Hangar X Studios

In this episode of Hangar X Studios , host John Ramstead sits down with Dana Sande , President of the UND Aerospace Foundation, to explore how the University of North Dakota became a global leader in aviation and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) education. From pioneering the first unmanned aircraft pilot degree program in the U.S. to building cutting-edge facilities like Gorman Field , the convers...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios , host John Ramstead sits down with John Ibele , co-founder of Meadowlark Aircraft Manufacturing , to explore the future of American-made drones . With decades of experience in high-volume manufacturing at Seagate, Ibele shares how lessons from producing millions of disk drive components in Asia can be applied to building drones right here in the U.S. The conver...

India may be the world’s seventh-largest country with the largest population, but when it comes to helicopters, the numbers tell a surprising story—just 270 helicopters serve over 1.4 billion people. In this episode of Hangar X , host John Ramstead sits down with Air Marshal (Retd.) Anil Butola , President of the Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI) and former Indian Air Force test pilot, to unpack...

 In this episode of Hangar X Studios , host John Ramstead sits down with Tom Kading , entrepreneur, engineer, and founder of Fargo Patent Law , to discuss how aerospace innovators can protect and leverage their intellectual property. From patents and trade secrets to brand strategy and investor readiness, Tom shares practical advice for startups and established companies navigating the rapidly gro...

In this inspiring episode of Hangar X Studios , host John Ramstead sits down with aviation advocate Cynthia Glenn live at VertiCon. Together, they tackle one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: how to bring more women into aviation. Cynthia shares her personal journey into flying, the hurdles she faced, and the mentors who encouraged her to pursue her dream. She also highlights the power o...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios , host John Ramstead welcomes Lieutenant Colonel Michael “Brabs” Brabner for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of military drone technology. With over 25 years in the U.S. Army and extensive experience in combat, defense acquisitions, and unmanned systems, Brabner shares his insights on how drones are permanently transforming warfare. From lessons lear...

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 throu...

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...

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 complexitie...

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...

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 operati...

 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, innovat...

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 o...

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 this high-octane episode of Hangar X Studios , host John Ramstead is joined by Steve Griessel , a seasoned entrepreneur and aerospace innovator, to unpack the seismic shifts in modern warfare, rapid prototyping, and the mindset needed to lead breakthrough innovations in aerospace. Steve shares insights from his journey as a turnaround expert and his work with Paramount and global defense projec...

In this exhilarating episode of Hangar X Studios , host John Ramstead is joined by Charlie Burgoyne , founder and CEO of Valkyrie , a cutting-edge scientific R&D firm likened to a private DARPA. From miniaturizing a data center to fit inside an Altoids tin and sending it to the moon, to revolutionary breakthroughs in battery tech and graphene materials for aerospace, Charlie unpacks the presen...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios , host John Ramstead welcomes Cassidy Will, founder of Labradorly Marketing, to discuss her journey from recent college graduate to a rising entrepreneur at the heart of North Dakota’s UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) ecosystem. Cassidy shares how her roots in Grand Forks, a fortuitous internship, and a web of community connections led to the creation of her bout...

In this compelling episode of Hangar X Studios , host John Ramstead sits down with Philippe Lubrano, the dynamic CEO of RotorTrade , a company revolutionizing the pre-owned helicopter market with a streamlined, customer-centric model. From launching in Southeast Asia to expanding globally across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, Philippe shares how RotorTrade is redefining aircraft transactions...

In this compelling episode of Hangar X Studios , host John Ramstead sits down with former A-10 and MQ-9 Reaper pilot Tammy Barlette, now the founder of Crosscheck Mental Performance Training. Tammy shares profound insights on how cultivating mental strength and building performance mindset techniques can transform flight safety, confidence, and decision-making — not only in high-stakes emergencies...

In this gripping episode of Hangar X Studios , former fighter pilot and host John Ramstead welcomes back decorated combat veteran Jason Harris to unpack the rapidly evolving world of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance). Together, they dive into the game-changing role of drones, UAVs, and VTOLs in modern military and civilian missions. From tactical battlefield insights to post-disaste...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios , host John Ramstead sits down with Aaron Hall, founder of Bifrost Manufacturing, to explore how this innovative company is redefining rapid prototyping through additive manufacturing. Broadcasting from The Hive in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the conversation dives into the startup's origins, their game-changing use of SAF and SLS 3D printing, and how their work...

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Rob Bentley Johnston of Heliflite Australia, live from Verticon — the epicenter of vertical aviation innovation. The conversation journeys through the unique operational landscape of helicopters across the vast Australian terrain, the evolution of VTOL and EVTOL technology, and how Heliflite is helping shape the future of long-...

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...

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 revoluti...

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 int...