this insightful episode of Hangar X Studios, host and former Navy fighter pilot John Ramstead sits down with Bas Gouverneur, CEO of Daedalean, at Verticon, a hub of next-gen aerospace innovation. Together, they explore how AI is revolutionizing cockpit technology, enhancing flight safety, and transforming the way pilots interact with the skies.

Bas dives into Daedalean’s groundbreaking work in AI-enabled avionics — including bird and drone detection, GPS-denied navigation, landing guidance, and visual traffic detection. As the aviation industry inches closer to autonomous flight, Bas shares how AI is becoming a trusted co-pilot, not a replacement, and...

In this high-octane episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead is joined by Steve Griessel, a seasoned entrepreneur and aerospace innovator, to unpack the seismic shifts in modern warfare, rapid prototyping, and the mindset needed to lead breakthrough innovations in aerospace. Steve shares insights from his journey as a turnaround expert and his work with Paramount and global defense projects, illustrating how disruptive thinking, model-based design, and iterative prototyping are changing how aerospace systems are conceived, built, and deployed.

From the battlefield transformation caused by drones to the power of simulation and digital twins, this conversation...

In this exhilarating episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead is joined by Charlie Burgoyne, founder and CEO of Valkyrie, a cutting-edge scientific R&D firm likened to a private DARPA. From miniaturizing a data center to fit inside an Altoids tin and sending it to the moon, to revolutionary breakthroughs in battery tech and graphene materials for aerospace, Charlie unpacks the present and future of innovation.

Charlie shares his experiences across NASA, DARPA, and Valkyrie, exploring AI, defense applications, autonomous vehicles, and the future of air mobility. The conversation weaves deep scientific insights with real-world...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead welcomes Cassidy Will, founder of Labradorly Marketing, to discuss her journey from recent college graduate to a rising entrepreneur at the heart of North Dakota’s UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) ecosystem. Cassidy shares how her roots in Grand Forks, a fortuitous internship, and a web of community connections led to the creation of her boutique marketing consultancy, now serving key players in the drone and VTOL space.

The conversation delves into the intricacies of marketing within the UAS sector, the pivotal role of events like Verticon and Ex...

In this compelling episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Philippe Lubrano, the dynamic CEO of RotorTrade, a company revolutionizing the pre-owned helicopter market with a streamlined, customer-centric model. From launching in Southeast Asia to expanding globally across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, Philippe shares how RotorTrade is redefining aircraft transactions through certified pre-owned solutions, trade-ins, leasing, and custom configurations.

He offers rare insight into the inner workings of the helicopter resale ecosystem, the impact of global demand on supply chains, and how their “one-stop-shop” approach—think Carvana for helicopters—is solving...

In this compelling episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with former A-10 and MQ-9 Reaper pilot Tammy Barlette, now the founder of Crosscheck Mental Performance Training. Tammy shares profound insights on how cultivating mental strength and building performance mindset techniques can transform flight safety, confidence, and decision-making — not only in high-stakes emergencies but throughout day-to-day aviation operations.

Broadcasting live from Verticon, Tammy and John explore how pilots can prepare not just their technical skills but their thoughts, emotions, and responses under stress. Tammy reveals how mindset training, when integrated into routine operations and fl...

In this gripping episode of Hangar X Studios, former fighter pilot and host John Ramstead welcomes back decorated combat veteran Jason Harris to unpack the rapidly evolving world of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance). Together, they dive into the game-changing role of drones, UAVs, and VTOLs in modern military and civilian missions. From tactical battlefield insights to post-disaster response, Jason shares compelling real-world use cases and planning considerations.

The conversation also explores what makes ISR platforms truly effective—from connectivity and payload to sound signatures and data dissemination. Jason ties it all together with his framework of “No-Fail Trus...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Aaron Hall, founder of Bifrost Manufacturing, to explore how this innovative company is redefining rapid prototyping through additive manufacturing. Broadcasting from The Hive in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the conversation dives into the startup's origins, their game-changing use of SAF and SLS 3D printing, and how their work is transforming timelines and costs across the drone, aerospace, agriculture, and defense industries.

Aaron shares how Bifrost evolved from solving urgent infrastructure problems for bitcoin mining to enabling advanced manufacturing solutions for major aerospace clients. With...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Rob Bentley Johnston of Heliflite Australia, live from Verticon — the epicenter of vertical aviation innovation. The conversation journeys through the unique operational landscape of helicopters across the vast Australian terrain, the evolution of VTOL and EVTOL technology, and how Heliflite is helping shape the future of long-range vertical transport.

Rob shares insights into the shifting dynamics of regional connectivity in Australia, why traditional helicopters are being challenged by newer airframes, and what makes the Australian aviation market uniquely suited for long-range VTOL innovations. Packed wi...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Norman Jordan, CEO of Signia, live from Verticon. Norman shares Signia’s journey from its inception just three and a half years ago to becoming a nearly $900 million powerhouse in aerospace. With a strategy focused on acquisitions, legacy innovation, and long-term service to the aerospace sector, Signia is building what Norman calls a “forever company.”

The conversation covers Signia’s vertical integration strategy, its investment in mission-critical systems, and its human-centric approach to acquisitions and customer support. Norman also shares his leadership insights on building...