Shows
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 80: MRO Podcast 2025 Wrap Up—Community, Leadership, and What’s NextWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode of Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Ronie, Scott, Terrence and Jon, along with producer and host David, reflect on the past year. We have an opportunity to discuss highlights, and the growth of the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) community developed through the podcast and the Vertical MRO Conference.We also talk about the excitement surrounding the next generation of aviation professionals and the need for continued conversations promoting the maintenance community. Lastly, we d...
2025-12-2255 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 79: Emerging Technologies in Helicopter MaintenanceWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.Recorded live at the inaugural Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna, British Columbia, this episode features a panel discussion on one of the industry’s most transformative topics: Technology and the future of rotorcraft maintenance.Hosted by Jon Gray, this conversation brings together Seth Hardage, CEO of Rotorcraft Repair and Manufacturing; Ronnie Ries, vice president of marketing at GPMS; and Joaquin DeMoreta, CEO and founder of Digital AirWare. Together, they explore how cutting-edge technologies — from health and usage moni...
2025-12-151h 06
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 78: Inside Aviation’s Most Complex Shipments: Don Lockie on The Risks and Results Part IIWelcome 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...
2025-12-0850 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 77: Inside Aviation’s Most Complex Shipments: Don Lockie on The Risks and Results Part IWelcome 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...
2025-12-0145 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 76: Voices from the Irving MRO Conference - Insights from Across the IndustryWelcome 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 k...
2025-11-241h 11
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 75: The Neuroscience of Aviation: Sleep, Focus & Stopping Burnout with Jamie WoodWelcome 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 a...
2025-11-171h 28
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 74: The HeliLadder Revolution: A Conversation with Dale Neubauer and Drew Benton Jr. - Part IIWelcome 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....
2025-11-1052 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 73: The HeliLadder Revolution: A Conversation with Dale Neubauer and Drew Benton Jr. - Part IWelcome 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....
2025-11-031h 04
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 72: Honoring Matt Pagano: APSA’s 2025 Technical Specialist Award winnerWelcome 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...
2025-10-271h 34
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode #71: Highlights from the First Vertical MRO Conference in KelownaWelcome 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...
2025-10-201h 27
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 70: Celebrating Excellence: Zina Hullings and the Blades of Valor Award - Part IIWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two-part Vertical MRO Podcast series, Jon Gray sits down with Zina Hullings, management analyst at the Ontario (California) Police Department Air Support Unit; and Eric Weidner, who was Ontario PD Air Support commander before retiring in 2016.Zina is recipient of the prestigious Blades of Valor Recognition of Service, Courage, and Flight Award, an honor that celebrates 20 extraordinary professionals in the fields of aviation, helicopter emergency medical services, and public safety, who have demonstrated outstanding courage, innovation...
2025-10-141h 09
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 69: Celebrating Excellence: Zina Hullings and the Blades of Valor Award - Part IWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two-part Vertical MRO Podcast series, Jon Gray sits down with Zina Hullings, management analyst at the Ontario (California) Police Department Air Support Unit; and Eric Weidner, who was Ontario PD Air Support commander before retiring in 2016.Zina is recipient of the prestigious Blades of Valor Recognition of Service, Courage, and Flight Award, an honor that celebrates 20 extraordinary professionals in the fields of aviation, helicopter emergency medical services, and public safety, who have demonstrated outstanding courage, innovation...
2025-10-071h 04
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 68: Adam Garcia on 50 Years in Aviation, from the 160th to SAPD’s EAGLE Unit – Part IIWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Jon Gray speaks with Adam Garcia, a helicopter maintenance professional whose career spans nearly five decades. Adam’s aviation journey began with a life-saving helicopter ride in his youth and carried him through a long and distinguished career in both military and public safety aviation.Adam served with the prestigious 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, where he honed his technical and leadership skills in some of the mos...
2025-09-2954 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 67: Adam Garcia on 50 Years in Aviation, from the 160th to SAPD’s EAGLE Unit – Part IWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Jon Gray speaks with Adam Garcia, a helicopter maintenance professional whose career spans nearly five decades. Adam’s aviation journey began with a life-saving helicopter ride in his youth and carried him through a long and distinguished career in both military and public safety aviation.Adam served with the prestigious 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, where he honed his technical and leadership skills in some of the mos...
2025-09-2251 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 66: Final Countdown — Don’t Miss Your Chance to Register for the First Vertical MRO ConferencesWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode, hosts Jon Gray and David Kreutzkamp sit down with MHM Publishing co-founder and co-publisher Linda Reyno, and Leslie Ferry, MHM Publishing’s event director, to give exciting updates on the Vertical MRO Conferences. These events are right around the corner, being held in Kelowna, British Columbia, at the KF Centre for Excellence from Oct. 7 to 9; and in Irving, Texas, at the Irving Convention Center, from Nov 10 to 12.This is a conference, not a tradeshow. We ar...
