In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Christopher Hewlett—retired Navy Commander and Director of Project ULTRA—to explore how the Department of Defense is accelerating the real-world integration of drones into the national airspace.

This isn’t theoretical. Project ULTRA is moving beyond simulations into repeatable, operational BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) missions—flying real cargo, solving real airspace challenges, and building the data infrastructure needed for scalable drone operations.

Chris shares how the military is taking a fundamentally different approach than industry—prioritizing safety cases over business cases—and why that mindset may be the key to unlocking large-scale drone adoption. From airspace interoperability and traffic management to humanitarian missions and future logistics networks, this conversation reveals what it will actually take to integrate thousands of drones safely into shared skies.

If you want to understand where drone operations are really headed—and what’s holding them back—this episode is essential listening.

• How Project ULTRA transitioned from simulation to real-world drone operations

• Why the Department of Defense is leading UAS integration—not commercial players

• The critical role of data, interoperability, and airspace management systems

• Real BVLOS missions: 60 nautical miles, live payload delivery, repeatable operations

• The shift from “business case” to “safety case” as the driver of adoption

• Why current “detect and avoid” models may not scale

• The future of drone logistics, disaster response, and military operations

• The hidden bottleneck: command & control (C2) standardization

• What needs to happen for drones to scale nationally and globally

[00:00:00] – The Challenge of Secure Airspace Integration
How drones must operate safely within complex environments like Washington, D.C., requiring secure, interoperable data systems.

[00:01:26] – What This Episode Covers
Overview of UAS integration, BVLOS missions, Project ULTRA, and the importance of data infrastructure.

[00:04:58] – From Simulation to Real Operations
Project ULTRA’s core concept: applying operational test and evaluation to real-world drone missions.

[00:08:00] – First Real BVLOS Missions
Successful 60-nautical-mile flights delivering payloads and returning—repeated multiple times.

[00:10:13] – Military vs Commercial Mindset
The DoD prioritizes interoperability and safety, while industry often pushes for faster approvals.

[00:12:47] – The Real Bottleneck
The issue isn’t just regulation—it’s a lack of shared understanding of how integration should work.

[00:15:58] – Operational Challenges
Navigating regulatory barriers like FCC approvals and redefining weather minimums for unmanned aircraft.

[00:19:06] – Rethinking Flight Rules for Drones
Why traditional VFR/IFR frameworks don’t fully apply to unmanned systems.

[00:23:25] – The Importance of Data Infrastructure
Airspace integration depends on real-time data sharing across agencies and systems.

[00:26:40] – Interoperability & “Electronic Conspicuity”
Future systems may require all aircraft to broadcast their position via networked solutions.

[00:31:36] – Military Use Cases
ISR, logistics, medevac, and humanitarian disaster response as primary drone applications.

[00:32:40] – Drones at Scale
The vision: thousands of drones delivering supplies autonomously in crisis scenarios.

[00:35:14] – The C2 Problem
A lack of standardized command-and-control systems could limit scalability.

[00:39:23] – Scaling Nationally
Building repeatable corridors and expanding operations across states and even internationally.

[00:44:41] – Final Takeaway: Safety First
True adoption comes from operational proof, not one-off demos—safety enables policy.

Christopher Hewlett is the Director of Project ULTRA (Unmanned Logistics Traffic Response and Autonomy), a Department of Defense-backed initiative focused on scaling drone operations within the national airspace system.

A retired U.S. Navy Commander with nearly 30 years of aviation experience and over 2,700 flight hours in H-60 helicopters, Chris has held leadership roles across operational, strategic, and joint environments.

At Grand Sky in North Dakota, he leads one of the most advanced real-world drone testing ecosystems in the U.S., working alongside the FAA, DoD, and industry partners to enable safe, scalable integration of unmanned aircraft.

• “We’re leading the charge with safety cases, not business cases.”

• “A demonstrator event does not prove safety—we’re an operational test environment.”

• “This is not a community-based traffic problem—it’s an airspace integration problem.”

• “If we remove the haystack, all that’s left are the needles.”

• “We’re not cowboying—we’re methodically demonstrating capability, then scalability.”

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 sensor aviation has ever had—forces a new paradigm: better data density, better low-altitude models, and certified weather services built for BVLOS, UTM, eVTOLs, and dense urban operations. The takeaway is clear: investing in weather intelligence and sensing networks isn’t optional if the industry expects reliability, safety, and profitable scale.

