The Helicopter Podcast

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!