2025-09-1546 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 64: Blackhawk Crew Chief to Industry Leader — James Simmons’ Journey in Helicopter MRO Part IIWelcome 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 and co-host Leslie Ferry sit down with James Simmons, founder of Avolatus and a seasoned aviation professional. We explore his career journey in aviation and gather his insights into the rotorcraft maintenance industry. James shares his experiences from his military service to his current role in workforce development with Vertical Aviation International (VAI), highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the MRO sector. Lea...
2025-09-0846 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 63: Blackhawk Crew Chief to Industry Leader — James Simmons’ Journey in Helicopter MRO Part IWelcome 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 and co-host Leslie Ferry sit down with James Simmons, founder of Avolatus and a seasoned aviation professional. We explore his career journey in aviation and gather his insights into the rotorcraft maintenance industry. James shares his experiences from his military service to his current role in workforce development with Vertical Aviation International (VAI), highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the MRO sector. Lea...
2025-09-0153 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 62: Inside the Classroom – How Thrust Inst. is Reinventing Helicopter Training Part IIWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two part series of the Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Ronnie Ries have a discussion with Jon Dillenberg, director at the Thrust Institute of Maintenance.During this conversation, we dive into the critical challenges and exciting opportunities in recruiting and shaping the next generation of talent in the aviation industry.Jon talks about the Thrust Institute’s innovative training approaches. We discuss leveraging social media and partnerships with high school STEM pr...
2025-08-2548 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 61: Inside the Classroom – How Thrust Inst. is Reinventing Helicopter Training Part IWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two part series of the Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Ronnie Ries have a discussion with Jon Dillenberg, director at the Thrust Institute of Maintenance.During this conversation, we dive into the critical challenges and exciting opportunities in recruiting and shaping the next generation of talent in the aviation industry.Jon talks about the Thrust Institute’s innovative training approaches. We discuss leveraging social media and partnerships with high school STEM pr...
2025-08-1846 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastBonus Episode! Milton Geltz, Managing Director of Metro Aviation, on 50 Years of Aviation ExcellenceWelcome 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 and co-host Howie Murray, sit down with Milton Geltz, managing director of Metro Aviation, to reflect on his remarkable 50-year career in aviation. Milton began his journey in 1976 and has been with Metro since 1983, overseeing daily operations across flight, maintenance, completions, finance, sales, and marketing. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in professional aviation management, Milton also holds a Federal Aviation...
2025-08-131h 18
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 60: How Airbus Supports 12,000+ Helicopters – Romain Trapp on Innovation & TrustWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this special episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Jon Gray is joined by Romain Trapp, Executive Vice President of Customer Support and Services at Airbus Helicopters, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, innovation, and the future of rotorcraft support.Romain shares the personal journey that led him through key leadership roles at Airbus Helicopters in Canada, North America, and now globally — a journey grounded in passion, purpose, and people.Listeners will hear about:...
2025-08-111h 00
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 59: Seth Hardage on Blade Safety, Dragon Skin, and the Future of Rotorcraft MaintenanceWelcome 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 Seth Hardage, owner of Rotorcraft Repair and Manufacturing, to uncover the vital importance of preventative maintenance in aviation. Seth introduces their groundbreaking product, Dragon Skin Xtreme—an advanced rotor blade leading edge protective coating designed to combat erosion and corrosion.Throughout the conversation, Seth shares his inspiring journey in the rotorcraft community, offering valuable insights into the differences between erosion and corrosion, and th...
2025-08-041h 03
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 58: The Secret to Retaining Your Best Techs with Clint Pulver and Shawn Bruton Part IIWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.This two-part leadership series episode was recorded on location in Shreveport, Louisiana, at Metro Aviation. Hosts Jon Gray and Leslie Ferry sit down with Metro Aviation’s director of maintenance Shawn Bruton and Emmy Award winner, author, and keynote speaker Clint Pulver.During our conversation, we explore the vital role of effective leadership in the realms of the ma...
2025-07-281h 02
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 57: The Secret to Retaining Your Best Techs with Clint Pulver and Shawn Bruton Part IWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.This two-part leadership series episode was recorded on location in Shreveport, Louisiana, at Metro Aviation. Hosts Jon Gray and Leslie Ferry sit down with Metro Aviation’s director of maintenance Shawn Bruton and Emmy Award winner, author, and keynote speaker Clint Pulver. During our conversation, we explore the vital role of effective leadership in the realms of the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) community. Shawn shares his story, from starting out as a young man cu...
2025-07-2156 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 56: Leonardo Helicopters: Insights from the Director of Maintenance, James Helkey Part IIWelcome 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....
2025-07-1447 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 55: Leonardo Helicopters: Insights from the Director of Maintenance, James Helkey Part IWelcome 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....
2025-07-0745 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 54: Gulf Skies to Game-Changing Tools: Joseph LaCaze of Helicopter Work Aids Part IIWelcome 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...