• Why “weather” becomes the primary scaling constraint for AAM, drones, and eVTOL operations

• What “micro weather” really means—and why current models still miss what matters near the ground

• The low-altitude sensing gap: why weather below 5,000 feet is fundamentally harder

• How uncertainty forces conservative decisions that keep revenue on the ground

• Why winds aloft (and urban canyon winds) can be more limiting than visibility

• The “weather tax” concept: you’re already paying—just not in a predictable, controllable way

• Weather is a real operating cost (“weather tax”) — businesses pay through delays and uncertainty, and better data can reduce that uncertainty and increase flight rates. [00:00:00]

• The show’s focus: AAM and drones won’t scale safely without weather solutions — John frames weather as the biggest near-term constraint to scale. [00:02:23]

• Defining “micro weather” — Don describes it as weather features at ~1 km resolution or less, often sub-grid to what models can reliably “see.” [00:04:36]

• The low-altitude data gap — below ~5,000 feet, satellites degrade and surface observations are sparse, leading to estimation and model uncertainty. [00:04:36]

• Taking the pilot out changes everything — without onboard human judgment, operators lose their best weather sensor and must “backfill” with digital data and sensing. [00:04:36]

• The economics of uncertainty — Don claims a significant share of canceled/delayed low-altitude operations could have flown, but don’t due to uncertainty. [00:07:12]

• Visibility isn’t the only issue—winds are often bigger — wind impacts battery reserve, payload, alternates, and reliability; small forecast errors compound into real cost. [00:10:12]

• Boundary layer turbulence is where drones live — heating, terrain effects, mechanical turbulence, and mountain wave issues create frequent low-altitude variability. [00:16:50]

• Policy and standards are evolving — Don critiques early Part 107 weather training as mismatched for micro-weather/BVLOS and points to ASTM F38 and upcoming pathways for certified providers. [00:26:50]

• FAA guidance on METAR relevance — Don notes that once you’re miles away from a METAR site, conditions may diverge materially; rules-of-thumb break down on the hardest days. [00:22:07]

Don Berchoff is the Founder and CEO of TruWeather Solutions, providing weather risk management analytics and high-resolution low-altitude weather intelligence for UAS/UTM and Advanced Air Mobility operations. With roughly four decades in weather, aviation, and logistics, Don has designed global aviation weather systems, co-authored the FAA’s NextGen Weather Concept of Operations, and previously served as Director of the National Weather Service Office of Science and Technology. His work focuses on closing the low-altitude weather data gap through sensing networks, modeling, and operational decision tools that improve safety, reliability, and profitability.

TruWeather Solutions is a U.S.–based weather intelligence company specializing in precision aviation weather analytics for drones, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and advanced air mobility (AAM) operations. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Reston, Virginia, TruWeather delivers real-time, hyperlocal weather insights through its Weather Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform and supporting sensor infrastructure that fills critical gaps in low-altitude meteorological data—especially below 5,000 ft where traditional weather systems lack resolution.

• “You are paying for it… you’re paying it through the weather tax.” [00:00:00]

• “If you don’t measure it, you don’t know it’s there.” [00:04:36]

• “When you take the pilot off… you lost the best weather sensor we’ve ever had.” [00:04:36]

• “The practical implications are: you can’t know what you don’t know.” [00:07:12]

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

• How drone swarms are reshaping everything from warfare to wedding entertainment

• The real growth opportunity in “Drones as a Service”

If you’re an operator, investor, policymaker, or simply trying to understand where aerospace innovation is headed — this episode delivers clarity in a rapidly evolving space.

Buckle up.

• The FCC ruling explained in plain English — no panic required

• Why existing DJI drones can still be sold and used

• How future drone imports could reshape U.S. competitiveness

• The coming BVLOS breakthrough that could unlock true drone delivery scale

• Why drones-as-a-service may be the most investable segment in the industry

• The economic ripple effects of restricting foreign drone hardware

• The human side of drone innovation — and why storytelling matters

[00:00:00] — The FCC Ruling: What’s Actually Banned?
Sally clarifies that only future drones without FCC approval made outside the U.S. are restricted. Existing approved models can still be manufactured, restocked, and sold.

[00:02:12] — From Bezos’ Vision to Today’s Reality
A look back at the 2013 drone delivery hype and how the industry has evolved far beyond consumer photography.

[00:05:48] — Drones in Warfare & Swarm Technology
How drone swarms are reshaping military strategy — and why this represents a fundamental shift in aerospace defense.

[00:10:29] — The Regulatory Bottleneck: Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Why current rules limit scalability and how waivers have slowed industry growth.

