SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — DBT Aero today announced the dismissal of aviation inventor John W. McGinnis for violations of the Company’s policies following a lengthy internal investigation. Filling the seat previously occupied by Mr. McGinnis, Tom Hatfield, currently a Senior Satellite & Cyber Systems Engineer at the Aerospace Corporation and formerly an Intelligence Community (IC) Deputy Director for Advanced Research, has been named a director and acting CTO.
“The board left no stone unturned to resolve these issues in a professional manner for the benefit of all shareholders,” commented Mr. Hatfield, previously a board observer. “Although Mr. McGinnis’ departure is a sad day for everyone at DBT Aero, we remain committed to bringing ultra-efficient, 100% sustainable flight to multiple markets. I have lived by the phrase, ‘what you dare to dream, dare to do’. While I am definitely a dreamer, my true joy comes from helping others turn those dreams into reality!”
Always at the forefront of technology innovation, Mr. Hatfield has decades of experience in state-of-the-art development systems engineering from multi-billion dollar satellite systems at the National Reconnaissance Office to trailblazing research at DARPA and IARPA. Over the course of his career, he has led large scale initiatives in spacecraft development and operations, cyber development and operations, strategic planning, and talent management.
Tom has worked as a program manager with some of the most respected advanced technology aerospace and defense contractors in the country including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Rockwell Collins. Tom filled top technical and management positions across the Intelligence Community where he earned the highest-level Program Management and Systems Engineering certifications available.
First earning a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology, Mr. Hatfield went on to Purdue University, earning a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Remote Sensing. He currently serves as a mentor for FIRST Robotics and is an active EAA member. Mr. Hatfield also donates his time as a consultant for providing sustainable clean water supply systems for relief efforts in Haiti. Originally hailing from Indiana, he now resides in Northern Virginia.
About DBT Aero Inc.
DBT Aero, with headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT and a development center in Kalispell, MT, was formed in 2019 to commercialize the ultra-efficient aircraft designs and advanced integrated drag reduction technologies pioneered by Synergy Aircraft. DBT Aero has built and tested multiple unmanned aircraft ranging from a 5 foot wingspan 3D printed autonomous UAV testbed to an 11 foot wingspan high payload, long range UAV. Just months away from full envelope flight testing, the company is currently taxi testing the manned “Synergy Prime” proof of concept to permanently solve the problems impeding profitable, carbon free or carbon neutral, on-demand regional air transportation.
Is there any publicly available information on the test aircraft that followed the one original flying model? Where, if at all, can one find information on the current progress of the manned “Synergy Prime” aircraft? What is the status of the promise to put on it the names of those who donated to the development of Synergy? There was an important phase of crowd funding. The contributors, myself being one, were not investors. They were just ordinary people who wanted to help advance a vision. DBT Aero should be true to its origins, financial arrangements notwithstanding. Who will fill the shoes of John McGinnis?
Once John McGinnis was pushed out of the organization, all progress appears to have halted. I suspect this was due to a hostile and incompetent takeover of the IP by the new owners. Without John’s skills, drive and talent, the world isn’t likely to ever see his initial concept brought to fruition. It’s beyond sad. DBT aero posted in May of 2023 that they were just: “…months away from full envelope flight testing”. Despite this assurance, no peep has come from the company for ~11 months. I suspect the working capital has been distributed among the remaining principals and the company disbanded. Prior to DBT Aero taking over the company, John posted regular updates on their slow, but steady progress. Since DBT aero has taken charge it’s been radio silence. I’m one of many that are saddened by this turn of events.