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Mike Hirschberg

@vstol.bsky.social
132 followers 36 following 83 posts

V/STOL zealot

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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
I was interviewed for Zag Daily on my view of the future of #eVTOL aircraft developments. zagdaily.com/featured/the...
zagdaily.com
The eVTOL survivors: Mike Hirschberg on who’s left and what comes next
In #21 of Zag’s Radar series, 35-year aerospace veteran Mike Hirschberg outlines eVTOL’s emergence from the “trough of disillusionment”, what regulators got right and wrong, and who’s leading the fiel...
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
I was interviewed in another podcast this week. I'm always a little embarrassed talking about myself, but hope it might offer some insights into leadership, vertical flight and the future of aviation: "The Wild Ride from Rocket Enthusiast to Vertical Flight Maestro" youtu.be/Qdvsp4EALMc?...
youtu.be
This Time with Mike Hirschberg | The Wild Ride from Rocket Enthusiast to Vertical Flight Maestro
YouTube video by Design Your Life Your Way
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ACLU @aclu.org · 05/02/2026
Children at an ICE family detention facility have been denied clean drinking water, medical care, and legal access. Now they may be exposed to measles. Toddlers don't belong in detention, and Congress must end funding for these sites of abuse.
texastribune.org
Measles detected at Dilley immigrant family detention center
The cases come amid renewed nationwide scrutiny of the facility following the transfer there of Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy who federal agents arrested along with his father in Minneapolis.
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ACLU @aclu.org · 24/01/2026
ICE and CBP agents are out of control and put everyone in danger. We're calling for ICE agents to withdraw from Minneapolis, and for Congress to rein in ICE’s abuses in our communities.
Black graphic with text "ICE out of Minneapolis NOW"
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NPR @npr.org · 18/01/2026
The ousting of Venezuela's president raised hopes of change — but the politician now controlling the streets shows how little has really shifted. n.pr/4k5BVpn
n.pr
Venezuela: Maduro's enforcer Cabello still central to power
The ousting of Venezuela's president raised hopes of change — but the politician now controlling the streets shows how little has really shifted.
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Washington Post Opinions @postopinions.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Trump’s Jan. 6 truther webpage is an embarrassing misuse of government resources, and some White House staffers clearly have too much time on their hands, the Editorial Board writes.
wapo.st
Opinion | The White House’s pro-crime manifesto
The Jan. 6 website is an embarrassing waste of resources.
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
NPR has an update on the flooding in Alaska from Typhoon Halong. I wrote about the helicopter rescues there and elsewhere in a post on Forbes: www.forbes.com/sites/mikehi... (DVIDS image)
Alaska Air National Guard personnel survey the devastation of remote indigenous communities during a search and rescue mission in Kipnuk, Alaska, on Oct. 13, 2025. (Defense Visual Information Distribution Service via AP) Public Domain
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Gaël @gaellebris.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
Great pleasure presenting last Thursday on accommodating #hydrogen-powered electric VTOL (H2eVTOL) #aircraft techs at #vertiports to the @vtolsociety.bsky.social Arizona Chapter. Watch the recording here: buff.ly/l4OIvzB. 🚁 #aaminfra #aerospace #aviation #engineering #verticalflight #vtols
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Jacob Ware @jacobware.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
And the great @maxboot.bsky.social (also @cfr.org!) adds the most disheartening conclusion of all in @postopinions.bsky.social: the NSS “makes clear that, for the first time since Dec. 7, 1941, America no longer sees itself as the leader of the free world.”
washingtonpost.com
Opinion | Trump is sending a clear message to the free world
Trump’s national security strategy slams Europe, not Russia.
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
More and more American and foreign researchers are leaving the US as the Administration makes draconian cuts to federal science & technology funding. @postopinions.bsky.social also highlights the threat to American #ScientificDominance that I wrote about on Forbes: www.forbes.com/sites/mikehi...
forbes.com
Budget Cuts to America's Science and Technology Undermine the Nation
The Trump administration wants steep budget cuts in science and technology, which fuels economic growth and bolsters national security.
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
My latest article on @forbes.com: "Artificial Intelligence Engenders Human Stupidity." A recent aviation summit highlighted the benefits and pitfalls of using #AI in aviation and everyday life ... like the #AIslop we see online so much these days. www.forbes.com/sites/mikehi...
