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

In this two part series of the Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Ronnie Ries have a discussion with Jon Dillenberg, director at the Thrust Institute of Maintenance.

During this conversation, we dive into the critical challenges and exciting opportunities in recruiting and shaping the next generation of talent in the aviation industry.

Jon talks about the Thrust Institute’s innovative training approaches. We discuss leveraging social media and partnerships with high school STEM programs like Rising Aviation High School, to engage youth and promote aviation careers.

We explore the evolving landscape of technical training, the importance of adaptability with new technologies like AI, and the need for smarter aircraft design focused on maintainability to ensure a sustainable future. 

Join us as we discuss the future of aircraft maintenance, how to attract new talent, and how industry-wide shifts can shape the next era of rotorcraft aviation.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Essential Turbines and Astronautics Corporation of America.

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

In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Jon Gray and co-host Howie Murray, sit down with Milton Geltz, managing director of Metro Aviation, to reflect on his remarkable 50-year career in aviation.

Milton began his journey in 1976 and has been with Metro since 1983, overseeing daily operations across flight, maintenance, completions, finance, sales, and marketing.

A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in professional aviation management, Milton also holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airframe and power plant certificate and is an FAA designated airworthiness representative for both maintenance and manufacturing.

He was honored with the 2007 Aviation Maintenance Technician Award by Helicopter Association International. Milton shares insights into the evolution of safety standards, the importance of training a skilled workforce, and how advanced data monitoring systems are transforming operational safety.

We also have an opportunity to discuss key challenges like recruitment and retention and highlight Metro Aviation’s ongoing commitment to excellence. Stay tuned for valuable insights into the future of rotorcraft maintenance and safety.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Airbus, Metro Aviation and Vertical MRO Conference.

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

In this special episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Jon Gray is joined by Romain Trapp, Executive Vice President of Customer Support and Services at Airbus Helicopters, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, innovation, and the future of rotorcraft support.

Romain shares the personal journey that led him through key leadership roles at Airbus Helicopters in Canada, North America, and now globally — a journey grounded in passion, purpose, and people.

Listeners will hear about:

• Leading through global crises and economic turbulence
• The cultural value of walking the hangar floor and meeting crews face-to-face
• Airbus’s global transformation strategy built on trust, performance, and sustainability
• Training innovation, workforce development, and the challenges of attracting the next generation

With more than 12,000 helicopters supported worldwide, Romain offers candid insight into the future of helicopter maintenance, MRO strategy, and the critical partnerships that keep rotorcraft flying safely and efficiently.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership, aviation, and the future of rotorcraft.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Airbus, SAFE Structure Designs and the Vertical MRO Conference. 

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

In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Jon Gray sits down with Seth Hardage, owner of Rotorcraft Repair and Manufacturing, to uncover the vital importance of preventative maintenance in aviation. Seth introduces their groundbreaking product, Dragon Skin Xtreme—an advanced rotor blade leading edge protective coating designed to combat erosion and corrosion.

Throughout the conversation, Seth shares his inspiring journey in the rotorcraft community, offering valuable insights into the differences between erosion and corrosion, and the impact of environmental factors on rotor blade lifespan. He also discusses the significance of strong leadership and cultivating a positive company culture in today’s industry.

Join us as we explore industry challenges such as recruitment and retention, and discover innovative solutions driving the future of rotorcraft maintenance.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Airbus, Precision Aviation Group and Vertical.

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

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

This two-part leadership series episode was recorded on location in Shreveport, Louisiana, at Metro Aviation. Hosts Jon Gray and Leslie Ferry sit down with Metro Aviation’s director of maintenance Shawn Bruton and Emmy Award winner, author, and keynote speaker Clint Pulver.

During our conversation, we explore the vital role of effective leadership in the realms of the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) community.

Shawn shares his story, from starting out as a young man cutting grass to becoming the director of maintenance at Metro Aviation, and offers valuable leadership insights from his successful career.

Clint shares his inspiring journey from aspiring helicopter pilot to professional speaker and author, shedding light on the urgent need for transformative leadership training and its profound effect on organizational culture and employee retention.

Drawing from his insightful Undercover Millennial research, highlighted in the book he wrote titled “I Love it Here,” Clint reveals a truth we know too well: Employees often leave their bosses, not their jobs.

During the conversation, they discuss the importance of mentorship over mere management and the power of genuine connection in leadership.

