The Vertical MRO Podcast

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

In this 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 Precision Aviation Group.

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

The Vertical MRO Podcast, where we soar into the world of helicopter maintenance, leadership, and innovation. In this episode, host Val Medved, and co-host Jon Gray from the Hangar Z Podcast, are honored to introduce a powerhouse in helicopter maintenance and aviation management, Scott Hayward.

In this special two-part series, we dive deep into Scott's illustrious career and his transformative impact on the industry. Scott serves as the director of maintenance at Alpine Helicopters Inc., steering both the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Aircraft Maintenance Organization (AMO) since 2019. Known for his strategic vision, Scott has redefined excellence in aviation maintenance through modernization initiatives and a steadfast commitment to safety and efficiency.

Before his tenure at Alpine Helicopters, Scott held key roles at Wildcat Helicopters Inc., Hevilift Inc., and Helifix Ltd. in Papua New Guinea, where he introduced new aircraft types and successfully navigated rigorous audits.

His leadership at Alpine Helicopters has revitalized the company, boasting impressive retention rates, enhancing training standards, and solidifying its position as an industry leader through strategic management of CAPEX budgets and global supply chains.

Join us as we uncover Scott's journey, innovative maintenance strategies, and the pivotal role of leadership in driving success in a dynamic industry. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a maintenance professional, or a leader seeking inspiration, this episode promises valuable insights into the world of aviation maintenance and management.

This is Vertical MRO.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Bell, SAFE Structure Designs and PAG.

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

The Vertical MRO Podcast, where we soar into the world of helicopter maintenance, leadership, and innovation. In this episode, host Val Medved, and co-host Jon Gray from the Hangar Z Podcast, are honored to introduce a powerhouse in helicopter maintenance and aviation management, Scott Hayward.

In this special two-part series, we dive deep into Scott's illustrious career and his transformative impact on the industry. Scott serves as the director of maintenance at Alpine Helicopters Inc., steering both the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Aircraft Maintenance Organization (AMO) since 2019. Known for his strategic vision, Scott has redefined excellence in aviation maintenance through modernization initiatives and a steadfast commitment to safety and efficiency.

Before his tenure at Alpine Helicopters, Scott held key roles at Wildcat Helicopters Inc., Hevilift Inc., and Helifix Ltd. in Papua New Guinea, where he introduced new aircraft types and successfully navigated rigorous audits.

His leadership at Alpine Helicopters has revitalized the company, boasting impressive retention rates, enhancing training standards, and solidifying its position as an industry leader through strategic management of CAPEX budgets and global supply chains.

Join us as we uncover Scott's journey, innovative maintenance strategies, and the pivotal role of leadership in driving success in a dynamic industry. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a maintenance professional, or a leader seeking inspiration, this episode promises valuable insights into the world of aviation maintenance and management.

This is Vertical MRO.

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

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

The Vertical MRO podcast spotlights remarkable individuals in aviation. Today, we delve into the journey of Kevin Shead, whose passion for flight has taken him soaring through the skies and mastering the intricacies of aircraft maintenance.

 
Kevin's odyssey began in 2000, when he graduated from Abbotsford Christian Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. Eager to pursue his passion, he embarked on a transformative journey at Northern Lights College from September 2000 to February 2002, specializing in aircraft maintenance engineering.

 
With meticulous dedication, Kevin acquired an impressive array of endorsements across both airframe and powerplant domains. From the iconic Bell and Airbus series to the sophisticated Pratt and Whitney PT6T TwinPack, his expertise spans a diverse spectrum of aircraft, reflecting his commitment to excellence.

 
Kevin's journey doesn't stop there. Armed with a plethora of certificates and qualifications, including forklift operation, maintenance management, and safety systems, he has consistently sharpened his skills to meet industry standards and beyond.

 
His professional voyage is marked by significant milestones, from serving as an apprentice AME to assuming the pivotal role of director of maintenance at Bailey Helicopters Ltd. His tenures at Chinook Helicopters Ltd. and Yellowhead Helicopters Ltd. further enriched his experience, honing his proficiency in troubleshooting, quality assurance, and safety management.

