The Helicopter Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with Steve Cox, fighter pilot, airline pilot, and creator of the Cleared Direct YouTube channel, for a wide-ranging conversation about aviation, risk, and the lessons learned from real-world flying. Steve shares the path that led him from military fighter jets to airline operations and into the world of experimental and backcountry aviation. Along the way, he discusses the discipline required to operate high-performance aircraft, the appeal of building and flying experimental airplanes, and the mindset pilots need to manage risk in demanding environments. The conversation also explores the role of storytelling in aviation safety. Steve explains why sharing experiences — including mistakes and close calls — helps pilots build mental models that improve decision-making long before a real emergency occurs. That philosophy becomes especially real as Steve recounts a dramatic water ditching and the rapid decisions that allowed him and his passenger to walk away safely. It’s a powerful reminder that preparation, training, and a strong safety culture remain essential in every corner of aviation. Thank you to this episode's sponsors Robinson Helicopter, Quantum Helicopters and Enstrom Helicopter.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, recorded live at European Rotors 2025 in Cologne, host Halsey Schider sits down with helicopter pilot and author Simon Whitinger for a wide-ranging discussion about operations, training, and knowledge sharing in the helicopter community. The conversation opens with Simon’s flight training and career pathways, including Simon’s flight training experiences in Canada, the challenges of transitioning to EASA certification, and the crucial role that networking and industry events like European Rotors play in building professional connections across the helicopter community. They then turn to Simon's experience flying in Greenland, where helicopters often serve as essential transportation between remote villages, support medevacs, and connect people across challenging terrain. Halsey and Simon explore how these real-world operations shape a pilot’s decision-making and perspective. Finally, they focus on Simon’s Mountain Flying Handbook, a resource developed to address the gap in structured safety knowledge around mountain operations. Drawing on decades of experience in mountainous environments, Simon explains why hazards such as whiteout and unmarked cables remain leading contributors to accidents, and how pilots can prepare to recognize and mitigate these risks. Buy Simon's book, The Mountain Flying Handbook. Be sure to use promo code "Sellacopter". Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Precision Aviation Group and Airbus.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, recorded at Verticon 2026, Halsey Schider sits down with David Smith, ceo of Robinson Helicopters, and Paul Fermo, president of Robinson Unmanned, to discuss safety, innovation, and where the industry is heading next. The conversation opens with a look at recent safety improvements across the helicopter industry, including lower accident rates and the continued focus on training for inadvertent IMC. David and Paul highlight how tools like cockpit cameras and scenario-based training are helping pilots better understand risk and make more informed decisions in the moment. They also explore Robinson’s evolving product strategy — from utility-focused updates like the R44 interior to broader efforts to meet changing customer needs. A major focus is the launch of Robinson Unmanned and the company’s investment in drone technology, signaling a shift toward a more integrated future across crewed and uncrewed aviation. Blending safety, technology, and long-term strategy, this episode offers insight into how Robinson is adapting to a changing market while staying grounded in its core mission: building practical, reliable aircraft for real-world operations. Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Metro Aviation, Quantum Helicopters and Robinson Helicopter.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, recorded at Verticon 2026, Halsey Schider sits down with Francois Lassale, president and ceo of Vertical Aviation International, for a first conversation on leadership, safety culture, and decision-making in aviation. The discussion opens with Halsey sharing a formative lesson from his early flying career — the importance of knowing when to say no. In an industry where mission pressure is real, the ability to make the right call can be one of the most critical skills a pilot develops. Francois builds on that idea from a leadership perspective, emphasizing that true safety culture goes beyond policies and procedures. It’s about creating teams that consistently make the right decisions, even when no one is watching. He shares a personal example from outside aviation, where wearing proper motorcycle safety gear likely saved his life in a serious accident — reinforcing the idea that safety is a mindset carried into every aspect of life. The conversation also touches on communication, training, and how organizations can better support pilots in making sound decisions under pressure. Together, they highlight that safety isn’t just taught — it’s modeled, reinforced, and lived daily. A thoughtful discussion on leadership, accountability, and building a culture where doing the right thing is the standard. Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Helicopter Institute, Robinson Helicopter and Vertical Aviation International.

Send a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! Recorded live at European Rotors 2025, this episode of The Helicopter Podcast features a conversation between Halsey Schider and Glen White from EuroSafety about helicopter training, safety culture, and the growing European market. The conversation begins with Europe’s expanding role in the global helicopter industry and the unique dynamics shaping training and operations across the region. From private owners to commercial operators, the market presents different challenges — and different expectations — around professionalism and safety culture. Glen shares insights from his work with Loft Dynamics, (interviewed at European Rotors last year), explaining how scenario-based simulation is changing the way pilots prepare for real-world emergencies. Instead of relying solely on rote memory, modern training puts pilots in realistic situations where decision-making matters — especially during inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC) and system malfunctions. They also discuss skill fade, complacency, and why continuous practice is essential in helicopter operations. From private owners to commercial crews, professionalism and safety culture remain central to the industry’s future. A focused conversation on training for the unexpected — and building safer pilots in the process. Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Vertical Aviation International and Airbus.

