Aerospace Unplugged

In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, our host Adam Kress is joined by special guest, Ben Hutchins, Senior Director of Government Relations for Defense & Space at Honeywell Aerospace.
They discuss the journey involved when transitioning from military service to civilian life and into a successful career in the aerospace industry.

Episode Highlights:
Pilot’s Experience in the Military: Learn about our guest’s journey during his service, including what it was like flying an F-35 fighter jet, what prompted his new step in career, and more. 
The Transition into Civilian Life: Explore the lessons and challenges learned moving from military service to the private sector, and how his expertise continues to be leveraged to support Honeywell’s defense programs, inclduing the F-35 PTMS.
 Reflection on Career Journey & Outlook for the Future: Dive into advice our guest has for veterans considering a similar military transition journey to civilian life, and what he looks forward to for the future of defense and space.

Explore more about our Honeywell Defense & Space solutions.

In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, our host Adam Kress chats with Tom Konicki, Director of Business Development for Defense and Space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies.
They explore what’s really at stake in today’s data-driven battlespace, and why multi-network, multi-orbit, resilient connectivity is now a strategic advantage for global defense forces.

Episode Highlights:
Why Connectivity is Central to Modern Military Operations: Understand the challenges and requirements in today's defense landscape and why resilient, secure connectivity is the backbone of modern operations.
The Growing Need for Robust SATCOM Systems in Mission Critical Scenarios: Explore how multi-orbit, multi-network SATCOM solutions like JetWave X deliver reliability and flexibility ensuring mission success.
Cybersecurity's Role in Defense Connectivity: Learn how secure data transfer and advanced cybersecurity measures protect connectivity in high-stakes defense environments.
Future Trends in Defense Connectivity: Dive into what's next in secure connectivity and how it'll become the strategic edge in global defense operations. 

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Discover the latest expert insights on the advances in connectivity across all operations. Download the Connectivity Whitepaper.

In this special episode of Aerospace Unplugged, our host Adam Kress reports on location from the inaugural American Aviation Leadership Summit hosted by Honeywell Aerospace in Washington, D.C.
The event gathered hundreds of aviation professionals, including regulators and lawmakers, for a series of panels that cover what’s needed to ensure America remains the global leader in aviation.
Throughout the day, discussions focused on major industry topics such as safety, smarter airspace management, innovation, and more—all of which are spotlighted in this episode.  

Episode Highlights:
Modernization as the Cornerstone of American Aviation: Explore how lawmakers and industry leaders emphasized the urgent need to modernize aviation infrastructure and airspace, highlighting government and industry collaboration as essential for progress.
Integrating New Technologies for Safety and Efficiency: Understand the critical role of airspace integration and air traffic control modernization, as discussed by expert panels, in ensuring safety and operational efficiency as advanced technologies enter the market.
Advancing Public Acceptance and State-Level Innovation: Learn how state initiatives, such as those in Florida, are driving modernization in advanced air mobility, drones, and ATC systems, with a focus on public acceptance and regulatory adaptation.
Regulatory Pathways and the Future of Aviation Autonomy: Dive into the evolving landscape of aviation certification, autonomy, and artificial intelligence, including insights from industry CEOs and policymakers on the regulatory needs and future trends shaping national airspace and safety.
Here insights from: James Currier, President and CEO, Honeywell Aerospace; Sean Duffy, U.S. Secretary of Transportation; Chairman Troy Nehls (R-TX), U.S. House Transportation Committee, Aviation Subcommittee; Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS), U.S. House Transportation Committee, Aviation Subcommittee; Sharon Pinkerton, Senior Vice President, Legislative & Regulatory Policy, Airlines 4 America (A4A); Brandon Lint, Regulatory Affairs and Certification Specialist, Skygrid; David Murphy, Chief Architect and Product Manager, ANRA Technologies; Kevin Cox, CEO, Atlantic Vertiports; Justin Barkowski, Legislative and Regulatory Counsel, American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE); Clint Harper, Advanced Air Mobility Community Advocate; Jared Perdue, Secretary of Transportation, Florida Department of Transportation; Todd Sigler, Senior Director, Global Safety & Regulatory Affairs, Boeing; Eric Holmberg, Chief Developmental Test Pilot, Gulfstream; Captain Steve Jangelis, Air Safety Chair, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA); Bryan Bedford, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Cindy Comer, Vice President, SMS, Certification & Quality, Wisk; Scott O'Brien, Vice President, Legislative Affairs, Reliable Robotics; Dómhnal Slattery, Chairman of the Board, Vertical Aerospace; Eloa Guillotin, Co-Founder & CEO, Beyond Aero; Marc Allen, CEO, Electra; Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Co-Chair, Artificial Intelligence Task Force, U.S. House of Representatives.

In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, our host Adam Kress sits down with Taylor Alberstadt, Senior Director of Global Sales and Account Management for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, and Dr. Yemaya Bordain, Emerging and Advanced Technologies Strategist.
Together, they continue the conversation around autonomy in aviation, specifically, the industry efforts currently underway to bring autonomy to life and the road ahead for technology adoption and public acceptance. 

Episode Highlights:
Current State of Autonomy in Aviation: Explore what the rising trends in aviation as autonomy progresses and how they’re evolving.
Technology Adoption & AAM Integration: Discover how the role of AI and autonomy are being integrated in aviation, with real-world examples.
Regulatory Landscapes & Challenges: Learn about the regulatory hurdles AAM companies face as autonomy advances, including a rigorous ceritifcation process, aligning with public safety priorities and more.
Public Acceptance & The Road Ahead: Dive into the challenges of building public trust and acceptance for autonomous aviation, and what the future may hold over the next 5 to 10 years. 

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Download our Autonomy Whitepaper to discover the latest expert insights on the current state of aviation, autonomy and more.

What does automation and autonomy feel like from the pilot’s seat?
In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, our host Adam Kress sits down with seasoned pilots Alyssa Silva, First Officer and Pilot for Republic Airlines, and Pete Zaccagnino, CEO and Owner of PC Aviators, to explore how these evolving technologies are reshaping responsibilities in the cockpit and what it means for the future of flight.
Episode Highlights:
• Pilots’ Experience with Autonomy’s Evolution in Aviation: Learn about our guests’ aviation journeys and how they’ve encountered autonomy’s impact in aviation. 
• Real-World Applications: From advanced weather radar to terrain-following technology, hear how autonomy actively enhances flight safety.
• Balancing Technology and Human Skill: Why pilots believe automation should support, not replace, critical decision-making.
• What’s Next: What rigorous simulation and real-world testing will look like as AI and autonomy expand and how the role of pilots will evolve.

Get More Insights Now
Download our Autonomy Whitepaper to discover the latest expert insights on the current state of aviation, autonomy and more.