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 29/11/2025
Retired federal and state judges say President Trump’s attacks on the judiciary strain its integrity. They cite partisanship, antagonistic rhetoric from public officials and ambiguous decisions handed down by the Supreme Court.
washingtonpost.com
Retired judges warn that the rule of law is unraveling
In interviews, former state and federal judges describe the consequences when the rule of law begins to falter, warning that democracy’s guardrails may already be weakened.
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
Today and every day, give thanks for the lifesaving role of vertical flight. Millions of people around the world are here today because of the incredible capabilities of #helicopters, #rotorcraft and #VTOL #drones. 2025 was a busy year for helicopter rescues. Check out my latest article on Forbes.
forbes.com
Helicopters Save Lives During Natural Disasters And Every Day
Every day, helicopters provide vital services to communities, including saving and protecting lives. Recent massive natural disasters showcased helicopters saving lives.
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Darth Putin @darthputinkgb.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
The war will end when the Ukrainian army withdraws from Ukraine.
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Vertical Flight Society @vtolsociety.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Subscribe to the Electric VTOL News for advanced air mobility news and updates! Read #avgeek developments on #hydrogen / #electric #rotorcraft and other #eVTOL aircraft like the AIR ONE: mailchi.mp/evtol/evtol-... Join VFS to learn more at #TVF2026 in January 2026! vtol.org/tvf2026
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NPR @npr.org · 21/11/2025
Senate Democrats say the new Kennedy Center leadership has led to "millions in lost revenue, luxury spending, and preferential treatment for Trump allies." The performing arts center denies the allegations. n.pr/4pk6IzW
n.pr
Senate Democrats are investigating the Kennedy Center for 'cronyism, corruption'
Senate Democrats say the new Kennedy Center leadership has led to "millions in lost revenue, luxury spending, and preferential treatment for Trump allies." The performing arts center denies the allegations.
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ACLU @aclu.org · 21/11/2025
Students know: ICE doesn't belong in our schools or our community.
wafb.com
Over 30,000 Charlotte students absent from school in protest of ICE operation, reports say
Over 30,000 Charlotte students were absent on Monday, according to school officials.
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Vertical Flight Society @vtolsociety.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Czech-based Zuri partners with Ambitious Air Mobility Group to accelerate development of Zuri’s hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems for cargo, defense and regional passenger flights: zuri.com/news/zuri-aa... Vertical Flight Society welcomes Zuri as our newest corporate member!
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ACLU @aclu.org · 21/11/2025
At 17, Gary Tyler was sentenced to death by an all white jury for a crime he didn’t commit. He was released from prison at age 57, after spending 42 years behind bars. Wrongful convictions are a feature, not a bug, of the death penalty. We must end it once and for all. 
aclu.org
Gary Tyler Spent 42 Years on Death Row. Racism Put Him There. | ACLU
Tyler’s case shows how bias, fear, and discrimination drive wrongful convictions — and why confronting racial injustice in the legal system remains urgent today.
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NPR @npr.org · 22/11/2025
The adventures of a precocious 6-year-old and his stuffed tiger debuted on November 18, 1985. NPR's Renee Montagne spoke with the comic strip's editor, Lee Salem, in 2005.
n.pr
40 years ago, Calvin and Hobbes' raucous adventures burst onto the comics page
The adventures of a precocious 6-year-old and his stuffed tiger debuted on November 18, 1985. NPR's Renee Montagne spoke with the comic strip's editor, Lee Salem, in 2005.
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 22/11/2025
Breaking news: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced that she will resign from Congress as of Jan. 5, a surprise announcement that came days after a public spat between President Trump in which he lobbed public insults at his longtime ally.
wapo.st
GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announces she is resigning from House
The longtime MAGA supporter says she is stepping down from office as of Jan. 5.
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ACLU @aclu.org · 22/11/2025
President Trump's refusal to share the legal justification for his airstrikes on civilian boats at sea is shocking, but not unprecedented. For too long, both parties have looked the other way as presidents abuse their power and evade accountability.
justsecurity.org
From Secret Law (2001-2024) to None at All (2025-present)
The Trump administration's lethal strikes are the apotheosis of the last quarter century's often always secret and often unreviewable executive branch legal reasoning.
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Washington Post Opinions @postopinions.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
"The U.S., which has benefited greatly from its ability to draw the best minds from across the globe over the past century, can ill afford to lose its academic sheen," the Editorial Board writes.
wapo.st
Opinion | The dulling of America’s scientific edge
U.S. researchers are increasingly looking to do their work abroad.
