The Helicopter Podcast

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Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider engages with Tyson Phillips, co-founder of AT Systems and a seasoned Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk pilot with a diverse background in military medevac, military air assault and firefighting. Tyson shares compelling stories from his career, including personal encounters with spatial disorientation (SD) during deployments and tragic accidents that inspired his mission to address this issue.

Tyson breaks down the science behind SD and inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC), revealing how the brain's responses under stress lead to conflicting visual and vestibular signals. He critiques gaps in traditional training, like minimal hood time for helicopter pilots, and unveils AT Systems' solution to this: Their innovative, iPad-controlled view-limiting device, which simulates degraded visual environments in actual flight to train decision-making, instrument reliance, and recovery—incorporating non-rated crew members and scenario-based drills for real-world resilience.

To learn more about AT Systems, visit: http://atsystemsllc.com/ 

Special thanks to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Precision Aviation Group.

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

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

In this engaging episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Christopher Young, a seasoned helicopter pilot and executive director of the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS). With a 20-year U.S. Navy career flying Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawks, Chris shares his journey from naval aviation to air medical operations with STAT Medevac, and later to roles at Sikorsky, Argus Prism, and Baldwin, all centered on enhancing safety. Now an aviation insurance broker and risk management consultant at Pik West, Chris emphasizes practical safety solutions and the importance of a robust safety management system (SMS). He discusses TOPS’ mission to elevate safety standards in the air tour industry, including its evolving inclusivity for Federal Aviation Administration Part 91.147 operators. Chris highlights the value of accountability, culture, and collaboration, in mitigating risks, offering insights for pilots and operators alike.

To learn more about TOPS, visit: https://topsafety.org/

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

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

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

In this captivating episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Ken Wylie, an International Certified Mountain Guide and author of Buried. Unlike typical guests, Ken’s expertise lies not in aviation but in mountaineering, where he has dedicated his career to understanding human factors and decision-making in high-consequence environments. Drawing parallels between mountaineering and aviation, Ken shares his transformative experience surviving a tragic 2003 avalanche in Revelstoke, where seven lives were lost. He reflects on the critical role of intuition, the dangers of hierarchical decision-making, and the importance of balancing courage with humility. Through his Archetypal framework, Ken explores how countering mindsets like the “addict” and “alchemist” shape decisions under pressure. This episode offers profound insights for pilots and high-risk professionals on managing fear, complacency, and responsibility to enhance safety and performance.

To learn more about Ken’s work, visit: https://www.archetypal.ca/

To also read more about Ken, be sure not to miss Vertical's latest issue release as well! 

Thank you to our sponsors HeliLadder, Enstrom and Sellacopter.

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

In this gripping episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Lee Benson, a 2025 MHM Blades of Valor Award recipient, whose 15,000-plus hours as a helicopter pilot have left an indelible mark on the industry. 

From his early days as a Vietnam War pilot at 19, Lee transitioned to commercial flying in the “Wild West” era of the 1970s, supported naval operations, and served 27 years with LA County Fire Department, where he was instrumental in developing the Firehawk. 

He shares gripping stories of surviving a tail rotor failure in Vietnam and a rotor brake incident in Alaska, showcasing his resilience and skill. As a key figure in transforming the Firehawk into a versatile public-use aircraft for firefighting, swift water rescues, and medical evacuations, Lee offers timeless insights on professionalism and managing high-time pilots. Join Halsey for an unforgettable dive into Lee’s extraordinary contributions.

To learn more about LA County Fire Department’s Air Operations, visit: https://fire.lacounty.gov/

Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Airbus and Precision Aviation Group.

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

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

In this inspiring episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Eric Robinson, recipient of the Blades of Valor Award and the driving force behind Operation Helo, a nonprofit that mobilized civilian helicopters for disaster relief during Hurricane Helene’s devastating aftermath in western North Carolina. Eric shares his journey from a fixed-wing aviation background, rooted in his father’s legacy as a Vietnam helicopter pilot, to co-founding Acme Aero, a leading suspension manufacturer for backcountry aircraft. 

The conversation then dives into Operation Helo’s rapid response to Hurricane Helene, coordinating over 160 helicopters to deliver 2 million pounds of aid and rescue over 430 people. Eric highlights the critical role of Robinson helicopters in accessing tight spaces, as well as Operation Helo's organic growth , and its ongoing commitment to long-term recovery, including providing 221 travel campers for displaced families. Tune in for an amazing episode showcasing the power of community and aviation in a crisis.

