The Helicopter Podcast

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 62 of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Jason Hill, the visionary founder of Hill Helicopters. Together, they delve into the intricacies of navigating the distinctive challenges faced by a new and cutting-edge helicopter manufacturer in today's dynamic landscape. Hill talks about their prototyping meth...

Send us Fan Mail In episode 61 of The Helicopter Podcast , join host Halsey Schider in a captivating conversation with Kenny Keller, the mastermind behind Helicopter Online Ground School (HOGS). As a seasoned pilot and expert in ground training, Keller shares his invaluable insights into the intricacies of pilot training and check rides. Delving into his own experiences, Keller sheds light on the...

Send us Fan Mail In this riveting episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider sits down with the legendary Aaron Fitzgerald, renowned Red Bull helicopter stunt pilot. The conversation takes flight as they delve into Fitzgerald’s extraordinary career, from his start in aviation to becoming a prominent figure in the world of aerial coordination and helicopter aerobatics. Fitzgerald share...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider engages in a conversation with Jack Schonely, co-host of The Hangar Z Podcast . Schonely boasts a diverse and extensive background in aviation and law enforcement, with notable roles as a tactical flight officer (TFO) and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) pilot. Throughout the discussion, Schonely provides valuable...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready for the first-ever Vertical HeliCASTS mashup! Halsey Schider from The Helicopter Podcast is joined by Jason “Quinny” Quinn from The Real ResQ and Jon Gray from The Hangar Z Podcast . In this captivating episode, the trio delves deep into crew resource management, sharing personal experiences and invaluable insights that offer a unique perspective on this critical aspect...

Send us Fan Mail Starting the new year with a bang, this week's guest on The Helicopter Podcast is renowned Aerial Coordinator Kevin LaRosa! LaRosa shares insights into his background as a third-generation aviator, second-generation aerial coordinator, and motion picture stunt pilot. The conversation delves into Kevin's journey, his passion for motion picture aviation, and his profession...

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 56 of The Helicopter Podcast , join host Halsey Schider on a captivating journey down memory lane as he reflects on the most impactful moments from the show this year. With a blend of insight, humor, and passion for aviation, Schider shares his favorite highlights that have defined the podcast's remarkable journey. Whether you're a long-time listener or a newc...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider speaks with Travis Patterson, CEO of HALO Flight, and former pilot of Marine One. Learn what it’s like to work in and fly for a not-for-profit helicopter air ambulance company, as well as some pioneering steps HALO Flight has taken regarding instrument flight rules (IFR) flights in the Bell 407.  Follow along as Patte...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider interviews Jakob Meyer-Bender, a helicopter enthusiast from Germany. They discuss Meyer-Bender’s background in the helicopter industry, his role as a dispatcher, and his goal to become a pilot. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the importance of flight training and decision making in the helicopter industry....

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 53 of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider engages in a captivating conversation with guest Devin Bowen. This lively discussion delves into the nuances of helicopter training, and is highlighted with personal stories and insights. Schider and Bowen discuss why it’s important for instructors to set a positive example for their students, and the impact it can have...

Send us Fan Mail In Episode No. 52 of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider speaks with the trailblazing CEO of Rotor Technologies, Hector Xu. Their conversation explores Xu's journey from flight training to leading the charge in helicopter innovation toward fully autonomous helicopter flight.   Rotor Technologies recently achieved a major milestone with a successful autonomous flight...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast , Host Halsey Schider talks with Christine Brown, a helicopter pilot with a world-spanning resume in some of the largest helicopters ever built! Listen as Christine shares her experience flying tandem rotor helicopters for Columbia Helicopters, on contracts in Afghanistan, Turkey, and Africa.  Halsey and Christine also talk about many of t...

Send us Fan Mail Join the milestone 50th episode of The Helicopter Podcast , where a delightful twist awaits! Jon Gray, the vibrant voice behind the Hangar Z Podcast , takes on the role of Host, turning the tables on Halsey, who becomes the engaging guest in the "hot seat." In this dynamic episode, Jon delves into Halsey's aviation origins, uncovering the roots of his passion and tr...