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 08/11/2025
For 13 consecutive years, NASA has been named the best place to work in the federal government. But since the Trump administration took over and proposed deep budget cuts, there has been an exodus from the agency.
washingtonpost.com
NASA has lost thousands of workers. Here’s what that means for science.
Staffers told The Post about months of turmoil and sweeping changes that, if fully implemented, could transform NASA and American science beyond the Trump years.
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
America is losing its #ScientificDominance. So many cuts to #NASA, #NSF and #DoD research and technology. Check out my article on this: www.forbes.com/sites/mikehi...
forbes.com
Budget Cuts to America's Science and Technology Undermine the Nation
The Trump administration wants steep budget cuts in science and technology, which fuels economic growth and bolsters national security.
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
The brain drain of American engineers, scientists and intellects accelerates as US federal policies drive them away.
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 06/11/2025
More than 1 million U.S. workers have been laid off in 2025 so far, a level typically seen in recessions, according to new data.
washingtonpost.com
Layoffs rise to recession-like levels through October, new report says
Layoffs are rising to recession-like levels, with U.S. employers announcing 1.1 million job cuts so far this year, according to a report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 05/11/2025
The Trump administration told the Supreme Court that raising government revenue is not the purpose of the emergency tariffs that the president imposed this year on all imported goods.
washingtonpost.com
White House tells Supreme Court it doesn’t care about the tariff money raised
The Trump administration argued before the Supreme Court that its emergency tariffs aren’t intended to raise revenue, despite the president’s previous boasts about the money generated.
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NPR @npr.org · 05/11/2025
At issue is whether the president can bypass Congress and impose tariffs by citing national security. n.pr/4nLufZr
n.pr
Supreme Court justices appear skeptical of Trump's tariff arguments
At issue is whether the president can bypass Congress and impose tariffs by citing national security.
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The Air Current @theaircurrent.com · 04/11/2025
Beta CEO Kyle Clark wants to run his public company like a private one theaircurrent.com/industry-str... (via @elanhead.com) #staycurrent
theaircurrent.com
Beta CEO Kyle Clark wants to run his public company like a private one
The electric aircraft developer’s initial public offering is structured with a view to the long term.
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
It's not often when liberals like Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and conservatives like Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) agree on things, but they agree about tariffs. "Massive tariffs on close trading partners such as Brazil and Canada are ill-advised abuses of presidential power that will make Americans poorer."
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Very insightful comments from the leader of the Catholic Church. Those who say that they had to vote from Trump because of their Catholic faith are selective in which part of their religions they decide to pay attention to. How about we all respect all life — past, present and future?
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
This opinion by @shadihamid.bsky.social puts a very fine point on something that I struggle with daily as a devout Christian. How can someone who has accepted Jesus as their Savior find these words acceptable? "I hate my opponent, and I don’t want the best for them.” May the Lord forgive us all.
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Shadi Hamid @shadihamid.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
One of the biggest mistakes left-of-center pundits and influencers made was decamping to Bluesky. They made themselves irrelevant, shrunk their audiences, and dramatically lessened the positive impact they could have on our public debate at the precise time we needed it most.
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
@vanjones.bsky.social: "Violence like this should compel people in both parties to turn down the heat, seek common ground and look for off-ramps from the vitriol — as Kirk was doing with me, the day before he died."
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
My recent article about cuts to #NASA #Aeronautics, particularly the elimination of the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (#RVLT) project. There's still a chance to save America's civil #VTOL scientific research leadership if Congress approves NASA's full budget! www.forbes.com/sites/mikehi...
forbes.com
NASA Cuts Imperil Vertical Flight Technology Leadership
Proposed cuts to NASA's aeronautics budget would have a outsized impact on critical research for civil and military helicopters and advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft.
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Jessica Berlin @berlinbridge.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Turkey already demonstrated the most effective response to Russian violations of NATO airspace 10 years ago: Warn them off, and if they ignore the warning, shoot them down. Do nothing and Russia will keep coming. Hit back and they back down. The choice is ours. #Article4 #Estonia
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ACLU @aclu.org · 19/09/2025
This policy is a baseless violation on the freedoms of transgender, non-binary, and intersex people. We’ve challenged President Trump’s attempt to restrict our passports before, and won — we’re not stopping now.
nbcnews.com
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow it to limit sex designations on passports
The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow it to enforce a policy that would restrict sex designations on passports to “male” and “female” based on sex assigned at birth.
