The Helicopter Podcast

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!

Send us a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this special crossover episode, host Halsey Schider is joined by Jon Gray of The Hangar Z Podcast and Vertical senior correspondent Brent Bundy for a candid conversation with Ryan Weeks, President and CEO of MD Helicopters. Weeks shares how his lifelong passion for engineering and performance led him from automotive design to aviation leadership — guiding MD through a period of modernization and renewal. From improving the aftermarket supply chain to reinvigorating MD’s legendary aircraft lineup, Weeks offers insight into what it takes to lead a heritage brand into the future. Together, the group dives into the revitalization of the MD 530N, the power-packed Super D20B upgrade, and the enduring legacy of MD’s NOTAR technology — still one of the most distinctive innovations in rotorcraft design. They explore how MD is reconnecting with operators, tackling supply chain hurdles, and positioning itself for long-term growth as it nears its 80th anniversary. Along the way, the discussion touches on mentorship, leadership, and how community and innovation remain at the heart of helicopter aviation. This is more than a technical conversation — it’s a look at how one of the industry’s most iconic names is writing its next chapter. Thank you to our sponsors Vertical Aviation International, Metro Aviation 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 crossover episode, host Halsey Schider is joined by Jon Gray of The Hangar Z Podcast and Vertical senior correspondent Brent Bundy for a candid conversation with Ryan Weeks, President and CEO of MD Helicopters. Weeks shares how his lifelong passion for engineering and performance led him from automotive design to aviation leadership — guiding MD through a period of modernization and renewal. From improving the aftermarket supply chain to reinvigorating MD’s legendary aircraft lineup, Weeks offers insight into what it takes to lead a heritage brand into the future. Together, the group dives into the revitalization of the MD 530N, the power-packed Super D20B upgrade, and the enduring legacy of MD’s NOTAR technology — still one of the most distinctive innovations in rotorcraft design. They explore how MD is reconnecting with operators, tackling supply chain hurdles, and positioning itself for long-term growth as it nears its 80th anniversary. Along the way, the discussion touches on mentorship, leadership, and how community and innovation remain at the heart of helicopter aviation. This is more than a technical conversation — it’s a look at how one of the industry’s most iconic names is writing its next chapter. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Hillsboro Heli Academy 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 two-part episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider reconnects with his longtime friend Tony Melendrez, a former colleague from their Maverick Helicopters days. Tony shares his unconventional journey into aviation, sparked by a desire to blend his firefighting family background with helicopter flying. Tony’s path took him from flight school in California to tour flying in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Canyon. After five years at Maverick, Tony pursued his passion for heavy helicopters, flying Sikorsky S-61s overseas and later transitioning to firefighting with Croman Corporation. He discusses the challenges of moving from tours to utility and firefighting, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities and maintaining industry connections. Stay tuned for the next episode of The Helicopter Podcast to learn more about the day-to-day experience of a helicopter firefighter! Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopters, Vertical Aviation International and Airbus. 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 two-part episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider reconnects with his longtime friend Tony Melendrez, a former colleague from their Maverick Helicopters days. Tony shares his unconventional journey into aviation, sparked by a desire to blend his firefighting family background with helicopter flying. Tony’s path took him from flight school in California to tour flying in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Canyon. After five years at Maverick, Tony pursued his passion for heavy helicopters, flying Sikorsky S-61s overseas and later transitioning to firefighting with Croman Corporation. He discusses the challenges of moving from tours to utility and firefighting, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities and maintaining industry connections. Stay tuned for the next episode of The Helicopter Podcast to learn more about the day-to-day experience of a helicopter firefighter! 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!

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 chats with Kelsey Hoogendoorn, an Arizona-based aviation enthusiast and certified helicopter flight instructor (CFI/CFII). Kelsey opens up about her deep-rooted passion for helicopters, sparked during her early days as an Operations Control Specialist (OCS) at Metro Aviation. Drawing on her Embry-Riddle University aeronautics background, and her experience supporting air medical missions, she highlights the critical role of OCSs in risk mitigation, weather analysis, and crew decision-making. Kelsey shares her pathway to becoming a helicopter CFI while navigating the reality of financing training and building hours. As a member of The 99s and Whirly Girls, she emphasizes mentorship, tenacity, and the value of non-linear paths in aviation. If you'd like to ask questions or get in touch with Kelsey, find her on LinkedIn! Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Enstrom Helicopter Corporation. 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 Terry Palmer, a trailblazer in helicopter safety and training. Terry shares her remarkable journey from building robots for Disney and Universal Studios to becoming a pivotal figure in aviation safety. Initially a fixed-wing pilot, she founded a flight school before joining OmniFlight Helicopters, where she developed air medical resource management courses to address high accident rates. At Flight Safety International, Terry spearheaded the helicopter training program, convincing insurance companies and the NTSB to prioritize simulator training. Her persistence led to the NTSB’s 2013 safety alert advocating simulator use. Now chair of VAI’s Training Industry Advisory Council, Terry focuses on mission-specific training and combating controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents. Her upcoming Vertical Magazine article revisits CFIT prevention, emphasizing decision-making and the effects of modern aviation technology. Join Halsey and Terry for an inspiring discussion on advancing helicopter safety. Stay tuned for its release in an upcoming issue of Vertical! Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Vertical Aviation International and Enstrom Helicopter Corporation. 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 Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine. In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider engages with Tyson Phillips, co-founder of AT Systems and a seasoned Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk pilot with a diverse background in military medevac, military air assault and firefighting. Tyson shares compelling stories from his career, including personal encounters with spatial disorientation (SD) during deployments and tragic accidents that inspired his mission to address this issue. Tyson breaks down the science behind SD and inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC), revealing how the brain's responses under stress lead to conflicting visual and vestibular signals. He critiques gaps in traditional training, like minimal hood time for helicopter pilots, and unveils AT Systems' solution to this: Their innovative, iPad-controlled view-limiting device, which simulates degraded visual environments in actual flight to train decision-making, instrument reliance, and recovery—incorporating non-rated crew members and scenario-based drills for real-world resilience. To learn more about AT Systems, visit: http://atsystemsllc.com/ Special thanks 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!