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 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 where he works as the managing director and European Rotors where he serves as the show director. Record...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 104
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 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 actively trains the next generation of missionary pilots, preparing them to navigate the unique challenge...
Nov 19, 2024•58 min•Ep. 103
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 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 experimental aircraft, Gerrit opens up a whole new perspective, sharing how this path can be a cost-effectiv...
Nov 12, 2024•58 min•Ep. 102
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 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 challenges of night flying and the improvements in safety that have shaped the industry over the years. T...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 101
Send us a text 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 piloting helicopters, running her own helicopter business, and even racing jetpacks! In this exciting epi...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 100
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 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 led him to pursue maintenance initially. He highlights the value of understanding aircraft systems fr...
Oct 15, 2024•57 min•Ep. 99
Send us a text 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 ownership, and now to politics, emphasizing the value available to young men and women in the unique leadership ...
Oct 08, 2024•46 min•Ep. 98
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 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 on the R66, with extended component lives aimed at reducing operational costs and enhancing aircraft l...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 97
Send us a text 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 as a helicopter pilot, highlights the role of mentorship and how it shaped his career, and how he now empha...
Sep 24, 2024•57 min•Ep. 96
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 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, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and a professional mindset in building a successful career. The c...
Sep 17, 2024•56 min•Ep. 95
Send us a text 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-approved Initial and recurrent training in multiple aircraft, including the Bell 505. Halsey and Dave ...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 94
Send us a text 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 Air Evac Lifeteam (AEL). The conversation between Halsey and David covers a wide range of topics relat...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 93
Send us a text 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 to look for. For those considering a career change into aviation, Halsey also speaks on the major items...
Aug 27, 2024•32 min•Ep. 92
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 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 training in the U.S. and other countries. The discussion spans a wide range of topics, from Visa conside...
Aug 20, 2024•58 min•Ep. 91
Send us a text 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 in European students training in the U.S., Phil has helped over 150 Europeans start their training. His...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 90
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 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 paramedic and his passion for sharing helicopter content on social media. Halsey and Walter discuss the c...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 89
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 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 critical mission of the National Guard, and the various helicopter models they operate. Colin shares his experie...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 88
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 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, highlighting challenges like unpredictable weather and wildlife encounters. He stresses the importance of mentorship,...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 87
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 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 Dakota (UND), and the lifestyle impacts of the helicopter air ambulance (HAA) pilot schedule. Jameson s...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 86
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 Jerome Ronssin, the Light Helicopter Program Director for Airbus, to discuss his pivotal role and the ongoing evolution of the H125 (A Star) helicopter. Jerome likens his job to that of a conductor, ensuring seamless collaboration among various departments within the company to create a successful product. He underscores ...
Jul 09, 2024•56 min•Ep. 85
Send us a text Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this captivating episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider interviews David Horton, CEO of Schweizer Helicopters, to explore the rich history and enduring legacy of this iconic helicopter brand. David walks us through Schweizer Helicopters' journey, beginning in the late 1950s as part of Hughes Tool Company, gaining prominence during the Vietnam War, and transitioning through ownership by Si...
Jul 02, 2024•59 min•Ep. 84
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 Jon Gray, host of the Hangar Z Podcast, to explore their unique podcasting styles and the origins of Jon’s show. Jon is a former law enforcement officer who transitioned to flying helicopters for the police, and he shares his fascinating journey. They highlight a standout episode of the Hangar Z podcast and discuss their involveme...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Send us a text In this insightful episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider interviews Tracy Stallings, a helicopter pilot at Classic Air Medical. Tracy shares her inspiring journey of becoming a helicopter pilot, from her initial experiences training in Hawaii and California, emphasizing the unique challenges and benefits of each location, to her current work as an HAA (Helicopter Air Ambulance) pilot. Tracy also provides an in-depth look at the combination of air medical services...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 82
Send us a text In this insightful episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider interviews Cathy Press, the owner of Chinook Helicopters, a premier flight training company in British Columbia, Canada. Cathy shares her remarkable journey in aviation, highlighting many challenges and rewards. She recounts her transition from fixed-wing to helicopter flying and expresses her passion for teaching future aviators. Cathy offers a behind-the-scenes look at running a successful flight school a...
Jun 11, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 81
Send us a text In this captivating episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider interviews Clint Pulver. Clint is a professional speaker, author, helicopter enthusiast, and creator of the YouTube series "Finding Hill.” He walks us through his fascinating journey from aspiring helicopter pilot to overcoming personal challenges and rediscovering his passion for aviation. He shares his story of grappling with a rare eye disease that temporarily derailed his dreams, and how he eventually ...
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 80
Send us a text In this new episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider sits down with Brad Pedersen, CEO of MD Helicopters, to speak about the company’s rich legacy, as well as current developments with the company. Brad begins by providing an engaging overview of MD Helicopters' storied history. He highlights the brand's deep roots in the aviation industry and its longstanding reputation for innovation and reliability. Brad expressed his belief that what makes MD Helicopters unique ...
Jun 04, 2024•51 min•Ep. 79
Send us a text Make sure to check out this episode on YouTube for the full visual experience of this beautiful flight above the Los Angeles coastline! Join us for an exhilarating in-helicopter episode of The Helicopter Podcast with Chris Smith, experimental test pilot at Robinson Helicopter Company! In this unique episode, host Halsey Schider takes to the skies with Chris, flying all over Los Angeles and the stunning Pacific Ocean coastline. As they soar above the city, they dive deep into Chris...
May 28, 2024•58 min•Ep. 78
Send us a text In this engaging episode of The Helicopter Podcast , your host Halsey Schider sits down with Devin Elder, a helicopter owner and pilot. Devin shares his journey into aviation and the motivations behind owning an R44. They discuss the challenges of balancing helicopter training with his responsibilities as a CEO, emphasizing the importance of a level-headed mindset and respect for the dangers of flying, especially as a non-commercial pilot. Devin highlights the practical uses of he...
May 21, 2024•58 min•Ep. 77
Send us a text In this engaging, in-person episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider sits down with Jared Friend, vice president of helicopter operations at Hillsboro Heli Academy (HHA). As they reminisce about past collaborations, they dive into a variety of captivating topics centered around HHA. From exploring HHA’s steadfast commitment to safety management and fostering just cultures, to discussing their global endeavors and unwavering dedication to nurturing future aviators, t...
May 14, 2024•56 min•Ep. 76
Send us a text In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast , host Halsey Schider speaks in person at HAI Heli Expo with Dennis Martin from Enstrom Helicopters, an organization with a rich heritage in the aviation industry. Martin shares insights into the pivotal moments and achievements that have defined Enstrom's identity over the years. He discusses his extensive experience with the company, from his initial roles to his current position, and what makes flying an Enstrom helicopter a unique expe...
May 07, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 75
