The Helicopter Podcast

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In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with JD Parsons of Colorado Highland Helicopters to talk about a different approach to flight training.

JD shares his path from trucking entrepreneur to helicopter operator, and how that background shaped the way he thinks about flight school. The conversation focuses on challenging traditional training models, including his use of the MD 500 as a primary training aircraft and a strong emphasis on high-altitude, scenario-based flying.

They dig into the realities of student retention, the importance of building confidence without ego, and how real-world mission profiles—like search and rescue or utility work—can better prepare pilots from the start. JD also discusses safety culture, decision-making under pressure, and why open communication in the cockpit is critical to long-term success.

This episode is a practical look at how training can evolve to better reflect real-world operations—and what it takes to build safer, more capable pilots from day one.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Airbus, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Robinson Helicopter.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with Jesse Munns, founder of Awakened, Iron and Soul, to talk about career transitions, mental health, and the realities of stepping back in aviation.

Jesse shares his experience working in HEMS, describing the buildup of fatigue and burnout that led to a moment where he recognized he couldn’t keep going at the same pace. The conversation centers on what it actually looks like to make that call, how it impacts your career, and why those decisions are often avoided in aviation.

They also dig into the broader issue of mental health in the industry—why it’s still difficult to talk about, how it’s often misunderstood, and the gap in support for pilots dealing with stress, anxiety, or burnout. Jesse explains how his work now focuses on helping aviation professionals navigate those transitions and rebuild with a healthier foundation.

This episode is an honest discussion about recognizing limits, making difficult decisions, and changing how the industry approaches mental health and career longevity.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Airbus, Sellacopter and Robinson Helicopter.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with Steve Soliz from Bell to discuss the evolving landscape of helicopter emergency medical services.

Steve brings a global perspective to the conversation, breaking down how HEMS operations are adapting through advancements in avionics, autopilot systems, and data-driven mission planning. The discussion focuses on how these tools are reducing pilot workload while improving situational awareness and overall mission safety.

They also explore the differences between North American and European EMS operations, including how regulatory environments, aircraft selection, and medical protocols are shaped by data and operational constraints. Steve highlights the importance of crew resource management, emphasizing how communication and trust between pilots and medical crews play a critical role in preventing incidents and managing risk.

This episode is a grounded look at how technology, human factors, and decision-making continue to shape safer, more effective EMS operations worldwide.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Hillsboro Heli Academy, Precision Aviation Group and Metro Aviation. 

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schrader sits down with Cory Vinger to talk about the evolution of drone technology—and where his focus is shifting next.

Cory shares his path from aerospace engineering and flight training into the early days of unmanned aviation, building experience in utility inspections as drone capabilities advanced from basic imaging to tools like LiDAR, infrared, and corona detection. The conversation highlights how those technologies are now supporting more proactive, data-driven approaches to infrastructure maintenance.

They also dig into Cory’s current work with AerHub and their new app Aerway, a new aviation-focused networking platform designed to connect professionals across flight operations, maintenance, and leadership. The discussion centers on the role of networking in aviation, how most opportunities are built through relationships, and the need for a more focused, professional digital space.

This episode bridges where the industry has been with where it’s going—both in how we inspect infrastructure, and how we connect as professionals within it.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Enstrom Helicopter, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Airbus.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with Steve Cox, fighter pilot, airline pilot, and creator of the Cleared Direct YouTube channel, for a wide-ranging conversation about aviation, risk, and the lessons learned from real-world flying.

Steve shares the path that led him from military fighter jets to airline operations and into the world of experimental and backcountry aviation. Along the way, he discusses the discipline required to operate high-performance aircraft, the appeal of building and flying experimental airplanes, and the mindset pilots need to manage risk in demanding environments.

The conversation also explores the role of storytelling in aviation safety. Steve explains why sharing experiences — including mistakes and close calls — helps pilots build mental models that improve decision-making long before a real emergency occurs.

That philosophy becomes especially real as Steve recounts a dramatic water ditching and the rapid decisions that allowed him and his passenger to walk away safely. It’s a powerful reminder that preparation, training, and a strong safety culture remain essential in every corner of aviation.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors Robinson Helicopter, Quantum Helicopters and Enstrom Helicopter.

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In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, recorded live at European Rotors 2025 in Cologne, host Halsey Schider sits down with helicopter pilot and author Simon Whitinger for a wide-ranging discussion about operations, training, and knowledge sharing in the helicopter community.

The conversation opens with Simon’s flight training and career pathways, including Simon’s flight training experiences in Canada, the challenges of transitioning to EASA certification, and the crucial role that networking and industry events like European Rotors play in building professional connections across the helicopter community.

