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Join host Halsey Schider in a special edition of The Helicopter Podcast as he sits down with Sparrow Tang, the owner of Cascade Helicopter Services and Advanced Helicopter Services. 

Recorded live at this year's HAI Heli-Expo, Tang shares his remarkable journey from helicopter mechanic to successful business owner. In a candid discussion, they delve into the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship in the aviation industry. 

Sparrow also shares his latest venture into entrepreneurship, Denny Bar Co. Distillery!  Don't miss this engaging conversation on The Helicopter Podcast.

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In this captivating episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey has the pleasure of sitting down with Max Lyons, the visionary owner and CEO of Hillsboro Aviation. 

From Halsey: “This conversation held a special resonance for me, as Hillsboro Aviation is not just any company—it's where I got my start in the aviation industry and called home for seven years. Despite knowing Max well from my time at Hillsboro Aviation, this conversation peeled back layers of his story that were new to me, offering an enriching depth to what I thought I knew.
 
 Max took us through a nostalgic journey, recounting the early days and historical evolution of Hillsboro Helicopters, now known as Hillsboro Aviation. His narrative was not just a chronicle of growth but a testament to innovation and foresight in aviation training. Max shared his groundbreaking vision for flight training, which was not confined to helicopters alone but encompassed airplanes as well. He elaborated on how he revolutionized the training landscape, creating unprecedented pathways for international students to pursue flight training—an initiative that has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the industry.
 
 A pivotal moment in our discussion was Max's reflection on the significant decision to sell the flight school a decade ago. This decision marked a new chapter for Hillsboro Aviation, one that we delved into with keen interest. Max's excitement was palpable as he spoke about the present and future of Hillsboro Aviation, particularly highlighting the construction of their impressive 51,000-square-foot facility on the northeast side of the Hillsboro airport. This facility is not just a structure; it's a symbol of innovation and forward-thinking within the aviation sector.
 
 Also exciting was the conversation around the addition of the H145D3 Airbus helicopter to Hillsboro Aviation's fleet. Max's enthusiasm about this helicopter serving as a ‘type two’ firefighting platform was infectious. He shared his conviction that this platform represents the future of helicopter firefighting, particularly for type two aircraft, showcasing his continuous forward-thinking vision for the industry.
 
 Having Max Lyons as a guest was an absolute delight. His forward-thinking perspective, combined with a deeply personal connection to the origins and growth of Hillsboro Aviation, made for an engaging and insightful conversation. It was a privilege to share this intimate dialogue with him, exploring the past, present, and promising future of Hillsboro Aviation.”

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This episode is brought to you interruption-free by Robinson Helicopter Company!

In this first ever in-person podcast episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Join host Halsey Schider as he speaks once again with David Smith, the new CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company!

With the excited ambiance of HAI Heli-Expo in the background, Smith takes us on a journey through the past, present, and future of not only his career, but the helicopter manufacturer's as well.

For a deep dive into the exciting plans and goals of Robinson Helicopter Company, make sure to tune into this episode of The Helicopter Podcast! 

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In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider engages with Keith Campbell, owner of Utah Helicopter. Campbell’s journey from security sales to helicopter piloting and flight school ownership is both inspiring and informative. 

Together, they dive into crucial topics like instructor safety, employee retention, pilot pay structures and the challenges of entrepreneurship in the industry. 

Whether you're a seasoned pilot or an aspiring aviator, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of helicopter operations and business ownership.

Thank you to sponsors Precision Aviation Group and Bell.

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In this thrilling episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider is joined by the intrepid Darcy Hoover, a seasoned helicopter pilot with tales to captivate any aviator. Together they embark on an exhilarating journey through Hoover’s history, with a look into some amazing stories from his career.

Hoover, a first-generation pilot, shares his flying journey from mastering the iconic Bell 47 to flying Sikorsky SH-3 Sea Kings and Airbus H225 Super Pumas. The two also reflect on the evolution of safety culture in the industry and the critical role of making sound decisions, even in the face of pressure.

Whether you're a seasoned pilot or an aspiring aviator, there's something for everyone in this riveting episode of The Helicopter Podcast!

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In this special episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Jess Burch, a meteorologist and helicopter pilot, in celebration of Women in Aviation Week.

Explore Burch's fascinating journey as she navigates the skies and airwaves, from her start with ROTC, to flying Blackhawks in the Army, to working as a meteorologist for NBC and flying in the California National Guard. 

Burch shares insights into the rigors of Army Flight School, the intersection of military service and civilian life and the vital role of the National Guard in search and rescue missions.

Tune in to The Helicopter Podcast for an engaging dialogue filled with great stories, insightful perspectives, and a shared celebration of Women in Aviation Week.

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In this captivating episode of The Helicopter Podcast, join host Halsey Schider as he sits down with Nick Paladeni, a seasoned helicopter pilot with a broad range of experience.

From their shared roots in Oregon, to their formative years at Hillsboro Heli Academy, Paladeni provides a fascinating glimpse into his journey.

Paladeni discusses his transition from a corporate job to the exhilarating realm of helicopter piloting, underscoring the importance of embracing new opportunities.

Paladeni’s career has taken him all over the country, from the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, to longs flights over the Gulf of Mexico, to operations in the busy Manhattan airspace. 

The two talk about the  vital role of attitude and integrity in the tight-knit helicopter community, sharing anecdotes from their diverse experiences

Tune in to this episode of The Helicopter Podcast for insight and lessons gleaned from Paladeni’s journey, and gain a newfound appreciation for the boundless possibilities of a career in flight!

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In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider is joined by Eli Bickley, a certified flight instructor (CFI) currently on his path through instruction, with nearly 600 hours of flight time.

Together, they explore Bickley's journey, tracing his transition from entrepreneurship in the landscaping industry to a dedicated pursuit of aviation.

Bickley candidly shares the intricacies of balancing rigorous flight training with the demands of business ownership. He reflects on the challenges encountered along this transformative path, underscoring the significance of online ground school and the necessity of unwavering focus across all facets of life.

He recounts the pivotal moments of his flight instructor journey, emphasizing the critical role of vigilance against overconfidence and complacency in piloting. Bickley also illuminates the profound impact of flight instructors as mentors and life coaches, shaping the trajectories of aspiring aviators.

 Listen in to this enlightening episode of The Helicopter Podcast for a nuanced exploration of the path to flight instruction in the modern aviation industry.

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In this episode, the three Vertical HeliCASTS Hosts, Halsey Schider of The Helicopter Podcast, Jon Gray of The Hangar Z Podcast, and Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ discuss their excitement for the upcoming HAI event and the podcast lineups they have planned. They also talk about the networking opportunities and the chance to reconnect with industry colleagues and professionals.

Make sure to come visit the trio at HAI Heli Expo this year! They are at booth 5716, with a 'Meet and Greet' scheduled for Wednesday February 28th from 3-5pm. And if you see any of the hosts walking around the expo, don't hesitate to say hi!

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In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Host Halsey Schider speaks with Chris Nelson, a helicopter owner and enthusiast. Nelson shares his background and interest in aviation, including his experiences with helicopters in the military.

The two discuss the benefits and drawbacks of Nelson owning his own Robinson R22 for training, and his future plans in aviation. Nelson offers advice for those considering a career change, and highlights the supportive and welcoming nature of the aviation community.

Make sure to listen in to this episode of The Helicopter Podcast for an alternative look at the journey to becoming a helicopter pilot!