2025-06-231h 03
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 53: Gulf Skies to Game-Changing Tools: Joseph LaCaze of Helicopter Work Aids Part IWelcome 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 Me...
2025-06-161h 01
The Vertical MRO PodcastBonus Episode! What’s Ahead at the MRO Conference – Training, Tech & Team BuildingWelcome 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.
2025-06-1134 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 52: Inside Law Enforcement Helicopter Maintenance with Richard Weiser Part IIWelcome 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.
2025-06-0947 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 51: Inside Law Enforcement Helicopter Maintenance with Richard Weiser Part IWelcome 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.
2025-06-0251 minThe Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 50: A Year of Hangar Talk, Highlights & What's Next for the ShowWelcome 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 fishin...
2025-05-301h 04
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 49: Maintaining the mission - Faith Ortega and Valor Flight Crew - Part IIWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In part two of this special collaborative episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we continue our conversation with the Valor Flight Crew Podcast team to bring you a unique perspective from the front lines of helicopter air ambulance operations.This episode features Vertical MRO co-host and experienced maintainer Faith Ortega, who shares her journey working in general aviation and now supporting critical EMS missions. Interviewed by Valor Flight Crew hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider, Faith offers...
2025-05-231h 08
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 48: Maintaining the mission - Faith Ortega and Valor Flight Crew - Part IWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this special collaborative episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we team up with our colleagues at the Valor Flight Crew Podcast to bring you a unique perspective from the front lines of helicopter air ambulance operations.This episode features Vertical MRO co-host and experienced maintainer Faith Ortega, who shares her journey working in general aviation and now supporting critical EMS missions. Interviewed by Valor Flight Crew hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider, Faith offers a candid...
2025-05-161h 04The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 47: Vertical MRO Conference: Influential Voices on Industry ImpactWelcome 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 discusses the significance of the upcoming Vertical MRO conferences. Joined by industry leaders and supporters of the Vertical MRO Conference, the conversation covers the importance of networking, education, leadership, and the challenges of recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.The panelists share their insights on how the Vertical MRO Conference aims to foster collaboration, share best practices, and encourage participation from all facets of the...
2025-05-0936 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 46: Aircraft Maintenance Challenges in Mosquito Control: Nelson Reithmaier - Part IIWelcome 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 Ronnie Ries sit down with Nelson Reithmaier, chief of maintenance for Pasco County Mosquito Control.During the conversation, they explore Nelson's extensive background in aviation, particularly his time in the Coast Guard, where he worked as an aviation maintenance technician.The discussion delves into the challenges of maintaining aircraft in corrosive environments, and the training and selection process for Coast Guard aviation.We get an opportunity...
2025-05-0245 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 45: Aircraft Maintenance Challenges in Mosquito Control: Nelson Reithmaier - Part IWelcome 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 Ronnie Ries sit down with Nelson Reithmaier, chief of maintenance for Pasco County Mosquito Control. During the conversation, they explore Nelson's extensive background in aviation, particularly his time in the Coast Guard, where he worked as an aviation maintenance technician. The discussion delves into the challenges of maintaining aircraft in corrosive environments, and the training and selection process for Coast Guard aviation.We get an opportunity...
2025-04-2552 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 44: Hoist Ops & Ice Fishing Tales with Jason Quinn – Quinny on IceWelcome 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 is joined by Jason Quinn of the Real ResQ Podcast for a conversation that blends outdoor adventure with critical aviation insight in “Quinny on Ice.”Recorded amidst the chill of an ice-fishing trip, this episode explores the unique intersection of cold-weather recreation and helicopter hoist maintenance. Val and Jason share stories from the field, offering both light-hearted moments and serious reflections on the responsibilities tied to hois...
2025-04-181h 30
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 43: HUMS Technology: Insights from GPMS’ Josh Kethan and Ronnie Ries - Part IIWelcome 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 experts in the health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) segments. These experts are Josh Kethan and Ronnie Ries from GPMS. We will explore how HUMS technology is revolutionizing the maintenance industry and is improving helicopter flight safety.This conversation was recorded shortly after Verticon, kicking off with a discussion on the value of attending industry conferences. We delve into the inaugural Vertical MRO Conference...
2025-04-1156 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 42: HUMS Technology: Insights from GPMS’ Josh Kethan and Ronnie Ries - Part IWelcome 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 experts in the health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) segments.These experts are Josh Kethan and Ronnie Ries from GPMS. We will explore how HUMS technology is revolutionizing the maintenance industry and is improving helicopter flight safety.This conversation was recorded shortly after Verticon, kicking off with a discussion on the value of attending industry conferences.We delve into the inaugural Vertical MRO Conference...
