The Helicopter Podcast

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In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with David Smith, ceo of Robinson Helicopters, during European Rotors in Cologne, Germany, for a conversation that blends storytelling, innovation, and the future of rotorcraft.

The discussion centers on Robinson’s new book, Climb Higher, a global project led by husband-and-wife team of photographer and book developer Jon Davison and writer Jude Brazendale.

The project captured the diversity of missions, environments, and people flying Robinson helicopters around the world. David shares how the project came together, why photography and storytelling matter, and how showcasing real customer experiences helps Robinson stay closely connected to the operators who use their aircraft every day.

From there, the conversation turns toward the future. David offers insight into Robinson’s product roadmap, including the R66 NXG, advances in avionics and autopilot integration, and the company’s push toward instrument flight rules (IFR) certification — all with the goal of improving safety, accessibility, and confidence for pilots. They also touch on industry challenges, innovation cycles, and why solving issues like inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC) remains a top priority.

Blending creative perspective with technical leadership, this episode provides a look at how Robinson Helicopters is honoring its legacy while continuing to evolve — and why “climb higher” is more than just a book title, but a mindset guiding the company forward.

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

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In this two-part conversation on The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider continues his discussion with Michael Benton, turning the focus toward accident investigation, safety culture, and how aviation organizations learn after things go wrong. 

Drawing from his experience as an NTSB party member and safety leader within air medical operations, Michael walks through what actually happens after an accident and the role operators play in the investigation process.

The conversation explores how accidents are rarely the result of a single mistake, but instead develop from gaps in training, oversight, equipment, and decision support. 

Michael shares insight into how strong safety programs are built, why transparency and leadership matter, and how pilots and crews can be better supported in high-pressure operational environments. 

The episode also touches on the human side of the job, and why a healthy safety culture depends on trust, accountability, and realistic expectations.

Don't forget to check out Part 1 of this conversation for some amazing stories, and a deep dive into Michael's aviation history!

Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Robinson Helicopter and Quantum Helicopters.

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In this two-part conversation on The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Michael Benton, whose career in aviation began in an unexpected place. 

Before flight school, Michael served as a U.S. Army interrogator and Korean linguist, a background that shaped how he evaluates human behavior, decision-making, and risk. 

That path ultimately led him into Army warrant officer flight training, combat operations as a Kiowa Warrior pilot, and later into air medical operations, accident investigation, and aviation safety leadership.

In Part 1, Michael shares stories from his military career, including combat missions, surviving a rocket strike on a wingman, and his first flight as pilot in command ending in a hydraulic failure and run-on landing. 

Part 2 continues the conversation with a deeper look at Michael’s work in accident investigation, safety culture, and his current role shaping aviation operations today.

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

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In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Dirk Petry, vice president of the light twin helicopters program at Airbus Helicopters, to discuss the unveiling of the H140 and what it takes to design a helicopter with life-saving missions at its core.

Recorded around the excitement of European Rotors, the conversation explores how the H140 was shaped through direct collaboration with air medical operators, ensuring the aircraft meets real-world operational needs. Dirk walks through the development journey, from early concept to flight testing, highlighting how structured pilot feedback and close coordination between engineering, test pilots, and customers help mature the aircraft throughout the certification process.

They also discuss why purpose matters in helicopter design, particularly in air medical operations where cabin size, performance, and operating efficiency can directly impact patient care. Dirk shares insight into the early market response to the H140, including the strong reception at the show and more than 70 customer commitments already announced.

From certification challenges and testing campaigns to the role of customer input in shaping modern rotorcraft, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Airbus Helicopters approaches innovation — and why the H140 is positioned to play a significant role in the future of air medical operations.

Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Quantum Helicopters and Vertical Aviation International.

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

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey sits down with Jeremiah Griffith of Horizon Helicopters to talk about instruction, experience, and what it takes to operate safely in high-risk real-world environments. From utility flying and powerline awareness to decision making in training, Jeremiah shares how a calm, deliberate teaching style helps build confident, capable pilots. The conversation opens with reflections on recent accidents and how preparation, situational awareness, and training culture shape a pilot's judgment in high-consequence flying.

Jeremiah explains how his instructional videos began as a personal project for his children and organically grew into a widely followed educational resource. Along the way, they discuss family-run flight schools, legacy experience passed down through generations, and why authenticity and professionalism matter. Tune into this episode of The Helicopter Podcast for a grounded conversation about teaching, flying, and contributing positively to the helicopter industry.