 
Throughout his career, Kevin has exemplified resilience and innovation, navigating the skies and the challenges of the aviation industry with unwavering determination. His commitment to excellence and safety has not only propelled him to new heights but has also inspired those around him.

 
Join us as we unravel the remarkable narrative of Kevin Shead, a young visionary in aviation maintenance whose journey embodies the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of mastery in the boundless expanse of our skies.

 
This is Vertical MRO.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Rotorcraft Repair and Manufacturing and PAG.

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

Welcome to the Vertical MRO podcast, where we unveil the mysteries of maintenance, repair and overhaul, and explore the cutting-edge innovations that drive the helicopter industry forward.

 Host Val Medved is honored to have a true industry luminary join the show for a feature interview.

 Meet Anthony Saenz, a titan in the aerospace realm. With over 27 years of experience and now at the helm of JASCO Consulting LLC, Anthony's expertise shines brightly in the Arizona skies.

 But Anthony's journey doesn't stop there. As the former president of Able Aerospace and senior vice president at Able Aerospace Services Inc., his leadership has propelled companies to new heights, ensuring safety and efficiency in every endeavor.

 Anthony's trailblazing career traces back to his roots as an engineer at industry giants like Honeywell Aerospace and Triumph Group. From VP of engineering to president, he's left an indelible mark on every venture he's touched.

 Join us as we dive deep into Anthony's insights and the invaluable lessons he's gleaned throughout his illustrious career. Get ready to soar through the skies of knowledge with Anthony Saenz, your guide to aerospace excellence.

 The Vertical MRO Podcast is brought to you by Vertical HELICASTS. 

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

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

In this two-part series, Hangar Z Podcast hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray take over the Vertical MRO Podcast to sit down with Kris Stone, owner and handler of K9 Torque and the Huey Vets crew from EMU Inc.

EMU Inc. derives its name from the radio call sign of a unique unit in Army aviation history, the 135th Assault Helicopter Company.

The 135th was a typical Vietnam-era Assault Helicopter Company with the major exception that it was composed of both U.S. Army and Royal Australian Navy personnel. Because of this unique composition, the 135th was considered an Experimental Military Unit, hence its call sign E.M.U. or EMU.

In this conversation, the EMU Crew discusses the challenges and maintenance considerations of operating and restoring the Huey helicopter. 

The EMU Crew also shares their work with Huey Vets, an organization that uses helicopters to raise awareness about the forgotten heroes of the Vietnam War.

EMU 309 Geoff Carr, a Vietnam vet, and his team, discuss the battle damage and life expectancy of the aircraft during the Vietnam War. They also discuss the nonprofit nature of their organization and their mission to support veterans and raise awareness about PTSD.

They also discuss their work with K9 Torque, a detection dog trained to find electronic storage devices. Torque specializes in finding flash drives and SD cards to help investigators gather evidence against child sexual predators and traffickers. Torque is also a therapy dog, providing comfort and support to veterans and children in hospitals and schools.

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

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

In this two-part series, Hangar Z Podcast hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray take over the Vertical MRO Podcast to sit down with Kris Stone, owner and handler of K9 Torque and the Huey Vets crew from EMU Inc.

EMU Inc. derives its name from the radio call sign of a unique unit in Army aviation history, the 135th Assault Helicopter Company.

The 135th was a typical Vietnam-era Assault Helicopter Company with the major exception that it was composed of both U.S. Army and Royal Australian Navy personnel. Because of this unique composition, the 135th was considered an Experimental Military Unit, hence its call sign E.M.U. or EMU.

In this conversation, the EMU Crew discusses the challenges and maintenance considerations of operating and restoring the Huey helicopter. 

The EMU Crew also shares their work with Huey Vets, an organization that uses helicopters to raise awareness about the forgotten heroes of the Vietnam War.

EMU 309 Geoff Carr, a Vietnam vet, and his team, discuss the battle damage and life expectancy of the aircraft during the Vietnam War. They also discuss the nonprofit nature of their organization and their mission to support veterans and raise awareness about PTSD.

