In this episode of 5 for Five, Tim Ridderbos sits down with DJ van Heerden, aerospace engineer and founder of Aethos, to discuss an often-overlooked piece of aviation sustainability: what happens to an aircraft and its materials when it reaches the end of its useful life.

After years working in aircraft disassembly and recycling, DJ saw a persistent challenge. While valuable components can often be reused, finding the best possible destination for the materials left behind is far more complicated.

Now, through Aethos, DJ is working to bring more attention to those materials, connect aviation dismantlers with the right recycling partners, and encourage the industry to make end-of-life recycling a bigger part of the sustainability conversation.

DJ shares insights on:

What Happens After an Aircraft Stops Flying - DJ explains why component reuse is already well established in aviation, while responsibly managing the remaining materials presents a much different challenge.

Why Aircraft Recycling Matters Today - While major aviation challenges like fuel consumption and noise can take years to address, DJ explains why better recycling practices are something the industry can act on now.

The Challenges Hidden in Aircraft Design - Airplanes are engineered to be incredibly strong and safe, which can make separating their many interconnected materials difficult when they reach the end of their useful lives.

The Carbon Fiber Problem - As newer aircraft increasingly use carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), DJ discusses why these materials create a significant end-of-life challenge and why today's available options remain limited.

Turning a Personal Challenge Into Purpose - DJ shares how his experience with brain cancer led him to create Aethos, reconnect with the aviation community, and dedicate his time to helping move aircraft recycling forward.

A Vision for Better Aircraft Recycling - DJ hopes aircraft owners, dismantlers and recyclers will increasingly look beyond the financial value of recovered material and pursue the best available recycling solution for every part of an aircraft.

Key Timestamps

00:15 – Meet DJ van Heerden and his background in aerospace engineering
00:45 – The challenge that led to Aethos
01:10 – How DJ found his way into aircraft recycling
01:52 – The personal story behind his mission
02:11 – Why recycling is an opportunity aviation can act on today
03:28 – What makes an airplane difficult to recycle
04:07 – The carbon fiber challenge
04:31 – DJ's vision for the future of aircraft recycling

If you're interested in aviation, aircraft recycling, material recovery, sustainability, or the future of the circular economy, this episode is for you.

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