HomeEditorial guidelines

Editorial guidelines

1st version: Aug.1 2018

2nd version: Mar.1 2020

Last updated: May 4. 2024

Mission Statement

At Aerospace and Mechanical Insider, our mission is to illuminate the engineering that moves the world — from the propulsion systems that lift us into the sky to the mechanical designs that power mobility on the ground.

We provide technically rigorous, visually clear, and deeply contextual reporting across aerospace, automotive, robotics, and advanced manufacturing fields.

Our content goes beyond surface-level innovation coverage. We explore how machines work, why designs matter, and what these systems mean for the future of human motion.

From hypersonic flight and electric vehicle architectures to drone autonomy and material science, we tell the stories that define the next era of mechanical intelligence.

We believe that engineering is both art and analysis — the intersection of creativity, precision, and purpose. Our goal is to serve readers who design, test, and build the systems that shape modern civilization.

Our commitment: to accuracy, depth, and insight, presented through accessible, technically grounded storytelling that connects engineers, innovators, and curious readers worldwide.

Editorial Integrity & Ethics Policy

At Aerospace and Mechanical Insider, we uphold the highest standards of technical and journalistic integrity.

Our editorial process is guided by transparency, independence, and respect for the engineering disciplines we cover.

  • Independence & Objectivity– We do not accept funding, incentives, or influence that could compromise editorial judgment or technical impartiality.
  • No Paid Endorsements– Sponsored content and partnerships are clearly labeled and fully separated from editorial decisions.
  • Accuracy Over Hype– We prioritize verified engineering data over marketing claims or speculation.
  • Critical Thinking– We celebrate engineering progress while examining its technical, environmental, and ethical implications.
  • Technical Neutrality– We maintain neutrality between competing technologies, assessing innovations based on empirical performance and design merit.

Verification & Fact-Checking Standards

Our content is built on technical accuracy, credible sourcing, and expert review. Every feature and analysis passes through a structured verification process to ensure precision.

  • Expert Review– Articles are reviewed by specialists in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or robotics before publication.
  • Source Credibility– We reference peer-reviewed research, verified technical papers, and statements from recognized industry authorities.
  • Transparency in Data– All quantitative claims, performance metrics, and engineering analyses are supported with cited sources or available documentation.

Corrections Policy – If inaccuracies are identified, we issue prompt, transparent corrections with clear revision notes.

Content & Coverage

Our coverage spans the frontiers of mechanical and aerospace innovation, with focus areas including:

  • Aerospace & Spaceflight– propulsion systems, flight dynamics, mission architecture, and hypersonic design.
  • Automotive & Mobility Engineering– vehicle systems, EV powertrains, performance optimization, and intelligent control.
  • Mechanical Design & Manufacturing– materials science, additive manufacturing, precision systems, and robotics.
  • Unmanned & Autonomous Systems– UAVs, UGVs, and the AI frameworks that drive them.
  • Engineering Ethics & Policy– environmental impact, sustainability, and the responsibilities of innovation.
  • Failures & Learnings– post-analysis of engineering breakdowns and design evolution in high-stakes systems.

Each article is written for an audience that values technical literacy, critical analysis, and design logic — from professional engineers to academically driven readers.

Diversity & Inclusion Policy

Engineering is a global endeavor — and so is our perspective.

We are committed to reflecting diversity in the people, ideas, and technologies we feature.

  • Diverse Voices– We highlight engineers and researchers from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines.
  • Inclusive Coverage– We examine technologies that impact diverse communities, industries, and emerging markets.
  • Global Lens– We showcase aerospace and mechanical innovations from every region of the world, recognizing that innovation transcends borders.

Ownership & Editorial Independence

Aerospace and Mechanical Insider operates as an independent digital media platform.

While we sustain operations through advertising, sponsorships, and reader support, editorial decisions are made exclusively by our editorial board — free from commercial or political pressure.
We maintain a strict separation between editorial and business operations to preserve the credibility and trust that define our publication.

Reader Engagement & Feedback

We believe that the engineering community thrives on dialogue, and we welcome feedback, critique, and collaboration from our readers.