They also discuss their work with K9 Torque, a detection dog trained to find electronic storage devices. Torque specializes in finding flash drives and SD cards to help investigators gather evidence against child sexual predators and traffickers. Torque is also a therapy dog, providing comfort and support to veterans and children in hospitals and schools.

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

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

 
In this two-part series Val Medved and co-host Jon Gray have a thrilling two-part conversation with Marc Foreman, a helicopter technician A&P and IA from the Oklahoma City Police Department aviation unit. Get ready for an exhilarating mix of topics as they delve into tornadoes, aviation advancements, and public safety.

As a helicopter mechanic, Foreman provides an insider's look into the world of aviation, covering everything from the intricacies of fixed-wing versus helicopter maintenance to the challenges and rewards of working on various aircraft. He also discusses the impact of technology on aviation and highlights the critical role mechanics play in ensuring safety and efficiency in the field.

But that's not all – they also explore the personal side of Foreman's journey, including the invaluable mentorship he received from his stepfather in the industry. Discover the benefits of having a supportive mentor who passes down valuable knowledge and skills.

And of course, we can't forget about the public safety aspects of aviation. Foreman shares insights into the challenges faced by law enforcement aviation units and the crucial role of aircraft maintenance in firefighting operations. Get ready for some fascinating stories from Foreman's career as he reflects on the passion and dedication that mechanics bring to their work.

So, whether you're sipping on a cup of coffee or fueling up with a Monster energy drink (like Foreman), sit back, relax, and join us for this engaging conversation you won’t want to miss!

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

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


In this two-part series Val Medved and co-host Jon Gray have a thrilling two-part conversation with Marc Foreman, a helicopter technician A&P and IA from the Oklahoma City Police Department aviation unit. Get ready for an exhilarating mix of topics as they delve into tornadoes, aviation advancements, and public safety.

As a helicopter mechanic, Foreman provides an insider's look into the world of aviation, covering everything from the intricacies of fixed-wing versus helicopter maintenance to the challenges and rewards of working on various aircraft. He also discusses the impact of technology on aviation and highlights the critical role mechanics play in ensuring safety and efficiency in the field.

But that's not all – they also explore the personal side of Foreman's journey, including the invaluable mentorship he received from his stepfather in the industry. Discover the benefits of having a supportive mentor who passes down valuable knowledge and skills.

And of course, we can't forget about the public safety aspects of aviation. Foreman shares insights into the challenges faced by law enforcement aviation units and the crucial role of aircraft maintenance in firefighting operations. Get ready for some fascinating stories from Foreman's career as he reflects on the passion and dedication that mechanics bring to their work.

So, whether you're sipping on a cup of coffee or fueling up with a Monster energy drink (like Foreman), sit back, relax, and join us for this engaging conversation you won’t want to miss!

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

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


In this episode, Val Medved and Jon Gray get an opportunity to sit down with Maury Wood. 

In 1992, a move to St. Albert marked the start of new adventures for Wood and his family. From there, it was a whirlwind of after-school work at Avialta Helicopters under the wings of experienced engineers.

Summers were spent in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, where he lent his skills to GSH, managing stores and ensuring smooth operations on the ground.

Fast forward to the late ’90s, and our hero embarked on an educational journey at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), diving into the world of Petroleum Engineering Tech.

But the call of the skies was too strong to resist. With Reeves Wireline in Whitecourt, Alberta, he logged open holes across Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, experiencing the vastness of the Canadian landscape from above — and putting in some serious “bush” time.

Wood marked a pivotal moment in 2002 as he spread his wings at GSH flight school, soaring through the curriculum with flying colors and landing a job with a reputable company.

For the next decade, he navigated the skies as a line pilot and flight instructor, with a brief detour to Elbow River Heli in 2007 for a summer adventure.

Today, he continues to make waves at Avialta Helicopters, wearing multiple hats from customer support to accountable exec, boiler repair, groundskeeping, and even cooking up a storm, when needed.

Join us as we unravel the highs, the lows, and the breathtaking views in "The Helicopter Journey of Maury Wood.”

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