Hangar X Studios – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Steve Zohabian, Chief Operating Officer at XTI Aerospace, to discuss how the company is reshaping the future of flight with the TriFan 600. From DARPA’s “Frankenstein” Learjet experiment to the next generation of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, Steve shares how XTI is leveraging proven technology, agile processes, and a visionary team to unlock what he calls the “vertical skyway.” This conversation covers the technical, regulatory, and business challenges of advanced air mobility—and why XTI’s hybrid approach is poised to change aviation forever. Episode Highlights XTI Aerospace’s bold vision for the TriFan 600 and the “vertical skyway” The “cookbook” of people, tools, and processes to accelerate innovation DARPA’s Sprint program and the “Frankenstein Learjet” experiment Lessons learned from ducted fan technology and rapid prototyping Balancing certification, safety, and innovation in aviation The multi-mission versatility of the TriFan 600: passenger, cargo, and military use cases Why funding, trust, and credible execution will drive the next phase of aerospace transformation Key Points with Timestamps [00:00:00] – Steve Zohabian introduces the concept of opening a “new skyway” for vertical and conventional takeoff. [00:01:50] – John reviews Steve’s background: Piasecki Aircraft, Boeing, and ducted fan expertise. [00:03:27] – The “cookbook” for scaling aerospace innovation: people, tools, and processes. [00:04:36] – The DARPA “Sprint” program and how Piasecki created a demonstrator in record time. [00:05:31] – Transforming a Learjet into a vertical takeoff aircraft: the “Frankenstein” design. [00:06:31] – Importance of ingenuity, supply chain trust, and engineering agility. [00:07:14] – Lessons from ducted fan technology and breaking new ground. [00:08:14] – Comparing legacy aerospace with new innovators: leapfrogging technology. [00:09:05] – The roadmap: prototype, certification, and production. [00:10:03] – Balancing engineering design with FAA certification requirements. [00:10:56] – Safety first: early engagement with the FAA and proven supply chains. [00:12:11] – The “vertical skyway” vision and how it differs from eVTOL infrastructure limits. [00:13:14] – Market differentiation: TriFan can take off conventionally, on short runways, or vertically. [00:14:45] – Beyond high-net-worth users: cargo logistics, dual-use, and military applications. [00:15:43] – The biggest challenge ahead: funding and building investor confidence. [00:17:07] – The 90-day plan: review decisions, establish a baseline, and align with the FAA. [00:19:19] – Why Steve chose XTI: the perfect moment to harness decades of innovation. Guest Bio: Steve Zohabian Steve Zohabian is the Chief Operating Officer at XTI Aerospace, where he leads efforts to bring the groundbreaking TriFan 600 vertical takeoff and landing aircraft into production. Previously, Steve served as COO of Piasecki Aircraft, where he spearheaded the transformation into a next-generation VTOL company and led DARPA’s Sprint program. With deep engineering and leadership experience at Boeing on programs like the V-22 Osprey and Chinook, Steve is recognized as one of the leading experts in ducted fan technology. His career reflects a unique blend of technical innovation and executive leadership, positioning him to drive XTI’s mission of opening the vertical skyway. https://www.linkedin.com/in/zohrabian About XTI Aerospace XTI Aerospace is an aviation company dedicated to transforming air travel through its development of the TriFan 600, a revolutionary vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Combining the convenience of a helicopter with the speed and range of a business jet, the TriFan 600 is designed for point-to-point travel without the need for new infrastructure. XTI focuses on creating safe, efficient, and versatile aircraft that can serve multiple markets, from regional mobility and business travel to cargo and military applications. With a leadership team experienced in aerospace innovation and certification, the company is working to open what it calls a new “vertical skyway,” redefining how people and goods move across regions. Notable Quotes “We’re opening up really the opportunity for folks to land and take off wherever they want—ultimately bringing the holy grail of flight.” – Steve Zohabian [00:00:00] “People, tools, and processes—that’s the cookbook for transformation.” – Steve Zohabian [00:03:27] “We chopped off the wings, put ducted fans on, and turned a Learjet into a piece of art.” – Steve Zohabian [00:05:57] “Leapfrog technology, but take a credible approach when it comes to certification.” – Steve Zohabian [00:08:14]

Former fighter pilot and host John Ramstead sits down with Dr. Alex Williams for a fast paced masterclass on building world class engineering cultures and the future of aerospace. Alex traces his path from Pratt & Whitney’s combustor technology group to running research labs inside Apple, where he helped pioneer materials innovations such as 7000 series aluminum for iPhone and the engineered titanium surface for Apple Watch. He contrasts slow, committee driven aerospace workflows with Apple’s high velocity, quality obsessed model, then applies those lessons to three urgent vectors shaping aviation today: autonomy and control software, anti drone defenses, and American reindustrialization. Along the way, you will hear practical advice for leaders who want to move faster without sacrificing safety or quality.

