In the world of aerospace, our wildest imaginings are steadily becoming a reality. Joining us today to discuss the future of air traffic, autonomous flight, and the phenomenon of Hamburger Helper being delivered to your door via drone, is aviator, entrepreneur, and investor, Cyrus Sigari. Cyrus has an impressive track record in the field of aviation and is currently the Co-founder and Managing Partner of UP Partners, a privately-owned company that builds and invest in technologies that help move people and goods. In this episode, we discuss the undeniable crossover between military and civilian applications of aviation technology, the challenges the FAA faces when it comes to certifying revolutionary technologies, and what exciting drone-related developments we could see in the next five years! Cyrus fills us in on China’s interesting aviation model, speculates on which areas the US could improve, and explains why focusing on transporting things, rather than humans, could free up the innovation process. Tune in to find out what’s going on in the aviation world, what might be some future possibilities, and what to consider as an early-stage investor in aerospace technologies!






“As you democratize access to mobility, quality of life goes up and economies just do better.” — Cyrus Sigari





Key Points from this Episode
Cyrus Sigari’s background and involvement in the field of aviation.
How Eclipse Aviation started the Very Light Jet (VLJ) Revolution.
The historical risk of investing in disruptive innovation in aerospace, and why that risk is steadily decreasing.
The challenge of the FAA to certify multiple new systems and technologies.
Which countries Cyrus believes are leading progress in aerospace.
China’s interesting aviation model.
What makes aerospace one of the most important industries in the world.
Why ARK is interested in autonomous flying vehicles.
The undeniable crossover between military and civilian applications of technology.
Examples of geopolitical conflict creating technologies with civilian applications.
How civilian technologies are now bleeding into the military.
How the development of adaptable commercial applications of technology could improve a country’s ability to be militarily competitive.
Impressive autonomous flight technologies and their social and regulatory obstacles.
Walmart’s revolutionary drone delivery service.
Three noteworthy drone delivery companies: DroneUp, Zipline, and Wing.
How focusing on moving things via air, rather than people, lessens the barrier to innovation.
What to consider as an early-stage investor in aerospace technologies.
Cyrus predicts that the US will be operating drones beyond the line of sight within five years.
The shocking statistic of people who have flown in an aircraft.
What Cyrus is most excited about in aerospace today!