Founder: Dan Sloat, JD/MBA FRAeS

Growing up in Wichita, Kansas, I vividly remember aviation manufacturing, aerospace engineering, and flight operations were ever-present in the local economy. Kansas boasts a rich history and a robust ecosystem of aviation and aerospace companies. With a long-standing legacy, and a skilled workforce, Kansas is home to global leaders. Don't forget: without the 'fly-over states' there wouldn't be any flying in the first place.

I earned Direct Admission to the esteemed Kelley School of Business at Indiana University to study Management & Entrepreneurship where I developed a solid business acumen. Along the way I served as President of my Residence Hall, VP of Campus Programming, and Student Body Vice President to 40,000 peers. I leveraged this experience to win elections as Law School Class President and Student Body President of the Rainbolt Graduate School of Business. 

After earning my Air Battle Manager wings & Top Secret SCI clearance at Tyndall AFB, I deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, SOCOM Counternarcotics, and Operation Inherent Resolve. During my 6 years in the DoD ecosystem, I was awarded an Air Force Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal, as well as a Humanitarian Service Medal for my efforts to aid vulnerable Syrian refugees in the fight against ISIS.

In Oklahoma I secured graduate degrees in Law, Business, and Economics, as well as a private pilot's license. I founded the Aviation Law Society to encourage attorneys to think proactively about aviation industry developments. This education, paired with Command & Control air operations experience, makes me uniquely qualified to facilitate economic development in a way that appropriately weighs concrete systems capabilities with applicable legal regulations, production costs, and market trends, to determine best-in-class OEMs.

Over the course of 4 years, I graduated from the Leadership Development Program and led cross-agency, high-stakes projects across a diverse array of departments: Real Estate; Workplace Strategy; Supply Chain Logistics; Cybersecurity Analysis; Customer Insights; and Public Safety Communications for the FirstNet Authority. I trained to become a drone pilot to inspect cell towers in the wake of natural disasters and earned a National Accessibility in Action Award.

Growing Volatus into the #8 vertiport company in the world according to the AAM Infrastructure Index, was a thrilling endeavor. We forged strategic alliances quickly as a scrappy young startup. Witnessing many AAM milestones and networking with top industry leaders has been a fulfilling experience. Believe it or not, I personally wrote the original entry for 'Advanced Air Mobility' for Wikipedia. I also served as the AAM beat writer for Robb Report for a period to directly increase public awareness.

In 2023, I launched a 501c3 nonprofit research center dedicated to educating and advocating for the broadest public benefit through the aviation ecosystem globally. I have an established network of 400 aviation industry professionals and liaisons across 80 nations with followers numbering 10,000 strong. Our industry reports and speaker forums garnered selection as AAM Community Engagement Team of the Year '24 and Communicator of the Year '25. It was a true honor to provide the Keynote for NASA's Inaugural UAS Symposium at Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

Teaching at the University of Arkansas Graduate College of Engineering is rewarding to say the least. My students are great! I also mentor law students for our Autonomous Transportation Public Trust Initiative which was accepted as an official Co-Creation Challenge at the Osaka World Expo. At ITAerea Aviation Business School in Madrid we are pioneering a Master's in AAM Management. In addition to guest lectures at Embry-Riddle, K-State Aerospace Campus, and Sapienza Technical University in Rome, I serve as Course Content Consultant for Oklahoma State University's AAM Launchpad program.

To achieve public acceptance of emerging aviation technology and promote industry development, I recruited a team of outstanding aerospace professionals to rally around a world's first event. In October 2025, we are reviving a Century of American Aviation Heritage. A core tenant of our vision is to inspire the younger generation and underscore a message of equity and gender equality. In fact, one of the teams in this inaugural race is named in honor of our daughter, Gigi.

With 16 years of leadership experience under my belt, I was flattered to be headhunted to drive US business development for an Australian company. Electro Aero provides aviation-grade electric charging solutions that save operators time, money, and space. As Director of Industry Relations for GreyJay, I advocate for First Nations Indigenous Rights and as Director of Community Engagement for AKUTE Networks, I lead outreach efforts to get better tech in the hands of First Responders. 

Serving on the Forum's AVIATE Committee to advise on the future of autonomous flight is a dream come true. Click the picture to read our latest white paper. I also advise Illinois, Tennessee, California, and Florida on AAM implementation. And recently, I was named an H55 Ambassador. Another Swiss-based organization, H55 is the technological spin-off of Solar Impulse, the first electric airplane to fly around the world. The H55 Ambassadors program is for those passionate about aviation, clean technology, and driving real change.

Being elected to the highest grade of FRAeS was a profound recognition of my contributions to the industry thus far. Aviation is my passion and it genuinely means so much to share my excitement about the potential benefits of AAM for society. Fun Fact: I'm also an avid sailor and trained Day Skipper in the Royal Yachting Association. Steph & I love taking our dog Deacon out for a sail on the Boston Harbor in the summers. Please reach out if you have ideas for collaboration, Thanks!