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 and Ronnie Ries sit down with Nelson Reithmaier, chief of maintenance for Pasco County Mosquito Control.

During the conversation, they explore Nelson's extensive background in aviation, particularly his time in the Coast Guard, where he worked as an aviation maintenance technician.

The discussion delves into the challenges of maintaining aircraft in corrosive environments, and the training and selection process for Coast Guard aviation.

We get an opportunity to discuss the unique considerations and challenges that come with Nelson's current role as the aviation chief of maintenance for Pasco County, Florida. Nelson shares his insights on the operational strategies employed during hurricanes, the importance of maintaining aircraft for public health missions, and the technology used in mosquito eradication.

The discussion also highlights community engagement efforts and the significance of networking through conferences like the upcoming Vertical MRO Conferences and regional fly-ins.

Special thanks to our sponsors, SAFE Structure Designs and Robinson.

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 Val Medved is joined by Jason Quinn of the Real ResQ Podcast for a conversation that blends outdoor adventure with critical aviation insight in “Quinny on Ice.”

Recorded amidst the chill of an ice-fishing trip, this episode explores the unique intersection of cold-weather recreation and helicopter hoist maintenance. Val and Jason share stories from the field, offering both light-hearted moments and serious reflections on the responsibilities tied to hoist operations.

The conversation dives deep into the mechanics of helicopter hoists, the training required for safe and efficient rescue missions, and the rigorous maintenance protocols necessary to keep life-saving equipment operational. They also explore the mental health challenges faced by those in rescue operations and the importance of communication, camaraderie, and readiness.

From ice-fishing laughs to in-depth technical insights, this episode delivers a thoughtful mix of storytelling and professional reflection.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Metro Aviation, Precision Aviation Group and Robinson.

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 experts in the health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) segments.

These experts are Josh Kethan and Ronnie Ries from GPMS. We will explore how HUMS technology is revolutionizing the maintenance industry and is improving helicopter flight safety.

This conversation was recorded shortly after Verticon, kicking off with a discussion on the value of attending industry conferences.

We delve into the inaugural Vertical MRO Conference, dedicated specifically to the MRO community. This exciting event will take place from Oct. 7 to 9 at the KF Centre for Excellence in Kelowna, British Columbia, and again from Nov. 10 to 12 at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, Texas.

During the conversation, Josh provides an interesting overview of his career where he spent time as a maintainer in the challenging offshore environment.

He talks about the transition from offshore work to air medical services, and how his ‘do-hard-things’ mindset has shaped his experiences and opportunities within the MRO community.

Josh and Ronnie highlight the latest advancements in HUMS technology, the significance of data analytics in maintenance, and the exciting potential of condition-based maintenance to transform aviation practices.

Together, we’ll review real-world applications and success stories, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to maintenance decisions, and the advantages of adopting innovative technologies in aviation.

Special thanks to our sponsors, SAFE Structure Designs and Airbus.

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 experts in the health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) segments.

These experts are Josh Kethan and Ronnie Ries from GPMS. We will explore how HUMS technology is revolutionizing the maintenance industry and is improving helicopter flight safety.

This conversation was recorded shortly after Verticon, kicking off with a discussion on the value of attending industry conferences.

We delve into the inaugural Vertical MRO Conference, dedicated specifically to the MRO community. This exciting event will take place from Oct. 7 to 9 at the KF Centre for Excellence in Kelowna, British Columbia, and again from Nov. 10 to 12 at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, Texas.

During the conversation, Josh provides an interesting overview of his career where he spent time as a maintainer in the challenging offshore environment.

He talks about the transition from offshore work to air medical services, and how his ‘do-hard-things’ mindset has shaped his experiences and opportunities within the MRO community.

Josh and Ronnie highlight the latest advancements in HUMS technology, the significance of data analytics in maintenance, and the exciting potential of condition-based maintenance to transform aviation practices.

Together, we’ll review real-world applications and success stories, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to maintenance decisions, and the advantages of adopting innovative technologies in aviation.

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

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

In this episode, hosts Val Medved, Greg, and Skip, dive into the evolution of technical publications (tech pubs) at Bell, highlighting how the shift from traditional PDF manuals to the interactive S1000D format is transforming maintenance efficiency. Skip shares his insights on the critical role tech pubs play for operators and maintainers, shedding light on recent enhancements designed to improve accessibility and usability.

The conversation also explores the latest technological advancements in helicopter maintenance, including the integration of digital tools and tablets that streamline workflows and increase safety. With a strong emphasis on user feedback, the team discusses how operators are directly shaping the future of maintenance support, ensuring solutions align with real-world needs.

