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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 Patterson walks through his 29-year career as a Marine Cobra pilot, what it took to become a Marine One pilot, and what it’s like to work with the Secret Service to transport the President of the United States.

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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. In this conversation, Meyer-Bender discusses his journey to become a helicopter pilot and the challenges he faces.

The conversation highlights the diverse opportunities in helicopter operations and offers a look into the viewpoint of an aspiring pilot.

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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 on shaping future aviators.

Bowen, who currently flies Bell helicopters, reflects on the balance between achieving flight hours and ensuring a quality learning experience for students. This episode also touches on Bowen’s journey into fatherhood and how it has influenced his perspective on flying.

Listen in for a thought-provoking dialogue about helicopter aviation, instructional responsibility and the exciting world of vertical flight. Look up Bowen by searching for PilotDevin on various platforms including YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

Watch Episode 53 of The Helicopter Podcast on YouTube or listen on Vertical Helicasts.

Like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with The Helicopter Podcast community!

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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 test in a Robinson R22 helicopter, showcasing its groundbreaking technology for pre-programmed missions and real-time ground-based piloting.

Xu's vision focuses on enhancing safety while keeping pilots in the loop. Don't miss this exciting episode about Rotor Technologies' plan to revolutionize helicopters across various missions, from agriculture operations to firefighting.

Watch this episode on YouTube, or listen on Vertical Helicasts.

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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 the safety considerations about utility operations, firefighting, and the industry in general, including real-world applications of the always safe and practical solution: the Go-Around.

Don’t forget to follow Christine on Instagram: @flycharleefly

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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 tracing the unique trajectory of his career. The conversation shifts between professional milestones and personal anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of Halsey's journey. Beyond the serious aviation talk, the episode takes a whimsical turn as Jon lightens the mood with quirky questions, injecting a playful and fun-filled tone to this special edition. Prepare for laughter, insights, and a genuine glimpse into the future of The Helicopter Podcast.

Don't forget to check out the Hangar Z Podcast for yourself at:
https://verticalhelicasts.com/the-hangar-z-podcast/

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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 hear Brad share stories of flying MD 500 helicopters in close proximity to powerlines, and what it’s like to communicate with the crews while delivering cargo (and crewmembers!) in such a constrained environment.

Listen on your favourite podcast app, or watch on YouTube.

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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. 
 
Riva also provides his personal perspective on the mindset of flying at high altitudes with external loads, and the particular demands placed on a pilot there due to the weather, mountainous terrain, the aerodynamic effects of the altitude and more! 

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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 of providing brand-new detailed knowledge on an aerodynamic hazard affecting helicopters since the Vietnam War, this is truly an exciting time to be in the helicopter industry!

For those interested in the Robinson safety course, head on over to their website at: 

https://robinsonheli.com/robinson-courses/robinson-pilots-safety-course/

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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 exporting! This honor acknowledges five years of outstanding export sales growth and is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the entire team.

Halsey and Sean also discuss the impact of the recent change to the structure of the Robinson R66 and how exciting it is that modern technology is now allowing aircraft manufacturers to better understand the complex aerodynamics of helicopter flight.

For an exclusive insight into the maintenance and parts support aspect of the industry, make sure to tune in to this episode!