Clint is speaking at the upcoming Vertical MRO Conference in both Kelowna, British Columbia (Oct. 7 to 9, 2025), and in Irving, Texas (Nov. 10 to 12). For more information, and to register, please visit Vertical MRO.  

Special thanks to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing and Airbus.

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

This two-part leadership series episode was recorded on location in Shreveport, Louisiana, at Metro Aviation. Hosts Jon Gray and Leslie Ferry sit down with Metro Aviation’s director of maintenance Shawn Bruton and Emmy Award winner, author, and keynote speaker Clint Pulver.

During our conversation, we explore the vital role of effective leadership in the realms of the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) community.

Shawn shares his story, from starting out as a young man cutting grass to becoming the director of maintenance at Metro Aviation, and offers valuable leadership insights from his successful career.

Clint shares his inspiring journey from aspiring helicopter pilot to professional speaker and author, shedding light on the urgent need for transformative leadership training and its profound effect on organizational culture and employee retention.

Drawing from his insightful Undercover Millennial research, highlighted in the book he wrote titled “I Love it Here,” Clint reveals a truth we know too well: Employees often leave their bosses, not their jobs.

During the conversation, they discuss the importance of mentorship over mere management and the power of genuine connection in leadership.

Clint is speaking at the upcoming Vertical MRO Conference in both Kelowna, British Columbia (Oct. 7 to 9, 2025), and in Irving, Texas (Nov. 10 to 12). For more information, and to register, please visit Vertical MRO.  

Special thanks to our sponsors, Metro Aviation, Rotorcraft Support Inc & Bell 

Welcome to another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell.

In this episode, Greg Judd and Greg Arnold take a deep dive into the critical and often complex world of track and balance in helicopter maintenance. With decades of hands-on experience between them, the duo unpacks the finer details of rotorcraft dynamics—from product balance techniques to hub weight adjustments, and the impact of center of gravity (CG) on performance.

Listeners will gain insights on how preparation, consistent fuel loads, and pilot feedback all contribute to effective troubleshooting. The conversation also demystifies common pitfalls, explores the role of modern technology, and highlights the importance of community knowledge sharing among maintainers and aircrew alike.

Whether you're on the hangar floor or out on the line, this episode offers valuable strategies to enhance rotor performance, build maintenance confidence, and support safer, smoother operations.

We want to hear from you! – [email protected]
Need help with your Bell helicopter? Email us at [email protected] or visit https://www.bellflight.com/support/commercial. 

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

In this two-part series, Jon Gray sits down with James Helkey, director of maintenance and completions at Leonardo Helicopters.

James is a highly experienced aviation professional with a strong background in aircraft maintenance, leadership, and organizational development.

He holds an airframe and powerplant certificate and a business degree specializing in organizational development and change management.

Throughout his career, James has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing large teams and complex aviation operations.

Currently, he oversees a team of over 100 employees and ensures the highest standards in aircraft servicing, repair, and overhauls across multiple helicopter series.

With extensive experience supporting Federal Aviation Administration, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and internal audits, James excels in fostering customer satisfaction, coordinating cross-departmental efforts, and supporting the development of new aircraft programs.

His career spans military service, corporate aviation, and leadership roles, all characterized by his commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopters, Precision Aviation Group, Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing.

Welcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell!

Bell 407 Tailboom Attachment Bolt New Airworthiness Limitation – Introduction Of.

In this episode, hosts Marc Dubé and Gilbert Gaudreault, technical experts on the Bell Product Support Engineering (PSE) Team, once again join together to share some further insights into recently a released Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) regarding the inspection of the attachment hardware and fittings for the tailboom junction which impacts the Bell 407 model.

The full library of episodes is available to listen to on demand
We want to hear from you! - [email protected]
Need help with your Bell helicopter? - [email protected]

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

In this two-part series, Jon Gray sits down with James Helkey, director of maintenance and completions at Leonardo Helicopters.

James is a highly experienced aviation professional with a strong background in aircraft maintenance, leadership, and organizational development.

He holds an airframe and powerplant certificate and a business degree specializing in organizational development and change management.

Throughout his career, James has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing large teams and complex aviation operations.

Currently, he oversees a team of over 100 employees and ensures the highest standards in aircraft servicing, repair, and overhauls across multiple helicopter series.

With extensive experience supporting Federal Aviation Administration, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and internal audits, James excels in fostering customer satisfaction, coordinating cross-departmental efforts, and supporting the development of new aircraft programs.

His career spans military service, corporate aviation, and leadership roles, all characterized by his commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Rotorcraft Support Inc, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.