Don Berchoff is the CEO of TruWeather Solutions, a micro-weather analytics company that is building weather resiliency into UAS and e-VTOL operations. A highly successful military leader and business entrepreneur, Don has 40 years' experience in weather, aviation, and logistics, during which he designed and led regional and global aviation weather operations centres, co-authored the FAA NEXGEN Weather CONOPS, and led all ground operations at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan (2007-2008). As a Senior Executive Service member, he led the NWS Science and Technology Directorate (2008-2012) and was responsible for the transition of over $500M in new S&T infrastructure and software applications into NOAA operations.

A world expert in complex weather and operations systems, Don is influencing and leading the development of new international aviation weather standards. He has set the stage for a new public/private partnership business model to accelerate the transformation of the weather industry by driving better micro-weather and microclimate measurements and predictions into society, all at a time when the world has become ever more sensitive to weather and climate changes.

Rex began his aeronautical career in 1976, establishing himself as a seasoned pilot with expertise in both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as an airframe & powerplant technician. With over forty years spanning military, general, and commercial aviation, his focus has been on tactical military operations, helicopter air ambulance services, vertical flight infrastructure, and offshore oil and gas support. Recognized as a global leader in helicopter and advanced air mobility infrastructure, Rex serves as the primary infrastructure advisor for the Vertical Flight Society (VFS), liaising with the FAA, ICAO, and aviation stakeholders worldwide.

He contributes as a volunteer with ASTM International on the F38 committee and is the lead author for the new Vertiport Design specification, WK59317. Since 2007, he has been actively involved with the Vertical Aviation Safety Team (VAST), promoting helicopter safety and serving as a key figure in vertical flight infrastructure discussions. Additionally, Rex teaches at the U.S. DOT Transportation Safety Institute (TSI), focusing on heliport planning and safety. He chairs the NFPA-418 Heliports Technical Committee and is involved with the IES Airport and Heliport Lighting Committee. Rex’s past leadership roles include president of the National EMS Pilots Association (NEMSPA) and the Indiana Association of Air Medical Services (INAAMS). An alumnus of Parks College of Aviation at St. Louis University, he also has a distinguished military background as a U.S. Army 'Aeroscout' helicopter pilot and instructor.

Links featured in his presentation:
 

Engineering Brief No. 105, Vertiport Design

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FIRST ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY SYMPOSIUM (AAM 2024) 

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International Code Council - Building Safety Solutions

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NFPA 418 - Standard for Heliports and Vertiport

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Standard Specification for Vertiport Design

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Clint Harper combines 24 years of aviation experience with a deep passion for urban design and community involvement. An Air Force veteran, Clint’s military roles spanned aircraft dispatch, airport operations, and planning for airports, heliports, and UAV facility planning. After his military service, Clint pursued his interest in community and the built environment by earning a Master’s in City and Metropolitan Planning and a graduate certificate in Urban Design.

His pioneering efforts in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) integration led him to work with the Utah Division of Aeronautics, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, and NASA. Clint was among the first to advocate for AAM integration, emphasizing the need for the aviation sector to collaborate with communities for integrated transportation solutions. Central to his vision is the aspiration to shape AAM to benefit the broader public, enhancing accessibility, mobility, and job opportunities.

Paora Stanley Ngati Tapu, Ngai Tuwhiwhia, is the CEO of Te Runanga Ngai te rangi Iwi Trust and Ngai te rangi Settlement Trust. He is a well known straight talker with experience and a business card. Others have described him as Relentless – when there is a Kaupapa, he is outcome-driven. Connected - has the cell number for the Commissioner of Police, Politicians Mayors and Local gang leaders. Educated – really well educated – completing a PhD in business. Potty mouth – as an ex NZ Navy sailor, he has always been less fussy about the socio-linguistic expectations of others.

A disciplined operator can develop and execute an attack strategy. Self-aware – and
knows his capabilities. Most loyal friend, most fearsome foe. Visionary – this is also linked to the disciplined operator. Thug strategy – can be brutal IF the foe is deserving. Patient Warrior, can wait decades for outcomes if necessary. All in one, Iron Dome system for his people – most fiercest when the odds are stacked against him.
At the other end of the spectrum, he is a father, a koro and stepfather is very comfortable in jeans or a suit, on his 2008 Harley Davidson or quantitative analysis, a lecture room or a packing room. He has led military units with 113 mm firepower, his last role was as a CEO of a Canadian First Reservation with more than 700 staff, and he has led large Maori organisations. Work nickname Boss or Oi !!!

 

ALTAQTE'GAQAN SEPTLWITE'TAS'G
Ula altaqte'gaqan aq ta'n gegnua'taqan mawteg na septlwite'tas'g, aqasite'tas'g aq jiptug telteg pas'g ta'n wenig elgitmut'pnig nmitunew aqe'wmnew. 'Ms't wen piluei wetqolut ew'mn, se'sagnutmn, se's'gitmn gisna
napgetun. 'Lpa na o'plpetgitmulg's ula gegnua'taqan, taliulm'tu'nasitewi'gmu ta'n wen petgitmasg'p aq gaswi'ge'n gisna gasa'tu ta'n te's'gnapgetaqann wejiaqap ula gegnua'taqan.