The Vertical MRO Podcast

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

Join us in this inspiring episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast as we sit down with Reid Selover, a former Army Ranger turned general manager at Essential Turbines. Reed takes us through his remarkable journey from growing up in Modesto, California, to enlisting in the Army at the age of 17, where he served in the prestigious First Ranger Battalion.

After his military service, Reid transitioned to the aviation industry, starting his career at Able Engineering. There, he honed his skills in aircraft repair, plating, and fabrication, all while embracing the company's culture of excellence and attention to detail.

In his conversation with host Val Medved, Reid reflects on the pivotal role that mentors and effective leadership played in his development, emphasizing how family support has been a cornerstone of his success.

As Reid shares his transition to Essential Turbines, he highlights the importance of teamwork and communication in building a thriving business. He discusses the strategies behind cultivating a strong team dynamic, the significance of trust, and how leaders can empower their team members to exceed expectations.

This episode is packed with valuable insights on leadership, personal growth, and the power of teamwork, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the aviation field or seeking inspiration in their own career journey.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Salus Aviation and Bell.

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

In this engaging episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Val and Jon sit down with Krumlauf, an experienced airframe and power plant mechanic, to delve into his fascinating journey in the aviation industry.

Justin shares insights from his transition from fixed-wing aircraft to rotorcraft and offers a glimpse into his work on the AC-130 gunship, highlighting the intricacies of troubleshooting complex systems.

The conversation emphasizes the critical role of communication between mechanics and pilots and discusses the evolving dynamics in the aviation sector. Justin sheds light on the advancements in avionics and the challenges posed by integrating new technologies into maintenance practices.

As the chat progresses, the focus shifts to the future of AI in maintenance and the importance of preserving tribal knowledge within the industry.

During the conversation, Justin goes into high-pressure experiences, including his time with SpaceX and the military. He recounts the in-flight abort test and the crucial skills needed for effective crew management, underscoring the significance of clear communication and personnel understanding.

Amidst the serious topics, the episode lightens as Justin shares amusing anecdotes about pranks and camaraderie in the military, reflecting on the friendships and mentorships that have shaped his career.

He also discusses a critical moment when his vigilance prevented a potential aircraft disaster due to a fuel imbalance, showcasing the importance of diligence in maintenance roles.

Join us for an inspiring and entertaining conversation that blends technical expertise with personal stories, celebrating the dedication and resilience of those in the aviation industry.

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

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

In this engaging episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Val and Jon sit down with Justin Krumlauf, an experienced airframe and power plant mechanic, to delve into his fascinating journey in the aviation industry.

Justin shares insights from his transition from fixed-wing aircraft to rotorcraft and offers a glimpse into his work on the AC-130 gunship, highlighting the intricacies of troubleshooting complex systems.

The conversation emphasizes the critical role of communication between mechanics and pilots and discusses the evolving dynamics in the aviation sector. Justin sheds light on the advancements in avionics and the challenges posed by integrating new technologies into maintenance practices.

As the chat progresses, the focus shifts to the future of AI in maintenance and the importance of preserving tribal knowledge within the industry.

During the conversation, Justin goes into high-pressure experiences, including his time with SpaceX and the military. He recounts the in-flight abort test and the crucial skills needed for effective crew management, underscoring the significance of clear communication and personnel understanding.

Amidst the serious topics, the episode lightens as Justin shares amusing anecdotes about pranks and camaraderie in the military, reflecting on the friendships and mentorships that have shaped his career.

He also discusses a critical moment when his vigilance prevented a potential aircraft disaster due to a fuel imbalance, showcasing the importance of diligence in maintenance roles.

Join us for an inspiring and entertaining conversation that blends technical expertise with personal stories, celebrating the dedication and resilience of those in the aviation industry.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Salus Aviation and Bell.

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

In this exciting episode, host Val Medved welcomes Sean Sinclair, the independent business owner of Maximus Air Limited, based in Acme, Washington. With over three decades of experience in the aviation sector, Sean has developed a wealth of knowledge in providing economical parts for Bell and Airbus fleets.

Starting his career as a tech sales representative at Canadian Helicopters, Sean progressed through various notable roles—including sales manager at Aeroproducts Component Services and business development manager at Able Engineering.

He also served as general manager at both Rotorlink Technical Services and Aerosmith Heli Services. In 2017, Sean launched Maximus Air Limited with the mission of delivering honest, prompt, and cost-effective solutions for aircraft operators, regardless of whether they manage a single helicopter or a vast fleet of 100.

