David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopter, joins Danielle on the HYSKY Pod to talk about the real-world challenges of running one of the world’s most iconic helicopter companies — and what the future of rotorcraft could look like.
In this episode, David opens up about: His path from aviation student to leading Robinson Helicopter How the company is keeping safety at the center of everything it does Why pilot training is more than just hours — it’s about mindset What he really thinks about hydrogen and new propulsion systems And the surprising way he first crossed paths with HYSKY
💡 “If you can avoid that, definitely increase your area. Those were for sure, words of wisdom.” – David Smith
We also get into: How simulator-based training is changing the game Why helicopters still have a key role in urban air mobility What it takes to build trust in new tech like hydrogen David’s take on why aviation moves so slowly — and how that could change The moments that shaped how he leads today
👇 Got thoughts on the future of helicopters? Let us know in the comments. Hydrogen, electric, hybrid — where do you think the industry is headed?
🎙️ HYSKY Pod is produced by HYSKY Society, a nonprofit connecting hydrogen and aviation
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