[00:12:41] — Part 108 & BVLOS: The Real Game Changer
Why beyond visual line of sight regulations could unlock delivery, inspections, agriculture, and offshore operations at scale.

[00:14:24] — Misinformation vs. Reality in Media Coverage
How headlines misrepresented the FCC action as a full DJI ban — and why nuance matters.

[00:17:59] — Economic Impact on Commercial & Government Users
Police departments, farmers, and taxpayers may face higher costs if foreign competition disappears.

[00:20:31] — Are U.S. Drone Companies 5–10 Years Behind?
Discussion on manufacturing gaps, hardware limitations, and the opportunity for domestic growth.

[00:23:05] — The Most Reliable Revenue Model: Drones as a Service
Why service-based drone businesses (not hardware) may offer the greatest upside.

[00:25:14] — Data is the Real Value
Flying drones is easy. Extracting actionable insights from thermal, NDVI, and photogrammetry data is the true differentiator.

[00:29:47] — The Danger of Oversimplified Headlines
How TikTok-length attention spans distort complex regulatory issues.

Sally French is the founder and lead writer of TheDroneGirl.com, one of the earliest and most respected media platforms covering drone news, reviews, tutorials, and industry insights.

She launched the site in 2013 at the dawn of the consumer drone revolution and has since become a nationally recognized voice in the space. Sally has been quoted in:

• The New York Times

• The Wall Street Journal

• CNN

• Consumer Reports

• Aviation Week

Beyond journalism, she is a sought-after speaker who has presented at South by Southwest, Harvard Business School, and numerous aerospace and robotics conferences.

The Drone Girl is a leading drone-focused media platform founded by Sally French, dedicated to providing clear, trustworthy news, reviews, tips, and stories about the evolving world of drones. Launched in 2013, the site demystifies drone technology for hobbyists and professionals alike while spotlighting real-world use cases across commercial, entertainment, and regulatory landscapes. It also champions greater diversity in the drone industry and has become a go-to resource for anyone looking to understand drones — from beginner pilots to industry insiders. 

“Future drones that do not have FCC approval — those are the ones restricted. Existing approved drones can continue to be sold.”

“If drone delivery is only as far as I can see, I could just walk it.”

“The reliable source of revenue in the drone industry is drones as a service.”

“Any 14-year-old can fly a drone. The value is in knowing what to do with the data.”

“The more we can enable rather than block, that’s going to be key.”

“People don’t want tech specs — they want to know: So what?”

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 airplane).

• Charter management: smart cost offset or risky assumption?
  
  

• Market signals from light jets to large-cabin aircraft
  
  

• Leadership lessons from navigating nonstop volatility
  
  

• How Angel Flight showcases the true purpose of business aviation
  
  

• Why aviation remains one of the most relationship-driven industries in the world

[00:04:18] – The First-Time Buyer Surge Post-Pandemic
Pre-pandemic, first-time buyers represented ~10% of transactions. After COVID, that jumped to 30% annually — a massive industry shift.

[00:07:32] – Did Those New Buyers Stay?
The percentage normalized back to 10–15%, but importantly, the buyers remained in the industry — a long-term win for business aviation.

[00:08:27] – The Traditional Ownership “Stepladder” Is Disappearing
Charter → Fractional → Whole ownership is no longer the default path. Buyers are making mission-based decisions from the start.

[00:10:26] – Chartering Your Aircraft to Offset Costs
Charter management can work — but only with realistic expectations and expert guidance. Emotional assumptions about revenue can lead to disappointment.

[00:12:46] – Why Jet Aviva Specializes by Aircraft Type
Rather than “selling anything,” Jet Aviva trains specialists in specific aircraft models to deliver deep expertise and superior client value.

[00:16:50] – Leading Through Volatility
Since becoming CEO, Emily has faced nonstop market shifts: pandemic surge, stabilization, election-year slowdown, and tariffs. The lesson? Stability must come from internal foundations, not external markets.

[00:22:24] – Owner-Flown vs. Crew-Flown Aircraft
Owner-flown aircraft remain common in light jets and turboprops, while first-time buyers are increasingly entering super-mid and large-cabin markets based purely on mission requirements.

Emily Deaton is the CEO of Jet Aviva, one of the world’s largest private jet sales organizations by annual transaction volume. She joined the company in 2019 as VP of Sales, became COO in 2020, and stepped into the CEO role in 2022 — leading the firm through unprecedented market growth and volatility.

Jet Aviva specializes in light jets and owner-flown aircraft, with a strong focus on deep model specialization and repeat client relationships.

