Send us a text 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 military aviation to addressing the industry’s "C-" rated health trajectory. She discusses the diffic...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 133
Send us a text 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 shares the vital role of Vertical Aviation International (VAI) in connecting pilots and mechanics, dr...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 132
Send us a text 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 discusses the vibrant Brazilian helicopter market, shaped by the oil-and-gas sector, and training advi...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 131
Send us a text 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, best practices for preparing for checkrides, and the importance of safety and mentorship. Spencer shares...
Jun 10, 2025•55 min•Ep. 130
Send us a text 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 share fun stories, like Terry landing at his daughter’s wedding. From flying fighters in the United S...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 129
Send us a text 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 human factors, stress management, and bridging the office-cockpit divide. Kimberly shares insights on ...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 128
Send us a text 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 safety, networking, and pilot pay. Brett opens up about NEMSPA’s work, advocating for current and future ...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 127
Send us a text 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 in aviation, starting from his childhood in the shadow of Zermatt’s towering Swiss Alps, where helicopters w...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 126
Send us a text 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 known far and wide through the industry. They explore a range of topics—from advanced maneuvers like autorotat...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 125
Send us a text 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 International, and Heliflite’s Rob Bentley-Johnston from Australia. They dive into how drones and helicopte...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 124
Send us a text 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 the LAPD helicopter unit. The conversation explores the critical role of tactical flight officers (TFOs), th...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 123
Send us a text 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 unparalleled ethics and standards in every transaction. Cornéll and Daniel share their vision for Swiss...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 122
Send us a text 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&E leans on its aviation muscle, and Pete—with 28 years on the job—has lived it all. From lineman days ...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 121
Send us a text 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 affordability and the H145’s power, sparked by market demand for more space and performance. Its five-blade ...
Mar 27, 2025•29 min
Send us a text 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 unpack its bold upgrades—cutting-edge avionics, a seamless 2-axis autopilot, and a trio of fresh options: ...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 120
Send us a text 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 partnership with the European Helicopter Association and their collaborative efforts to bring this prem...
Mar 18, 2025•53 min•Ep. 119
Send us a text 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 chiropractic school to aviation, and how that eventually led into real estate. They explore his unique use of aerial ph...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 118
Send us a text 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 fair, or simply connect with fellow helicopter enthusiasts. Halsey also outlines the exciting plans for...
Mar 04, 2025•34 min•Ep. 117
Send us a text 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 the critical role they play in the helicopter industry. Beth shares her journey of identifying a signi...
Feb 25, 2025•51 min•Ep. 116
Send us a text 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 between aviation and maritime crews. Felix sheds light on the experience requirements for helicopter pi...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 115
Send us a text 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 conversation delves into his passion for teaching, scenario-based training, and his role at Select Aviati...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 114
Send us a text 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 established between HHA and ADAC, designed to provide German-speaking Europeans with a streamlined route to a ...
Feb 04, 2025•53 min•Ep. 113
Send us a text 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 reality (VR) technology. The conversation begins with Fabi sharing his early fascination with technology a...
Jan 28, 2025•59 min•Ep. 112
Send us a text 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 discussion highlights the critical need for experienced instructors, and the evolving role of the Federal A...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 111
Send us a text 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 helicopter industry. Fredrik outlines his role within EHA, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to repr...
Jan 14, 2025•35 min•Ep. 110
Send us a text 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 experiences operating in the Gulf, and the decision-making challenges faced in high-stakes environments. The con...
Jan 07, 2025•59 min•Ep. 109
Send us a text 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 Robinson test pilot Chris Smith. Halsey shares his gratitude for the loyal listeners and sponsors who have...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 108
Send us a text 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 through off-roading, HAM radio, and logging. Listeners will hear captivating stories from Pete's time a...
Dec 17, 2024•58 min•Ep. 107
Send us a text 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 through off-roading, HAM radio, and logging. Listeners will hear captivating stories from Pete's time a...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 106
Send us a text 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, the conversation delves into RHC’s strategic initiatives and the evolving landscape of the helicopter i...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 105
