Northwest Aerospace News April | May Issue No.20 | Page 11

Between the two businesses , both overseen by Roei Ganzarski , an energetic and enthusiastic leader , they are both in Snohomish County and are forming what Ganzarski calls an Innovation and Aviation Center of Excellence focused on the future of better aviation using electric aircraft technology .
Ganzarski exudes power , with an energy that can only be derived from being at the forefront of an exciting new industry . The aerospace industry has had its share of challenges in recent years , yet as a $ 70 billion industry , makes up about 20 percent of the gross domestic product ( GDP ) in Washington State .
The industry , focused on the highest quality and safety , can also be slow to move due to regulations and possibly bureaucracy . However , when you are starting with a fresh new idea , like electric aircraft , perhaps it is an opportunity to add an enthusiastic new perspective .
magniX and Eviation are both rule-followers and have been working with the Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) on a new set of special conditions . Ganzarski explained traditional aircraft have “ engines that use fuel , create emissions , and have many rotating parts that are very hot .” With electric aircraft , there are no emissions because there is not a fuel system — it is much cooler and there is only one moving part . “ The FAA is adapting to regulating an electric motor ,” said Ganzarski . He added that in December 2020 , the FAA published the special conditions to certify electric propulsion systems .
Both companies are owned in total or in part by Clermont Group . The group is focused on “ the goodness of business ,” according to their website , http :// www . clermont . com . Their philosophy is less focused on hegemony and financial dominance , than they are on creativity , sustainability , and ideas for the greater good .
From a practical standpoint , what does goodness in the marketplace look like ? Ganzarski said , “ It ’ s not just a better propulsion system and better aviation ,” he reflected that it is more about the progression of people and goods .
APRIL | MAY 2021 ISSUE NO . 20 11