Prior to Jet Aviva, Emily held leadership roles at Embraer Executive Jets and remains deeply involved in the aviation community. She serves on multiple industry boards, including Angel Flight West, where she champions charitable aviation initiatives providing free medical transportation.

Her leadership philosophy centers on building strong foundations that withstand market turbulence — in business and in life.

 About Jet Aviva

Jet Aviva is a leading global aircraft sales and acquisition firm specializing in business aviation. Known for its deep expertise and client-centric approach, Jet Aviva focuses on matching buyers and sellers with the right aircraft — from light jets and turboprops to midsize and large-cabin business jets. The company distinguishes itself through aircraft-specific specialization, ensuring each client works with advisors who possess detailed knowledge of the exact make and model under consideration. With a strong emphasis on long-term relationships, repeat clientele, and tailored solutions, Jet Aviva provides comprehensive support across the entire aircraft ownership lifecycle — from acquisition and financing to operations and resale. The firm is recognized for its integrity, market insight, and commitment to delivering exceptional value in every transaction.

“The pandemic didn’t just bring new buyers — it unlocked awareness of what business aviation truly enables.”

“We’ve learned that if you’re waiting for the market to stabilize before you feel in control, you’ll never feel in control.”

“Start with tax and entity structure before you fall in love with an airplane.”

“Business aviation isn’t just about luxury — it’s about enabling people to live and work better.”

“When someone uses their aircraft to help a family in need, that’s what this industry is really about.”

“In aviation, relationships still matter more than anything.”

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 forward, and how AI and autonomy will reshape everything from aircraft power demands to the way consumers discover travel experiences.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone tracking aerospace investment, advanced air mobility, drones, defense tech, and the next decade of aviation transformation.

• Defense investing is reshaping the aerospace funding landscape
  
  

• Dual-use drone technologies are attracting massive capital inflows
  
  

• Hybrid propulsion is overtaking fully electric aviation strategies
  
  

• Drone-as-a-service models are maturing into real revenue businesses
  
  

• Contract manufacturing may redefine how aerospace startups scale
  
  

• AI-powered travel planning could disrupt airline distribution channels
  

[00:04:27] Dean explains how drones in Ukraine and geopolitical pressure on Europe are accelerating defense rearmament and funding.

[00:06:54] Investors are prioritizing technologies that can succeed in both defense and commercial markets.

[00:08:43] Dean notes the industry’s pivot away from pure electric toward hybrid propulsion as the pragmatic solution.

[00:10:36] Electrification isn’t just for propulsion — it’s about powering sensors, AI compute, lasers, and autonomy.

[00:14:23] John highlights AI-driven simulation advances reducing noise and improving thrust in propeller innovation.

[00:15:51] Uncrewed traffic management will be essential before drones scale to millions of daily flights.

[00:16:49] Dean discusses companies like Percepto and Wingtra evolving into integrated service platforms.

[00:19:18] Window-washing drones are restructuring an entire service industry — even attracting private equity rollups.

[00:20:44] Dean points to contract manufacturing deals (like Elroy + Kratos) as a sign of industry evolution.

[00:23:03] The U.S. crackdown on DJI is opening major market opportunities for new players.

Dean Donovan is the CEO of DiamondStream Partners and one of the most influential investors shaping the future of aviation and aerospace.

He founded Volaris, which became Mexico’s largest airline, and previously led Bain & Company’s global aviation practice. Dean has invested across hybrid-electric propulsion, drones, blended wing body airliners, autonomous cargo, fleet optimization, and next-generation aerospace platforms.

His work sits at the intersection of capital deployment, innovation strategy, and the future economics of flight.

DiamondStream Partners is a Seattle-based venture capital and growth investment firm focused on advancing the future of aviation, aerospace, and related mobility technologies. They look for mid-stage companies — especially those developing aerial mobility, drone systems, aerospace hardware, software platforms, and transportation technologies — that can transform traditional transportation economics and accelerate new use cases. The firm leverages deep industry expertise to help founders scale technologies that offer lower-cost alternatives to existing solutions while stimulating broader market growth. Their portfolio includes companies like Elroy Air, Wingtra, SwissDrones, and others pioneering autonomous aircraft, advanced propulsion, and aerial solutions. 

“The enthusiasm for all-electric propulsion has really cooled off… hybrid is emerging as the dominant technology.”
[00:08:43]

“Defense is a really nice way to mature and develop a technology.”
[00:06:54]

“Electrification of everything in the air makes a ton of sense.”
[00:10:36]

“We’re starting to separate aircraft design from manufacturing.”
[00:20:44]

“JetZero will have the most profound impact on aviation over the next decade.”
[00:34:31]

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 service provider in Europe, Amit explains what it really takes to make autonomy safe, regulated, and operational at scale.

