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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 at Western Helicopters and his involvement in fire contracts, culminating in his unforgettable first flight in a Hughes 269B. Pete opens up about his own challenges as a pilot, including a humbling moment that nearly led him to quit aviation, and shares unique tales of how his parents found camping spots using both an airplane and a car.

In a crucial discussion, Pete recalls a helicopter crash he experienced, emphasizing the importance of flying the aircraft through emergencies and maintaining control. He also teases an upcoming webinar on cyclic back, a topic of great significance for all helicopter pilots.

Pete dives into the necessity of understanding cyclic back for responding to loss of power to the rotor system. His candid advice encourages new pilots to think outside the conventional training box and to embrace common sense in the cockpit.

Listen in as we explore these incredible stories and valuable lessons that can shape your aviation journey!

Thank you to our sponsors Vertical Aviation International, Bell and Sellacopter.