To learn more about Operation Helo, visit: https://operationhelo.org/

Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Robinson Helicopter and Precision Aviation Group.

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

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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 welcomes Clinton Burley, President and CEO of HealthNet Aeromedical Services, a cornerstone of critical care transport in West Virginia. Starting as a flight paramedic in 1986, Clinton shares his journey from 17 years of frontline clinical work to leading a 501(c)(3) medical transportation organization formed by three competing health systems. He reflects on the emotional impact of patient care, recounting a poignant extrication mission and emphasizing mental health support for EMS providers. 

Clinton highlights HealthNet’s commitment to safety and altruism, operating 10 Airbus helicopters and 44 ambulances while advancing employee wellness programs and debt relief to patients in need. From pioneering night vision goggle use in all phases of flight to exploring future aircraft platforms, HealthNet prioritizes patient care over profit. 

To learn more about HealthNet Aeromedical Services, visit: https://www.healthnetaeromedical.com/.

Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Airbus and Precision Aviation Group.

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

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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 welcomes Dr. Anita Sengupta, an aerospace engineer and founder of Hydroplane, who is revolutionizing aviation with hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. With a PhD in electric propulsion and 16 years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dr. Sengupta shares her journey from developing ion thrusters for spacecraft to landing the Mars Curiosity Rover with a supersonic parachute. Now, she’s applying her expertise to decarbonize aviation, focusing on hydrogen fuel cells that offer cleaner, quieter, and more efficient power for airplanes and helicopters. She discusses Hydroplane’s recent success in a U.S. Army competition, where her team powered a full-scale gyrocopter rotor with a hydrogen fuel cell system, achieving flight speeds with enhanced range and reduced noise. Dr. Sengupta’s passion for aviation, inspired by sci-fi and her father’s engineering influence, shines through as she envisions an efficient and sustainable future for flight.

To learn more about Dr. Sengupta’s innovative work, visit: https://www.hydroplane.us/

Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopter, Precision Aviation Group and Astronautics Corporation of America.

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

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

Fadale, hosts of the Vertical Valor Flight Crew Podcast on the Helicast platform. Both seasoned professionals with over a decade each of air medical experience, they share exciting stories from critical medevac missions throughout their careers. They explore the vital role of crew resource management, advancements in air medical technology like blood products and AI, and the pressing need for mental health support in high-stress aviation roles. Through their podcast, Blake and Mike aim to unite public safety aviation professionals, fostering open conversations and breaking down barriers. Join Halsey, Blake, and Mike for a candid discussion on resilience, teamwork, and innovation in air medical operations.

To learn more about their work with Echo or the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, visit: https://echoflightcrew.org/

Thank you to our sponsors Enstrom, Airbus and Sellacopter.

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

Send us Fan Mail

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

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Jason Quinn, former U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer and host of The Real ResQ Podcast. Jason shares his journey from a high school graduate inspired by his uncle’s Coast Guard service to becoming rescue swimmer No. 500, tackling gruelling training and high-stakes missions. From hoisting into 20-foot Bering Sea waves to earning an Air Medal on his first rescue, Jason recounts gripping stories that highlight the intensity and purpose of search-and-rescue. He shares insight on the critical role of crew resource management, emphasizing teamwork in navigating life-or-death scenarios. Jason also discusses the passion behind The Real ResQ, where he amplifies unsung heroes’ stories, blending heroism, challenge, and hope. Join Halsey and Jason for an inspiring dive into a life of service.

To learn more about Jason’s podcast, visit: verticalhelicasts.com/the-real-resq-podcast/

Thank you to our sponsors Enstrom, Precision Aviation Group and Sellacopter.

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

Send us Fan Mail

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

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Daren Humphries, a seasoned helicopter pilot turned aviation insurance broker at Assured Partners. With a career spanning from flight instruction to law enforcement flying, Daren shares his journey from flying Cessnas in the United Kingdom to mastering complex helicopter operations in the United States. He delves into the intricacies of aviation insurance, explaining how it differs from auto or homeowners’ policies, and the critical role brokers play in advocating for clients. From navigating underwriting requirements to strategizing for aircraft selection, Daren offers practical insights for pilots and owners looking to secure coverage. Join Halsey and Daren for an engaging discussion on blending helicopter expertise with insurance know-how.

To learn more about Daren’s work, visit: https://www.assuredpartners.com/

Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopter, Metro Aviation and Airbus.

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!