The eVTOL Insights Podcast

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242

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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About the show

eVTOL Insights is a leading source of news, information and analysis into the global electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and Advanced Air Mobility markets. Since our launch in April 2020, we’ve been covering the latest industry news and offering insight for leading executives in the manned and unmanned market, across both passenger and cargo-carrying services. Our in-depth podcasts aim to cover a range of different topics, from eVTOL OEMs updates, certification, landing infrastructure, battery developments and regulations. Head to evtolinsights.com, where you can read the latest stories and features, watch short industry videos and sign up to our newsletter, WhatsApp and Signal channels.

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November 12, 202628 min

Episode 237: Phil Franklin, VP of Business Development (North & South America), ZenaTech

In this episode, Jason Pritchard speaks with Phil Franklin, Vice President of Business Development for North and South America at ZenaTech, about the company’s Drone as a Service launch in Mesa, Arizona. Franklin explains how its subscription and pay-per-use model gives businesses access to drones, pilots and operational support without investing in their own programmes. He discusses applications including land surveying, construction monitoring, warehouse inventory management and power washing, alongside emerging opportunities in mining and agriculture. Against a backdrop of workforce shortages and extreme heat, Franklin describes how drones can accelerate data collection, reduce workers’ exposure to hazardous conditions and allow teams to focus on tasks requiring human expertise. The conversation also explores why Mesa’s aviation community, technology sector and climate support ZenaTech’s ambitions, the importance of customer relationships and surveying expertise, and plans to expand facilities to develop agricultural applications for businesses across Arizona.

November 5, 202640 min

Episode 236: Anthony Colletti and Grant Fisk Aureum Mobility/Rick Rubin and Keith Johnson from Figurr

What does a Canadian community need on the ground before it can welcome its first electric aircraft? In this episode of the eVTOL Insights Podcast, Anthony Colletti and Grant Fisk of Aureum Mobility join Rick Rubin and Keith Johnson of Figurr Architects Collective to discuss their partnership and the practicalities of designing vertiports and droneports across Canada. Aureum brings modular infrastructure and charging technology designed for aircraft from different manufacturers. Figurr brings experience designing aviation facilities and will distribute Aureum’s technology in Canada. Together, they plan to help communities and airports assess potential sites, navigate permitting and design facilities where aircraft can charge, passengers can connect with local transport and maintenance crews can work safely. The conversation considers where Advanced Air Mobility could make the greatest difference. For remote and underserved communities, the case for investing in infrastructure could start with a medical delivery or a more reliable cargo connection.

October 29, 202630 min

Episode 235: Laurie McKnight, Senior Research Manager at Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service

In this episode of the eVTOL Insights Podcast, Jason Pritchard speaks with Laurie McKnight, Senior Research Manager at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, about bringing advanced air mobility to rural communities. Drawing on research covering 37 airports across 36 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and North Carolina, McKnight explores how electric aviation could improve connectivity, support local businesses and strengthen emergency response across Appalachia. She explains why community priorities must shape development, highlighting opportunities ranging from medical deliveries and disaster relief to tourism and pilot training. The conversation also examines the infrastructure gaps holding smaller airports back, particularly inadequate electrical capacity, alongside the need for investment in workforce development and public awareness. McKnight outlines ambitions for further research into electric aircraft training and its potential cost savings, sharing how the project’s findings could help rural communities worldwide prepare for aviation’s next chapter and capture its economic benefits.

October 22, 202635 min

Episode 234: Elham Boozarjomehri, Founder and CEO of Grey Jay

In this episode of the eVTOL Insights Podcast, Jason Pritchard speaks to Elham Boozarjomehri, Founder and CEO of Grey Jay, about making Advanced Air Mobility accessible, affordable and responsive to community needs. Drawing on her experience in aerospace engineering and transport planning, Elham explains how the Canadian nonprofit helps communities shape their low altitude economies through consultancy and digital tools. We explore research into integrating eVTOL aircraft into Metro Vancouver’s public transport network, alongside opportunities to improve access to food, healthcare and employment for remote communities. Elham also discusses Grey Jay’s work with Montana First Nation to develop a drone service, highlighting how Indigenous knowledge can inform applications such as forest monitoring and recovery after wildfires. The conversation examines community engagement, public investment and the importance of incorporating local requirements into aircraft design, before looking ahead to Grey Jay’s ambitions for planning tools and services that communities can design and operate.

October 8, 202628 min

Episode 233: Melissa Rank, Program Director | Aviation Market at SAM

In this episode of the eVTOL Insights Podcast, Jason Pritchard speaks with Melissa Rank, Aviation Market Leader and Programme Director at SAM, about the foundations needed to support advanced air mobility. Drawing on her experience in geospatial technology and aviation, Melissa explains why closer collaboration with critical infrastructure owners is essential as drone operations expand into low-altitude airspace. She discusses her engagement with the rail industry and highlights the distinction between organisations operating drones themselves and preparing for third-party flights around their assets. The conversation explores how accurate mapping, current data and shared operational awareness can support safer integration, alongside the risks of developing aviation rules without sufficient engagement beyond the sector. Melissa also considers emerging applications, from disaster response to connecting remote communities, and shares a clear message: scaling AAM requires strong infrastructure, public trust and early dialogue with the industries and communities that will share its operating environment.

