The Vertical MRO Podcast

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

In this inspiring two-part series, hosts Val Medved and Jon Gray sit down with Beth Christianos, founder and director of maintenance at Leading Edge Aerospace. 

During the conversation, Beth shares her unique journey into the aviation industry, from her initial fascination with helicopters to her strategic decision to pursue engineering over flying. 

With no family background in aviation, Beth reflects on the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, emphasizing the critical importance of trust between pilots and engineers.

Beth discusses the essentials of tool management, safety culture, and the entrepreneurial spirit behind her mobile maintenance business.

Join us as we explore critical topics such as the value of pre-purchase inspections, the significance of effective training, and the role of quality assurance in fostering a safe and excellent aviation environment.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Salus Aviation, SAFE Structure Designs and Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing.

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Val Medved sits down with Tristan Beddoe from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to delve into the aviation maintenance engineering (AME) profession.

They discuss the various career paths within helicopter maintenance and the vital role of training and mentorship in the field. Tristan shares his own journey and insights on the skills taught at SAIT, highlighting the collaboration between educational institutions and the aviation industry to ensure students are job-ready upon graduation.

The conversation also addresses the current critical shortage of AMEs and the importance of fostering a positive workplace culture to retain talent in the industry. Tristan emphasizes innovative training methods, such as augmented reality, and outlines the key qualities that contribute to a successful career in aviation maintenance.

Listeners will learn about career progression opportunities and gain valuable advice for those aspiring to enter this dynamic and rewarding field.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing, Vertical Aviation International and Bell.

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this episode, Jon Gray takes the helm in Val’s absence to discuss the newly announced Vertical Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) conference with an esteemed panel of guests: Linda Reyno, Mike Reyno, Leslie Ferry, and Madison Reyno.

Join us as the speakers share their vision for creating a vibrant atmosphere at the conference, explore the crucial role of the VMRO Podcast in fostering ongoing industry dialogues, and highlight the importance of social media engagement within the MRO community.

We’ll dive into the significance of hands-on training, leadership development, and networking in the rotorcraft MRO sector. Plus, we’ll showcase the stunning locations for the conferences: Kelowna, British Columbia, from October 7 to 10, 2025; and the Dallas Fort Worth area, from November 10 to 12, 2025.

Special thanks to our sponsors, SAFE Structure Designs, Salus Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this episode, join host Val Medved as he engages with industry experts Van Wilson, director of customer solutions at Bell; and Brad Fandrich, president of Valley Helicopters.

Together, they dive into the latest insights from Vertical magazine's Helicopter and Engine Manufacturers Survey, showcasing Bell's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction in the helicopter industry.

Explore critical topics such as post-pandemic supply chain management, the importance of effective communication, and the ever-evolving dynamics of the helicopter market.

Val, Brad, and Van also discuss the necessity of a customer-centric approach, the significance of partnerships, and the latest advancements in helicopter technology and training.

Listen in for valuable insights, expert tips, and engaging conversations that enhance operational safety and efficiency in helicopter maintenance. When you are done with the podcast, be sure to read the full survey results in Vertical's August/September issue.

Special thanks to our sponsors, SAFE Structure Designs and Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing.

Welcome to The Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!

In today’s episode, host Val sits down with Keir Brown from Salus Aviation, diving deep into the company’s rich history and innovative services that are making waves in the market.

Join us as Keir shares his personal journey in aviation and offers a unique perspective on the evolution of Salus Aviation and its commitment to self-sufficiency in the aviation sector. You'll learn about the company’s aircraft sales and leasing services, along with its impressive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities that set it apart from the competition.

This conversation also highlights Salus Aviation's approach to building a robust component pool, the importance of flexibility in project management, and the challenges of parts supply. Keir discusses the company’s dedication to transparency with customers, their expansion plans, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance service delivery.

Whether you’re in aviation, maintenance, or management, this episode will provide valuable insights into what makes Salus Aviation a leader in the industry and how they cater to the needs of their clients and fleets around the globe.

So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an enlightening discussion with Keir Brown!

For more on Salus Aviation check out their feature story in Vertical by Jen Boyer.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Salus Aviation, SAFE Structure Designs and Vertical Aviation International

Welcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell!

In this inaugural episode, hosts Marc Dubé and Gabriel Leveille, both seasoned professionals with extensive experience in aircraft maintenance, introduce this new podcast series dedicated to keeping Bell aircraft maintainers and owners informed about important service directives. 