2025-04-0456 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastVertical MRO Tech Talk By Bell - Episode 4 - The Future of Bell Tech Pubs and Digital MaintenanceWelcome to another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell. In this episode, hosts Val Medved, Greg, and Skip, dive into the evolution of technical publications (tech pubs) at Bell, highlighting how the shift from traditional PDF manuals to the interactive S1000D format is transforming maintenance efficiency. Skip shares his insights on the critical role tech pubs play for operators and maintainers, shedding light on recent enhancements designed to improve accessibility and usability.The conversation also explores the latest technological advancements in helicopter maintenance, including the integration of digital tools and tablets t...
2025-03-3151 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 41: Inside the 2025 Vertical MRO Conferences with Leslie FerryWelcome 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, hosts Val Medved and Jon Gray sit down with Leslie Ferry to discuss the upcoming Vertical MRO conferences in Kelowna, British Columbia, and Dallas, Texas.Leslie shares insight into the significance of these conferences for helicopter maintenance professionals, highlighting their focus on education, networking, and hands-on training. The conversation explores the logistics of the events, the unique opportunities for students and apprentices to attend for free, and the vital...
2025-03-2144 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 40: Quality Assurance and Mentorship in Helicopter Aviation with Paul SliskovicWelcome 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, hosts Val Medved and Scott Hayward sit down with Paul Sliskovic, a seasoned aviation professional with over 25 years of experience, now serving as quality assurance manager at Wildcat Helicopters.Paul shares his journey in the helicopter industry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of transitioning from a mechanic to a quality assurance role. He discusses the evolving landscape of compliance, the importance of mentorship, and the cultural shifts needed to...
2025-03-141h 08
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 39: Aviation Operations & MRO Challenges with Billings Flying Service - Part IIWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In Part 2 of this two-part series, hosts Val Medved and Jon Gray sit down with Peter Yegen and Jed Wagner from Billings Flying Service for a deep dive into the complexities of aviation operations and maintenance.Peter and Jed share their personal journeys into aviation, discussing the influence of family, mentorship, and hands-on experience. They explore critical topics such as risk management, disaster preparedness, and the importance of crisis response in shaping company culture.The...
2025-03-071h 13
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 38: Aviation Operations & MRO Challenges with Billings Flying Service - Part IWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In Part 1 of this two-part series, hosts Val Medved and Jon Gray sit down with Peter Yegen and Jed Wagner from Billings Flying Service for a deep dive into the complexities of aviation operations and maintenance.Peter and Jed share their personal journeys into aviation, discussing the influence of family, mentorship, and hands-on experience. They explore critical topics such as risk management, disaster preparedness, and the importance of crisis response in shaping company culture.The...
2025-02-2855 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 37: Engineering the Future of Aerial Firefighting with Ephraim NowakWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode, hosts Val Medved and Scott Hayward are joined by Ephraim Nowak, an esteemed engineer specializing in unmanned aircraft, with a focus on innovative applications in firefighting. Ephraim discusses his journey from working with small drones to pioneering the development of autonomous firefighting helicopters. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge technology behind these systems, the challenges of integrating them into existing firefighting practices, and the regulatory hurdles faced in certification. ...
2025-02-211h 06
The Vertical MRO PodcastVertical MRO Tech Talk by Bell – Episode 3 – The Science of Track and Balance: Vibrations That Make a DifferenceWelcome to another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell. In today's episode, hosts Val, Greg, and Martin, dive deep into the intricate world of track and balance in helicopters. They begin by unpacking the fundamental principles of helicopter dynamics, explaining the importance of one-per-rev, two-per-rev, and four-per-rev vibrations. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding harmonics and resonance conditions, alongside practical tips for adjusting natural frequencies to enhance overall helicopter performance.The experts share their wealth of experience and insights, making this episode an invaluable resource for anyone involved in he...
2025-02-141h 11
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 36: Arctic Operations Uncovered: A Conversation with Pathfinder Aviation’s Rob Estey - Part IIWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two-part series, Val Medved is away visiting Australia so Jon Gray, and Faith Ortega step in to host a conversation with Rob Estey from Pathfinder Aviation.This podcast episode accompanies an article featured in Vertical Magazine that explores helicopter operations in Antarctica. Be sure to check out the February-March 2025 Aerial Work issue of Vertical Magazine to read more about this fascinating topic.During this series, we’ll explore the remote operations of Pathfinder Av...
2025-02-0551 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 35: Arctic Operations Uncovered: A Conversation with Pathfinder Aviation’s Rob Estey - Part IWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two-part series, Val Medved is away visiting Australia so Jon Gray, and Faith Ortega step in to host a conversation with Rob Estey from Pathfinder Aviation.This podcast episode accompanies an article featured in Vertical Magazine that explores helicopter operations in Antarctica. Be sure to check out the February-March 2025 Aerial Work issue of Vertical Magazine to read more about this fascinating topic.During this series, we’ll explore the remote operations of Pathfinder Av...
