Hangar X Studios

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.

Episode Highlights

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

Key Points with Timestamps

[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.

Guest Bio: Christopher Hewlett

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.

Notable Quotes

“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.

Episode Highlights

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

Key Points (with timestamps)

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]

Guest Bio: Don Berchoff

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.

About TruWeather Solutions

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.

Notable Quotes

“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.

Episode Highlights

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

Key Points with Timestamps

[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.

Guest Bio: Sally French (“The Drone Girl”)

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.

About The Drone Girl

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. 

Notable Quotes

“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).

Episode Highlights

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

🕒 Key Points & Timestamps

[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.

Guest Bio: Emily Deaton

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.

Notable Quotes

“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.

🚀 Episode Highlights

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

⏱️ Key Points & Timestamps

Defense is driving the biggest shift in aerospace investing

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

Capital is flowing heavily into dual-use technologies

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

All-electric propulsion hype is cooling — hybrid is winning

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

Aircraft of the future will require enormous onboard power

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

AI-enabled design breakthroughs are coming fast

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

Airspace management is an under-discussed bottleneck

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

Drone businesses are moving from hardware to full solution stacks

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

Unexpected growth: drones transforming building maintenance

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

Manufacturing may separate from aircraft design

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

DJI bans are creating huge demand for compliant drone manufacturing

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

👤 Guest Bio — Dean Donovan

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.

About DiamondStream Partners

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. 

💬 Notable Quotes

“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]