• How ANRA is building “virtual highways in the sky” for drones and eVTOLs

• Why air traffic modernization depends on digitization and automation

• Amit’s journey from DoD drone programs to NASA’s first UTM partnerships

• The core vision: virtual highways in the sky
  [00:00:00] Amit explains ANRA’s concept of on-demand 3D infrastructure for airspace.

• How Amit’s journey began with NASA and early drone challenges
  [00:03:44] From DoD drone programs to winning an award — and getting NASA’s call.

• Why traditional air traffic control can’t scale to millions of drones
  [00:05:58] Human-in-the-loop systems won’t work for autonomous airspace density.

• ANRA’s decade-long focus: mission management + airspace management
  [00:08:13] Amit discusses staying laser-focused while building for a market that didn’t yet exist.

• Operationalization: from research trials to thousands of daily BVLOS flights
  [00:10:00] ANRA’s role in NASA campaigns, FAA pilot programs, and shared airspace initiatives.

• Europe’s first certified U-space service provider — and what it took
  [00:11:47] Amit describes the intense two-year certification journey with EASA.

• Balancing innovation with aviation-grade safety and regulation
  [00:15:38] Why aviation isn’t “just a software problem” — it’s a safety ecosystem.

• Interoperability standards: making drone traffic management scalable globally
  [00:17:00] Amit compares UTM evolution to the global standardization of mobile networks.

• Practical explanation: how ANRA’s platform works
  [00:19:16] Creating dynamic 4D routes (space + time) to prevent conflicts in the sky.

• Strategic vs tactical deconfliction and real-time conformance tracking
  [00:21:54] Flight planning, telemetry tracking, and automated corridor management.

• Dynamic rerouting and conflict alerts in shared airspace
  [00:23:42] Handling cooperative and non-cooperative traffic inputs.

• Dual-use applications: defense, security, and identifying friend vs foe
  [00:25:11] ANRA’s role beyond commercial use cases.

• Part 108 BVLOS rule: why it could open the floodgates
  [00:26:40] Amit predicts major scaling opportunities once certification frameworks arrive.

• Final message: hang in there — the industry is finally arriving
  [00:35:40] Encouragement for innovators who’ve stayed the course.

Amit Ganjoo is the CEO of ANRA Technologies, a global leader in drone traffic management (UTM), mission orchestration, and advanced air mobility airspace infrastructure.

With a background in aviation and defense communications, Amit has played a foundational role in shaping the global framework for autonomous airspace operations. ANRA was among the first companies to partner with NASA on UTM research and has since supported major FAA and European deployment programs.

ANRA Technologies is a global leader in airspace and mission management solutions for unmanned and autonomous aircraft systems. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Washington, DC, the company develops advanced software platforms that enable safe, scalable integration of drones and advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles into shared airspace. ANRA’s capabilities — including UAS Traffic Management (UTM), U-space services, mission planning, real-time tracking, strategic deconfliction, and regulatory compliance tools — are used by government agencies, enterprises, regulators, and aviation authorities worldwide.

• “We take this two-dimensional infrastructure on the ground and create three-dimensional virtual highways in the sky.”
  [00:00:00]

• “The human-in-the-loop paradigm doesn’t scale. It’s not sustainable for millions of aircraft.”
  [00:05:58]

• “This is not a software problem. Software is a means to an end — aviation is the problem.”
  [00:11:47]

• “The only way you modernize air traffic is by digitizing it.”
  [00:05:58]

• “With Part 108, the floodgates will open.”
  [00:27:09]

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 Skyryse 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 Skyryse’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 autorotation support in helicopters to one-touch ATC compliance, the conversation argues that aviation’s future lies in safer control of aircraft already flying.

