The eVTOL Insights Podcast

In this episode, Barbara Pareglio from GSMA talks about the critical role of connectivity in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). She explains how GSMA’s work in mobile technologies, including 4G, 5G and future 6G, is helping enable scalable, secure and interoperable solutions for drones and emerging aviation platforms. The discussion explores how mobile networks can support beyond visual line-of-sight operations, enhance safety through digital identification and tracking, and provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional aviation communication systems. Pareglio also outlines GSMA-led initiatives around drone identity, detect-and-avoid systems, and data-driven risk mitigation. Looking ahead, she highlights the importance of integrating connectivity into aviation design from the outset, enabling more autonomous, data-rich and efficient airspace management, while stressing collaboration across industries to accelerate innovation.

In this episode, host Jason Pritchard speaking with Kevin Cox, CEO of Vertiports by Atlantic, about the future of infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility. Cox explains how the company originated from a team initially assembled by Ferrovial to focus on the infrastructure needed for eVTOL aircraft. After being acquired by Atlantic Aviation, the venture gained the backing of a major aviation services network with decades of operational experience. Cox outlines the company’s vision to build a nationwide network of sustainable, aircraft-agnostic vertiports that enable efficient urban and regional air mobility. Using proprietary, data-driven demand models, the team identifies optimal locations—primarily in dense, congested markets where faster transport is most valuable. The strategy emphasizes partnerships with operators and manufacturers, disciplined investment, and leveraging existing aviation infrastructure to reduce risk while supporting the commercial rollout of advanced air mobility services.

In this episode, Marc talks about Flyte's vision for regional air mobility and its role as a precursor to the future eVTOL market. He explains that Flyte aims to reduce the friction of short-distance travel by connecting regional airports using efficient conventional aircraft such as the Cirrus Vision Jet. This approach allows passengers to bypass congested commercial hubs and dramatically reduce travel times on routes that might otherwise take hours by car or commercial airline. Flyte currently sells full-aircraft charters but ultimately hopes to evolve toward a per-seat regional air mobility model. With services already operating in the U.S. Northeast and expansion underway in Florida, Sellouk believes growing regional airport infrastructure and continued technological innovation will help unlock faster, more accessible air travel.

In this episode, host Jason Pritchard sits down with Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder and CEO of SkyDrive, to reflect on a landmark year for the Japanese eVTOL OEM and what's next in 2026. Tomohiro shares how 2025 marked a breakthrough year for SkyDrive, with hundreds of successful flight tests, large-scale public demo flights and more than 400 pre-orders for its SD-05 aircraft. A major highlight last year was showcasing the aircraft at the World Expo in Osaka, where more than one million visitors saw the aircraft up close, many for the first time. The conversation dives into the technology behind SkyDrive’s compact, 12-rotor multicopter design, purpose-built for rooftop operations and short urban hops, as well as its progress toward simultaneous certification with Japan’s JCAB and the Federal Aviation Administration. Tomohiro also discusses strategic partnerships, including manufacturing collaboration with Suzuki and operational partnerships across Japan, Southeast Asia, India, and the U.S. From alleviating traffic congestion in cities like Jakarta to transporting organs for urgent medical procedures, the episode explores compelling real-world use cases that highlight the aircraft’s potential impact. Looking ahead, 2026 will focus on certification milestones, global market expansion, and further public demonstration flights to accelerate adoption.

In this episode, Darrell Swanson and Jarek Zych of EA Maven discuss the launch of AeroTesseract, a full-stack SaaS platform designed to bring investment-grade analysis to advanced air mobility (AAM). They explain that traditional aviation forecasting tools rely on historical air traffic data, which is unsuitable for emerging AAM routes. Instead, AeroTesseract uses surface mobility data and bottom-up, route-by-route modelling to identify viable markets. The platform integrates demand forecasting, scheduling, revenue modelling, energy requirements, and carbon analysis into one iterative workflow. It allows users to test sensitivities such as pricing, time savings, aircraft type, and propulsion system, while also modelling infrastructure revenues and grid capacity constraints. Both Darrell and Jarek emphasise realism and granular analysis over top-down market projections, positioning AeroTesseract as a potential industry-standard tool for operators, airports, OEMs, and governments planning the future of regional and urban air mobility.