  • Reader Contributions– Engineers, researchers, and technical communicators are invited to contribute essays or case studies.
  • Fact-Checking Requests– Readers can report inaccuracies or submit supporting data for verification.

Open Commentary – We encourage thoughtful discussion of engineering practices, trends, and ethics in our comment and community channels.


 
At Aerospace and Mechanical Insider, we stand for clarity over noise, precision over popularity, and substance over speculation.

We are here to question assumptions, explain complexity, and celebrate the craft of engineering that drives humanity forward.

Welcome to the mechanics of the future.

 

Editor profiles and expert teams

Editors

  1. Robert McKinney

Robert is our Editor-in-Chief for the automotive and mobility vertical.

A graduate of the University of Michigan (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering), he spent a decade reporting on powertrain systems, EV innovation and global vehicle manufacturing before joining Aerospace & Mechanical Insider in 2025. He leads our coverage of cars, mobility platforms and how automotive engineering intersects with aerospace and unmanned systems.

  1. Thomas Caldwell

Thomas serves as Senior Editor for our Mechanical & Mobility Engineering section. He holds an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and has 15+ years of experience covering vehicle electronics, systems integration and electrification. At AMI, Thomas oversees articles on chassis systems, mechanical design, propulsion and automotive-drone convergence.

  1. David Whitaker

David acts as Associate Editor for our Aerospace & Drone Systems vertical. He studied Aeronautical Engineering at Purdue University and has covered aerospace and automotive engineering since 2013. David’s specialty is translating complex flight systems and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developments into accessible technical stories.

  1. Jonathan Barrett

Jonathan is Editor for our Future Mobility & Autonomous Systems section. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in Industrial Engineering, and brings 20+ years’ experience in mobility trends, e-mobility, robotics and drone-vehicle convergence. At AMI he curates long-form features on autonomous air/ground mobility and mechanical systems for transport.

  1. Edward Collins

Edward is our Senior Editor for Performance Systems & Mechanical Design. With a background mechanical engineering degree from Imperial College London and years reporting in motorsport, he brings deep expertise in powertrains, drivetrain systems, high-performance vehicles and mechanical design innovations. He supervises our content on high-end mechanical engineering, history of vehicles and performance systems.

  1. Stephen Wallace

Stephen takes on Editor for Aerospace Integration & Unmanned Mobility. With a B.S. in Aerospace Systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Stephen has spent the last decade documenting autonomous systems, drone networks and aerospace/automotive convergence. At AMI he leads coverage of drone manufacturing, VTOL systems and mechanical linkages between air and ground mobility.

 

Experts

  1. Dr. Alan Reeves – Aerospace Propulsion & Systems Specialist

Alan holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Systems Engineering from the University of Cambridge and previously worked in experimental propulsion modelling at a leading aerospace lab. He now serves as Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute for Flight Dynamics. On AMI you’ll find his guest essays on hypersonic propulsion, mechanical systems for space launch and aerospace-vehicle integration.

  1. Sofia Lin – Mechanical Design Engineer & Mobility Technologist

Sofia earned an M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and has worked in mechatronics, vehicle architecture and mobility platforms for major OEMs. Her contributions to AMI include deep dives into additive manufacturing, drone-automotive hybrid platforms and mechanical design innovation in mobility.

  1. Dr. Chen Wei – Materials & Manufacturing Expert

Dr. Chen holds a doctorate in Materials Science from MIT and specializes in lightweight composites and advanced manufacturing for aerospace and automotive sectors. As an AMI expert, she writes on topics such as composite drive-train components, thermal management and mechanical durability in high-stress systems.

  1. Prof. Maria Santos – Robotics & Unmanned Systems Scholar

Maria is Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Technical University of Madrid. Her research focuses on UAV swarm systems, mechanical linkages in autonomous vehicles and drone infrastructure. On AMI she provides commentary, historical context and future-outlook pieces on unmanned mobility.

  1. David Nguyen – Mobility Historian & Systems Analyst

David has an M.A. in History of Technology from Oxford and a professional background in systems engineering and vehicle-history research. His AMI feature columns explore the evolution of mechanical systems, aerospace-vehicle history, legacy powertrain design and how past developments inform future engineering.