Posts tagged: eSTOL

There are more solutions than obstacles. Nicolas Zart

In this special episode of The Ways We Move, I have the privilege of sitting down with Rex Alexander, an old friend and one of the most respected professionals working in aviation infrastructure today, building the future of advanced air mobility (AAM). Rex is the founder of Five Alpha, also known as Mr. Infrastructure, a title that fits his great knowledge of the industry. With military aviation and helicopter, emergency, ambulance, and commercial aviation expertise, he has become the person industry leaders call when they need honest answers and trusted guidance on heliports, vertiports, and the rapidly growing world of multiport operations.

We reflect on how far the conversation around infrastructure has come since 2018, when the standards and policies governing heliport and vertiport operations truly began to evolve. Rex shares his first-hand perspective on the long series of meetings with the FAA and other agencies, collaborations that have helped push standards forward and align policies across not only the United States, but also Europe and global regulatory bodies such as EASA and ICAO. As regulations move forward, the need for common frameworks and mutual recognition becomes more urgent.

Advanced Air Mobility, Humble Beginnings, Amazing Potential

The discussion explores the practical realities behind the promise of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL), and finally, electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL). We highlight the difference between prototype and commercial certification, the integration of the various aircraft operations, and the harmonization of air traffic as great challenges, as well as the keys to real-world deployment. Rex explains why the United States faces particularly complex hurdles; land use and infrastructure oversight are split between federal, state, and municipal authorities, creating a patchwork of rules and requirements. In contrast, many other countries have much more centralized systems, which can streamline progress but also present new sets of questions.

The Rebirth of Regional Airports for AAM

Rex and I talk about the crucial roles regional airports play, especially as the industry looks beyond just vertiport sites and envisions multiport networks. These will enable not only eVTOLs but also eSTOL and eCTOL aircraft, paving the way for a more holistic and inclusive system of operations. Rex emphasizes that success in building AAM infrastructure is not just about engineering or policy, but about understanding what each community and operator truly needs.

Throughout our conversation, it becomes clear that municipal engagement is essential. The future of flight will depend on strong partnerships at every level, and cities must be included in the vision from day one. As Rex says, we need solutions that are practical, scalable, and shaped by the realities on the ground.

Rex’s Journey into Aerospace

Rex’s journey began early, with his hands on flight controls before he turned fifteen, moving through fixed wing and rotorcraft, from military service to the offshore sector, and finally, to leading the charge on infrastructure best practices that have become industry standards. He is someone who brings not just technical expertise but a sense of stewardship for safety, reliability, and the broader mission of connecting people through aviation.

There is no shortcut to building trust in a field as safety-critical as aviation. Voices like Rex’s—honest, experienced, and deeply committed—are essential as we create infrastructure that will sustain the next generation of aviation. Our conversation is full of insight on where we are, how we got here, and what it will take to ensure AAM infrastructure serves everyone: operators, regulators, and the communities we all aim to connect.

We wrap up part one, looking forward to future episodes where we continue the discussion on global standards, community engagement, and what it means to build for longevity rather than hype. Rex, thank you for the work you do, for your guidance, and for always taking my calls when I need answers that cut through the noise.

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