The Electric Dragonfly is potentially the first Dutch-developed electric aircraft to deploy innovative technology from Dutch companies. The project is a collaboration between education, industry, authority and government. The aim of this project is to gain hands-on experience with aircraft development, and this time in particular electric powertrains in aircraft, to learn what we are not yet good at. In this way, education is further developed. By working with industry, this is also an ideal testing platform for them.

As an engineering manager and engineer, I started the project with a colleague in 2019 and we have gone through almost all phases of aircraft development over the past few years: from project initiation and design to construction, testing and certification activities. It is not common to gain experience as an engineer in every phase of aircraft development, as these are usually long trajectories with many different qualities required. In this sense, the project is very much like a start-up mentality and we gained a lot of unique knowledge and experiences. Recently, I was honoured as a 'Co-founder and honoured member of the InHolland Electric Flight Lab'.

Looking back at some of the results of this hands-on innovative project:

• Over 200 students, teachers and industry professionals involved.
• Invaluable experience and knowledge gained through 'learning by doing'.
• Impact on educational activities at Inholland (innovative projects, curriculum updates, new subject introduced on certification, etc.).
• a great start to my career: fortunately, I can take these experiences and knowledge to my new role at NAG to strengthen the Dutch ecosystem.

Testimonial:
"Thanks for all your hard work on the Electric Dragonfly Mark. Developing the "Electric Flight Lab" together with you has brought many new opportunities for Inholland and the industry. You have made a huge difference!!! Looking forward to continuing to work with you in your new role at the NAG."

VIDEO: First taxi test Electric Dragonfly

Video playlist Electric Dragonfly

The unique knowledge, qualities and network I gained, combined with the investment in personal development, enabled me to spend three years doing projects in the industry as an independent. This has allowed me to make my contributions at an electric motor manufacturer (Saluqi Motors), a hybrid-electric aircraft manufacturer (Maeve Aerospace) and a hydrogen-electric aircraft manufacturer (Conscious Aerospace). See Curriculum Vitae for more information. For me, self-employment was the most accessible step to gain experience as an entrepreneur, resulting in valuable insights.

Saluqi Motors. Maeve Aerospace, Conscious Aerospace

Both curricular and extra-curricular, I have 15+ years of experience in arranging/coordinating/organising a variety of events ranging from trips and sports activities to open days, parties and performing board activities. The last major organisation was a trip for 28 to America (Seattle, Orlando, Miami) with excursions to Boeing Seattle, Museum of Flight Seattle, Pratt & Whitney, Embraer Executive Jets, Kennedy Space Center and Ford Lauderdale Airshow, among others. SpaceX was also scheduled (very unique as a European group!!), but unfortunately was cancelled a few days in advance due to a delayed launch.

Currently, I am a board member of Young NAG (Netherlands Aerospace Group). With Young NAG, we connect young professionals for knowledge sharing, inspiration and development. This takes the form of online/physical events and an online community environment. We also represent this constituency in the industry and at various events. Young NAG delivers value for the individual, the companies they work for and the ecosystem.

• Example of Young NAG representation (1)
• Example of Young NAG representation (2)

To be climate-neutral by 2050, we need to speed up now. The National Growth Fund project Aviation in Transition gives the Dutch government, knowledge institutions and the industrial sector an extra impulse to accelerate making aviation sustainable and contribute to the earning capacity of the Netherlands. The project manager plays an important role in this by strengthening the Dutch ecosystem. We have a lot of top knowledge in the Netherlands, but derive limited economic and social value from it: we do not valorise enough. Valorisation does not happen automatically. For this, we need to establish new connections between knowledge seekers and knowledge carriers, and new business models must be developed and interventions implemented. Activities must be continuously validated for economic and social impact. The project manager supports this by linking the ecosystem (especially SMEs) to existing (regional) ecosystems of companies and knowledge institutions and joining initiatives that support startups and scale-ups, such as incubators, regional entrepreneurial networks and schemes.

I hope to build real relationships to really feel what is needed in the industry so that we can act accordingly and strengthen the ecosystem. With my technical background, entrepreneurial mindset and networking skills, I look forward to contributing both technically and strategically to the ecosystem. Together, we can (1) identify needs, (2) connect supply and demand (for both small and large initiatives), (3) consider national and international commercial opportunities and (4) identify and leverage knowledge. My background, combined with a lot of enthusiasm, creativity, adaptability and a touch of pragmatism, can just make the difference. In doing so, I hope to contribute to a faster market introduction of quieter, cleaner, smarter, maintainable aircraft while increasing economic opportunities and prospects for Dutch companies in both national and international markets.

• LinkedIn message announcing new position
• Newsletter Mark Ommert starts at NAG