The Helicopter Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! Host Halsey Schider engages in a compelling conversation with Fredrik Kämpfe, chair of the European Helicopter Association (EHA). Fredrik shares insights into the collaborative efforts between EHA and the European Rotors event, highlighting their joint mission to advocate for and advance the European helico...

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 Shawn Johnson, a seasoned helicopter pilot and entrepreneur, to discuss his dynamic career journey and insights into the helicopter industry. Together, they explore Shawn's path from flight school to corporate aviation, his exper...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this special end-of-year wrap-up episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider reflects on an incredible year, celebrating the journey to 100 episodes! He revisits standout moments and conversations with notable guests such as aerial coordinator Kevin LaRosa, Red Bull pilot Aaron Fitzgerald, and Robi...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two-part series, Jon Gray sits in for host Halsey Schider, as he interviews two aviation legends, Pete Gillies and Doug Williams. This episode is packed with insight and experiences from the world of aviation, where Pete shares his remarkable background as an instructor and his fascinating journey t...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two-part series, Jon Gray sits in for host Halsey Schider, as he interviews two aviation legends, Pete Gillies and Doug Williams. This episode is packed with insight and experiences from the world of aviation, where Pete shares his remarkable background as an instructor and his fascinating journey t...

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 welcomes back David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), for his fourth appearance, and introduces Randall Schaffer, RHC’s newly appointed vice president of customer success. Recorded live at European Rotors, t...

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 teams up with Jon Gray from the Hangar Z Podcast to engage in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Frank Liemandt, aviation consultant with more than 25 years of experience.  Amongst his most prominent clients are the German Helicopter Association w...

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 connects with Todd Schultz, co-founder of the Pamas Mission , an organization dedicated to providing medical flights and humanitarian aid in the Philippines. Although Todd no longer flies directly for the mission, his impact continues as he act...

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 steps outside his comfort zone and explores the world of experimental aviation with Gerrit Schulze a pilot with a passion for powered parachutes and experimental helicopters like the Rotorway Jet Exec. Though Halsey is less familiar with experi...

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 interviews Woody McClendon, a seasoned pilot and author of When the Angel Calls . Woody shares his extensive experience in air medical services, emphasizing the critical roles of flight nurses and paramedics in patient care. He discusses the cha...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! For the 100th episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider @HeliHalsey is thrilled to celebrate this milestone with Leigh Coates, a trailblazing helicopter pilot who’s been making waves in the aviation world! Leigh’s journey is nothing short of incredible—from BoarderCross snowboard racing, to pil...

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 Jacob Tuck, a pilot and mechanic, to discuss his unique journey in aviation—from working as an aircraft mechanic to becoming a first officer at Delta Airlines. Jacob shares how financial constraints and a passion for hands-on work...

Send us Fan Mail In this special edition of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider sits down with Pat Harrigan, a Green Beret, entrepreneur, and congressional candidate from North Carolina, to discuss Hurricane Helene's devastating impact and the critical role of civilian helicopters in the disaster response efforts. Pat shares his unique journey from military service, to business owner...

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 welcomes back David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopters, for an insightful discussion on the latest developments surrounding the R66 and the company’s ongoing commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. David shares major maintenance updates...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode, host Halsey Schider chats with Wesley Rhoads, a helicopter pilot and sales broker whose journey into aviation is anything but ordinary. Wesley's journey is full of practical insights and valuable lessons for aspiring pilots. He reflects on the hustle and creativity required to succeed...

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 his producer, Zach Whitehead, to discuss their experiences in the aviation industry, as well as some major topics of conversation for the helicopter community. Zach shares his journey to becoming a CFI and professional pilot, emphas...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode, Halsey Schider is joined for the second time by his longtime friend and colleague, Dave Dziura. Dave now brings a wealth of experience as a designated pilot examiner (DPE), the chair of the VAI Safety Industry Advisory Council, and the owner of SafeRotors, a company that provides insurance-...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode, Halsey Schider sits down with David Funderburk, a helicopter pilot with a unique journey that spans the steel industry to the skies. David shares how his passion for helicopters began, leading him to pursue flight training at Midwest Helicopters and Cape Copters, leading him to a career at...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this solo episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider shares his thoughts on frequently-asked questions, and recounts hilarious stories from his flying career. Halsey speaks on choosing the right flight school for you, the differences in part 61 and 141 schools, and what important attributes t...

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 Mandy Leader, a helicopter pilot working in the tour industry, to explore her journey into aviation, her training in Australia, and her experiences flying passengers. Mandy also provides insights into the differences between flight tr...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode, host Halsey Schider sits down with Phil Haupt, a passionate helicopter pilot whose journey began with a tour flight in a Bell Jet Ranger at age 12 in South Africa. Phil’s dedication to helicopters led him to dive fully into flight training once he could afford it. With extensive knowledge 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 interviews Walter Dusseldorp, known as The Dutch Mentor, an executive coach in the healthcare industry and a helicopter and airplane pilot and enthusiast. Walter shares his remarkable journey in aviation, detailing his experience as a flight par...

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 Colin Lawrence, a dedicated helicopter pilot who started in the U.S. Army National Guard, and later purchased his own Robinson R44 Raven I. The conversation looks into Colin's inspiring journey to becoming a pilot, the criti...

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 welcomes back Forrest Krupin, his first returning guest, to explore Forrest's journey in the helicopter industry and the impact of their previous conversation on inspiring future pilots. Forrest discusses flying tours in Alaska, highlighti...

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 interviews Jameson Ault, a helicopter pilot currently flying air medical missions in Spokane, Washington. Their conversation spans a wide array of topics, including flight training with the unique climate challenges at the University of North D...