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 a lasting company culture, strategic integration, and what success looks like in the year ahead.

Norman Jordan is the CEO of Signia Aerospace, an emerging leader in aerospace systems and components. With over three decades of industry experience, Norman took the helm in December 2021 and has since guided the company through a strategic series of acquisitions and integrations. Under his leadership, Signia has grown into a nearly billion-dollar business with over 1,600 employees, offering mission-critical aerospace solutions ranging from propeller systems to rescue mission equipment. His leadership style emphasizes long-term vision, operational excellence, and customer-focused innovation.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/normandjordan/

Signia Aerospace is a leading provider of advanced aerospace systems and components, serving both commercial and military aviation markets. Formed through a series of strategic acquisitions, Signia delivers mission-critical solutions including propeller systems, engine technologies, environmental control systems, and rescue mission equipment. With a strong focus on innovation, aftermarket support, and long-term customer partnerships, Signia is committed to building a “forever company” that drives the future of aerospace. Headquartered in the United States, the company continues to expand its capabilities and global reach through a vertically integrated business model.

“We’re really building a forever company. We want to be in the market for many, many decades into the future.”
— Norman Jordan

“A lot of times it's our customers pointing us in the direction of where to innovate next.”
— Norman Jordan

“If you have a cooperative seller, that can be immensely helpful to help with integration.”
— Norman Jordan

“We want to be close to our customers with strong MRO support, inventory, and engineering that keeps aircraft flying.”
— Norman Jordan

“If we're 100% on time next year, with guaranteed turnaround times and continued acquisitions, I’d call that a win.”
— Norman Jordan

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Bill Daggett, founder of Delta Advisory Group and a seasoned veteran of the UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) industry. Live from The Hive in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the conversation explores how the UAS industry is evolving, where real commercial opportunities lie, and why “Drone as First Responder” (DFR) programs are revolutionizing emergency services in the U.S.

Bill shares practical insights into navigating the hype and regulatory complexities surrounding commercial drones, drawing from his military background and two decades of industry experience. Whether you're an investor, innovator, or just UAS-curious, this episode will give you a sharp, grounded perspective on what’s actually happening in this fast-moving sector.

Bill Daggett is the founder of Delta Advisory Group (DAG), a consultancy dedicated to helping stakeholders in the UAS industry—investors, startups, and international entrants—navigate the complex U.S. drone ecosystem. With a background as an Air Force pilot and experience in the MQ-1 and MQ-9 programs, Bill brings military-grade insight to commercial and governmental drone applications. Over two decades in the industry, he’s developed a reputation for cutting through hype to deliver grounded, actionable guidance.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/billddaggett/

Delta Advisory Group (DAG) is a strategic consultancy specializing in the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry. Founded by seasoned military and aerospace professionals, DAG helps investors, startups, and international companies navigate the complex U.S. drone ecosystem. With deep industry insight and a practical approach, the firm provides tailored guidance on market viability, regulatory pathways, and commercialization strategies. Whether entering the defense sector or pursuing commercial applications, DAG equips clients with the clarity and connections needed to succeed in the evolving UAS landscape.

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with aviation strategist and airport transformation expert Gloria Bouillon, CEO of Aviatrix Advisors. From her beginnings as an “airport rat” to leading major airport turnarounds and advising on advanced air mobility (AAM), Gloria shares a powerful perspective on infrastructure, regulation, and the future of flight. She delves into the challenges and opportunities small airports face, the practicalities of community engagement, the evolving landscape of regional and urban air mobility, and the significance of initiatives like the upcoming Pulitzer Electric Air Race. This conversation is a masterclass in how the aviation industry can innovate responsibly, sustainably, and inclusively.

[00:00:00] Community engagement surprises from early airport projects
[00:01:35] Gloria’s diverse aviation background and founding of Aviatrix Advisors
[00:03:20] Lying about her age to afford flight lessons and her early career path
[00:04:44] Working at Aspen Airport and involvement in a $200M project
[00:08:35] Economic planning and sustainability for struggling airports
[00:11:07] Taking leadership at two airports in crisis
[00:15:40] Key decisions that led to a 40% increase in airport operations
[00:19:14] Mistakes OEMs make with community engagement and strategy
[00:20:50] Favorable regions for OEMs to consider, like the Midwest
[00:22:36] The vision and logistics behind the Pulitzer Electric Air Race
[00:27:23] Urban air mobility challenges and public perception
[00:29:45] Regional vs. urban air mobility explained
[00:32:53] Observations on OEM success and failure patterns
[00:35:00] The role of SAF, hybrids, and adaptive strategies in sustainability
[00:40:12] Innovations needed to accelerate the AAM industry
[00:43:24] Stakeholder engagement as a major challenge for adoption
[00:47:01] Why the Pulitzer Air Race is key for public education
[00:48:36] Final advice: focus, community building, and securing paying customers