2025-01-3152 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 34: Lessons from 53 years with veteran aviation mechanic Mike Broderick - Part IIWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two-part series, hosts Val Medved and Jon Gray are joined by Mike Broderick, a seasoned aviation mechanic with an impressive 53 years of experience in the field. Together, they explore Mike's remarkable journey in aviation, reminiscing about his early days, memorable experiences, and the legal challenges that shape the industry today.Listen in as they highlight the need for outreach to attract the next generation of mechanics and the unique issues faced within the...
2025-01-2454 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 33: Lessons from 53 years with veteran aviation mechanic Mike Broderick - Part IWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two-part series, hosts Val Medved and Jon Gray are joined by Mike Broderick, a seasoned aviation mechanic with an impressive 53 years of experience in the field. Together, they explore Mike's remarkable journey in aviation, reminiscing about his early days, memorable experiences, and the legal challenges that shape the industry today. Listen in as they highlight the need for outreach to attract the next generation of mechanics and the unique issues faced within the h...
2025-01-171h 09
The Vertical MRO PodcastVertical MRO Alerts: By Bell - Episode 2 - ThixO SYN Grease Obsolescence & Lubricant ConversionWelcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell!In this episode, hosts Marc Dubé and Mike Vautour, technical experts on the Bell Product Support Engineering (PSE) Team, share insights into recently released Service Directives regarding the obsolescence of ThixO SYN Grease, which impacts various Bell 206, 407, and 505 models.These seasoned professionals provide additional background context on the ThixO SYN Grease obsolescence, the team's process in finding a replacement, and other helpful insights for Bell maintainers.With a commitment to transparency and support, this podcast aims to provide detailed insights into these directives and enhance u...
2025-01-1522 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 32: The Power of Partnership: Kamatics & Rotorcraft's DSX Coatings DevelopmentWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine. In this episode, Val Medved welcomes Scott Hayward to the pod as a co-host. Val and Scott interview two incredible guests: Seth Hardage and Chris Prain. Together, we’ll explore the revolutionary Dragon Skin Xtreme (DSX) coating developed by Seth’s company, Rotorcraft Repair and Manufacturing. In this episode, we’ll uncover the origins of the DSX coating, discussing its rigorous testing and impressive performance in protecting rotor blades from corrosion and erosion. You’ll hear abou...
2025-01-101h 13
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 31 - Rotor Maintenance Mastery: Beth Christianos of Leading Edge Aerospace Part IIWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this inspiring two-part series, hosts Val Medved and Jon Gray sit down with Beth Christianos, founder and director of maintenance at Leading Edge Aerospace. During the conversation, Beth shares her unique journey into the aviation industry, from her initial fascination with helicopters to her strategic decision to pursue engineering over flying. With no family background in aviation, Beth reflects on the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, emphasizing the critical importance of...
2024-12-2051 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 30 - Rotor Maintenance Mastery: Beth Christianos of Leading Edge Aerospace Part IWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this inspiring two-part series, hosts Val Medved and Jon Gray sit down with Beth Christianos, founder and director of maintenance at Leading Edge Aerospace. During the conversation, Beth shares her unique journey into the aviation industry, from her initial fascination with helicopters to her strategic decision to pursue engineering over flying. With no family background in aviation, Beth reflects on the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, emphasizing the critical importance of tr...
2024-12-1350 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 29: Instructing the Next Generation With Tristan BeddoeWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Val Medved sits down with Tristan Beddoe from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to delve into the aviation maintenance engineering (AME) profession. They discuss the various career paths within helicopter maintenance and the vital role of training and mentorship in the field. Tristan shares his own journey and insights on the skills taught at SAIT, highlighting the collaboration between educational institutions and the aviation industry to ensure students are job-ready upon graduation.
2024-12-061h 10
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 28 - Empowering the Rotorcraft Maintenance Community: The Vertical MRO ConferenceWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode, Jon Gray takes the helm in Val’s absence to discuss the newly announced Vertical Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) conference with an esteemed panel of guests: Linda Reyno, Mike Reyno, Leslie Ferry, and Madison Reyno.Join us as the speakers share their vision for creating a vibrant atmosphere at the conference, explore the crucial role of the VMRO Podcast in fostering ongoing industry dialogues, and highlight the importance of social media engagement within the MRO community.We’ll d...
2024-11-2251 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 27 - Survey Says: Insights from Bell and Valley Helicopters on MaintenanceWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode, join host Val Medved as he engages with industry experts Van Wilson, director of customer solutions at Bell; and Brad Fandrich, president of Valley Helicopters.Together, they dive into the latest insights from Vertical magazine's Helicopter and Engine Manufacturers Survey, showcasing Bell's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction in the helicopter industry.Explore critical topics such as post-pandemic supply chain management, the importance of effective communication, and the ever-evolving dynamics of the helicopter market.Val, Brad...
