A podcast for the innovators at the intersection of technology and flight.
The Vertical Space
Latest Episode
#84 Jenn Player, Skydio: Autonomous drone operations
In this episode, we sit down with Jenn Player, Vice President of Global Aviation Regulatory Affairs at Skydio and a leading voice in the drone industry, for a deep dive into autonomous drone operations. We start by unpacking the concept of electronic conspicuity and its potential to enable a fully cooperative shared airspace. Drawing from her expe...
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#84 Jenn Player, Skydio: Autonomous drone operations
In this episode, we sit down with Jenn Player, Vice President of Global Aviation Regulatory Affairs at Skydio and a leading voice in the drone industry, for a deep dive into autonomous drone operations. We start by unpac...
#83 Amit Ganjoo, ANRA: Lessons from the Dallas Key Site UTM implementation
Welcome to 2025! In this episode, we sit down with Amit Ganjoo, the Founder and CEO of ANRA Technologies, a global leader in UAS Traffic Management (UTM). This conversation explores Amit’s vision for an integrated airspa...
#82 Bobby Sakaki, UAS Nexus: Drone industrial base, NDAA, Blue UAS
In this episode, we sit down with Bobby Sakaki, an expert in small UAS technology and CEO of UAS Nexus. Bobby shares his insights on the critical role drones play in defense, particularly in light of their impact in Ukra...
#81 Brian Streem, Vermeer: An American founder’s move to Ukraine to build drone tech
In this episode, we speak with Brian Streem, Founder and CEO of Vermeer, about his journey from film production to pioneering drone technology in Ukraine’s defense ecosystem. Brian shares why he relocated to Kyiv, how he...
#80 Joerg Dittrich, JARUS & DLR: Drones, risk, and SORA 3.0
In this episode, we sit down with Joerg Dittrich, a leading expert in drone regulations and one of the minds behind the SORA framework. Joerg shares insights on the evolution of drone integration, the development of the ...
#79 Bob Poole, Reason Foundation: The pros and cons of privatizing airports
In this episode we welcome Bob Poole, Director of Transportation Policy and the Searle Freedom Trust Transportation Fellow at the Reason Foundation, who brings his expertise on the complex and often debated topic of airp...
#78 Montie Brewer: Interview with former Air Canada CEO
In this episode we’re joined by Montie Brewer, former President and CEO of Air Canada, who provides a glimpse into the airline industry from the vantage point of a major airline leader. Montie draws on his experience as ...
#77 Charlton Evans, End State Solutions: Drone boxes, FAA waivers and exemptions, Part 108
In this episode, we dive into the FAA's evolving approach to approving waivers and exemptions for complex drone operations, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), 1:many operations, and broadly airspace integrati...
#76 General James Poss: Affordable Mass and Counter-UAS
Two years ago, we hosted Gen. James Poss to discuss the evolution of drone technologies, their adoption in the U.S. military, and their early use in the war in Ukraine. With significant advancements since then - especial...