Gloria Bouillon is the founder and CEO of Aviatrice Advisors, a firm specializing in regulatory strategy, airport growth planning, and AAM readiness. With experience as an airport director, aviation insurance executive, pilot, and consultant, Gloria has helped turn around struggling airports, develop renewable energy projects, and advocate for sustainable air mobility. She currently serves as Community Integration Director at the Advanced Air Mobility Institute and advises on aviation sustainability, smart cities, and infrastructure development.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-bouillon-a-a-e-ace-8720928b/

Aviatrix Advisors is a strategic aviation consultancy founded by Gloria Bouillon, specializing in regulatory navigation, infrastructure development, and growth planning for the evolving aerospace ecosystem. The firm works closely with airports, OEMs, municipalities, and advanced air mobility (AAM) stakeholders to build sustainable, community-integrated aviation solutions. Leveraging Gloria’s extensive experience in airport management, public-private partnerships, and policy advising, Aviatrix Advisors helps clients unlock new opportunities, drive operational resilience, and align innovation with practical implementation in the aviation sector.

“You have to present it, discuss it, answer questions… sometimes it can take years.”
– On stakeholder engagement and airport planning

“Don’t spread yourself too thin. Try to gain the confidence of one or two paying customers. That can be everything.”
– On strategic focus for startups

“Just because you’re ready doesn’t mean the city or regulatory body is.”
– On the pace of tech vs. government processes

“It's not about being the first. It's about staying in the game the longest.”
– On startup longevity in aerospace

“Even people who are against airport operations come out to the airshows. That’s powerful.”
– On community events and public perception

In this compelling live episode of Hangar X Studios, recorded at Verticon, host John Ramstead welcomes veteran aviation advocate and media expert Vincent Mickens. With decades of experience in aviation broadcasting, safety advocacy, and public relations, Mickens shares deep insights into the evolution of safety management systems (SMS), the power of digital tools in aviation safety, and his passion for educating future generations about career paths in aerospace. From storytelling to strategic safety reform, this episode explores both the technical and human sides of aviation innovation.

Vincent Mickens is the founder of Private Air Media Group, a specialized aviation media and public relations consultancy. With a professional background spanning broadcasting, flight training, and aviation advocacy, Vincent has served with esteemed organizations such as AOPA and NBAA. A lifelong pilot and communications strategist, his mission is twofold: to advance safety standards in aviation through procedural and digital innovation, and to inspire the next generation to explore the vast career opportunities available in aviation and aerospace. He also hosts All Things Aviation & Aerospace, a career-focused podcast.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincemickens-privateairmedia-allthingsaviationandaerospace/

Private Air Media Group is a specialized aviation communications consultancy founded by Vincent Mickens. With a deep-rooted passion for aviation and decades of experience in broadcasting and industry advocacy, the firm offers tailored media, public relations, and strategic communication services exclusively for the aviation and aerospace sectors. Leveraging insider knowledge of general, commercial, and rotary aviation, Private Air Media Group helps clients craft impactful messaging, execute comprehensive campaigns, and elevate their presence across industry channels.

In this live recording from Verticon, host John Ramstead sits down with Thibault Baldivia, co-founder of Ascendance, a pioneering company in the hybrid-electric aviation space. Thibault shares his journey from working at Airbus on one of the world’s first electric aircraft to building the next generation of hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft at Ascendance. The discussion dives deep into the technical, environmental, and operational advantages of hybrid propulsion systems over fully electric and traditional aircraft, especially in real-world applications where infrastructure and range pose limitations.

You’ll also hear insights into Ascendance’s Atea aircraft and its Sterna propulsion system — how they're optimizing fuel efficiency by up to 80% compared to conventional rotorcraft, and why their mission targets existing helicopter markets rather than speculative air taxi concepts. This episode is a must-listen for anyone excited about the future of sustainable aviation and advanced air mobility.

Thibault Baldivia is the co-founder of Ascendance, a French aerospace company focused on building sustainable hybrid-electric aircraft. Prior to founding Ascendance, Thibault worked at Airbus, where he contributed to the development of the E-Fan, one of the world’s first all-electric aircraft. Thibault and his co-founders are now leading innovation in hybrid propulsion, developing the Atea VTOL aircraft and Sterna hybrid system to transform regional and urban air mobility without the need for new infrastructure. He brings deep expertise in electrical engineering, aircraft design, and aviation systems integration.