In this episode, Jason Pritchard is joined by Austin Spiegel, CTO and Co-Founder of SIFT, to explore how better data infrastructure is accelerating advanced air mobility development. Austin explains how SIFT’s hardware observability platform helps OEMs capture, organize and analyze vast volumes of telemetry generated across the entire aircraft lifecycle—from simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing to manufacturing and flight operations. With certification programmes placing increasing pressure on traceability and auditability, he highlights how fragmented data systems, siloed workflows and manual reporting processes can create costly bottlenecks for eVTOL developers. The conversation dives into how SIFT creates a unified, structured “digital thread” that links telemetry to specific assets, sub-assemblies and manufacturing processes—enabling clear, regulator-ready evidence paths. Austin also discusses real-time flight test monitoring, automated pass/fail reporting, anomaly detection through “family” data comparisons, and the growing regulatory shift toward digital-ready, interactive evidence rather than static PDFs. With SIFT recently announcing a $42 million Series B raise, Austin shares how the company is scaling its team and capabilities to support the next phase of growth in aviation and beyond—building toward a single source of truth for hardware data that helps OEMs reduce late-stage surprises and move more confidently toward certification.

In this episode, we were delighted to be joined by Katie Inman, Partner at Holland & Knight and a leading authority on aviation public policy and regulation, to unpack the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape for Advanced Air Mobility operations. Drawing on her extensive experience at the FAA, where she led major rulemaking initiatives for unmanned and novel aircraft, Inman offers a rare insider’s perspective on how regulators think, how policy is shaped, and what industry stakeholders need to know to successfully move forward. The conversation explores common misconceptions about FAA rulemaking, including the complexity, legal rigor, and time required to develop new aviation policy. Inman explains how performance-based regulation and the FAA’s “safety continuum” are increasingly central to accommodating emerging technologies, while maintaining the agency’s mandate to ensure the highest levels of safety in the world’s most complex airspace.

In this episode of eVTOL Insights, host Jason Pritchard sits down with Alison to explore the critical role of government affairs in advancing the future of Advanced Air Mobility. Alison shares how Regal Rexnord supports the eVTOL ecosystem through its aerospace-grade components, scalable manufacturing capabilities, and strategic collaboration with OEMs and policymakers. The discussion dives into regulatory readiness, public-private collaboration, and the importance of clear storytelling and transparency in building public trust. Alison offers valuable insights into how industry, government, and regulators are working together to ensure safe, sustainable, and timely deployment of eVTOL technology—positioning the U.S. to remain a global leader in next-generation aviation.

In this episode, Darryl provides an in-depth overview of the CAA’s recently published eVTOL Delivery Model, explaining why it was developed, what it contains and how it is intended to provide clarity and transparency for industry as the UK works toward enabling commercial eVTOL operations. The conversation explores how the delivery model aligns with the UK’s Future of Flight programme and broader net zero ambitions, including the government’s objective to see piloted passenger eVTOL operations in the UK by 2028. Darryl outlines the CAA’s regulatory roadmap, key delivery principles, and the importance of building on existing aviation frameworks while remaining proportionate, flexible, and innovation-friendly. He also discusses what the CAA expects from industry in the near term, including engagement with live policy consultations, as well as how the delivery model will evolve through its 'flying now, flying tomorrow, and flying in future' phases. The episode covers certification challenges, vertiport and ground infrastructure regulation, airspace integration, ecosystem maturity in the UK, and the balance between regulatory certainty and technological innovation. The discussion concludes with practical advice for eVTOL stakeholders on early engagement with the regulator, insights into remaining unknowns around scaled deployment, and Darryl's perspective on why the UK is well positioned to play a leading role in the global advanced air mobility ecosystem.

In this episode, Jason Pritchard is joined by Lester Erlston, Founder of Flight Kinetics, to explore how advanced aerodynamics could unlock the next phase of electric and hybrid-electric flight. Lester explains how the company’s proprietary technology, PropWings, is designed to dramatically improve lift, range, and payload capacity for eVTOL aircraft—without requiring advances in battery chemistry. Instead, the solution focuses on smarter aerodynamics, harvesting previously wasted propeller slipstream energy to enhance performance during critical flight phases such as transition and cruise. During the conversation, Lester outlines Flight Kinetics’ journey from initial invention through patent protection and toward a scalable licensing business model. The company positions itself as a future Tier 1 technology licensor, offering an airframe-neutral solution that can be integrated across multiple eVTOL platforms. The discussion dives deep into the technical challenges of designing a high-lift system that is robust, adaptable, and certifiable across diverse aircraft architectures. Lester shares how a phased validation roadmap—progressing from advanced CFD analysis to wind tunnel testing and ultimately flight testing—is being used to reduce risk and deliver the real-world data OEMs require. Looking ahead, the episode explores how improved aerodynamic efficiency can translate directly into safer operations, greater energy margins, longer routes, and stronger economics for operators.

