The Vertical MRO Podcast

Vertical HeliCASTS

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Our episodes feature MRO experts who share invaluable tribal knowledge and stories that are sure to inspire current and aspiring industry maintainers.

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20 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes20

Newest first

Yesterday · 53 min
Episode 109: What Aviation Accidents Teach Us About Safety | Ray Bennett - Part I
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. For this episode of Vertical MRO, hosts Ronnie Ries and Faith Ortega sit down with aviation leader Ray Bennett for a conversation about the people, values, and experiences that shape safety in aviation. Drawing from a career that spans operators, maintenance organizations, manufacturers, and industry leadership roles, Ray reflects on the lessons learned throughout his journey and the importance of integrity, accountability, and engineering rigor in aviation maintenance. The discussion explores how strong safety cultures are built, why leadership matters, and the role every technician, engineer, and manager plays in creating an environment where concerns can be raised and lessons can be shared. Along the way, Ray shares stories from the field that illustrate how small decisions can have lasting impacts on both safety and organizational culture. Part I focuses on the foundations of aviation safety and the leadership principles that help organizations build trust, resilience, and operational excellence. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Alipine Aerotech and Precision Aviation Group Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
Wednesday · 4 min
Vertical MRO Alerts: By Bell - Ep 9: Bell 429 Main Rotor Mast Inspection
Welcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell! In this Alert, Bell 429 Product Support Engineering Lead Sebastien Rousseau discusses Alert Service Bulletin 429-26-74, which introduces a one-time inspection of certain Bell 429 main rotor mast assemblies for machining marks on the inner diameter. Sebastien explains Bell's investigation that these machining marks can affect mast fatigue life, and the required actions based on the mast's accumulated hours. He also reviews the compliance timelines, inspection requirements, and the latest updates included in Revision A, including mandatory borescope use and a simplified inspection procedure that reduces the maintenance required to accomplish the bulletin. Maintainers who have questions or are uncertain about their inspection findings are encouraged to contact Bell Product Support for assistance. For full details and compliance requirements, operators should always refer directly to Alert Service Bulletin 429-26-74. The full library of episodes is available to listen to on demand. We want to hear from you! – techtalk@bellflight.com Need help with your Bell helicopter? – productsupport@bellflight.com
July 27 · 47 min
AI Won't Replace Maintainers—But It Will Change Their Jobs | Reinaldo Caceres - Part II - Ep: 108 update
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. In Part II of their conversation, Jon Gray, Howie, and Reinaldo Caceres of Nabu Pro shift their focus to one of aviation maintenance's biggest long-term challenges: preserving knowledge before it leaves the industry. As experienced maintainers retire, decades of troubleshooting experience, operational lessons, and hard-earned insights risk disappearing with them. The discussion explores how AI and modern knowledge management tools could help capture and organize that expertise, making it accessible to future generations of technicians and operators. Drawing on real-world examples from the maintenance community, the conversation examines the value of institutional knowledge, the importance of mentorship, and the opportunities technology presents to bridge the gap between experienced maintainers and those just entering the industry. Part II offers a thoughtful look at how aviation can use technology to preserve expertise, support workforce development, and strengthen maintenance organizations for the future. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Alpine Aerotech and Precision Aviation Group Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
July 20 · 45 min
AI Won't Replace Maintainers—But It Will Change Their Jobs | Reinaldo Caceres - Part I - Ep: 107
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. For this episode of Vertical MRO, host Jon Gray and co-host Howie sit down with Reinaldo Caceres, founder and CEO of Nabu Pro, to explore how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape aviation operations and maintenance. A commercial pilot turned technology entrepreneur, Reinaldo shares the journey that led him from the cockpit into software development and explains why he believes AI has the potential to become one of the most impactful tools available to aviation professionals. The conversation focuses on practical applications rather than hype. Jon, Howie, and Reinaldo discuss how AI can help maintenance and operations teams work more efficiently, reduce administrative burdens, analyze information faster, and support better decision-making without replacing the expertise and judgment of experienced professionals. Part I explores where AI is already delivering value today and how aviation organizations can begin leveraging these tools while maintaining the human oversight that remains critical to safe operations. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Rotorcraft Support Inc, Alpine Aerotech and Airbus. Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
July 13 · 51 min
From Alaska Flying to Aviation Safety Leadership | Mike Kunkel - Part II - Ep: 106
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. In Part II of this conversation, Ronnie continues the discussion with Mike Kunkel of PG&E on the realities of building and sustaining a just culture in aviation operations. The episode focuses on the challenges organizations face when trying to move from compliance-driven safety programs toward environments built on trust, accountability, and open communication. Mike shares lessons learned from aviation safety management, including common leadership mistakes that can discourage reporting and weaken safety culture over time. The conversation also explores the importance of feedback loops, workforce engagement, and creating systems that encourage continuous learning instead of blame. For aviation professionals across maintenance and operations, this episode provides practical insight into the human side of safety and the long-term work required to build resilient teams. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Rotorcraft Support Inc and Metro Aviation. Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
July 6 · 48 min
Episode 105: From Alaska Flying to Aviation Safety Leadership | Mike Kunkel - Part I