Episode highlights
Why aviation safety hasn’t meaningfully advanced in decades—and why it must (00:02:32)

“Elevator-level safety” as the benchmark for the future of flight (00:05:02)

The autorotation problem: why it’s so hard, and how SkyOS keeps pilot agency intact (00:15:54)

What SkyOS is: the hardware + software stack replacing traditional controls (00:20:27)

Deterministic vs non-deterministic AI—and where AI should (and shouldn’t) fly the aircraft (00:24:41)

Skyler, the flight assistant that helps ensure you never miss an ATC call (00:27:04)

Certification strategy: why retrofitting via STCs accelerates adoption (00:28:41)

“91 days” from first part removed to automated Blackhawk flight—and what that signals (00:31:59)

Where Skyryse sees adoption first: EMS, firefighting, military, then private aviation (00:35:07)

Key points with timestamps
The mission: integrated hardware + software to redefine safe flight (00:00:00)

Mark’s “why”: a fatal low-altitude stall that made safety personal (00:02:32)

The gap: airline-grade automation hasn’t reached most aviation (00:02:32)

Automation as the key to unlocking advanced air mobility (00:02:32)

The “elevator” analogy: setting a high bar for per-trip safety (00:05:02)

Why parachutes don’t solve perception or control like automation (00:05:02)

The problem with today’s automation: it disengages when things get hard (00:05:02)

Helicopters as extreme cognitive + physical workload machines (00:08:42)

Cockpit complexity has increased—even in “advanced” GA aircraft (00:10:41)

Why Skyryse had to “own everything” (except the engine) to remove degraded modes (00:10:41)

Autorotation as the proving ground for integrated control (00:10:41)

Pilot agency preserved: SkyOS supports real-time decisions in emergencies (00:15:54)

Auto-autorotation initiation + simplified engine restart interaction (00:18:33)

SkyOS explained: actuators, control computers, sensors, cockpit UI + 1.2M lines of code (00:20:27)

Why deterministic AI matters for flight control (“no hallucinating”) (00:24:41)

Skyler: ATC listening, tail-number detection, suggested readbacks, one-tap updates (00:27:04)

Certification path: retrofit via STCs for faster scaling (00:28:41)

Blackhawk milestone: 91 days from removal to automated takeoff (00:31:59)

Autonomy outlook: piloted first, optional later—reliability is the gatekeeper (00:32:17)

Near-term markets: EMS, Cal Fire, military; longer-term: owner-operators (00:35:07)

A striking stat: only 1 in 7 people who start flight training finish (00:35:07)

Legacy goal: drive safety statistics as close to zero as possible (00:38:35)

Guest bio
Mark Groden is the founder of Skyryse, a company building an integrated flight control platform to improve aviation safety and reduce pilot workload. He shares how learning to fly—and the loss of his instructor—shaped his mission to prevent preventable accident categories like loss of control and CFIT through automation. He leads development of SkyOS and Skyler, a flight assistant focused on situational awareness and communications.

Notable quotes
“We’re going to take a holistic approach… from a clean sheet, how should an airplane or helicopter be flown today… with the highest level of safety technology?” (00:00:00)

“I think it’s a front that hasn’t been advanced meaningfully in decades—and is probably the most needed.” (00:02:32)

“We say the elevator because the elevator is the safest place to be on a per trip basis.” (00:05:02)

“It is the only machine we know of that is actively trying to kill you.” (00:10:41)

“The pilot becomes the backup for a failed automation system.” (00:05:02)

“We wanted the pilot to have access to the full flight envelope.” (00:15:54)

“There’s no hallucinating in this AI… it’s provably correct.” (00:24:41)

“One out of seven people graduates from flight school that starts.” (00:35:07)

“We want to see the safety statistics be driven as close as possible to zero.” (00:38:35)

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 manage systems—not fly them.

If you’re interested in autonomy, AI at the edge, drone warfare, first responder tech, BVLOS, or the future of logistics, this episode delivers a rare, ground-truth perspective from someone building it today.

• Why autonomy—not hardware—is the real “killer app” in drones
  
  

• How Airgility achieved Level 4 autonomy in GPS-denied environments
  
  

• Flying drones through doors without human pilots
  
  

• Sensor fusion: LiDAR vs vision and why hybrid systems win
  
  

• Edge AI and real-time decision-making in life-or-death scenarios
  
  

  
  

[00:00:00] – A breakthrough moment: flying a drone autonomously through a doorway
[00:02:57] – What Airgility is and how it differs from traditional drone companies
[00:04:25] – Pivot from cargo drones to autonomy-driven public safety missions
[00:06:18] – Drones as first responders in dirty, dark, and dangerous environments
[00:08:29] – Designing drones small enough to fit through doors
[00:10:30] – Why GPS fails indoors and how drones must sense the environment
[00:11:03] – Thrust vectoring vs helicopter-style designs
[00:12:07] – Turning the drone into its own gimbal to reduce complexity
[00:13:03] – Reducing crew size with autonomy and AI
[00:14:49] – Level 4 autonomy and the importance of sensor fusion
[00:16:10] – LiDAR vs vision: lessons from self-driving cars
[00:17:42] – The challenge of turning massive sensor data into usable insight
[00:19:20] – Why Airgility focuses on real-time edge computing
[00:21:03] – AI object recognition and on-board decision-making
[00:22:14] – Ethical questions around autonomous action
[00:23:55] – The hardest engineering problem: collision avoidance
[00:26:13] – Maintaining comms in interference-heavy environments
[00:27:48] – Modular, attritable “Lego-style” drones and payloads
[00:29:05] – Navy logistics insight: 96% of CASREP parts under 5 lbs
[00:30:08] – Tactical resupply drones lifting up to 100 lbs
[00:31:42] – Partnerships, collaboration, and growth opportunities
[00:33:16] – What autonomy makes obsolete: the traditional drone pilot

