Rotor Torque

Episode 37 sees us dive into the vital work of Distributors. Parts availability is where the buck stops... And Distributors are the absolute key to every single successful operation. We talk about why they are essential to the aftermarket chain and the significant responsibility that carries.

We just can't get enough of the Dauphin! Concluding our deep dive into this ubiquitous, industrious helicopter, we look at the fleet today, and the supply chain keeping this legacy machine working hard around the world. The 365 Dauphin may not grab the headlines, but we are a huge fan here at Alpine! Just hit Play to hear why. Love the Dauphin? Want a deep dive into another type that we suppor...

Let's dive into a specific type! And there's nowhere better to start than the SA 365 Dauphin. The machine has seen it all, done it all... and is still going strong! And, here at Alpine, we know it inside-out (quite literally). Love helicopters and the industry behind them? Episode 35 begins a fascinating insight into one of the great Legacy machines - and how we as a company support the fl...

Let's pick up this fascinating conversation where we left off! Episode 34 dives right back into out fireside chat with Peter Lewis, CEO of Alpine, as he discusses what it takes to run a business for 30 years in the top of the helicopter aftermarket. it's a brilliant listen!

Welcome to Episode 33! We sit down with Alpine's Peter Lewis for a fireside chat about what it takes to run a successful parts business.... Not just in today's market but over three decades of industry! When someone with 30 years of experience in something talks, it's vital to listen. To find people in today's world with this level of in-depth experience in any genre is golden. The...

In Episode 32 we analyse the habits and patterns involved in buying part that's at the top of the cost tree. There's some interesting nuances around this topic and certainly a lot of human psychology attached to this episode! So join us as we unpack the thought process of buying from distributors and stockists versus OEMs and airframers... And the invisible price ceiling that customers lev...

What does it mean to advertise nowadays? What's working and why for the helicopter industry? As ever, Rotor Torque examines a topic from an industry insiders' point of view, with Episode 31 taking a look into the mechanics of industry advertising. Magazines, online, word of mouth - how does Alpine decide where, when & with whom to advertise... Just push play!

Well where do we start with introducing this special episode? We were delighted to welcome Martin Stucki to our 30th Episode, which contains so much helicopter industry gold! Martin is the owner and CEO of Marenco AG an engineering, design and production company based in Switzerland, as well as owner of Linth Air Service and FBO at Mollis airfield. But Martin is probably best known as the designer...

To stock or not to stock, that is the question... It's time for a deep dive into economics as Episode 29 takes a look at calculating ownership costs. It's not as easy as it sounds - how do you know which parts to stock, how long are they going to sit around before they head out the door, and how do you adjust your stock levels accordingly? Alpine's Peter Lewis has all the answers (and...

...And it didn't like it! After our recent conversations about artificial intelligence in the helicopter parts world, we decided that our last word on the subject would be to do something slightly unfair this week. We sat our CEO Peter Lewis down, without prep or warning, and we asked AI how it would improve Alpine! Then Peter judged the answers… (PS. If you are a robot or AI listening to this...

Hmmm... We think this is a very interesting episode. Well, they ALL are of course! But this one is where we tackle the hot topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Let's face it, it's everywhere and it's fast and it's impressive. But, in this industry...? We're not convinced. We dive into why AI is not part of who we are and how we work and - if you can prove us wrong - we can&#3...

Let's dive into the importance of quality in business and, specifically, a Quality Manual... What it means, why it's important and how we use it is all broken down in this episode - yet another necessary evil made interesting by Rotor Torque! We hope you enjoy it - don't forget you can email us with any subject suggestions or questions on podcast@alpine.aero

You can be as slick and successful as you like, but the moment the "FOREX" (Foreign Exchange) rate changes - so will your bottom line! In this episode we examine how FOREX works and why handling multiple currencies can affect business so much. It's an imperative skill in the international helicopter aftermarket - just hit play to get the inside track! PS. A nice milestone episode, No...

It's the New Year! That always means new stuff and fresh eyes... So let's get to grips with new helicopter types. In Episode 24 we cast our crystal ball out to examine how the helicopter aftermarket ramps up for new helicopter types. It's not all press releases and canapés! In fact, so much more happens even before a shiny machine appears on stage... Just hit pay to find out what goes...

So what's next inside your favourite podcast? Well it is the season of goodwill, so let's celebrate that human connection! Alpine turns 30 in 2026, so we're looking back at how client relationships are built and how those B2B set-ups develop. Helicopters get upgraded, operations alter & procedures change but the trust and loyalty of good people remain...

Unapproved parts can absolutely be as dangerous as they sound - and especially so in the helicopter world. We look at how bogus parts affect the industry, why its such an issue, and the nuances of such fakery. But, importantly, we also dig into how you can ensure that it never happens on your watch. Just hit play!

"As certain as death and taxes..." It might feel like they are often made up on the spot, but there's math behind the science of price increases. Episode 21 of Rotor Torque - the insider's guide to the world of helicopter parts and the aftermarket - explains why price increases happen and what's behind the economic decisions that the OEMs and airframers make.

It's the No1 MUST ATTEND show of the year for the European rotor industry! But why? What makes it so good? This year's edition is in Cologne, which kicks off this week! Alpine Aero's Peter Lewis and Kevin Amey pour the coffee & open the pretzels to explain why this show just works & what they get out of it in this special bonus episode of Rotor Torque. You'll fine Alpine at...

Uh-oh... It's the "T-word"! The challenges face by the US-imposed Tariffs upon the helicopter parts industry cannot be underestimated. As ever, we address the important issues... In Episode 20, Alpine Aero's Peter Lewis & Kevin Amey unpack the confusion and downright imposition of the ruling. Push play to hear the impact of US Tariffs, the current industry picture & some...

Welcome to the latest episode of Rotor Torque! The insider view on the support of the helicopter industry. In E19, we look at the subject of mergers. Sure, they happen in every industry but let's dive into how they fit into the complex helicopter world... Your challenge is to keep track! Just hit play!

Can you judge a company by its packaging? We think so. There's absolutely no point in having the best service or cheapest part and then throwing it into an unsuitable box... So yes... Shipping is a vital cog in the supply wheel and we look at how it works and go through some 'best practices' from decades of experience. And, as ever, it's all beautifully packaged for your entertainm...

Where do helicopters go to die..? How long does it take to reduce a once-mighty cab to a parts listing, and how on earth do you do it? In this Episode we investigate the process of Teardowns - taking a entire helicopter and breaking it down into parts. We look at the process, the pros and cons, and - as always - a stack of cools facts and insights in a bite-size chunk of audio gold. Just hit play!

No tag... No good? How do you know a part is ok? Are cosmetics a thing, or are they just reserved for your handsome hosts? Get the inside track on parts Certification in Episode 16 of Rotor Torque - what it is and why you need it. Oh, and we also hit some listener questions, with big topics like "What's going to change in the helicopter industry in the next five years?" Push play to...

Another Episode, another acronym... But you KNOW we make them interesting! Push play to join us as we delve into the world of PBH - Power By The Hour . We hit how it works, when it works (and when it doesn't...) and why it's one of the helicopter industry's most important acronyms!

We get deep into the human psyche in Episode 14 as we take a look at purchasing habits and trends. Winning over new customers and allocating marketing budgets is a science of its own - suppliers must evaluate what's happening where and whom is doing what with their parts needs. Do loyalty and customer service still play their parts? If so, how? Push play to find out.. Got a question? Get in di...