Shows
The RotorHub International PodcastInside MD Helicopters: Ryan Weeks on Support, Service & StrategyIn this special APSCON 2025 edition of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers sits down with Ryan Weeks, President and CEO of MD Helicopters, for an insightful conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of rotorcraft support.With a distinguished career spanning multiple Fortune 500 companies and industries, Ryan brings a wealth of strategic experience to his role at MD Helicopters. In this episode, he discusses the company’s renewed focus on aftermarket products and services—including spares, repairs and overhauls (R&O), upgrades, and customer support—and how these priorities are driving operational readiness and value for MD ope...2025-07-2127 minThe RotorHub International PodcastFlying with Purpose: Lisa Zumkeller on Aerial Firefighting, Medevac, and mentoring women in aviationIn this episode of the RotorHub International podcast, we are joined by Lisa Zumkeller, a contract precision longline pilot whose passion for vertical reference flying has taken her across some of Canada’s most rugged and remote landscapes. She plays a critical role in wildfire suppression operations and also flies medevac missions aboard the BK117.Originally from Germany, Lisa grew up on a farm before immigrating to Canada with her family at the age of 13. Lisa began her aviation journey as a Second-in-Command on the Super Puma, later transitioning to the Bell 206 and then the H125. Over th...2025-07-0723 minThe RotorHub International PodcastFlying Forward: Joe Decapite on training, sales and support at Bell Training AcademyIn this episode of the RotorHub International podcast, we sit down with Joe Decapite, Manager of Flight Training at Bell Training Academy. With a distinguished background in leadership across operations, logistics, and risk management, Joe brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. Joe shares insights into Bell’s approach to flight training, the evolving needs of pilots in today’s operational landscape, and how strategic planning and collaboration drive performance under pressure. 2025-06-2308 minThe RotorHub International PodcastPrecision in the Air: Mike Martin & Cody Berg on Next-Gen Rescue Hoist Technology with Air Rescue SystemsIn this episode of the RotorHub International podcast, we’re joined by Mike Martin, Vice President of Training, and Cody Berg, Hoist Operations Instructor at Air Rescue Systems. Together, they unveil a breakthrough in aerial rescue technology: a next-generation rescue hoist system designed to eliminate uncontrolled spin during extractions.Spinning during hoist operations has long been a critical safety concern, often complicating missions and endangering both rescuers and patients. Mike Martin and Cody Berg explain how their innovative system uses a projected air solution to stabilise the hoist line, offering greater control, increased safety and pre...2025-06-0909 minThe RotorHub International PodcastPowering the Future: NHV Group’s CEO Lars-Henrik Thorngreen on Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Rotorcraft TransformationLars-Henrik Thorngreen, a transformative leader in the aviation sector with a sharp focus on strategic growth, operational excellence, and innovation. With deep board-level expertise in governance, risk management, and navigating complex transformations. Thorngreen brings insights that extend far beyond aviation. From steering ESG initiatives to building stakeholder trust across regulated industries, he shares what it takes to lead with vision and deliver long-term value in today’s evolving landscape.2025-05-2721 minThe RotorHub International PodcastTwo Sides of the Same Mission: Crewed and Uncrewed Integration in Rotorcraft with Peter Fuchs and Rob Bentley-JohnstonIt has become readily apparent that, far from being competitors, crewed and uncrewed assets are becoming two sides of the same mission delivery coin. In this episode, we sit down with industry leaders from HeliFlite and Ascent Aerosystems to explore how nano drones are revolutionising mission flexibility, enhancing situational awareness, and integrating seamlessly into modern rotorcraft operations.2025-05-1216 minThe RotorHub International PodcastSafety first: Inside Aviation Safety Programmes with Zahara OubreZahara Oubre, Director of Aviation Safety Programs at mba Aviation, shares her journey leading global safety initiatives across airlines and the Oil and Gas sector. With over 15 years of experience, Zahara talks about driving innovation through programs like OSAR, UASi, and JumpseatSMS, and how they are shaping the future of aviation safety.2025-04-2823 minThe RotorHub International PodcastRonnie Ries on the future of HUMS systems and technologyIn recent years, the ability to use HUMS systems that are not only more accurate than ever before but also progressive reductions in weight, have made them a realistic option for almost every class of helicopter. In this episode GPMS' Mr HUMS Ronnie Ries shares his insight and vision about where the technology is, where it is going and what it means not only in dollars and cents, but also in in the wider service delivery sense.2025-04-1411 minThe RotorHub