Episode Highlights

• Pratt & Whitney to Apple. How exposure to elite aerospace programs and Apple’s materials teams shaped Alex’s approach to speed, iteration, and perfection in production.
  
  
• Design language and materials. Why Apple committed to aluminum, what Bendgate taught the industry, and how engineered surfaces beat coatings for durability and consistency.
  
  
• Culture beats process. The difference between waterfall style roll ups and an environment where excellence is expected and 100 percent inspection is normal.
  
  
• The next aerospace race. Why autonomy, anti drone tech, and supply chain reinvention will decide competitiveness and even save lives.
  
  
• Leadership playbook. How to create a failure tolerant culture, pair veteran expertise with hungry young talent, and align boards and executives around innovation.
  
  

Key Points with Timestamps

• [00:00:00] Cold open. Alex on freedom to explore ideas and why that mattered early in his career
  
  
• [00:00:49] Host intro, sponsor mention (XTI Aerospace), audience framing for innovators and investors
  
  
• [00:01:43] Meet the guest. From PhD to Pratt & Whitney to Apple’s internal research labs
  
  
• [00:04:07] Early path. Joining combustor technology development, customers NASA and the U.S. Air Force
  
  
• [00:06:27] Reliability spectrum. From the TF30’s shortcomings to the PT6’s bulletproof reputation
  
  
• [00:07:30] Learning from legends. Sitting next to F119 engineers and absorbing 50 years of know how
  
  
• [00:10:06] Transition to Apple. Materials development to serve function and cosmetics at scale
  
  
• [00:1...

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

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

Episode Highlights

• The complexity behind transitioning VTOL aircraft from vertical to horizontal flight
  
  
• 3D printing and rapid prototyping of XTI's TriFan models
  
  
• Building a six to eight-foot subscale drone for aerodynamic testing
  
  
• Development of an immersive ground control station
  
  
• UND's ecosystem for UAS testing, including Grand Sky and the Hive incubator
  
  
• How UND supports both large defense contractors and startup innovators
  
  
• Real-world data acquisition from drone prototypes to inform full-scale designs
  
  

Key Points with Timestamps

• [00:00:03] The core challenge: reliable vertical to horizontal VTOL transitions
  
  
• [00:00:47] Intro and sponsorship by XTI Aerospace
  
  
• [00:01:21] Robert Lunnie’s background: Air Force, UND professor, drone R&D
  
  
• [00:02:21] Turning CAD models into 3D printed subscale TriFan prototypes
  
  
• [00:03:43] Testing the transition flight on a 3-ft exposed-frame prototype
  
  
• [00:04:54] Articulating nacelles vs. quad rotor flight mechanisms
  
  
• [00:06:01] Designing a full ground control station for immersive UAS piloting
  
  
• [00:06:48]

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

Episode Highlights

• Why drones are ideal for “dirty, dull, and dangerous” jobs
  
  
• How isight Drones supports energy, agriculture, and medical industries
  
  
• Behind-the-scenes logistics of running a national drone operation
  
  
• The shift toward American-made drone technology and battery sourcing
  
  
• Real-world use cases: wind blades, solar panels, rock mapping, and weed detection
  
  
• How hybrid VTOL aircraft are transforming medical delivery to rural areas
  
  
• Challenges in replacing DJI with U.S.-based alternatives
  
  

Key Points with Timestamps

[00:00:00] Doug explains how drones replace dangerous manual inspections on wind turbines
[00:01:52] Overview of isight Drones and its 30+ pilot national operation
[00:03:09] The reality of drone logistics: equipment, redundancy, and deployment
[00:04:18] Using LiDAR and optical sensors to inspect wind blades
[00:04:45] Clients don’t want data, they want insights — like “delamination at 34 meters”
[00:05:28] Precision agriculture: stand counts, weed detection, and smart spraying
[00:07:06] Rock mapping for farming: a costly problem solved efficiently
[00:08:49] Drone delivery for rural healthcare and VA patients
[00:10:39] Hybrid aircraft: 7-hour range, 70mph, 400–500 miles per flight
[00:11:31]