Ascendance is a pioneering French aerospace company developing next-generation hybrid-electric aircraft designed to make aviation cleaner, more efficient, and accessible. Founded by former Airbus engineers, the company is focused on real-world solutions like the Atea, a five-seat vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft powered by Sterna, their proprietary hybrid propulsion system. By combining electric power with sustainable aviation fuel, Ascendance enables significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions without requiring new infrastructure, making it a practical choice for modern air mobility.

"We were really trailblazing the whole thing... electric brings a lot of benefits, but also comes with drawbacks that are still very hard to overcome."
– Thibault Baldivia

"We are resizing the turbine for cruise, and the extra power needed for takeoff comes from the battery — it’s a smart hybrid approach."
– Thibault Baldivia

"You don’t want to invest heavily in infrastructure to make this happen. That’s why hybrid is key."
– Thibault Baldivia

"We’re not trying to create a new market — we’re going after existing helicopter operators with a better, cleaner solution."
– Thibault Baldivia

"From a pilot's perspective, the system must be simple — throttle and go. Our tech handles the complexity behind the scenes."
– Thibault Baldivia

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead welcomes Dave Merrill, the visionary co-founder of Elroy Air, to explore how a personal passion for photography and drones evolved into building one of the world’s largest and most innovative autonomous cargo aircraft. Merrill recounts the journey from idea to implementation of Elroy Air’s flagship vehicle, the Chaparral, a hybrid-electric VTOL drone capable of delivering hundreds of pounds of cargo over long distances — autonomously.

We unpack how the team navigated early skepticism, technical challenges, military collaborations, and humanitarian partnerships to turn Elroy Air into a $2 billion demand operation. From securing support from SHIELD Capital and the Defense Innovation Unit to designing autonomous logistics for both military and commercial customers, this episode is a deep dive into the future of aviation logistics.

Dave Merrill is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Elroy Air, an aerospace startup pioneering autonomous VTOL cargo delivery. An engineer by training, Dave’s career spans research in hardware/software systems, consumer drone development, and now, cutting-edge logistics automation. His work with Elroy Air focuses on solving the "middle mile" logistics gap, delivering mission-critical cargo through the company’s hybrid-electric, autonomous Chaparral aircraft. Merrill has built a world-class team and raised significant capital, positioning Elroy Air as a dual-use defense and commercial logistics solution provider.

Elroy Air is an innovative aerospace company pioneering autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) cargo aircraft to revolutionize express logistics. Their flagship vehicle, the Chaparral, is a hybrid-electric drone designed to carry 300 pounds of cargo over 300 miles without a pilot onboard. By blending autonomy, hybrid propulsion, and modular cargo pods, Elroy Air aims to transform how goods are delivered in both commercial and defense sectors — enabling faster, safer, and more efficient transport to remote or high-risk areas.

“This is inevitable. But we can be the first to do it because of our backgrounds and the moment we’re in.” — Dave Merrill

“One of the old adages about robotics is they’re great for jobs that are dull, dirty, and dangerous. And military logistics is all three.” — Dave Merrill

“Batteries are behind liquid fuel in energy density. So we built a hybrid electric system — it was the only way to meet operational needs.” — Dave Merrill

“We’re not trying to replace helicopters. We’re trying to free them up to do what they do best.” — Dave Merrill

“The aircraft is the platform. The pod is the application.” — Dave Merrill

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with aviation business and financial analyst Brian Foley live from Verticon. They dive into the evolving landscape of the EVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) sector, discuss investor sentiment, infrastructure challenges, policy impacts, and the future of aerospace innovation. With decades of experience across Boeing, Falcon Jet, and his own consultancy, Brian delivers a candid, fact-driven analysis of what’s working in the aerospace space—and what isn’t. Whether you’re an innovator, investor, or aviation enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable insights into the dynamic and high-stakes world of next-generation flight.

Brian Foley is a seasoned aviation and financial analyst with a career spanning multiple sectors of the aerospace industry. He has worked with major players like Falcon Jet and Boeing, and now runs his own consultancy firm, Brian Foley Associates. A regular contributor to Forbes, Foley is known for his clear, fact-based perspectives on the aerospace market, including his deep dives into aviation investment trends, EVTOL startups, and business aviation economics. His insights are sought after by investors, executives, and innovators looking to navigate the complex aviation landscape.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brifo/ 

BriFO, short for Brian Foley Associates, is a boutique aerospace consultancy founded by industry veteran Brian Foley. With decades of experience at leading aviation companies like Boeing and Dassault Falcon Jet, BriFO provides strategic insights and market intelligence to investors, startups, and established aerospace firms. Known for its rigorous analysis and straight-talking assessments, BriFO specializes in emerging aviation technologies such as EVTOL, business aviation trends, and aerospace investment strategies. The firm combines deep technical knowledge with financial acumen to help clients navigate the complex and evolving aerospace landscape with clarity and confidence.