2024-11-081h 03
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 26 - Salus Aviation: Building the Future of Helicopter Maintenance & LeasingWelcome to The Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts! In today’s episode, host Val sits down with Keir Brown from Salus Aviation, diving deep into the company’s rich history and innovative services that are making waves in the market.Join us as Keir shares his personal journey in aviation and offers a unique perspective on the evolution of Salus Aviation and its commitment to self-sufficiency in the aviation sector. You'll learn about the company’s aircraft sales and leasing services, along with its impressive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities that s...
2024-10-251h 07
The Vertical MRO PodcastVertical MRO Alerts: By Bell - Inaugural EpisodeWelcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell!In this inaugural episode, hosts Marc Dubé and Gabriel Leveille, both seasoned professionals with extensive experience in aircraft maintenance, introduce this new podcast series dedicated to keeping Bell aircraft maintainers and owners informed about important service directives. The team dives into what service directives are, including Alert Service Bulletins (ASBs), Operational Safety Notices (OSNs), Technical Bulletins (TBs), and Information Letters (ILs), while highlighting their significance in ensuring the safety and efficiency of helicopter operations.With a commitment to transparency and support, this podcast aims to pr...
2024-10-2213 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastVertical MRO Tech Talk by Bell - Ep 2 - The Art of Aircraft Washing: Tools and Techniques That MatterWelcome to another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell. In today’s episode, we dive deep into a critical yet often overlooked aspect of aircraft care: proper washing techniques. We know that keeping helicopters and aircraft in peak condition goes far beyond routine checks; it starts with how we wash and maintain them.Join us as we discuss the importance of using deionized water and the right mil-spec soap to prevent corrosion and damage. We’ll explore how environmental factors—like salt and industrial pollutants—can affect the washing process, especially in EMS aircraf...
2024-10-181h 13
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 25 - Drew Califf's path to success: landing his dream job at Bell Part IIWelcome to The Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!In this two-part series of Vertical MRO, host Val Medved and co-host Jon Gray sit down with Drew Califf, a customer service engineer at Bell. Join them as they explore Drew's remarkable aviation journey. This series emphasizes the critical elements of education, teamwork, and communication in the industry. The conversation dives into the unique challenges faced when working in remote areas, highlighting the significance of improvisation in tool use and the experiences of maintaining helicopters under extreme weather conditions. Drew shares valuable insights on...
2024-10-1153 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastVertical MRO Tech Talk by Bell - Ep 1 - Equipping teams for success in helicopter MROWelcome to the first-ever Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell. In this debut episode, Val Medved and Bell hosts Greg Judd and Marc Dubé dive deep into the vital roles of Bell Customer Service Engineers (CSEs) and Product Support Engineers (PSEs) in ensuring customers receive exceptional support. Together, these dedicated professionals form a robust partnership that directly enhances the customer experience.The discussion shines a light on the Bell Training Academy (BTA) as a key resource for comprehensive training and education across various Bell aircraft models, equipping support teams with the knowledge they need to ex...
2024-10-071h 00
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 24 - Drew Califf's path to success: landing his dream job at Bell Part IWelcome to The Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!In this two-part series of Vertical MRO, host Val Medved and co-host Jon Gray sit down with Drew Califf, a customer service engineer at Bell. Join them as they explore Drew's remarkable aviation journey. This series emphasizes the critical elements of education, teamwork, and communication in the industry. The conversation dives into the unique challenges faced when working in remote areas, highlighting the significance of improvisation in tool use and the experiences of maintaining helicopters under extreme weather conditions. Drew shares valuable insights on...
2024-10-0456 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 23 - Leadership and legacy: A Ranger’s influence in aviation with Reid SeloverWelcome 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...
2024-09-271h 10
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 22 - Justin Krumlauf: Bridging the gap between mechanics and pilots Part IIWelcome 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...
2024-09-2059 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 21 - Justin Krumlauf: Bridging the gap between mechanics and pilots Part IWelcome 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...
2024-09-1352 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 20 - Maximus Air: Transforming the Aviation Parts Landscape with Sean SinclairWelcome 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 se...
2024-09-0658 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 19 - Exploring the Benefits of AI in Helicopter Maintenance Inspections Part 2Welcome 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...
2024-08-301h 11
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 18 - Exploring the Benefits of AI in Helicopter Maintenance Inspections Part 1Welcome 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...
2024-08-231h 13
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 17 - Howie Murray, AME and president of Murray Industries Ltd. Part IIWelcome 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.
2024-08-1658 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 16 - Howie Murray, AME and president of Murray Industries Ltd. Part IWelcome 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.
2024-08-0949 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 15 – Darryl Christensen, A&P, founder and owner of Intermountain Turbine Services Inc.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 expand...
2024-08-0249 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 14 - Passion, Precision, and PT6: Inside Dave Wark's Career Part IIWelcome 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, Da...
2024-07-2646 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 13 - Passion, Precision, and PT6: Inside Dave Wark's Career Part IWelcome 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 an...
2024-07-1948 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 12- Leadership and Innovation in Helicopter Maintenance with Scott Hayward Part IIWelcome 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...
