Conversations with Dragos Popescu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dragos Popescu

Hi Dragos , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Here is the link to the prototype website: simply going to the hope-from-above.org.

The other stuff is more like flight for life where we haul products into remote areas, pull people out that need urgent transportation, and provide disaster relief. We are thinking of dispatching one or two pilots to Ukraine as well to help with the crisis. All of it would be documented actively on social media channels including any other cool videos or images when it comes to aviation
From searching for a loved one during a natural disaster to transporting organ donations to remote areas of the world, our team of highly-trained flight, medical, field trauma, tracking, and SAR operations experts inspire hope when disaster strikes.

We’ve seen the devastating effects these disasters can have on our lives. Witnessing the ravage of the 2020 California wildfires, our team saw an opportunity to support communities and individuals in need all over the world.

We are a disaster relief 503C non-profit organization. And with aviation as our primary transportation, we’re able to find your loved one or transport your medical supplies in less time with less risk.

We believe everyone deserves to feel hope in the face of disaster, so we make your mission our mission.

Our team also recently launched the WW2 Immersive Aviation Experience for critically ill children. The main objective of the WW2 experience is to provide terminally ill children with the opportunity to be pilots for the day. Going through the entire, high quality production, including mission briefing (which is to take photos of the Radome), flying and manipulating the controls, having the debrief after the mission and providing the recon photos, and being presented with a customized bomber jacket.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been pretty challenging to get going but the non profit communities are very responsive and supportive. Our volunteers have been amazing and partners out there have done a lot to keep our mission going.

The biggest issue for us has been fund raising. Although people are very generous, it is difficult to identify the best channel that help us establish the level of support needed for our missions. As a fledgling organization we re working tirelessly to establish funding channels for our vital work.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I operate as a commercial fixed-wing and helicopter pilot and a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Additionally, I am an Aerospace Engineer working safety and systems development for various commercial and military platforms as well as spacecraft.

Currently also a graduate student mentor serving on various Google Lunar Xprize and the Phoenix Mars Lander as well as Aviation Aerospace Programs including engines, power systems, data communication, and avionics design/integration. I was also an Alumni of the McGuire Center of Entrepreneurship where I completed new venture simulation for several startups and non-profit initiatives.

Parallel to being involved in non-profit work, I also serve as a subject test pilot, providing human factors evaluation and design guidance for various advanced avionics technology programs including cockpit touch screen and voice recognition initiatives. I hold several patents in the areas of aircraft and spacecraft precision navigation, power systems, and mechanical systems.

For Hope From Above, I lead all non-profit activities including logistical planning, disaster relief, community and charity outreach, as well as all WWII Experience Activities. I am the Wolf Pilot of the Hope From Above Crew.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My passions are creating/building, non-profit work, and overall coordinated teamwork. I am highly motivated and excited to lead groups in engaging complex projects and applying methods in order to be successful. I also believe heavily in giving back, especially in thee forum of serving those disadvantaged. Disaster relief and supporting the children’s initiatives have made me very happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hope-from-above.org
• Instagram: hopefromaboveaviation; fly.with.the.wolf;

Image Credits
None