In this episode, Dr. Maris shares a wealth of insight drawn from decades of experience in aircraft certification, flight testing, and aerospace innovation.

The conversation explores how 3C helps emerging aerospace companies navigate the complexities of certification — from developing early-stage roadmaps to guiding OEMs through compliance and testing.

Dr. Maris explains why certification isn’t an end-of-project task but a continuous process, comparing it to the long and rigorous testing cycles of new pharmaceuticals.

He also highlights the unique technical and regulatory hurdles facing eVTOL developers, such as the limitations of current battery technology, the evolving frameworks from EASA and the FAA, and the critical role of human factors and simulation in ensuring safety.

Looking to the future, Dr. Maris predicts that eVTOL certification will become more structured and harmonized globally, with growing collaboration between regulators and innovators. He believes Canada is well positioned to play a leading role in this emerging ecosystem — particularly for regional and first responder applications.

Closing the episode, Dr. Maris emphasizes the importance of clear, factual reporting to educate the wider public, regulators, and industry stakeholders about this “sea change” moment in aviation.