2024-07-1248 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 11- Leadership and Innovation in Helicopter Maintenance with Scott Hayward Part IWelcome 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...
2024-07-0553 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 10- Behind the Hangar Doors: Kevin Shead's Helicopter Maintenance OdysseyWelcome 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 m...
2024-06-2856 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 9- MRO Leadership: Anthony Saenz's Contributions to Aviation MaintenanceWelcome 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 doe...
2024-06-2549 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 8 - K9 Torque and the Huey Vets Part IIWelcome 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 tha...
2024-06-1451 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 7 - K9 Torque and the Huey Vets Part IWelcome 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 tha...
2024-06-0751 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 6- Oklahoma City Police Aviation's Marc Foreman Part IIWelcome 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 o...
2024-05-2442 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 5- Oklahoma City Police Aviation's Marc Foreman Part IWelcome 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...
2024-05-1743 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 4- The Helicopter Journey of Maury WoodWelcome 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. F...
2024-05-101h 09
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 3- How To Helicopter With Faith Ortega Part IIWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS.In this two-part interview, we're extremely excited to introduce Faith Ortega, a prominent figure in the maintenance technician community known to many through her social media platform, How to Helicopter.Ortega's journey into aviation maintenance began at Southern Illinois University, renowned for its outstanding aviation program. There, she earned a bachelor of applied science degree in Aviation Technologies with a specialization in helicopters, which culminated in her A&P certification.Ortega recently earned her Inspection...
2024-05-0349 min
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 2- How To Helicopter With Faith Ortega Part IWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS.In this two-part interview, we're extremely excited to introduce Faith Ortega, a prominent figure in the maintenance technician community known to many through her social media platform, How to Helicopter.Ortega's journey into aviation maintenance began at Southern Illinois University, renowned for its outstanding aviation program. There, she earned a bachelor of applied science degree in Aviation Technologies with a specialization in helicopters, which culminated in her A&P certification.Ortega recently earned her Inspection Authorization (IA...
2024-04-2650 min
The Real ResQ PodcastVertical HeliCASTS Mashup: Introducing Vertical's Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Podcast with Host Val MedvedIn this episode of The Real ResQ this will be another one of our Vertical Helicasts Mash-Up episodes with Jon Gray from The Hangar Z Podcast and Halsey Schider from The Helicopter Podcast. In this episode we introduce our newest Vertical host, Val Medved, who will be hosting the new Vertical MRO Podcast—the first episode drops today. The Vertical MRO Podcast explores the world of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The episodes feature helicopter technicians, mechanics engineers, and MRO experts who will share valuable industry insight, knowledge and stories that will...
2024-04-1859 minThe Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 1- Vertical MRO Introduction & HeliCASTS MashupWelcome to The Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!This will be another one of our Vertical Helicasts Mash-Up episodes with Halsey Schider from The Helicopter Podcast and Jason Quinn from the Real ResQ Podcast.In this episode we introduce our newest Vertical host, Val Medved, who will be hosting the new Vertical MRO Podcast—the first episode drops today.The Vertical MRO Podcast explores the world of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The episodes feature helicopter technicians, mechanics engineers, and MRO experts who will share valuable industry insight, knowledge an...
2024-04-1857 min
The Hangar Z PodcastEpisode 154- Vertical MRO Introduction & HeliCASTS MashupWelcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts! This will be another one of our Vertical Helicasts Mash-Up episodes with Halsey Schider from The Helicopter Podcast and Jason Quinn from the Real ResQ Podcast. In this episode we introduce our newest Vertical host, Val Medved, who will be hosting the new Vertical MRO Podcast—the first episode drops today. The Vertical MRO Podcast explores the world of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The episodes feature helicopter technicians, mechanics engineers, and MRO experts who will...
2024-04-1857 min
The Helicopter PodcastVertical HeliCasts MASHUP: Introducing the new Vertical MRO Podcast! - Episode #72.5Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!In this Vertical Helicasts Mash-Up episodes with Jon Gray from The Helicopter Podcast and Jason Quinn from the Real ResQ Podcast, the group introduces the newest Vertical host, Val Medved, who will be hosting the new Vertical MRO Podcast—the first episode drops today.The Vertical MRO Podcast explores the world of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The episodes feature helicopter technicians, mechanics engineers, and MRO experts who will share valuable industry insight, knowledge and sto...
2024-04-1853 minThe Vertical MRO PodcastTrailer for the Upcoming MRO PodcastThis is the official trailer for the MRO Podcast which will be brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS. The Vertical MRO Podcast will explore the world of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul with your host Val Medved.The episodes will feature helicopter technicians, mechanics engineers, and MRO experts who will share invaluable industry insight, knowledge and stories that will inspire current and aspiring industry maintainers. This podcast will be available on all the major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify....