The team dives into what service directives are, including Alert Service Bulletins (ASBs), Operational Safety Notices (OSNs), Technical Bulletins (TBs), and Information Letters (ILs), while highlighting their significance in ensuring the safety and efficiency of helicopter operations.

With a commitment to transparency and support, this podcast aims to provide detailed insights into these directives and enhance understanding for all Bell customers. 

Join us as we embark on this journey to share vital information and updates that will help you maintain your aircraft effectively and safely. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes and service directives!

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

In today’s episode, we dive deep into a critical yet often overlooked aspect of aircraft care: proper washing techniques. We know that keeping helicopters and aircraft in peak condition goes far beyond routine checks; it starts with how we wash and maintain them.

Join us as we discuss the importance of using deionized water and the right mil-spec soap to prevent corrosion and damage. We’ll explore how environmental factors—like salt and industrial pollutants—can affect the washing process, especially in EMS aircraft. We’ll also emphasize the need for meticulous attention to detail and the trade knowledge required to carry out this essential task effectively.

From cleaning techniques and materials to the importance of inspecting rotor blades and properly draining water, we’ll cover everything you need to ensure your aircraft remains in optimal condition. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you take pride in maintaining a clean aircraft and enhance your connection to the machines you work with.

So, let’s jump in and explore the vital role a thorough wash plays in not just the appearance of an aircraft, but in its overall safety and longevity.

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!

In this two-part series of Vertical MRO, host Val Medved and co-host Jon Gray sit down with Drew Califf, a customer service engineer at Bell. Join them as they explore Drew's remarkable aviation journey. This series emphasizes the critical elements of education, teamwork, and communication in the industry.   

The conversation dives into the unique challenges faced when working in remote areas, highlighting the significance of improvisation in tool use and the experiences of maintaining helicopters under extreme weather conditions. Drew shares valuable insights on leadership and the importance of fostering a positive work environment, underscoring how fun and camaraderie can enhance workplace morale.   

Throughout this engaging dialogue, Drew reflects on his experiences at Bell, the value of customer service, and the satisfaction that comes from effective problem-solving. He also emphasizes the necessity of ongoing training and the ability to adapt to ever-evolving technological advancements in aviation.   

Tune in for an inspiring conversation and two-part series that sheds light on the dynamic world of helicopter maintenance and the dedicated professionals who keep it soaring!

Special thanks to our sponsors, Vertical Aviation International, Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing and Bell

Welcome to the first-ever Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell.      

In this debut episode, Val Medved and Bell hosts Greg Judd and Marc Dubé dive deep into the vital roles of Bell Customer Service Engineers (CSEs) and Product Support Engineers (PSEs) in ensuring customers receive exceptional support. Together, these dedicated professionals form a robust partnership that directly enhances the customer experience.

The discussion shines a light on the Bell Training Academy (BTA) as a key resource for comprehensive training and education across various Bell aircraft models, equipping support teams with the knowledge they need to excel.

The conversation also explores the significance of Blade Repair Facilities and Bell Service Facilities as essential components of the expansive support network.

As the episode unfolds, Greg and Marc share their experiences from industry trade shows and conferences like Verticon and M&O, where they provide valuable support through technical updates, maintenance tips, and one-on-one consultations.

Networking and relationship-building emerge as recurring themes, underscoring their importance in fostering connections within the industry.

The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on the future of Bell, touching on innovative practices. Listen in to gain insights from industry experts about the essential support structures in place that keep Bell customers flying high!

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!

In this two-part series of Vertical MRO, host Val Medved and co-host Jon Gray sit down with Drew Califf, a customer service engineer at Bell. Join them as they explore Drew's remarkable aviation journey. This series emphasizes the critical elements of education, teamwork, and communication in the industry.   

The conversation dives into the unique challenges faced when working in remote areas, highlighting the significance of improvisation in tool use and the experiences of maintaining helicopters under extreme weather conditions. Drew shares valuable insights on leadership and the importance of fostering a positive work environment, underscoring how fun and camaraderie can enhance workplace morale.   

Throughout this engaging dialogue, Drew reflects on his experiences at Bell, the value of customer service, and the satisfaction that comes from effective problem-solving. He also emphasizes the necessity of ongoing training and the ability to adapt to ever-evolving technological advancements in aviation.   

Tune in for an inspiring conversation and two-part series that sheds light on the dynamic world of helicopter maintenance and the dedicated professionals who keep it soaring!

Special thanks to our sponsors, Salus Aviation, SAFE Structure Designs and Precision Aviation Group.