Send us Fan Mail Ever imagined what it would be like to fly a helicopter mere feet away from live high-voltage powerlines? Today on The Helicopter Podcast , Halsey speaks with Brad Isaacs, a utility helicopter pilot and former police pilot. Isaacs shares his insights on the path to becoming a police pilot, as well as what it takes to shift over into the utility side of the industry.  Tune in to he...

Send us Fan Mail Ever dreamed of flying at high altitude in the Swiss Alps? In Episode 46 of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider talks with Lukas Riva, a pilot in Switzerland having those adventures every day!    Learn what the career path looks like, how training is structured in Switzerland, and Schider’s and Riva’s thoughts on how to get your foot in the door with aviation companies.   ...

Send us Fan Mail In this exclusive episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider speaks with David Smith, vice president of operations at Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC). Listen in to gain a first-hand insight into the true nature of low-G mast bumping, and RHC’s recent efforts and discoveries to significantly improve the safety of its aircraft.  With modern computer simulation capable...

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 46 of “The Helicopter Podcast,” we are joined by Sean Casey from RotorCorp, a prominent figure in the helicopter parts industry for over 12 years! Sean shares insights into their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and their role and impact on the helicopter industry. RotorCorp is also celebrating a recent milestone – receiving the President's E-Award for export...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Episode #45 of "The Helicopter Podcast"! In this exciting episode, we have a special guest, Ron Bergman, joining us from Finland. Halsey and Ron engage in a captivating discussion comparing helicopter training in Europe to Halsey's own training experiences in the United States. It's a fascinating exploration of the differences and similarities in the...

Send us Fan Mail In Episode No. 44 of The Helicopter Podcast, we unveil a monumental development that's set to redefine helicopter podcasting – Vertical HeliCASTS ! This first-of-its-kind platform is the brainchild of aviation media legend Mike Reyno, the owner of MHM Publishing and publisher of Vertical and Vertical Valor magazines. The Helicopter Podcast is taking an exciting step forward b...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "The Helicopter Podcast," host Halsey Schider shares invaluable insights from his early days as a helicopter pilot, specifically recounting his journey to secure a flight instructor position at Hillsboro Aviation.  Halsey offers wisdom on crafting an effective resume and emphasizes the crucial role of attitude in any interview process. Drawing from his...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast! In this captivating episode, our host, Halsey, is joined by Matthew Evans. Mathew's journey is a testament to the power of determination and resilience in aviation. From a young age, Matthew's heart was set on flying. However, a surprising twist in high school revealed that he was color blind, as confirmed by his Aviation Medical Examin...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, where we explore the rotorcraft world with passion and expertise. In this week's episode, our host, Halsey, is joined by a true aviation enthusiast and an exceptional helicopter pilot, Brian Monroe. Like Halsey, Brian's love for aviation has been a lifelong affair. From the earliest age, the allure of the skies captured his imagination,...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to another exciting episode of the Helicopter Podcast! Today, a special guest is joining us – the one and only TJ Wesoloski. TJ's journey into the world of helicopters is so fun, and we can't wait to dive into his helicopter story. TJ's connection with our host, Halsey, returns to their time at Hillsboro Aviation during flight school. Little did they know th...

Send us Fan Mail Halsey is flying solo in this podcast short, where he kicks off a series on his helicopter employment journey. This first installment is all about Halsey's experience as a student at a flight school in which he hoped to work as a CFI after finishing his training. He's said it before, reiterating on today's episode that your interview starts the day you start your he...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to an exciting episode of our podcast! I'm thrilled to have a special guest all the way from Australia, Shane Woods, join us today. Shane is our first Australian guest, and I've always had a soft spot for Australians - they're genuinely wonderful people.  My conversation with Shane was a delight, and I'm excited to share it with you. Shane boasts an imp...