They then turn to Simon's experience flying in Greenland, where helicopters often serve as essential transportation between remote villages, support medevacs, and connect people across challenging terrain. Halsey and Simon explore how these real-world operations shape a pilot’s decision-making and perspective.

Finally, they focus on Simon’s Mountain Flying Handbook, a resource developed to address the gap in structured safety knowledge around mountain operations. Drawing on decades of experience in mountainous environments, Simon explains why hazards such as whiteout and unmarked cables remain leading contributors to accidents, and how pilots can prepare to recognize and mitigate these risks.

Buy Simon's book, The Mountain Flying Handbook. Be sure to use promo code "Sellacopter".

Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Precision Aviation Group and Airbus.

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In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, recorded at Verticon 2026, Halsey Schider sits down with David Smith, ceo of Robinson Helicopters, and Paul Fermo, president of Robinson Unmanned, to discuss safety, innovation, and where the industry is heading next.

The conversation opens with a look at recent safety improvements across the helicopter industry, including lower accident rates and the continued focus on training for inadvertent IMC. David and Paul highlight how tools like cockpit cameras and scenario-based training are helping pilots better understand risk and make more informed decisions in the moment.

They also explore Robinson’s evolving product strategy — from utility-focused updates like the R44 interior to broader efforts to meet changing customer needs. A major focus is the launch of Robinson Unmanned and the company’s investment in drone technology, signaling a shift toward a more integrated future across crewed and uncrewed aviation.

Blending safety, technology, and long-term strategy, this episode offers insight into how Robinson is adapting to a changing market while staying grounded in its core mission: building practical, reliable aircraft for real-world operations.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Metro Aviation, Quantum Helicopters and Robinson Helicopter.

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In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, recorded at Verticon 2026, Halsey Schider sits down with Francois Lassale, president and ceo of Vertical Aviation International, for a first conversation on leadership, safety culture, and decision-making in aviation.

The discussion opens with Halsey sharing a formative lesson from his early flying career — the importance of knowing when to say no. In an industry where mission pressure is real, the ability to make the right call can be one of the most critical skills a pilot develops.

Francois builds on that idea from a leadership perspective, emphasizing that true safety culture goes beyond policies and procedures. It’s about creating teams that consistently make the right decisions, even when no one is watching. He shares a personal example from outside aviation, where wearing proper motorcycle safety gear likely saved his life in a serious accident — reinforcing the idea that safety is a mindset carried into every aspect of life.

The conversation also touches on communication, training, and how organizations can better support pilots in making sound decisions under pressure. Together, they highlight that safety isn’t just taught — it’s modeled, reinforced, and lived daily.

A thoughtful discussion on leadership, accountability, and building a culture where doing the right thing is the standard.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Helicopter Institute, Robinson Helicopter and Vertical Aviation International.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

Recorded live at European Rotors 2025, this episode of The Helicopter Podcast features a conversation between Halsey Schider and Glen White from EuroSafety about helicopter training, safety culture, and the growing European market.

The conversation begins with Europe’s expanding role in the global helicopter industry and the unique dynamics shaping training and operations across the region. From private owners to commercial operators, the market presents different challenges — and different expectations — around professionalism and safety culture.

Glen shares insights from his work with Loft Dynamics, (interviewed at European Rotors last year), explaining how scenario-based simulation is changing the way pilots prepare for real-world emergencies. Instead of relying solely on rote memory, modern training puts pilots in realistic situations where decision-making matters — especially during inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC) and system malfunctions.

They also discuss skill fade, complacency, and why continuous practice is essential in helicopter operations. From private owners to commercial crews, professionalism and safety culture remain central to the industry’s future.

A focused conversation on training for the unexpected — and building safer pilots in the process.

Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Vertical Aviation International and Airbus. 

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with longtime helicopter pilot and safety advocate Nick Mayhew to explore a career shaped by military aviation, hard lessons, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

Nick shares his journey from the Royal Navy into helicopter operations, including tense moments in night flying and high-risk environments that reinforced one simple truth: Fatigue, complacency, and small mistakes can have massive consequences.

The conversation dives into safety culture, the mission of the US Helicopter Safety Team, and Nick’s concept of a “Retirement Checklist” — a mindset built around never cutting corners and always keeping it in the green. 

At the heart of it all is the belief that aviation must foster a just culture where pilots own outcomes, speak up about close calls, and learn openly from mistakes.

With a clear goal of zero fatal accidents, this episode is a powerful reminder that professionalism, humility, and discipline remain the foundation of helicopter safety.

Thank you to our sponsors, Hillsboro Heli Academy, Airbus and Precision Aviation Group.