Pramod B. Raheja is an aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Airgility, a company focused on autonomous aerial robotics for defense, public safety, and logistics missions.

With over 30 years of experience in aerospace and robotics, Pramod holds advanced training from MIT’s Founder’s Institute and is an alumnus of the University of Maryland. He has led Airgility through multiple pivots—from cargo drones to highly autonomous platforms capable of operating in GPS-denied, complex environments.

Pramod’s work sits at the leading edge of AI, autonomy, LiDAR-based navigation, and edge computing, helping redefine how drones operate in both military and civilian applications.

About Airgility

Airgility is an innovative aerospace technology company focused on building advanced autonomous aerial robotic systems that can operate in environments where traditional GPS-based drones cannot. Their unmanned aerial systems (UAS) combine AI, machine learning, and onboard autonomy to navigate confined and GPS-denied spaces — allowing missions such as search & rescue, public safety operations, defensive reconnaissance, and delivery of critical supplies to be executed with high levels of autonomy and minimal human input. 

The company’s platforms leverage sensor fusion, advanced autonomy algorithms, and robust VTOL designs to tackle missions that are too complex or risky for manually piloted drones — enabling real-time perception, obstacle avoidance, and intelligent decision-making at the edge. 

Founded in 2017 and based in College Park, Maryland, Airgility’s work spans defense, security, emergency response, and commercial applications. 

“Our emphasis is on how do you turn that drone into a robot.”

“The secret sauce is really in the algorithms.”

“Later doesn’t work when people’s lives are on the line.”

“Engineering is a series of trade-offs.”

“The future operator is not a pilot—they’re a manager of systems.”

“There is no one-size-fits-all drone.”

“The faster you iterate, the faster you get to something usable.”

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 “easy button” for scalable drone programs. The conversation wraps with a lighter, personal touch, exploring team culture, leadership philosophy, and Jeremy’s lifelong love of baseball.

This episode is a must-listen for drone professionals, enterprise operators, and anyone tracking the future of unmanned systems.

• Why BVLOS is the single biggest unlock for scaling drone operations
  
  

• How remote operations and automation are changing enterprise drone programs
  
  

• The three core strengths behind Drone Nerds’ national success
  
  

• What increased U.S. defense spending means for the UAV industry
  
  

• A look at breakthrough tech, including pressure and soft wash drones
  
  

• Why drone-in-a-box solutions are on the brink of widespread adoption
  
  

• Growing momentum and capability among U.S.-based drone manufacturers
  
  

• How Drone Nerds maintains a strong culture in a fully distributed team
  
  

• A personal conversation about leadership, family, and baseball fandom
  
  

• [00:00:09] Why BVLOS is one of the most important topics in UAS today
  
  

• [00:00:24] How BVLOS enables remote operations, automation, and multi-drone flights
  
  

• [00:00:44] The three strengths that have driven Drone Nerds’ success
  
  

• [00:02:06] The outlook on U.S. defense spending and its impact on UAV markets
  
  

• [00:02:54] A game-changing pressure and soft wash drone launch
  
  

• [00:03:25] What “drone in a box” really means and why adoption is accelerating
  
  

• [00:04:23] Why domestic drone manufacturers are gaining momentum
  
  

• [00:05:15] How Drone Nerds builds culture with a remote, distributed workforce
  
  

• [00:06:11] Jeremy’s lifelong connection to baseball and family traditions
  

Jeremy Schneiderman is the CEO and Founder of Drone Nerds, one of the largest and most respected drone solution providers in the United States. Under his leadership, Drone Nerds has become a trusted authority across multiple industries by combining deep technical expertise, strong vendor partnerships, and a customer-first approach.

Jeremy is passionate about building scalable drone programs, fostering strong organizational culture, and helping customers adopt emerging technologies with confidence. Outside of work, he’s a lifelong baseball fan, former player, and dedicated coach—bringing the same teamwork mindset from the field into his leadership style.