Thank you to our sponsors Enstrom, Vertical Aviation International 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, host Halsey Schider sits down with Robyn Eagles, vice president of marketing at Robinson Helicopters, for an inside look at how one of the industry’s most recognizable manufacturers is reshaping its voice, visibility, and connection to the helicopter community.

From a historically quiet, engineering-first company to a more open, story-driven organization, Robyn shares how Robinson’s leadership team has embraced transparency, accessibility, and a more active approach to telling its story.

The conversation explores the origins of the Climb Higher campaign, Robinson’s support of real-world missions like disaster response and humanitarian flying, and the strategy behind the high-impact R88 reveal at Verticon.

Along the way, Robyn reflects on her unconventional path into aviation, the power of storytelling over selling hardware, and why helicopters—and the people who fly them—play a far bigger role in everyday life than most realize.

Thank you to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Vertical Aviation International and Quantum Helicopters.

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In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Jamie and Jared from Hillsboro Heli Academy for a wide-ranging conversation about helicopter training, pilot culture, and what keeps people connected to the industry long after their first flight.

The discussion explores how shared experiences in helicopters create lasting bonds, forming a brotherhood and sisterhood that spans backgrounds, countries, and career paths. Jamie and Jared talk about the realities of helicopter training, the importance of staying nimble in aviation careers, and how a strong network often shapes where pilots end up next.

The episode also dives into Hillsboro’s role in international training, including why so many European students choose to train in the U.S., and how dual certification with the Federal Aviation Administration and European Union Aviation Safety Agency has created a clearer path into the industry.

Along the way, the group reflects on instruction as a uniquely rewarding experience, the long-standing role of Robinson helicopters in training, and the responsibility flight schools have in building a positive, supportive culture.

From memorable early flights to the future of helicopter training, this episode highlights why the aviation community remains tightly connected — and why, once the helicopter bug bites, it’s hard to ever fully walk away.

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

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

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey J. Schider sits down with Mark Wegele, director of operations for the Salt River Project, to explore how helicopters support critical infrastructure across the Phoenix region.

Mark shares how SRP’s flight department uses helicopters for power line maintenance, environmental management, dam inspections, and utility operations, and why these missions demand a strong balance between pilots, maintainers, and leadership. Coming from a maintenance background himself, Mark offers a unique perspective on managing a growing flight department without being pulled away to fly — allowing the team to stay focused as operations scale.

The conversation also dives into in-house maintenance, hiring challenges in aviation, and why personality, adaptability, and team fit matter just as much as technical skill. Mark and Halsey discuss how drones and submersible systems now complement helicopter operations, drastically reducing inspection time while improving safety — without replacing the helicopter’s core role.

From career progression and industry advocacy to workforce development and future technology, this episode offers valuable insight for pilots, maintainers, managers, and anyone interested in how helicopters quietly keep essential services running.

Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Quantum Helicopters and Airbus.

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In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider is joined by Dr. Frank Liemandt, Show Director, and Callum Clench, CEO of European Rotors, to unpack their takeaways from European Rotors 2025 in Cologne—an event that continues to grow in both scale and influence across the global helicopter industry.

They reflect on why this year’s show stood out, from record attendance to deeper, more meaningful conversations around the challenges facing rotorcraft today. Central to that discussion is the ongoing shortage of pilots and maintainers, and the growing urgency to engage the next generation through education, exposure, and realistic career pathways.

The conversation dives into the often-overlooked role of maintenance in aviation safety, the rising cost of training, and why saying “no” can be one of the most important decisions made in aviation. Frank and Callum also share insights into how collaboration—between operators, manufacturers, educators, and regulators—will be essential to sustaining industry growth.

They close by reflecting on the role platforms like The Helicopter Podcast play in connecting people, sharing real-world experiences, and helping inspire the future workforce that will keep this industry moving forward.

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

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

In this special solo episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider recaps his trip to European Rotors 2026 in Cologne, Germany, sharing what stood out from the show floor, the conversations he recorded with industry leaders, and the growing focus on safety and regulation across the European helicopter community. He reflects on the energy of Cologne—complete with its Christmas markets—and the value of connecting with operators, small businesses, and innovators shaping the industry.

Halsey also highlights a personal favorite from the trip: Visiting Air Zermatt in Switzerland. From seeing their mountain rescue operations up close, to taking in the views of Zermatt, he talks about why this iconic operator continues to inspire him and the industry at large. The episode wraps with a quick look ahead to future events and the momentum building as the global helicopter community heads toward European Rotors 2026 in Lyon, France.

Thank you to our sponsors Enstrom, Airbus and Sellacopter.