In this episode, Marilyn Pearson sits down with Dr. Tracy Lamb, a globally respected aviation and aerospace safety leader, international airline pilot, and human factors expert with more than 20 years of experience across commercial aviation, advanced aerospace programs, and emerging technologies. Dr. Lamb shares deep insights into the rapidly evolving world of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), unpacking how global regulators, standards bodies, and industry leaders are working to harmonize certification, operations, and safety frameworks for eVTOL aircraft. Drawing on her experience with ICAO, RTCA, and international regulators, she explains why regulatory harmonization is complex, why timelines often shift, and how differences in culture, operations, and organizational maturity impact entry into service. The conversation explores some of the most critical challenges facing AAM today, including latent safety hazards, organizational readiness, pilot training, automation, and the human factors that don’t always show up in early flight testing. Dr. Lamb introduces listeners to the concept of the “safety continuum,” resilience engineering, and Safety-II thinking—highlighting why designing systems to fail safely and adapt under stress is essential as AAM scales toward passenger operations.

In this in-depth episode, Brandon Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Horizon Aircraft, joins host Jason Pritchard to discuss one of the industry’s most compelling hybrid-eVTOL programs: the Cavorite X7. A former CF-18 fighter pilot and experienced aerospace innovator, Brandon offers a rare combination of technical clarity and operational insight. He begins by unpacking Horizon’s recent full-wing transition flight milestone with its large-scale X7 demonstrator — an achievement he describes as “beautifully boring,” meaning exceptionally safe and predictable. He explains why Horizon’s simple, retractable ducted-fan architecture avoids the complexity and risk of tilt-rotor and tilt-wing designs, offering a robust platform built for real-world operations. The conversation dives into the hybrid-electric powertrain at the heart of the X7. Brandon details why pure-electric solutions fall short for long-range missions, and how the X7’s turbine-battery hybrid enables four times the range, twice the speed of comparable eVTOLs, self-charging capability, and all-weather operation — including anti-icing and IFR flight, a major differentiator in the market. Safety and reliability take centre stage as Brandon outlines the aircraft’s deep redundancy, from isolated ducted fans to durable electric motors that dramatically reduce maintenance. The result: up to 75 per cent lower operating cost per mile compared to helicopters, while flying twice as fast. Looking ahead, Robinson shares an encouraging update on Horizon’s certification roadmap, the clarity gained from mature regulatory frameworks, and the company’s collaboration with Cert Center Canada. He also offers an honest assessment of industry-wide technical and regulatory risks, and why many competitors are now quietly shifting toward hybrid architectures.

In this insightful episode of the Women in AAM podcast, host Marilyn Pearson sits down with Amber Harrison, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Vertical Aviation International and a commercially rated helicopter pilot. With her unique blend of legal, operational, and aviation experience, Amber brings clarity to one of the most consequential regulatory developments affecting the future of drones and advanced air mobility (AAM): the FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule. Amber breaks down why Part 108 represents a major shift for beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations and how it will shape the integration of unmanned systems into low-altitude airspace. She explains the proposed framework for aircraft acceptance, maintenance, controller training, and third-party UTM oversight—highlighting how Part 108 moves the industry closer to scalable, autonomous operations. One of the most talked-about elements, Amber notes, is the proposed right-of-way hierarchy, which for the first time suggests unmanned aircraft may have priority over crewed aircraft under certain conditions. She explores why this creates operational complexity for pilots, regulators, and manufacturers—especially when population density maps, equipage requirements, and ADS-B/EC technology limitations are factored in. The discussion also dives into grey areas between drones and autonomous aircraft, raising essential questions about certification weight limits, governance, and future rulemaking for autonomy. Amber shares how VAI is advocating for a phased, safety-driven approach that acknowledges current technology gaps while supporting industry growth.

In this episode, Jason Pritchard speaks with Javier Espuch, Chief Business Development Officer at Emberion, a pioneer in safety-critical avionics and autopilot systems for UAVs and eVTOL aircraft. Javier shares the company’s 18-year journey, from its early focus on miniaturised drone flight-control systems to becoming a leading technology provider for advanced air mobility platforms. Javier explains how Embention’s flagship Veronte Autopilot has evolved through strict adherence to aviation-grade standards such as DO-178 and DO-254, giving manufacturers a certifiable, highly reliable flight-control solution adaptable to nearly any aircraft configuration. He highlights the system’s key differentiators: miniaturisation, flexibility, and a model-based design environment that allows OEMs to customise control strategies for unique airframe architectures—from coaxial helicopters to tail-sitters and hybrid VTOLs. The discussion dives into the company’s work toward TSO certification, the challenges of the still-emerging regulatory framework for autonomous systems, and the importance of achieving a certifiable detect-and-avoid capability, one of the biggest remaining hurdles for commercial eVTOL operations. Javier also outlines Emberion’s expanding ecosystem, including upcoming inceptor controls and onboard cockpit displays, aimed at offering a complete avionics suite for AAM manufacturers. On industry trends, Javier shares his optimism about the diversity of vehicle concepts entering the market and stresses the importance of international collaboration, close OEM partnerships, and continued regulatory progress. Looking ahead, he sees the next 3–5 years as pivotal, with certification maturity and component standardisation unlocking meaningful commercial operations worldwide. He closes by reflecting on the excitement of helping early-stage innovators grow into mature aviation companies, one of the most rewarding parts of working in this transformative sector.