Join us as we delve into Sean's extensive insights and experiences within the aviation industry. Learn how his unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction influences his business's success.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from a seasoned expert in the field. This is Vertical MRO—let’s dive in!

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

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

In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we dive deep into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in helicopter maintenance.

Our expert panel discusses the current applications of AI, highlighting its impact on predictive maintenance, supply chain logistics, and procurement. They emphasize the importance of efficient data collection and analysis to support decision-making, improve maintenance practices, and ultimately enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of helicopter operations.

The conversation explores the growing acceptance of AI in the industry, focusing on how AI technology is evolving to assist both experienced and novice technicians. Our guests share insights on the collaboration between AI systems and human personnel, underscoring the necessity for trust and accurate data in AI implementation. We also look to the future, discussing trends like the use of robots and cobots for inspections, and the potential integration of natural language processing in maintenance processes.

Tune in to learn how AI is reshaping helicopter maintenance, from real-time monitoring and predictive analysis to optimizing maintenance schedules and improving overall operational outcomes. Plus, we wrap up the discussion with a fun debate on whether pineapple truly belongs on pizza.

Don't miss this engaging episode on the future of helicopter maintenance and the exciting potential of AI technology!

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

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

In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we dive deep into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in helicopter maintenance.

Our expert panel discusses the current applications of AI, highlighting its impact on predictive maintenance, supply chain logistics, and procurement. They emphasize the importance of efficient data collection and analysis to support decision-making, improve maintenance practices, and ultimately enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of helicopter operations.

The conversation explores the growing acceptance of AI in the industry, focusing on how AI technology is evolving to assist both experienced and novice technicians. Our guests share insights on the collaboration between AI systems and human personnel, underscoring the necessity for trust and accurate data in AI implementation. We also look to the future, discussing trends like the use of robots and cobots for inspections, and the potential integration of natural language processing in maintenance processes.

Tune in to learn how AI is reshaping helicopter maintenance, from real-time monitoring and predictive analysis to optimizing maintenance schedules and improving overall operational outcomes. Plus, we wrap up the discussion with a fun debate on whether pineapple truly belongs on pizza.

Don't miss this engaging episode on the future of helicopter maintenance and the exciting potential of AI technology!

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

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

"Episode description goes here"

This is Vertical MRO.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Salus Aviation and Vertical Aviation International.

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

"Episode description goes here"

This is Vertical MRO.

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, we welcome Darryl Christensen to the show.

Darryl is a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic with over 37 years of experience, specializing in turbine engine inspections and major repairs. 

He is also founder and owner of Intermountain Turbine Services Inc., a company he has successfully led for 31 years.

Under Darryl’s leadership, ITS has grown from a parts distribution facility to a comprehensive service center recognized by industry giants like Honeywell. 

The company has expanded to include a satellite facility in Phoenix, an engine repair shop and a state-of-the-art test cell facility, achieving multiple accreditations and certifications along the way. 

Before founding ITS, Darryl honed his skills at Rocky Mountain Helicopters. His extensive service, experience, and dedication to excellence has made him a respected figure in the aviation and helicopter maintenance community. 

Join us for this engaging conversation with one of the MRO industry’s top talents!

Special thanks to our sponsors, Salus Aviation and Vertical Aviation International.

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

In this second part of a two-part series, we are thrilled to feature an extraordinary guest: Dave Wark. Dave is not only a hot rod enthusiast and an avid lover of Bull Terrier pups, but also a seasoned leader in the aerospace industry, with over three decades of experience.

In this special two-part interview, we dive deep into Dave's remarkable journey. Currently serving as the general manager and PRM at CTS Canada, a subsidiary of Kratos Defense Systems on Canada’s West Coast, Dave oversees the financials and strategic growth of the PT6T and PT6A overhaul shop. His extensive expertise spans field service, technical representation, troubleshooting, and instruction for PT6T courses.

Join us as we explore Dave's career, which began at Canadian Helicopters and includes pivotal roles at North Star Aerospace, Mint Turbines, and Consolidated Turbine Services.

His impact on expanding Canadian operations, establishing satellite shops, and driving international sales is profound. With certifications from Pratt & Whitney and Bell Helicopter, Dave's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of his work.

In our conversation, we’ll cover everything from his start in line maintenance to his current role, including the challenges of PRM responsibilities and setting up shops from the ground up. We'll also dive into his personal passions, such as hot rod building, surfing, and his love for martial arts and Fiero cars.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a true industry veteran. Tune in to gain insights from Dave Wark's journey and discover the secrets to his longevity and success in the aerospace sector.

This is Vertical MRO.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Salus Aviation and Bell.