Send a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with longtime helicopter pilot and safety advocate Nick Mayhew to explore a career shaped by military aviation, hard lessons, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Nick shares his journey from the Royal Navy into helicopter operations, including tense moments in night flying and high-risk environments that reinforced one simple truth: Fatigue, complacency, and small mistakes can have massive consequences. The conversation dives into safety culture, the mission of the US Helicopter Safety Team, and Nick’s concept of a “Retirement Checklist” — a mindset built around never cutting corners and always keeping it in the green. At the heart of it all is the belief that aviation must foster a just culture where pilots own outcomes, speak up about close calls, and learn openly from mistakes. With a clear goal of zero fatal accidents, this episode is a powerful reminder that professionalism, humility, and discipline remain the foundation of helicopter safety. Thank you to our sponsors, Hillsboro Heli Academy, Airbus and Precision Aviation Group.

Send a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with David Smith, ceo of Robinson Helicopters, during European Rotors in Cologne, Germany, for a conversation that blends storytelling, innovation, and the future of rotorcraft. The discussion centers on Robinson’s new book, Climb Higher, a global project led by husband-and-wife team of photographer and book developer Jon Davison and writer Jude Brazendale. The project captured the diversity of missions, environments, and people flying Robinson helicopters around the world. David shares how the project came together, why photography and storytelling matter, and how showcasing real customer experiences helps Robinson stay closely connected to the operators who use their aircraft every day. From there, the conversation turns toward the future. David offers insight into Robinson’s product roadmap, including the R66 NXG, advances in avionics and autopilot integration, and the company’s push toward instrument flight rules (IFR) certification — all with the goal of improving safety, accessibility, and confidence for pilots. They also touch on industry challenges, innovation cycles, and why solving issues like inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC) remains a top priority. Blending creative perspective with technical leadership, this episode provides a look at how Robinson Helicopters is honoring its legacy while continuing to evolve — and why “climb higher” is more than just a book title, but a mindset guiding the company forward. Thank you to this episode's sponsors Metro Aviation, Robinson Helicopter and Helicopter Institute.

Send a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this two-part conversation on The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider continues his discussion with Michael Benton, turning the focus toward accident investigation, safety culture, and how aviation organizations learn after things go wrong. Drawing from his experience as an NTSB party member and safety leader within air medical operations, Michael walks through what actually happens after an accident and the role operators play in the investigation process. The conversation explores how accidents are rarely the result of a single mistake, but instead develop from gaps in training, oversight, equipment, and decision support. Michael shares insight into how strong safety programs are built, why transparency and leadership matter, and how pilots and crews can be better supported in high-pressure operational environments. The episode also touches on the human side of the job, and why a healthy safety culture depends on trust, accountability, and realistic expectations. Don't forget to check out Part 1 of this conversation for some amazing stories, and a deep dive into Michael's aviation history! Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Robinson Helicopter and Quantum Helicopters.

Send a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this two-part conversation on The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Michael Benton, whose career in aviation began in an unexpected place. Before flight school, Michael served as a U.S. Army interrogator and Korean linguist, a background that shaped how he evaluates human behavior, decision-making, and risk. That path ultimately led him into Army warrant officer flight training, combat operations as a Kiowa Warrior pilot, and later into air medical operations, accident investigation, and aviation safety leadership. In Part 1, Michael shares stories from his military career, including combat missions, surviving a rocket strike on a wingman, and his first flight as pilot in command ending in a hydraulic failure and run-on landing. Part 2 continues the conversation with a deeper look at Michael’s work in accident investigation, safety culture, and his current role shaping aviation operations today. Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Precision Aviation Group and Robinson Helicopter.

Send a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Dirk Petry, vice president of the light twin helicopters program at Airbus Helicopters, to discuss the unveiling of the H140 and what it takes to design a helicopter with life-saving missions at its core. Recorded around the excitement of European Rotors, the conversation explores how the H140 was shaped through direct collaboration with air medical operators, ensuring the aircraft meets real-world operational needs. Dirk walks through the development journey, from early concept to flight testing, highlighting how structured pilot feedback and close coordination between engineering, test pilots, and customers help mature the aircraft throughout the certification process. They also discuss why purpose matters in helicopter design, particularly in air medical operations where cabin size, performance, and operating efficiency can directly impact patient care. Dirk shares insight into the early market response to the H140, including the strong reception at the show and more than 70 customer commitments already announced. From certification challenges and testing campaigns to the role of customer input in shaping modern rotorcraft, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Airbus Helicopters approaches innovation — and why the H140 is positioned to play a significant role in the future of air medical operations. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Quantum Helicopters and Vertical Aviation International.