In this episode, Dr. Di Pietro—an aerospace engineer and innovator with nearly two decades of global experience—shares how his early fascination with flight and a career spanning defense, automotive, and autonomous vehicle technologies led him to the forefront of advanced air mobility. He discusses AMSL Aero’s mission to build Vertia, a hydrogen-electric tilt-wing eVTOL designed to connect Australia’s far-flung regions while dramatically cutting aviation emissions. Unlike most eVTOL developers focused on urban air taxis, AMSL’s emphasis is on long-range, zero-emission regional flight—addressing Australia’s unique geography and the essential role aviation plays in delivering healthcare, freight, and connectivity to remote areas. The conversation explores how hydrogen power unlocks range and efficiency, AMSL’s roadmap toward type certification and a 2030 commercial launch, and the company’s collaboration with international partners and the Australian government to develop the hydrogen ecosystem.

In this episode, Igor introduces the Los Angeles-based manufacturer behind the world’s first rigid electric variable-buoyancy airship (EVBA). With more than two decades of development and FAA certification experience, Aeros is now pushing toward commercial deployment of a logistics platform that can pick up and deliver cargo anywhere, without the need for roads, ports, runways, or other fixed infrastructure. Igor shares the origins of Aeros’ mission to “save the world” by reimagining global logistics and explains how the company’s patented buoyancy-control system solves the century-old problem that prevented airships from becoming practical cargo solutions. He walks listeners through the engineering breakthroughs behind variable buoyancy, hybrid-electric propulsion, and the lightweight pressure-vessel structures that make the airships commercially viable. The discussion also explores how Aeros plans to transform the last-mile, middle-mile, and first-mile logistics ecosystem through three vehicle classes, ranging from a 10-ton urban airship supporting drone-based deliveries to a 244-ton intercontinental heavy-lift platform. Igor also outlines upcoming R&D milestones, including urban demonstrations in Los Angeles, and explains how the company is preparing its next-generation airships for FAA certification from day one.

In this episode, we sit down with Durojaiye Phillips, a patent inventor, product strategist, and one of Africa’s leading voices for Advanced Air Mobility. Durojaiye is the founder and CEO of Titan Air Mobility, a company with a bold vision; to build what he calls 'railways in the sky.' From building his first RC airplane at just eight years old to developing hybrid jet engines in his teens, Durojaiye’s mission is to bridge Africa’s transport and logistics gaps using electric and eVTOL aircraft. In the conversation, he explains how Titan Air Mobility is tackling some of Africa’s biggest challenges — from poor road infrastructure to limited rural connectivity — by developing cargo-first aircraft that can carry up to 300 kilograms across 300 kilometers. He also talks about designing modular cargo pods that make it easier to move goods seamlessly from air to ground transport. Durojaiye adds his perspective on Africa’s readiness for innovation. Unlike many Western countries still navigating complex regulations, he says African regulators are open and eager to collaborate, making the continent one of the most promising testbeds for advanced air mobility.

In this episode, Dr. Satya shares the company’s mission to transform urban mobility through one of the world’s most compact eVTOL aircraft, designed to ease congestion and reduce emissions in densely populated cities. The ePlane Company is the first private Indian firm to receive Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the DGCA for an electric aircraft — a key milestone toward certification and commercialization. The discussion explores the company’s lift-plus-cruise configuration, chosen for safety, redundancy, and certification efficiency over tilt-rotor designs. Satya details progress on the first full-scale prototype, expected to begin flight testing in late 2025, with certification targeted for mid-2027. The roadmap includes air ambulance, air taxi, and cargo variants, with operations planned to start in India before expanding internationally. Chakravarthy also highlights India’s proactive regulatory environment, including close collaboration with the DGCA and alignment with EASA standards. He notes strong public enthusiasm for eVTOLs, citing surveys showing over 75 per cent of Indian respondents support the concept of urban air mobility.

In the inaugural episode of Women in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Chairperson Marilyn Pearson speaks with Stella Filippatos about CAE's journey toward electrifying pilot training aircraft and the broader implications for sustainable aviation. Stella recounts her path from electrical engineering into aerospace, with experience at Bombardier and CAE, where she now leads CAE’s electric aircraft conversion program. The initiative, announced in 2022, focuses on converting Piper Archer trainers to electric propulsion—an effort driven by CAE’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral, achieved in 2020 through offsets. Philippatos explains that while electric aircraft currently have limited range, they’re ideal for early pilot training—short “A-to-A” flights involving circuits, touch-and-goes, and familiarization exercises. This not only reduces emissions and noise but also helps prepare pilots for eVTOL and AAM operations, where understanding electric energy systems will be key.

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.