“You can't sell a beta product in aviation. It actually has to be the alpha—FAA certified.”
— Brian Foley

“The EVTOL industry will be very nichy. Those that find their niche and exceed at it will succeed.”
— Brian Foley

“Aviation eats its young. New ideas get dismissed quickly—but EVTOLs will find their place.”
— Brian Foley

“With fewer players now, the survivors in the EVTOL space may actually have a better shot.”
— Brian Foley

In this riveting episode of Hangar X, host John Ramstead sits down with Mike Martin, Vice President of Training at Air Rescue Systems (ARS), live from Verticon. Mike shares his remarkable journey from ground medic to flight medic and his current role enhancing the training and operational safety of search and rescue missions. They discuss innovations by ARS and Vita, aimed at revolutionizing helicopter rescue operations to save more lives and improve safety standards across the industry. Mike provides insightful perspectives on training methodologies, operational preparedness, and leveraging diverse experiences to ensure every rescue is executed safely and efficiently.

Mike Martin is the Vice President of Training at Air Rescue Systems (ARS), bringing extensive experience from his service as a flight medic with the Utah National Guard. Specializing in medevac and helicopter hoist rescues, Mike is dedicated to enhancing operational safety and effectiveness through innovative training approaches. At ARS, he collaborates closely with the aerospace community to advance rescue methodologies and implement cutting-edge rescue technology to ensure mission success and crew safety.

Air Rescue Systems (ARS) has been at the forefront of helicopter rescue operations and training for over 25 years. Originally focused on providing search and rescue services in Oregon, ARS has evolved into a leading global provider of specialized training programs and advanced rescue equipment. ARS collaborates closely with operators and rescuers worldwide to continuously refine methods, enhance safety protocols, and develop innovative rescue technologies designed to save lives under the most challenging conditions.

 In this engaging episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft, during the Verticon event. Together, they explore the future of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) technology and discuss Horizon's unique approach with their innovative hybrid-electric EVTOL aircraft, the Cavorite X7. Robinson explains why hybrid-electric propulsion provides superior operational versatility compared to purely electric aircraft, highlighting the practical advantages in range, speed, and payload for both commercial and military applications.

Episode Highlights:

Key Points with Timestamps:

Guest Bio:
Brandon Robinson is the CEO of Horizon Aircraft, an innovative aerospace company specializing in hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft. As a former Canadian Hornet pilot with extensive aviation experience, Robinson brings practical insight and leadership to Horizon's mission to create operationally robust and commercially viable aircraft solutions.

About Horizon Aircraft: Horizon Aircraft is an aerospace innovator focused on developing advanced hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft. Headquartered near Toronto, Canada, Horizon aims to deliver versatile, reliable, and cost-effective aviation solutions. The company's flagship project, the Cavorite X7, combines hybrid-electric propulsion with cutting-edge aerospace technology to enhance both civilian and military operations.

Notable Quotes:

Join host John Ramstead as he sits down with Fabi Riesen, the visionary founder of Loft Dynamics, live from Verticon. In this exciting conversation, they dive deep into how Loft Dynamics is revolutionizing helicopter pilot training through groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) simulator technology. Fabi shares the story behind the creation of their FAA and EASA-certified full-motion simulators, explaining how VR not only enhances training realism but significantly improves pilot safety, reduces training costs, and accelerates learning. Whether you're passionate about aviation, technology, or innovation, this episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of aerospace training.

Fabi Riesen is the innovative founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. A seasoned engineer and passionate aviator since 1999, Fabi combined his technical expertise and love for aviation to develop revolutionary virtual reality simulators. Loft Dynamics, under Fabi’s leadership, has achieved FAA and EASA certification, making them a global leader in advanced helicopter training solutions. His forward-thinking vision continues to shape the future of aerospace training and safety.

Loft Dynamics is a pioneering aerospace technology company specializing in virtual reality flight simulation. Recognized globally for its innovative training solutions, Loft Dynamics' simulators are certified by both the FAA and EASA. The company is transforming helicopter pilot training with high-fidelity, full-motion VR simulators that offer unmatched realism, enhanced safety, and significant cost savings. Loft Dynamics continues to expand its capabilities into fixed-wing and eVTOL markets, ensuring pilots worldwide are equipped with cutting-edge tools for safer and more efficient flight operations.