Send us a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey sits down with Jeremiah Griffith of Horizon Helicopters to talk about instruction, experience, and what it takes to operate safely in high-risk real-world environments. From utility flying and powerline awareness to decision making in training, Jeremiah shares how a calm, deliberate teaching style helps build confident, capable pilots. The conversation opens with reflections on recent accidents and how preparation, situational awareness, and training culture shape a pilot's judgment in high-consequence flying. Jeremiah explains how his instructional videos began as a personal project for his children and organically grew into a widely followed educational resource. Along the way, they discuss family-run flight schools, legacy experience passed down through generations, and why authenticity and professionalism matter. Tune into this episode of The Helicopter Podcast for a grounded conversation about teaching, flying, and contributing positively to the helicopter industry. Thank you to our sponsors Enstrom, Vertical Aviation International and Metro Aviation.

Send us a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Robyn Eagles, vice president of marketing at Robinson Helicopters, for an inside look at how one of the industry’s most recognizable manufacturers is reshaping its voice, visibility, and connection to the helicopter community. From a historically quiet, engineering-first company to a more open, story-driven organization, Robyn shares how Robinson’s leadership team has embraced transparency, accessibility, and a more active approach to telling its story. The conversation explores the origins of the Climb Higher campaign, Robinson’s support of real-world missions like disaster response and humanitarian flying, and the strategy behind the high-impact R88 reveal at Verticon. Along the way, Robyn reflects on her unconventional path into aviation, the power of storytelling over selling hardware, and why helicopters—and the people who fly them—play a far bigger role in everyday life than most realize. Thank you to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Vertical Aviation International and Quantum Helicopters.

Send us a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Jamie and Jared from Hillsboro Heli Academy for a wide-ranging conversation about helicopter training, pilot culture, and what keeps people connected to the industry long after their first flight. The discussion explores how shared experiences in helicopters create lasting bonds, forming a brotherhood and sisterhood that spans backgrounds, countries, and career paths. Jamie and Jared talk about the realities of helicopter training, the importance of staying nimble in aviation careers, and how a strong network often shapes where pilots end up next. The episode also dives into Hillsboro’s role in international training, including why so many European students choose to train in the U.S., and how dual certification with the Federal Aviation Administration and European Union Aviation Safety Agency has created a clearer path into the industry. Along the way, the group reflects on instruction as a uniquely rewarding experience, the long-standing role of Robinson helicopters in training, and the responsibility flight schools have in building a positive, supportive culture. From memorable early flights to the future of helicopter training, this episode highlights why the aviation community remains tightly connected — and why, once the helicopter bug bites, it’s hard to ever fully walk away. Thank you to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Vertical Aviation International and Hillsboro Heli Academy.

Send us a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey J. Schider sits down with Mark Wegele, director of operations for the Salt River Project, to explore how helicopters support critical infrastructure across the Phoenix region. Mark shares how SRP’s flight department uses helicopters for power line maintenance, environmental management, dam inspections, and utility operations, and why these missions demand a strong balance between pilots, maintainers, and leadership. Coming from a maintenance background himself, Mark offers a unique perspective on managing a growing flight department without being pulled away to fly — allowing the team to stay focused as operations scale. The conversation also dives into in-house maintenance, hiring challenges in aviation, and why personality, adaptability, and team fit matter just as much as technical skill. Mark and Halsey discuss how drones and submersible systems now complement helicopter operations, drastically reducing inspection time while improving safety — without replacing the helicopter’s core role. From career progression and industry advocacy to workforce development and future technology, this episode offers valuable insight for pilots, maintainers, managers, and anyone interested in how helicopters quietly keep essential services running. Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Quantum Helicopters and Airbus.

Send us a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider is joined by Dr. Frank Liemandt, Show Director, and Callum Clench, CEO of European Rotors, to unpack their takeaways from European Rotors 2025 in Cologne—an event that continues to grow in both scale and influence across the global helicopter industry. They reflect on why this year’s show stood out, from record attendance to deeper, more meaningful conversations around the challenges facing rotorcraft today. Central to that discussion is the ongoing shortage of pilots and maintainers, and the growing urgency to engage the next generation through education, exposure, and realistic career pathways. The conversation dives into the often-overlooked role of maintenance in aviation safety, the rising cost of training, and why saying “no” can be one of the most important decisions made in aviation. Frank and Callum also share insights into how collaboration—between operators, manufacturers, educators, and regulators—will be essential to sustaining industry growth. They close by reflecting on the role platforms like The Helicopter Podcast play in connecting people, sharing real-world experiences, and helping inspire the future workforce that will keep this industry moving forward. Thank you to our sponsors, Precision Aviation Group, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Airbus.