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ACLU @aclu.org · 19/09/2025
Freedom of expression is critical to the health of our democracy. ABC and Nexstar's decision to capitulate to the Trump administration's demands threaten our First Amendment rights.
variety.com
ABC Pulls ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Indefinitely After Host’s Charlie Kirk Comments
Nexstar, one of the biggest owners of US TV stations, said will preempt Jimmy Kimmel's late night show due to the host's Charlie Kirk remarks.
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
The Aug. 28 Trump Executive Order states #NASA that is "determined to have as a primary function intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work." So it can no longer have a labor union. @nasawatch.bsky.social with the story: nasawatch.com/personnel-ne...
nasawatch.com
No More Union For You
the following email was sent out today across NASA
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ACLU @aclu.org · 19/09/2025
Shameful. Media companies like ABC and Nexstar must defend freedom of expression, not give in to President Trump.
washingtonpost.com
ABC takes Jimmy Kimmel off the air over remarks on Charlie Kirk’s killing
The decision to indefinitely preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” follows backlash to comments the late-night show host made about the killing of Charlie Kirk.
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ACLU @aclu.org · 19/09/2025
When he's right, he's right.
independent.co.uk
Tucker Carlson says Trump admin using Charlie Kirk’s killing to trample free speech
Conservative voice speaks out after the White House cracks down on critics of Charlie Kirk since his assassination
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NPR @npr.org · 18/09/2025
Most Jewish Americans disapprove of the Trump administration withholding funds from colleges to address anti-Jewish sentiment, according to a new survey.
n.pr
Most American Jews say Trump is using antisemitism as an 'excuse' to silence free speech at universities
Most Jewish Americans disapprove of the Trump administration withholding funds from colleges to address anti-Jewish sentiment, according to a new survey.
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NPR @npr.org · 18/09/2025
White House executive orders and legislation in many states have targeted the rights and protections of trans people. For some, that has meant increased financial worry.
n.pr
New policies are making life harder for trans people — and prompting big financial decisions
White House executive orders and legislation in many states have targeted the rights and protections of trans people. For some, that has meant increased financial worry.
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Vertical Flight Society @vtolsociety.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
The new #Vertiflite magazine is online! This issue features the US Army's Flight School Next #helicopter pilot training, along with stories about MagLev Aero, MightyFly and Sikorsky: vtol.org/news/septemb... Join the Vertical Flight Society for a free subscription! vtol.org/what-we-do/b...
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ACLU @aclu.org · 18/09/2025
The First Amendment is clear: Government officials cannot use their power to censor free speech.
Gray graphic reading “This is beyond McCarthyism. Trump officials are repeatedly abusing their power to stop ideas they don’t like, deciding who can speak, write, and even joke.
The Trump administration's actions, paired with ABC's capitulation, represent a grave threat to our First Amendment freedoms” The quote is attributed to Christopher Anders, on ABC's decision to indefinitely suspend Jimmy Kimmel".
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Senator Mark Warner @markwarner.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
For years, @kaine.senate.gov and I tried to raise the alarm – DCA was already at capacity and never needed additional flights. The most crowded runway in the country should have never had more flights pushed onto it by out-of-state lawmakers.
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Senator Tim Kaine @kaine.senate.gov · 18/09/2025
Happy 78th birthday to the U.S. Air Force! Thank you to the men and women of the Air Force for your service and sacrifice. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will keep working to support our servicemembers and ensure the Air Force has the resources to defend America and our skies.
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NPR @npr.org · 18/09/2025
High-profile politicians and performers are criticizing the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show as an attack on free speech. They are calling for the Trump administration and ABC to be held accountable.
n.pr
Democrats and Hollywood stars decry Kimmel's suspension as government censorship
High-profile politicians and performers are criticizing the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show as an attack on free speech. They are calling for the Trump administration and ABC to be held accountable.
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ACLU @aclu.org · 18/09/2025
The Trump administration can’t threaten to punish media organizations like ABC and the New York Times because they don't like what they have to say. The right to speak freely, protest peacefully, choose our own religious practice, and access a free press is foundational to our democracy.
Navy blue graphic reading "1st Amendment of the United States Constitution
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
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