The Vertical MRO Podcast

Welcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell!

In this Alert, Product Support Engineering Manager Marc Dubé is joined by Sebastien Rousseau, Product Lead for the Bell 429, to walk operators through the recently released Alert Service Bulletin concerning the main and tail rotor hydraulic servos on the Bell 429.

This episode explains why the bulletin calls for a one-time inspection of the MCV driver rods, following a supplier notification regarding potential non-conforming components. Marc and Sebastien address the key questions operators have already raised—along with the ones Bell expects to hear. Topics include the reasoning behind the combined 800-hour / 24-month compliance window, guidance for aircraft already undergoing major inspections, and why operators should send servos through Bell rather than directly to the supplier.

The discussion also covers expected turnaround times, how unexpected findings can affect lead time, and Bell’s recommendations to help operators minimize downtime.

For full details, operators should always refer directly to the official Alert Service Bulletin. 

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 another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell.

In this Bell Tech Talk episode, host Jon Gray is joined by Dawn Lehto and Tad Morley from Bell for an in-depth conversation on the real-world challenges and advancements of autopilot and avionics systems in modern rotorcraft.

Drawing from years of hands-on field experience, Dawn and Tad break down common autopilot troubleshooting issues, including friction-related faults, system relearning challenges, and why so many problems stem from long gaps between failures. They explain why knowing how to navigate the manuals before issues arise can save valuable time in the hangar and reduce frustration in the field.

The conversation also tackles one of the biggest misconceptions in maintenance—that avionics is harder than mechanical work. Dawn explains why it’s simply a different skill set, why good mechanics already have what it takes to succeed in avionics, and how continuous learning, networking, and system familiarity are the real keys to success.

From best practices in maintenance and training to where fly-by-wire and future autopilot technologies are heading, this episode delivers practical insight for maintainers at every stage of their career.

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, the second part of our two-part Vertical MRO Podcast series, hosts Jon Gray and Ronnie Ries sit down with Don Lockie of Aviation Resource Group, a seasoned expert in international shipping and logistics, to unpack the high-stakes world of moving aviation assets across the globe.

Don shares his journey into the aviation industry and the lessons learned from decades of navigating complex logistics. From understanding unique customer needs to managing razor-thin margins, he explains why experience and specialized knowledge are critical when the cargo is an aircraft. The discussion covers the hidden risks of oversimplifying logistics, the importance of risk management, and why building trusted partnerships can make or break a mission.

With real-world examples—including aircraft shipments and unexpected challenges—Don illustrates how innovative problem-solving, effective planning, and clear communication keep operations on track. Whether you’re managing fleet maintenance, overseeing parts supply, or coordinating large-scale aviation moves, this conversation delivers valuable insights into the logistics expertise required to succeed in today’s global aviation market.

Don also contributed to an article on International Shipping for Vertical, which can be found here.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Metro Aviation, 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 two-part Vertical MRO Podcast series, hosts Jon Gray and Ronnie Ries sit down with Don Lockie of Aviation Resource Group, a seasoned expert in international shipping and logistics, to unpack the high-stakes world of moving aviation assets across the globe.

Don shares his journey into the aviation industry and the lessons learned from decades of navigating complex logistics. From understanding unique customer needs to managing razor-thin margins, he explains why experience and specialized knowledge are critical when the cargo is an aircraft. The discussion covers the hidden risks of oversimplifying logistics, the importance of risk management, and why building trusted partnerships can make or break a mission.

With real-world examples—including aircraft shipments and unexpected challenges—Don illustrates how innovative problem-solving, effective planning, and clear communication keep operations on track. Whether you’re managing fleet maintenance, overseeing parts supply, or coordinating large-scale aviation moves, this conversation delivers valuable insights into the logistics expertise required to succeed in today’s global aviation market.

Don also contributed to an article on International Shipping for Vertical, which can be found here.

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

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

This special edition of the Vertical MRO Podcast brings you a fast-paced series of conversations recorded live at the 2025 Irving MRO Conference. Host Jon Gray and Producer David Kreutzkamp sit down with a wide range of voices—from operators and technicians to students, MRO leaders, and innovators—to capture the energy, challenges, and ideas shaping helicopter maintenance today.

Across these mini-segments, you’ll hear insights on workforce development, training pipelines, culture building, leadership, parts support, real-world problem-solving, and what keeps people passionate about this MRO community year after year. Featured guests include Lewis University and Rising Aviation students, as well as team members from Leonardo, Leading Edge Aerospace, Ace Aeronautics, Camp Systems, SAFE Structure Designs, TurboLyft and also our friend Dr Kodey Bogart — each offering a unique perspective on where our industry is today and where it’s heading.

Whether you were at the conference or experiencing it for the first time through this episode, this recap highlights the collaboration, passion, and shared mission that continue to drive helicopter maintenance forward.

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

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

In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Ronnie Ries sit down with Jamie Wood, the CEO and Founder of the bio-technology platform Autonomic.

Jamie is changing the way people think and learn about their brains. Through neuroscience based products and cutting edge technologies, her mission is to elevate human potential by bringing personalized brain health solutions to the masses. 

During the conversation we explore the critical role of cognitive performance in aviation maintenance and operations. Jamie shares her work with aviation maintenance colleges and organizations, where she has built effective programs to help address burnout and improve focus and mental sharpness. 

Together, we unpack how fatigue, hydration, nutrition, and sleep directly affect safety and high performance in the hangar and beyond.

This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about human performance, aviation safety, and creating an environment that empowers teams to thrive.