Send us a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this special solo episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider recaps his trip to European Rotors 2026 in Cologne, Germany, sharing what stood out from the show floor, the conversations he recorded with industry leaders, and the growing focus on safety and regulation across the European helicopter community. He reflects on the energy of Cologne—complete with its Christmas markets—and the value of connecting with operators, small businesses, and innovators shaping the industry. Halsey also highlights a personal favorite from the trip: Visiting Air Zermatt in Switzerland. From seeing their mountain rescue operations up close, to taking in the views of Zermatt, he talks about why this iconic operator continues to inspire him and the industry at large. The episode wraps with a quick look ahead to future events and the momentum building as the global helicopter community heads toward European Rotors 2026 in Lyon, France. Thank you to our sponsors Enstrom, Airbus and Sellacopter.

Send us a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this special holiday episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider looks back on a year packed with industry insights, personal milestones, and unforgettable conversations. From diving into helicopter training and safety with respected experts to exploring lessons borrowed from outside aviation, this season pushed the show forward in exciting new ways. Halsey shares the moments that shaped him most - welcoming a new child, learning from leaders like Terry and Simon, and feeling the strength of the helicopter community show up again and again. As the year winds down, Halsey reflects with deep gratitude for the listeners, guests, and sponsors who made the podcast possible. He looks ahead to 2026 with excitement for new projects, new aircraft conversations (yes, airplanes too), and an even stronger lineup of industry voices. Listen to this episode of The Helicopter Podcast for a warm close to the year, and a reminder of how much there is to look forward to! Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Enstrom and Sellacopter. Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

Send us a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this special two-guest episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Gavin Jones and Jeff Johnson from JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service), a mission-based organization using aviation to support Bible translation in remote, unreached language groups. Gavin shares his lifelong passion for helicopters, sparked at age six in Colombia, leading to 18 years in Papua New Guinea flying Bell LongRangers and fixed-wing aircraft. Jeff recounts his 39-year career, starting in Liberia and transitioning to helicopters at JAARS' North Carolina base. They discuss the demands of single-pilot operations in inaccessible areas, emphasizing PIC integrity, self-sufficiency, and decision-making under pressure. From a medevac flight saving a mother in labor to a tense refueling incident with hostile villagers, their stories highlight the challenges and rewards of blending aviation expertise with spiritual purpose. Tune into this episode of The Helicopter Podcast to learn pathways to mission flying, and the transformative impact it has on isolated communities! Thank you to our sponsors Robinson, Vertical Aviation International and Metro Aviation. Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

Send us a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Robyn Weisenburger, a helicopter pilot, author, and vice president of the Houston chapter of Women in Aviation International. Robyn shares her remarkable journey of pursuing her passion for aviation despite living with type 1 diabetes since age 13. She discusses the challenges of securing a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate, and her path toward acquiring a BasicMed to fly helicopters privately. Robyn shares about her training at Veracity Aviation, where she earned her private pilot certificate. She also highlights her advocacy work, including her books "Fearless Flight" and "Type 1 and Beyond,” which inspire others facing similar obstacles. Tune into this episode of The Helicopter Podcast for an inspiring story on resilience and self-advocacy. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Vertical Aviation International and Precision Aviation Group. Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

Send us a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Jop Dingemans and Janine Lythe from Pilots Who Ask Why for a candid discussion on what’s broken—and what’s working—in today’s helicopter career pathway. They unpack the soaring cost of training in Europe, with instrument ratings now reaching more than €100,000, and why the helicopter track still feels scattered compared to the streamlined airline world. Jop and Janine break down the modular vs. integrated European training routes, the financial barriers pushing talented students away, and the growing pilot and maintenance shortages on both sides of the Atlantic. The conversation also dives into their mission to make accident learning accessible. The pair reveal how Pilots Who Ask Why simplifies massive 600-page accident reports into practical safety takeaways pilots can actually apply—because real improvement comes from understanding the chain of decisions behind every event. Whether you're a student pilot, seasoned aviator, or simply curious about the challenges facing rotorcraft professionals, this episode offers an honest look at where the helicopter industry stands—and the people working hard to make it better. Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopter, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Precision Aviation Group. Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!