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.

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, co-host Faith Ortega, and guest Joseph LaCaze of Helicopter Work Aids take listeners on a journey through legacy, innovation, and the personal side of helicopter maintenance.

Joe shares how a childhood surrounded by aviation shaped his passion for the industry—and how that passion evolved into a career rooted in both technical expertise and a drive to improve the tools of the trade. From early influences in the Gulf of Mexico to co-founding Helicopter Work Aids a family business focused on aviation tools, Joe highlights the power of mentorship, the impact of embracing challenges, and the value of community in growing as a maintainer.

The conversation moves seamlessly from lighthearted banter about sports rivalries and family stories to deep dives into safety-focused tool innovation, quality control, and the evolving needs of helicopter mechanics. With insights on continuous learning, legacy aircraft, and building strong industry partnerships, this episode offers something for everyone in the rotorcraft maintenance world.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Airbus 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 of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Val Medved, co-host Faith Ortega, and guest Joseph LaCaze take listeners on a journey through legacy, innovation, and the personal side of helicopter maintenance.

Joe shares how a childhood surrounded by aviation shaped his passion for the industry—and how that passion evolved into a career rooted in both technical expertise and a drive to improve the tools of the trade. From early influences in the Gulf of Mexico to co-founding a family business focused on aviation tools, Joe highlights the power of mentorship, the impact of embracing challenges, and the value of community in growing as a maintainer.

The conversation moves seamlessly from lighthearted banter about sports rivalries and family stories to deep dives into safety-focused tool innovation, quality control, and the evolving needs of helicopter mechanics. With insights on continuous learning, legacy aircraft, and building strong industry partnerships, this episode offers something for everyone in the rotorcraft maintenance world.

Special thanks to our sponsors, SAFE Structure Designs, 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 this episode of the Vertical MRO podcast, host Jon Gray sits down with two industry experts who will be presenting at the upcoming Vertical MRO Conference.

Chris Matt, with over 36 years of experience at PHI, shares insights into his course on corrosion, highlighting its critical impact on rotorcraft maintenance.

Francois Magnan, a veteran in the rotorcraft community since 1981 and currently with Parker Lord, discusses his presentation on the care and inspection of elastomeric components.

This conversation highlights the essential role of the Vertical MRO Conference in promoting knowledge exchange among rotorcraft maintenance professionals.

It also underscores the critical importance of continuous training, industry recruitment, and strong networking, all of which are vital to ensuring safety, operational excellence, and the ongoing advancement of rotorcraft maintenance.

Registration is now open for the upcoming Vertical MRO Conference. Join us from October 7-9 at the KF Centre for Excellence in Kelowna, British Columbia, or from November 10-12 at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, Texas. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and expand your industry expertise!

For more information about the Vertical MRO Conference, including registration details and the agenda, visit our website at verticalmro.com.

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 Jack Schonely, hosts of the Hangar Z Podcast, sit down with Richard Weiser from the Glendale Burbank Police Air Support Unit.

Weiser is a highly skilled helicopter maintenance professional with over 25 years of experience in maintaining and supporting helicopter operations.

With more than 18 years dedicated to law enforcement aviation, Weiser has demonstrated exceptional expertise in ensuring aircraft airworthiness, modifying helicopters to meet departmental needs, and managing maintenance schedules.

Currently serving as the director of maintenance for the Glendale Burbank Police Department Air Support Unit, he has maintained a fleet of MD500N helicopters for over 15 years.

Weiser’s background also includes military helicopter maintenance service in the United States Marine Corps. He holds an active A&P mechanic certificate and an IA inspector authorization.

Known for his reliability, technical skill, and dedication, Weiser is a proven asset in aviation maintenance and law enforcement support.

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

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 Jack Schonely, hosts of the Hangar Z Podcast, sit down with Richard Weiser from the Glendale Burbank Police Air Support Unit.

Weiser is a highly skilled helicopter maintenance professional with over 25 years of experience in maintaining and supporting helicopter operations.

With more than 18 years dedicated to law enforcement aviation, Weiser has demonstrated exceptional expertise in ensuring aircraft airworthiness, modifying helicopters to meet departmental needs, and managing maintenance schedules.

Currently serving as the director of maintenance for the Glendale Burbank Police Department Air Support Unit, he has maintained a fleet of MD500N helicopters for over 15 years.

Weiser’s background also includes military helicopter maintenance service in the United States Marine Corps. He holds an active A&P mechanic certificate and an IA inspector authorization.

Known for his reliability, technical skill, and dedication, Weiser is a proven asset in aviation maintenance and law enforcement support.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Metro Aviation Inc. and Airbus.

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

In this special edition of the Vertical MRO Podcast, Jon Gray welcomes back Val Medved for a long-overdue catch-up on career changes, podcast reflections, and what’s next for VMRO. Val shares how a promotion to director of sales and marketing at Essential Turbines has kept him busy, but his passion for the podcast—and the maintenance community it celebrates—has never wavered. Together, Jon and Val reflect on standout moments from the first year of the show, from ice fishing interviews to global recognition from industry pros.

This episode also features five listener-favorite clips:
• Episode 29: Tristan Bedoe, Maintenance Instructor—Hands-on AME training and facing the AME shortage;
• Episode 28: The Vertical MRO Conference—Building a rotorcraft maintenance conference from the ground up;
• Bell Tech Talk Episode 2: Helicopter Washing—Highlighting how washing helicopters is more than just maintenance;
• Episode 33: A Lifetime of Maintenance with Mike Broderick—How troubleshooting is evolving with technology; and
• Episode 18: AI Maintenance Panel—Covering the transformative impact of AI on helicopter maintenance.

Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or have been with us since Episode 1, this retrospective is a celebration of the people, passion, and behind-the-scenes brilliance that keep the rotorcraft world turning.

Special thanks to you, our listeners! Thank you for listening and being a part of the MRO family. If you can spare a minute, please leave a review of the podcast and let us know how we are doing!