Jamie’s work focuses on supporting driven individuals in high-demand environments that rely heavily on their cognitive abilities, this includes helicopter maintainers, executives, leaders, employees, athletes, and students. 

Jamie is a speaker, mentor, brain performance expert, and researcher. Having bootstrapped her brain performance technology company and brought a scientifically proven cognitive enhancement solution to market, Jamie understands the unique demands placed upon the brains of highly driven individuals in high-performance environments. 

Jamie has worked with some of the most exciting up and coming leaders in tech, gaming, extraction, marketing, student organizations, and big data. Her workshops and training programs are in North America's VCs, Accelerators and Academic Institutions.

Jamie has led groundbreaking research studies looking at brain health in high-stress environments using Mobile EEG, and sits on the cutting edge of brain health technology working alongside world leading neuroscientists. She has worked with over 100 founders and is a sought after speaker for Fortune 500 companies and top tech conferences including the Vertical MRO Conference. 

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

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

In this two-part Vertical MRO Podcast series, hosts Jon Gray and Faith Ortega have an engaging conversation with Dale Neubauer, an airfame and powerplant (A&P) mechanic and CEO of HeliLadder; and Drew Benton Jr., owner of Helicopter Maintenance Solutions.

During the conversation, our guests explore their journeys in the helicopter community. They discuss the professional challenges faced by helicopter technicians, the importance of teamwork and communication, and the critical nature of ensuring aircraft are airworthy.

Dale talks about how his experiences in the helicopter air ambulance sector impacted his personal and professional life. He shares a personal story you won't want to miss that highlights the impact of maintenance on patient outcomes, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in the field.

Dale talks about the motivation for him and his wife and Susie to create and launch HeliLadder in 2015, starting from their garage with a shared vision to improve aircraft maintenance safety and efficiency. Dale’s 30 years of experience in aircraft maintenance provided the foundation for creating the world’s first modular and portable workstand. 

Driven by a passion for changing how maintenance is performed, Dale and Susie’s work at HeliLadder continues to prioritize safety, comfort, and quality. Dale’s background and commitment underscore the company’s mission to support safe, efficient, and reliable aircraft maintenance, making a tangible difference in the aviation industry through innovative solutions and unwavering dedication.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Airbus, Metro Aviation and Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing.

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

In this two-part Vertical MRO Podcast series, hosts Jon Gray and Faith Ortega have an engaging conversation with Dale Neubauer, an airfame and powerplant (A&P) mechanic and CEO of HeliLadder; and Drew Benton Jr., owner of Helicopter Maintenance Solutions.

During the conversation, our guests explore their journeys in the helicopter community. They discuss the professional challenges faced by helicopter technicians, the importance of teamwork and communication, and the critical nature of ensuring aircraft are airworthy.

Dale talks about how his experiences in the helicopter air ambulance sector impacted his personal and professional life. He shares a personal story you won't want to miss that highlights the impact of maintenance on patient outcomes, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in the field.

Dale talks about the motivation for him and his wife and Susie to create and launch HeliLadder in 2015, starting from their garage with a shared vision to improve aircraft maintenance safety and efficiency. Dale’s 30 years of experience in aircraft maintenance provided the foundation for creating the world’s first modular and portable workstand. 

Driven by a passion for changing how maintenance is performed, Dale and Susie’s work at HeliLadder continues to prioritize safety, comfort, and quality. Dale’s background and commitment underscore the company’s mission to support safe, efficient, and reliable aircraft maintenance, making a tangible difference in the aviation industry through innovative solutions and unwavering dedication.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Vertical Aviation International, HeliLadder and Robinson Helicopter.

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

The Vertical MRO Podcast recorded this special episode live from the Vertical Valor booth at APSCON, the Airborne Public Safety Association's annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Host Jon Gray is joined by guest host Jeff Ratkovic from the Hangar Z Podcast to honor the service of Matt Pagano, maintainer for the Riverside (California) Police Department Air Support Unit. Matt was recently recognized with the 2025 Airborne Public Safety Aviation Technical Specialist Award.

The Technical Specialist Award is given to an individual whose aviation maintenance efforts for a law enforcement agency are performed extraordinarily well, above and beyond what is normally expected. Their efforts bring distinction to themselves, their department, and to the Airborne Public Safety Association. 

A central focus of the discussion is Riverside’s transition from the MD 500 helicopter to the Airbus H125 — a shift that has required Matt to prepare new facilities, adapt to evolving mission equipment, and lean on the broader helicopter community for support. Matt shares how mentorship, teamwork, and knowledge-sharing within the aviation industry have been essential in navigating this change.

Together, Jon, Jeff, and Matt dive into the importance of building a culture of safety and trust, investing in tools and training, and recognizing the legacy of beloved aircraft like the MD 500. 

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

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

In this special recap episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Howie Murray, along with producer David Kreutzkamp, take listeners inside the inaugural Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna, British Columbia. This first-of-its-kind gathering brought together more than 500 rotorcraft professionals to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and celebrate the passion that drives the helicopter maintenance community.

Recorded live at the event, this episode features highlights from 12 on-site mini-interviews that capture the excitement, collaboration, and inspiration of the conference. From discussions on mentorship and recruiting the next generation of AMEs, to the growing role of social media in connecting the maintenance community, the episode showcases the voices and insights that made the event unforgettable.

With 30+ FAA-approved educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and a strong focus on community, the Kelowna conference marked the beginning of a movement for the MRO industry.

If you missed Kelowna, don’t worry — the Vertical MRO Conference is heading next to Irving, Texas, November 10–12, 2025. Spots are filling fast, so REGISTER NOW and be part of the next chapter in shaping the future of rotorcraft maintenance.

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