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, host Halsey Schider engages with Rob Hoffman, host of the Cross-Check and Urban EV podcasts, to explore aviation’s next chapter. They dive into the promise of eVTOL technology, which could transform urban mobility, while addressing the critical need for community a...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider talks with Lashae Bacon, a former Apache pilot turned entrepreneur, who founded Mile High Health Club to boost health and fitness for aviation professionals. Lashae shares insights on her pathway to becoming an Apache pilot, and her journey from...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider talks with Matt Goodrich, a software engineer who rocketed from student pilot to air medical pro in record time. They explore Matt’s swift transition to flying the advanced Leonardo AW169 helicopter, tackling night shifts and tough weather. Matt...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider talks with Henrique Lopes, a Brazilian pilot renowned for his S-92 expertise. Henrique shares practical insights on flying the S-92, highlighting its unique operational challenges, and his experience transitioning into such a large aircraft. He...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider talks with Spencer Cahoon, a student pilot eager to carve his path in the helicopter industry through networking and dedication. They dive into the essentials of flight training, exploring the differences between Part 61 and Part 141 schools, be...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider talks with Terry Blakemore, CEO of Quantum Helicopters, a premier flight school shaping skilled pilots through top-tier training. They explore Quantum’s mission to advance aviation with cutting-edge instruction and strong community outreach, and...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider talks with Kimberly Hutchings, an aviation leader whose work with Volo Mission shapes the next generation of utility pilots through specialized training. They explore how emotional intelligence fuels effective leadership and safety, diving into...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Brett Reeder, president of NEMSPA (National EMS Pilots Association) and a 15-year air medical pilot. They cover a lot of ground—everything from night shift challenges and Crew Resource Management to bigger industry topics like saf...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! Buckle up for an unforgettable in-person episode of The Helicopter Podcast , recorded live at Verticon, with your host Halsey Schider and co-host Jon Gray, the voice behind the Hangar Z Podcast! Today's guest, Air Zermatt CEO Daniel Aufdenblatten, takes them on a wild ride through his remarkable life i...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider talks with Simon Jones, founder of Advanced Flight and a top-tier helicopter instructor at the Robinson Helicopter factory. With over 17,000 hours of flight time, including over 12,000 hours teaching in the Robinson R44, Simon's name is kno...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this buzzing in-person episode, host Halsey Schider takes The Helicopter Podcast to Verticon 2025 for a panel that’s all about the skies teaming up. Recorded live amid the show’s hum, Halsey is joined by Peter Fuchs of Ascent Aero Systems, regulatory specialist Amber Harrison from Vertical Aviation Inter...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast , your host Halsey Schider welcomes the legendary Jon Gray and Jack Schonely, from The   Hangar Z Podcast , for an in-depth discussion on law enforcement aviation! They dive into recent highlights from Hangar Z , including Halsey's unforgettable ride-along with...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider reconnects with industry colleagues and friends, Cornéll Grové and Dr. Daniel Borer, to discuss their latest venture: Swiss Premium. This high-end helicopter brokerage specializes in offering clients nearly new luxury helicopters, emphasizing u...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this electrifying episode, host Halsey Schider brings The Helicopter Podcast to the buzzing floor of Verticon 2025, sitting down with Pete Anderson, senior manager of helicopter operations at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). As California’s biggest utility—powering one in 20 Americans—PG&...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this thrilling in-person episode, host Halsey Schider brings The Helicopter Podcast to Verticon 2025, sitting down with Airbus Helicopters ’ Dirk Petry, a 25-year engineering veteran, and test pilot Volker Bau. Recorded live amid the show’s buzz, they unveil the H140 —a perfect blend of the H135’s afford...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this exciting in-person episode, host Halsey Schider takes The Helicopter Podcast to the pulsing heart of Verticon 2025, sitting down with Robinson Helicopter Company ’s CEO David Smith, and VP of Engineering Sean Doyle. The conversation ignites with the R66’s stunning transformation. David and Sean unpa...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider sits down with Cade Clark, chief government affairs officer for Vertical Aviation International (VAI), to discuss VAI’s pivotal role in shaping the helicopter industry. Recorded live at European Rotors, Cade shares the excitement behind VAI’s p...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Dylan Tent , a helicopter pilot and real estate agent, to discuss his unconventional career path and entrepreneurial successes. Dylan shares how the Red Bull "The Art of Flight" movie shifted his aspirations from chiropr...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this week’s exclusive Helicopter Podcast Short, Halsey dives into all things VAI, with Verticon #1 just days away! He shares what makes VAI special and why anyone in the helicopter industry should consider attending—whether it’s  to learn something new in a class, explore job opportunities at the career...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this engaging episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider sits down with Beth Christianos, owner of HeliPackers and managing partner at Leading Edge Aerospace . Both Halsey and Beth bring extensive experience to the table, delving into the intricacies of aircraft pre-purchase inspections and...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down once more with Felix Christians to dive deep into the complexities of maritime helicopter operations. They explore the unique challenges of managing aviation on large vessels, from regulatory compliance and training, to communication b...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of the Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider is joined by Felix Christians, a veteran helicopter pilot with over 25 years of experience and nearly 10,000 flight hours. Felix shares his journey from Germany to Canada, highlighting his work across diverse environments and industries. The con...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode, host Halsey Schider engages in a compelling discussion with Phil Haupt, European representative for Hillsboro Heli Academy (HHA), and Sascha Richter from ADAC Luftrettung , Germany’s leading air medical helicopter operator. The conversation centers on the innovative pathway program establis...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode, host Halsey Schider dives into the transformative world of aviation simulation with Fabi Riesen, CEO of Loft Dynamics . Fabi and his team at Loft Dynamics are revolutionizing how pilots train, bringing a fresh, immersive approach to flight simulation that leverages cutting-edge virtual real...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider sits down with Randy Rowles, a veteran aviator and founder of the Helicopter Institute . With over 40 years in the industry, Randy shares insights on aviation training, mentorship, and the entrepreneurial drive that shaped his career. The discu...