International PodcastRevolutionising vertical lift: magniX's electric future with CTO Riona ArmesmithThere are those that hype and there are those that do. In the vertical lift sector, there has been a lot of the former and precious little of the latter. At the forefront of those in the latter camp are magniX. Keep in mind that the company flew its first all-electric helicopter, a modified R44, over two years ago – and they continue to be at the leading edge of the fixed-wing space also. In this episode the company’s Chief Technology Officer, Riona Armesmith, shares the latest developments at the company and a vision for the coming years. If you...2025-03-3113 minThe RotorHub International PodcastFred North: From Hollywood stunts to helping the next generation of pilotsFred North has become synonymous with the production of action movies. Nine times out of ten, if there is a helicopter doing exciting things, it's Fred in action. But his latest project, leaves the glamour of Hollywood as he focusses on helping the next generation of pilots be the best they can be.2025-03-1724 minThe RotorHub International PodcastInside the Midlands Air Ambulance with Karen Baker: Training, innovation, and saving livesIn this special on-location episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, host Gideon Ewers visits the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity at RAF Cosford to explore their cutting-edge training facility. Joined by Aircrew Supervisor and Critical Care Paramedic Karen Baker, we take a deep dive into the advanced medical training and life-saving missions that make this air ambulance service so vital.2025-03-0312 minThe RotorHub International PodcastGary Vermaak on the challenges facing the eVTOL industryeVTOLs: Fact, Fiction, or Faction?In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, host Gideon Ewers sits down with Gary Vermaak, a senior advisor to the Advanced Air Mobility Institute, to discuss the challenges facing the eVTOL industry. From the realities of aircraft certification timelines to operational hurdles like battery performance in extreme conditions, we cut through the hype to uncover what’s truly feasible.2025-02-1728 min
The RotorHub International PodcastDay 2: EASA's David Solar on automation and the future of pilot roles and Bell's Steve Soliz on the evolving HEMS operations across the worldIn our second episode, host Gideon Ewers sits down with David Solar, EASA's Head of General Aviation and Vertical Take Off and Landing and Steve Soliz, Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) Segment Manager at Bell. Solar shares insights from EASA’s recent Rotorcraft and VTOL Safety Symposium, where discussions covered advanced automation, new safety measures, and the evolving role of pilots. As technology progresses, Solar discusses how the industry is exploring automation to enhance safety and its potential impact on pilot responsibilities. Soliz reflects on the early...2025-02-0516 min
The RotorHub International PodcastDay 3: Robinson Helicopter's David Smith on innovation, safety, and the future of vertical liftIn our third and final episode, host Gideon Ewers sits down with David Smith, President & CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, to discuss pressing challenges and emerging innovations in the rotorcraft industry. Smith offers his unique perspective on workforce development, regulatory constraints, industry-wide collaboration and exciting plans on the horizon for Robinson in 2025. Smith also teases upcoming Robinson projects and advocates for creative workforce development strategies to address shortages in skilled pilots and mechanics.2025-02-0517 min
The RotorHub International PodcastDay 1: Philippe Lubrano of Rotortrade on the emerging trends and challenges in the vertical lift marketPhilippe shares his unique insights from over three decades in the industry, covering the rising demand for new and pre-owned helicopters, supply chain pressures, and workforce challenges. With critical shifts in defence spending, disaster response, and climate change impacts, the global vertical lift industry faces unprecedented growth – and an urgent need to adapt.#season12025-02-0317 minThe RotorHub International PodcastClark McGinn on the highs and lows of financing in the helicopter marketThere can't be many people on the planet with more knowledge of the helicopter market than our guest in this episode, Clark McGinn. In his time with the Royal Bank of Scotland, CHC Leasing, Waypoint Leasing and latterly at Uplifting Advice, he's been at the front when it comes to financing aircraft, and has the scars to prove it!#season22025-02-0324 minThe RotorHub International PodcastStu Sprung on the larger challenges the aerial firefighting community faces as the climate evolvesThe devastating wildfires in Southern California have dominated the news cycle. But as he only stepped down as CAL FIRE’s Chief of Flight Operations a few weeks ago, there is no one on earth better placed to talk about the agency’s efforts to combat wildfires on such a scale than our guest, Stu Sprung. We talk not only tactics but also the larger challenges the aerial firefighting community faces as the climate evolves.#season22025-01-2029 min