Listeners will also get an exclusive look at upcoming innovations like MissionLink and the development of an iOS application, designed to revolutionize how maintainers access critical information on the go.

Throughout the discussion, the speakers highlight the collaborative efforts between operators and manufacturers to refine maintenance practices and keep aircraft mission-ready.

Tune in to learn how Bell is embracing digital transformation to empower maintainers, improve efficiency, and enhance safety across its fleet.

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 episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Val Medved and Jon Gray sit down with Leslie Ferry to discuss the upcoming Vertical MRO conferences in Kelowna, British Columbia, and Dallas, Texas.

Leslie shares insight into the significance of these conferences for helicopter maintenance professionals, highlighting their focus on education, networking, and hands-on training. The conversation explores the logistics of the events, the unique opportunities for students and apprentices to attend for free, and the vital role of community engagement in fostering the next generation of aviation professionals.

From leadership development to recruitment initiatives, Leslie outlines how these gatherings bring together industry experts to share knowledge and drive innovation. The discussion also showcases the stunning venues in Kelowna and Dallas, making a compelling case for why attendees won’t want to miss these enriching experiences.

Join us for an inside look at what’s ahead for the Vertical MRO conferences, and how they continue to shape the future of helicopter maintenance.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Metro Aviation and Rotorcraft Support Inc.

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, hosts Val Medved and Scott Hayward sit down with Paul Sliskovic, a seasoned aviation professional with over 25 years of experience, now serving as quality assurance manager at Wildcat Helicopters.

Paul shares his journey in the helicopter industry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of transitioning from a mechanic to a quality assurance role. He discusses the evolving landscape of compliance, the importance of mentorship, and the cultural shifts needed to adapt to new generations entering the workforce.

The conversation delves into key aspects of quality assurance, including the significance of proper logbook entries, the dynamics of different helicopter systems, and the critical role of communication in maintaining safety and efficiency. Paul also offers insights into what makes a great quality assurance professional, and how approachability fosters a strong safety culture.

Join us for this engaging discussion on the future of aviation maintenance, continuous learning, and the importance of adaptability in an ever-changing industry.

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

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

In Part 2 of this two-part series, hosts Val Medved and Jon Gray sit down with Peter Yegen and Jed Wagner from Billings Flying Service for a deep dive into the complexities of aviation operations and maintenance.

Peter and Jed share their personal journeys into aviation, discussing the influence of family, mentorship, and hands-on experience. They explore critical topics such as risk management, disaster preparedness, and the importance of crisis response in shaping company culture.

The conversation also highlights the CH-47 helicopter’s role in aerial firefighting, the transition from military to civilian operations, and the expertise required to maintain these aircraft. They address the ongoing challenges of labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the innovative solutions keeping fleets operational.

With a strong focus on problem-solving, collaboration, and fostering the next generation of aviation professionals, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

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

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

In Part 1 of this two-part series, hosts Val Medved and Jon Gray sit down with Peter Yegen and Jed Wagner from Billings Flying Service for a deep dive into the complexities of aviation operations and maintenance.

Peter and Jed share their personal journeys into aviation, discussing the influence of family, mentorship, and hands-on experience. They explore critical topics such as risk management, disaster preparedness, and the importance of crisis response in shaping company culture.

The conversation also highlights the CH-47 helicopter’s role in aerial firefighting, the transition from military to civilian operations, and the expertise required to maintain these aircraft. They address the ongoing challenges of labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the innovative solutions keeping fleets operational.

With a strong focus on problem-solving, collaboration, and fostering the next generation of aviation professionals, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue the discussion on adapting to industry challenges and future innovations.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing and Precision Aviation Group 

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

In this episode, hosts Val Medved and Scott Hayward are joined by Ephraim Nowak, an esteemed engineer specializing in unmanned aircraft, with a focus on innovative applications in firefighting.

Ephraim discusses his journey from working with small drones to pioneering the development of autonomous firefighting helicopters.

Join us as we explore the cutting-edge technology behind these systems, the challenges of integrating them into existing firefighting practices, and the regulatory hurdles faced in certification.

Ephraim shares insights from a successful demonstration of their technology and paints a picture of the future of autonomous firefighting solutions.

This insightful discussion also touches on the implications of AI and autonomy in aviation, offering valuable perspectives for aspiring engineers looking to make their mark in this rapidly evolving field.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Metro Aviation, SAFE Structure Designs and Robinson Helicopter.