About the Series
The Minnesota Electric Aviation Network (MEAN) Webinar Series is a free, ongoing program dedicated to exploring how electric aviation will transform Minnesota’s skies, airports, and communities. Built on the findings of the MEAN Study, this series brings together industry leaders, airport sponsors, policymakers, utility providers, and innovators to share insights on the opportunities and challenges of electrifying flight.
Each session dives into practical, MEAN-focused topics ranging from airport electrification and grid readiness to near-term use cases such as flight training, short-haul cargo, and medical transport. By showcasing voices from manufacturers, operators, researchers, and local partners, the series highlights both global advancements and Minnesota’s unique role as a national leader in sustainable aviation.
Attend webinars in the series to hear how airports, communities, and industry are preparing for this transition and discover how Minnesota is building the foundation for a cleaner, quieter, and more connected aviation future.
There's no cost to participate, but registration is required for each webinar you would like to attend.
Upcoming Webinar Schedule and Registration
Detailed information and registration links will be posted for each webinar as it becomes available.
Thursday, February 19, 2025—Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy and Comprehensive Plan
Speakers:
- Peter Irvine, Deputy Director, Office of Aviation Analysis, and Executive Lead for Aviation Policy, USDOT
- Ryan Steinbach, Aviation Policy Coordinator, Office of Aviation Analysis, USDOT
Join Jospeh Block and special guests, Ryan Steinbach and Peter Irvine from the U.S. Department of Transportation as they discuss the design, development, and delivery of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Strategy and Comprehensive Plan. Learn how the 40 consensus recommendations in the Strategy were decided, what future implementation might look like, and what has the USDOT most excited about the possibilities of AAM.
Future Webinars
Other webinars in the series are scheduled for 9:00–10:00 a.m. Central on the dates listed below. More information will be available soon!
- Thursday, March 19, 2026: Airport Electrification Case Study
- Thursday, April 16, 2026: Airport Return on Investment; Economic Development Focused Webinar
- Thursday, May 21, 2026: MEAN Electric Flight Training Focused Webinar #2
- Thursday, June 18, 2026: MEAN Air Cargo Focused Webinar #2
- POSTPONED: Hybrid-Electric Aviation Deep Dive and Potential for Regional Air Cargo Use Cases
- This event, originally scheduled for January 15, 2026, has been postponed. An updated date and time will be announced in the near future.
Past Webinars
Thursday, September 18, 2025—Minnesota Electric Aviation Network Final Study Presentation
Speaker: Joseph Block, Advanced Air Mobility Program Manager, MnDOT Aeronautics
The Minnesota Electric Aviation Network (MEAN) Study identified a strategic network of Minnesota public-use airports that are suitable to support electric aircraft operations and aviation use cases pertinent to the state’s economy over the next decade. The results of the MEAN Study highlighted opportunities that exist for electric aviation and guide future infrastructure development in Minnesota. Joseph Block, MEAN program manager, shared the results of the MEAN Study during this webinar.
Thursday, October 16, 2025—MOSAIC Rule: What it Means for Electric Aviation
Speaker: Kyle Lewis, Great Lakes Regional Manager for Government Affairs at AOPA
Kyle Lewis explored the implications of the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) Rule on the world of electric aviation. The MOSAIC Rule makes some significant changes to light sport aircraft certification as well as sport pilot and light sport repairmen. Included in those changes are performance-based rules that allow for electric and other alternative propulsion sources to power light sport aircraft. Some other key changes covered in this webinar included removing the weight limit (1,320 lbs.), using a stall speed-based approach, increase to four seats in the aircraft, and the addition of retractable landing gears and adjustable-pitch propellers.
Thursday, November 20, 2025—FlyOnE: Electric Aviation at a Flight School Startup
This session explored how the success of electric aviation will depend not only on aircraft technology but on electric aircraft “nests”—integrated hubs that combine charging, energy storage, hangar, and safety systems. These nests form the foundation for sustainable, high-frequency operations resembling shuttle operations much like “wireless cable cars.”
The presentation covered:
- The operational and infrastructure dependencies of electric aircraft
- Design principles of a scalable “nest” model
- FlyOnE’s operational case study from Western Australia
- Recommendations for governing agencies to enable multi-use electric aviation infrastructure
Speaker: Korum Ellis, Founder, Chairman, CEO, and Product Architect for FlyOnE Sustainable Aviation
Ellis is driving the shift of Australian aviation toward a renewable energy future. Under his leadership, FlyOnE has successfully integrated electric pilot training in two states, is actively decarbonizing air-taxi services, and is spearheading the national rollout of electric aircraft charging infrastructure.
Thursday, December 18, 2025—Spotlight: H55 Propulsion System and Bristell Aero B23 Energic Aircraft
Speakers:
Kristen Jurn, H55 North America Sales Manager
Cyril Adler, H55 Market Research Analyst
This session will explore H55’s end-to-end electric propulsion technology and its integration into the Bristell Aero B23 Energic aircraft. Speakers Kristen Jurn and Cyril Adler will highlight both the big picture vision and underlying technical features of the propulsion system and batteries along with a brief look at the aircraft’s performance. They will also share insights from the recent “H55 Across America Tour”, reflecting on the demonstrations, operational experiences, and lessons learned from the nationwide showcase.
Access and Accommodations
Once you have registered for the webinar you would like to attend, you will receive an email confirmation with a Zoom link. The link should not be shared with others; it is unique to you.
Please let us know how we can ensure that this webinar series is inclusive to you. What accommodations or access needs can we help facilitate? Contact Jackson Piper at [email protected] when you register to help us provide you with the best access.
If you're unable to join us for the live broadcasts, a recording of each webinar will be available here after the event.
Who Should Attend
These webinars are designed for airport managers, consultants, and administrators, as well as those interested in learning more about integrating electric aviation at Minnesota airports.
More Information
Contact Jackson Piper at [email protected].
Sponsors
The series is organized by MnDOT Aeronautics and AirTAP.