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

Episode Highlights

• The origin story of Volo Mission and why external load training is critical
  
  
• Flight dynamics of long line operations and pendulum control
  
  
• Volo’s immersive training with real-world loads: tires, AC units, power poles, and more
  
  
• "Ladies of the Long Line" initiative and scholarships for female pilots
  
  
• Volo’s role as a Robinson R66 Utility distributor and new ventures for 2025
  
  

Key Points with Timestamps

[00:00:03] Kim describes how her husband entered the world of external load flying without any formal training
[00:00:29] Host John Ramstead introduces the episode and sets the stage from Verticon
[00:02:07] Kim shares the founding of Volo Mission and its unique long line training
[00:03:21] The challenge of flight dynamics and learning to “fly the line”
[00:04:15] Techniques to control swinging loads in windy conditions
[00:04:44] What’s new in 2025: adding complex training scenarios and live fire Bambi bucket exercises
[00:05:20] Types of students: aspiring pilots and operators sending new hires
[00:05:27] Clarifying there's no formal certification—just essential skill development
[00:05:49] Introduction to “Ladies of the Long Line” and scholarships for women via the Whirly Girls
[00:06:42] Volo’s work as a distributor for the Robinson R66 Utility helicopter
[00:07:22]

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

More than a pilot, Robert is an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and visionary turning a rural Washington airport into a futuristic air mobility hub. He brings deep spiritual insight into his ventures, blending technology, adventure, and a quest for global unity. Whether you're an aerospace enthusiast or someone searching for purpose, this episode will leave you inspired and introspective.

Episode Highlights

• Fuel tank explosion and survival in Dakar
  
  
• What it means to pursue a mission bigger than yourself
  
  
• The reality of polar circumnavigation and navigation challenges
  
  
• Founding the DeLaurentis Foundation and building an aviation legacy
  
  
• Transforming Whidbey Island into an urban air mobility hub
  
  
• Why peace, suffering, and connection matter in aviation and life
  
  
• Behind the making of the Peace Pilot documentary
  
  

Key Points with Timestamps

• [00:00:00] – Robert describes the moment his fuel tank burst in Dakar, drenching him in jet fuel
  
  
• [00:01:58] – Introduction to Robert and his mission: uniting humanity through flight
  
  
• [00:03:40] – Why Dakar was the turning point: risking his life for the mission
  
  
• [00:06:38] – How his equatorial circumnavigation led to the polar mission
  
  
• [00:07:54] – Challenges of flying over the poles: jet fuel freezing, GPS loss, and fatigue
  
  
• [00:11:01] – Origin of the "Peace Pilot" mission and his background in spiritual psychology
  
  
• [00:13:31] – Reclaiming and repurposing an airport into an urban air mobility hub
  
  
• [00:15:25] – Engaging with companies like Joby to bring VTOL testing to Washington
  
  
• [00:17:59] – Long-term vision for vertical avi...

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

This episode is a must-listen for innovators, investors, pilots, and aerospace professionals invested in advanced air mobility (AAM), drone infrastructure, and regulatory modernization. Whitaker outlines the challenges and progress in safety, certification, autonomy, and air traffic control, while offering a hopeful vision for the future of regional connectivity and unmanned flight.

Episode Highlights

• The dual role of the FAA: regulation and air traffic operations
  
  
• The strategic significance of the SFAR for powered lift aircraft
  
  
• BVLOS regulation and the future of drone delivery
  
  
• Roadblocks in modernizing air traffic control infrastructure
  
  
• Why autonomy and hybrid-electric aircraft are near-term opportunities
  
  
• How public perception and cost are critical to mass AAM adoption
  
  
• The global perspective: where U.S. companies can lead internationally
  
  

Key Points with Timestamps

• [00:00:00] FAA’s early approach to drones: enabling life-saving applications like bridge inspection and search & rescue
  
  
• [00:02:17] Whitaker’s career overview: From airline industry to FAA and Supernal
  
  
• [00:04:15] The FAA's two core missions: Safety regulation and air traffic management
  
  
• [00:06:12] Attempted FAA efficiency reforms: resistance to eliminating legacy systems and job categories
  
  
• [00:07:45] The SFAR rule for powered lift aircraft: A new category of aviation regulation
  
  
• [00:09:52] Flexibility in FAA certification processes and how to overcome regulatory ambiguity
  
  
• [00:12:21]

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

Episode Highlights:

• Jim Keyes’ journey from growing up in challenging circumstances to leading major corporations like Blockbuster and 7-Eleven.
  