Drone Nerds is a leading U.S.-based drone solutions provider helping organizations design, deploy, and scale successful drone programs. Known for its deep industry expertise, strong vendor partnerships, and customer-first approach, Drone Nerds supports a wide range of industries with best-in-class hardware, software, training, and support. With a mission to be the “easy button” for enterprise drone operations, Drone Nerds simplifies adoption while enabling customers to maximize the value of unmanned technology.

“Remote operations, taking a little bit of the human element out of flights, and allowing one person to fly multiple drones—that’s what BVLOS unlocks.”

“Our goal as Drone Nerds is to be the easy button for our customers’ drone programs.”

“Drone in a box is going to have a profound effect on how people use drones in the future—it’s just a matter of time.”

“U.S. manufacturing is happening now, and the technology being delivered can truly compete.”

“Work hard, play hard. Get the work done—but let’s have fun while we’re doing it.”

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 what it takes to make advanced air mobility commercially viable—without outrunning aviation safety systems.

Episode highlights
• Bristow’s “focus on what electric aircraft can do” approach to building early profitable markets
• Why Norway is an ideal launchpad (geography, infrastructure, public-sector alignment)
• Learnings from ~86 flights and ~125 charge cycles on BETA’s ALIA
• Charging time, range planning, and real operating economics (energy cost per leg)
• The real-world EMI/radio issue—and how it was handled through rigorous safety processes
• Why cargo-first and offshore logistics are the near-term commercial wedge
• The case for hybrid-electric as a bridge to longer range, higher payload, and reduced infrastructure dependency

Key points with timestamps
[00:00:00] “Focus on what they can do”: mindset behind viable electric flight business models
[00:02:10] Bristow’s mission: offshore energy transport + search and rescue
[00:03:14] Platforms evaluated: BETA, Elroy Air, Electra, Vertical Aerospace, Eve
[00:05:57] Evaluation criteria: performance, turbulence, batteries, charging, total cost
[00:08:55] Tech readiness vs. certification as the gating factor
[00:10:03] Why the Nordics: geography + dense airport network
[00:11:18] Electric ops reality: identical takeoff and landing weight
[00:12:44] Flight phases: local ops → VFR Stavanger–Bergen → IFR expansion
[00:13:44] Range and reserves: ~200 nm with destination charging
[00:14:12] Key learning: EMI interrupting long-range radio comms
[00:15:47] Maintenance findings: tire wear, 100-hour inspection, battery module swap
[00:17:14] Milestone: training commercial electric pilots outside the OEM
[00:18:43] Charging time: ~30 minutes after a 90-mile leg
[00:19:04] Battery outlook: ~125 cycles completed; target ~1500
[00:20:16] Government-sponsored report expected January 2026
[00:20:23] Flying ALIA: quiet, smooth, instant torque
[00:23:26] Avinor’s role: airport ops and integrated charging infrastructure
[00:24:38] Commercial path: cargo-first for regional and offshore logistics
[00:26:58] Customer priorities: safety → cost → efficiency → sustainability
[00:27:00] Economics datapoint: ~$10–$12 energy cost per leg
[00:31:57] Red flags: certification timelines, capital, public acceptance
[00:35:03] EMI “aha”: implications for multi-motor architectures
[00:36:08] Hybrid-electric momentum from OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers
[00:41:26] Vertical Aerospace conforming design milestone referenced
[00:42:28] Why this matters: real commercial-style ops with regulators engaged
[00:43:28] Next step: future webinar with Bristow, BETA, and Norway stakeholders

Guest bio
David Stepanek is Chief Transformation Officer at Bristow Group, leading efforts across sustainable aviation, AAM, electric and hybrid-electric systems, and uncrewed cargo operations. His focus is translating emerging aircraft into safe, scalable commercial operations.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-stepanek-fraes-30a09216b/

About Bristow Group
Bristow Group is a global provider of vertical flight solutions, supporting offshore energy and government services worldwide, with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and innovation.

Notable quotes
[00:00:00] “Let’s just pay attention to what they can do…”
[00:11:47] “In electric airplane, takeoff and landing weight are always identical.”
[00:14:12] “Long range radio transmissions have been interrupted by the EMI…”
[00:18:43] “It’s about 30 minutes.”
[00:21:31] “Powerful, smooth, quiet.”
[00:31:57] “Not certified… do you have the capital to get to certification?”
[00:33:35] “I worry that we’re getting ahead of ourselves…”