October 6, 202629 min

Episode 232: Ted Angel of NAAMCE previews the National AAM Industry Forum

In this episode of the eVTOL Insights Podcast, we speak with Ted Angel, Executive Director of the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE), ahead of the National Advanced Air Mobility Industry Forum in Springfield, Ohio, on October 15. Ted explains how the forum has evolved to address the challenges of moving from aircraft demonstrations to production and everyday operations. We explore its interactive workshops, covering infrastructure, digital systems and community engagement, alongside discussions on the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, defence applications and workforce development. He also shares updates from NAAMCE, including Electra’s planned manufacturing presence and how the facility helps companies build, test and fly in one location. The conversation concludes with a look at the accompanying STEM Day and Great American Electric Air Race, highlighting why inspiring future talent and building public trust are essential to the next chapter of Advanced Air Mobility in Ohio.

September 17, 202632 min

Women in AAM Podcast: Miriam McNabb, Editor-in-Chief at DroneLife.com

What can drones teach us about the future of Advanced Air Mobility? In this episode of the Women in AAM Podcast, Miriam McNabb joins chairperson Marilyn Pearson to explore the opportunities, challenges and practical benefits shaping aviation’s next chapter. From inspecting hazardous infrastructure to delivering lifesaving medical supplies, Miriam explains why the industry’s value extends far beyond takeaway deliveries. The conversation examines the complexities of building resilient US supply chains, including battery components, rare earth materials and manufacturing expertise. Miriam also shares her optimism about regulatory progress, highlighting how flight trials and operational data can support safe integration. Together, they discuss the complementary roles of crewed and uncrewed aircraft, alongside the information sharing needed to accommodate increasingly diverse airspace users. Offering a grounded perspective on an evolving sector, this episode explores why progress takes time—and why drones and AAM deserve greater recognition for the everyday benefits they can ultimately deliver.

September 10, 202622 min

Episode 231: Jerome Tourdiat, SVP One Solutions Ops Europe and Global Governance, Schneider Electric

What will it take to power the next generation of aviation? In this episode, Jason Pritchard speaks with Jerome Tourdiat of Schneider Electric about the energy infrastructure needed to turn Advanced Air Mobility ambitions into scalable commercial operations. Drawing on the company’s experience supporting airports and critical infrastructure, Jerome explores why vertiports must become intelligent energy hubs. He discusses how microgrids, battery storage and smart charging can help manage peak demand, strengthen resilience and control costs. The conversation also examines the role of data and digital technologies in coordinating operations, alongside the importance of designing infrastructure that can grow with demand. With grid connections, permitting and competition for electricity potentially creating bottlenecks, Jerome explains why energy planning needs to start early. Listen to discover why the foundations of electric flight extend beyond the aircraft, and how closer collaboration could help unlock the industry’s commercial potential.

August 27, 202619 min

Episode 230: Doug Washburn, VP of Engineering and Flight Safety, Hartzell Propeller

In this episode, host Jason Pritchard speaks with Doug Washburn, Vice President of Engineering and Flight Safety at Hartzell Propeller. Doug highlights how Hartzell’s century of aviation heritage—specifically its certification expertise and high-volume production capacity—supports the emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and eVTOL sectors. The conversation focuses on complex engineering challenges, such as transition loading, extreme weight sensitivity, and noise reduction. Doug notes that minimizing noise relies heavily on larger propeller diameters rotating at slower tip speeds, alongside advanced blade geometries. He emphasizes the critical need for early collaboration between propeller manufacturers, electric motor developers, and aircraft OEMs to optimize overall system efficiency and packaging. Doug also discusses regulatory progress, digital engineering, and Hartzell's work with partners like Beta Technologies. He identifies infrastructure, airspace management, and public acceptance as key hurdles for the industry over the next five years.

August 20, 202624 min

Episode 229: Mohamed Ben Tahar, Director of Automotive & IoT, Trimble

In this episode, Jason Pritchard is joined by Mohamed Ben Tahar, Director for Automotive and IoT at Trimble, to explore the technology and infrastructure needed to make Advanced Air Mobility commercially viable. Mohamed explains why precise and reliable positioning will be critical as the industry moves from demonstration flights towards scaled autonomous operations. He discusses Trimble’s work in GNSS, sensor fusion and space-delivered infrastructure, as well as the challenges posed by vertical positioning, connectivity and 5G coverage. The conversation also explores lessons from automotive, construction and mining, the importance of data interoperability, digital twins and real-time mapping, and how AI could transform air traffic management. Mohamed highlights emerging opportunities in North America and Canada, before looking ahead to routine autonomous cargo and medical flights. He concludes by sharing his vision for AAM to connect rural communities and satellite hospitals through zero-emission, three-dimensional flight networks.