  
• The concept of personal agency and how it has shaped Jim’s life and career.
  
  
• Insights into the Middle East's growing interest in aerospace and energy innovation.
  
  
• The potential for regional mobility and short-haul air travel in the Middle East, including the growing market for air taxis.
  
  
• Jim’s experiences meeting astronauts and how their shared perspective shaped his philosophy.
  
  
• The future of aerospace innovation, especially with XTI Aerospace’s extended range vertical takeoff and landing (XVTOL) aircraft.
  
  

Key Points with Time Stamps:

• [00:01:00] – Introduction to Jim Keyes and his background in leading Blockbuster and 7-Eleven. John Ramstead talks about Jim's long-standing interest in aerospace.
  
  
• [00:02:00] – Jim discusses the concept of personal agency and how growing up without a safety net shaped his resilience and independence.
  
  
• [00:04:51] – Jim shares the importance of critical thinking and how it relates to navigating a rapidly changing world.
  
  
• [00:08:09] – Jim talks about his experience in the Middle East, highlighting their interest in aerospace, energy, and the potential for air taxis to transform regional mobility.
  
  
• [00:09:53] – Insights into the cultural commonalities Jim discovered in the Middle East, emphasizing the universal...

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

Whether you're in aviation, leadership, or just inspired by those who push boundaries in service of others, Dave’s insights on real-world training and helicopter safety are nothing short of exceptional.

Episode Highlights

• From law enforcement to aviation: Dave Salem’s unconventional path
  
  
• Inside the role of a production test pilot at MD Helicopters
  
  
• Advanced emergency procedures and real-world training philosophy
  
  
• Full-down auto-rotations at night — aided and unaided
  
  
• Night Vision Goggle (NVG) training and the challenges of perception in darkness
  
  
• Tailoring high-stakes scenarios to specific pilot roles
  
  
• Why instinctive training saves lives
  
  

Key Points & Timestamps

• [00:00:03] The critical 15–30 second window after an engine failure
  
  
• [00:01:23] Introduction to Dave Salem and his background in law enforcement
  
  
• [00:02:07] Early influence: Dave’s father, a Vietnam-era rescue pilot
  
  
• [00:03:06] Transition to MD Helicopters and becoming a production test pilot
  
  
• [00:04:04] The aircraft certification process explained
  
  
• [00:04:55] Volunteering with Pinal County's elite search and rescue team
  
  
• [00:05:48] Starting Eagle West Helicopters and identifying a training gap
  
  
• [00:06:53] What is a full-down auto-rota...

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

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

Whether you're an aviator, aerospace professional, or technology enthusiast, this episode is a must-listen for understanding the future of intelligent aviation systems.

Episode Highlights

• AI-powered “second pair of eyes” for pilots
  
  
• Optical detection of non-cooperative traffic (e.g., birds, paragliders, drones)
  
  
• Flight guidance in GPS-denied environments
  
  
• Certification journey with EASA and FAA
  
  
• The future of pilot roles in automated cockpits
  
  
• Collaborations with aviation giants like Moog and Leonardo
  
  

Key Points with Timestamps

• [00:00:03] — Daedalean provides 240-degree optical visibility to assist pilots in detecting non-cooperative airborne objects
  
  
• [00:01:46] — What Daedalean is: AI-enabled avionics that include detection, positioning, and landing guidance
  
  
• [00:02:27] — Bas’s aerospace engineering background and career journey to Daedalean
  
  
• [00:03:47] — The safety benefits of AI in aviation, especially for smaller aircraft
  
  
• [00:04:48] — Key functions: bird and drone detection, GPS-denied navigation, helipad landing assistance
  
  
• [00:05:44] — Integration with cockpit systems like HUDs or Garmins
  
  
• [00:06:46] — Why adding another sen...