2024-04-0908 min
The Real ResQ PodcastVertical HeliCASTS Mashup: HAI Heli Expo 2024In this episode, the three Vertical Helicasts Hosts, Halsey Schider of The Helicopter Podcast, Jon Gray of The Hangar Z Podcast, and Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ discuss their excitement for the upcoming HAI event and the podcast lineups they have planned. They also talk about the networking opportunities and the chance to reconnect with industry colleagues and professionals.Make sure to come visit the trio at HAI Heli Expo this year! They are at booth 5716, with a 'Meet and Greet' scheduled for Wednesday February 28th from 3-5pm. And if you see any of the...
2024-02-1820 min
The Helicopter PodcastHelicasts MASHUP: HAI Heli Expo 2024Send us a textIn this episode, the three Vertical HeliCASTS Hosts, Halsey Schider of The Helicopter Podcast, Jon Gray of The Hangar Z Podcast, and Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ discuss their excitement for the upcoming HAI event and the podcast lineups they have planned. They also talk about the networking opportunities and the chance to reconnect with industry colleagues and professionals.Make sure to come visit the trio at HAI Heli Expo this year! They are at booth 5716, with a 'Meet and Greet' scheduled for Wednesday February 28th from 3-5pm. And...
2024-02-1720 min
The Hangar Z PodcastHelicasts MASHUP: HAI Heli Expo 2024In this episode, the three Vertical Helicasts Hosts, Halsey Schider of The Helicopter Podcast, Jon Gray of The Hangar Z Podcast, and Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ discuss their excitement for the upcoming HAI event and the podcast lineups they have planned. They also talk about the networking opportunities and the chance to reconnect with industry colleagues and professionals.Make sure to come visit the trio at HAI Heli Expo this year! They are at booth 5716, with a 'Meet and Greet' scheduled for Wednesday February 28th from 3-5pm. And if you see any of the...
2024-02-1720 min
The Real ResQ PodcastVertical HeliCASTS Mashup! With The Hangar Z Podcast and The Helicopter PodcastIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we do our first-ever Vertical HeliCASTS mashup! Host Jason Quinn is joined by fellow Vertical HeliCASTS podcasters, Halsey Schider from The Helicopter Podcast and Jon Gray from The Hangar Z Podcast. In this captivating episode, they delve deep into crew resource management, sharing personal experiences and invaluable insights that offer a unique perspective on this critical aspect of the industry. With the three hosts’ diverse backgrounds, they provide wonderfully broad viewpoints on the subject, with excellent tips for new and experienced pilots alike.Laughter and g...
2024-01-091h 09
The Hangar Z PodcastEpisode 125- Vertical HeliCASTS Mashup!Welcome to episode 125 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts.Get ready for the first-ever Vertical HeliCASTS mashup! Halsey Schider from The Helicopter Podcast is joined by Jason “Quinny” Quinn from The Real ResQ and Jon Gray from The Hangar Z Podcast. In this captivating episode, the trio delves deep into crew resource management, sharing personal experiences and invaluable insights that offer a unique perspective on this critical aspect of the industry. With their diverse backgrounds, they provide wonderfully broad viewpoints on the subject, with excellent tips for new an...
2024-01-091h 13
The Helicopter PodcastEpisode #58 - Vertical HeliCASTS Mashup!Send us a textGet ready for the first-ever Vertical HeliCASTS mashup!Halsey Schider from The Helicopter Podcast is joined by Jason “Quinny” Quinn from The Real ResQ and Jon Gray from The Hangar Z Podcast.In this captivating episode, the trio delves deep into crew resource management, sharing personal experiences and invaluable insights that offer a unique perspective on this critical aspect of the industry.With their diverse backgrounds, they provide wonderfully broad viewpoints on the subject, with excellent tips for new and experienced pilots alike. With plenty of lau...
2024-01-091h 10The Helicopter PodcastEpisode #44 - The Unveiling of HeliCasts feat. Hangar Z, The Real ResQSend us a textIn Episode No. 44 of The Helicopter Podcast, we unveil a monumental development that's set to redefine helicopter podcasting – Vertical HeliCASTS! This first-of-its-kind platform is the brainchild of aviation media legend Mike Reyno, the owner of MHM Publishing and publisher of Vertical and Vertical Valor magazines.The Helicopter Podcast is taking an exciting step forward by forging a dynamic collaboration with Vertical HeliCASTS, along with two other stellar shows: The Hangar Z Podcast with host Jon Gray and The Real ResQ with host Jason Quinn. It's a powerful trifecta of helicopter content!...
2023-10-0226 min
The Hangar Z PodcastEpisode 102- Announcing Vertical HeliCASTSWelcome to episode 102 of the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS Yes, Vertical HeliCASTS. You may wondering: What the heck is Vertical HeliCASTS?It's an exciting new podcast network from Vertical and Vertical Valor magazines, the helicopter industry's leading publications. The Hangar Z podcast is proud to be part of the n...
2023-10-0228 min