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. In this episode, Ronnie sits down with Mike Kunkel, safety management system program manager at PG&E, to discuss his path through aviation and the experiences that shaped his approach to safety leadership. The conversation begins with Mike’s early flying experiences in Alaska and his time supporting law enforcement aviation operations, offering a firsthand look at the operational environments, decision-making, and responsibilities that come with mission-driven flying. As the discussion develops, Mike shares how those experiences influenced his perspective on aviation safety, communication, and organizational culture. For operators, maintainers, and aviation professionals, Part I provides a grounded look at the real-world operational background behind today’s conversations around safety management and just culture. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Precision Aviation Group and Robinson Helicopter. Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
June 29 · 52 min
Bell Tech Talk Episode #11 - Garmin G1000 Insights for Maintainers
Welcome to another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell. In this episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell, host Jon Gray is joined by Greg Judd, along with Gabriel Leveille and Jason Estaphan, to discuss the Garmin G1000. This conversation provides a deeper understanding of how the system can directly support maintainers in their day-to-day work. As avionics platforms continue to evolve, systems like the G1000 have become more than just flight deck tools—they are increasingly valuable resources for troubleshooting, diagnostics, and operational insight. The conversation explores the progression from earlier systems to newer configurations like NXi, highlighting improvements in processing speed, internal memory, and system integration. These advancements have significantly reduced update times, simplified database management, and improved the ability to diagnose faults more precisely. For maintainers, this means less time chasing ambiguous issues and more confidence in identifying root causes. Beyond hardware and software improvements, the discussion emphasizes the importance of engaging with the system itself. From navigating system pages to interpreting flight and fault data, building familiarity with the G1000 allows technicians to better leverage available information and avoid unnecessary component changes. The ability to access and interpret log files, system messages, and historical data is becoming an essential skill set in modern rotorcraft maintenance. As avionics systems continue to advance, the gap between operations and maintenance continues to narrow. This conversation highlights how maintainers who invest time in understanding these platforms are better equipped to support both the aircraft and the mission. We want to hear from you! – techtalk@bellflight.com Need help with your Bell helicopter? Email us at productsupport@bellflight.com or visit https://www.bellflight.com/support/commercial.
June 22 · 33 min
Episode 104: Moving Aircraft Is Harder Than You Think | Don Lockie & Peter Van Dael
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. For this episode, Jon Gray sits down with Don Lockie of Aviation Resources Group and Peter Van Dael, product manager at Navi-Gate, for a live conversation recorded on the show floor at Verticon 2025. While logistics often happens behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in keeping aircraft, components, and maintenance operations moving. Don and Peter share insights from years of experience coordinating aircraft transportation, navigating international regulations, and solving the unexpected challenges that can arise when moving high-value aviation assets around the world. The conversation explores how supply chains have evolved since COVID, the importance of planning logistics early in a project, and why waiting too long to make transportation decisions can lead to unnecessary costs and delays. From regulatory requirements to practical decision-making, the discussion highlights the often-overlooked work that helps keep maintenance and operational schedules on track. Whether you're moving a component across a border or relocating an entire aircraft, this episode offers practical lessons on planning, communication, and the partnerships required to make aviation logistics successful. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Rotorcraft Support Inc and Metro Aviation. Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
June 18 · 10 min
Vertical MRO Alerts: By Bell - Ep 8: Bell 407 Garmin G1000H NXi Software 24
Welcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell! In this Alert, Product Support Engineering (PSE) Manager Marc Dubé is joined by Gilbert Gaudreault, 407 PSE Lead, to discuss the release of Garmin G1000H NXi Software 24 and the associated service directives issued for Bell 407GXi operators. Marc and Gilbert explain why Bell released an Alert Service Bulletin for certain aircraft equipped with two-axis and three-axis autopilot systems, including IFR-configured aircraft. The software update addresses a previously identified potential autopilot issue that could result in an uncommanded pitch-up. The episode also highlights several enhancements included in Software 24, such as improvements to maintenance and troubleshooting capabilities, support for upcoming filtration and cockpit voice/data recorder provisions, and updated procedures for software loading. Operators will learn about the new process for obtaining software loader cards through MyBell, the reasons behind the change, and the additional cards required to complete the upgrade. 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! - techtalk@bellflight.com Need help with your Bell helicopter? - productsupport@bellflight.com
June 15 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 103: Why Helicopter Maintenance Is Unlike Any Other Career | MRO Conference 2025
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. Recorded live during the 2025 Vertical MRO conference, this panel discussion explores what continues to attract people to the helicopter maintenance industry—and what the industry must do to support the next generation of maintainers. Featuring insights from Dale Martel of Okanagan College, Mike Broderick of HeliDoc, Tristan Beddoe of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and Jeff Denomme of Alpine Aerotech, the conversation highlights the unique opportunities helicopter maintenance can offer, from travel and field operations to hands-on problem-solving and mission-driven work. The panel also discusses the importance of mentorship, creating welcoming workplaces, and how the industry’s approach to work-life balance has evolved over time. Throughout the discussion, a common theme emerges: attracting new talent is only part of the challenge—retaining and supporting people is just as important. For current and aspiring maintainers alike, this episode offers a grounded look at the realities, opportunities, and future of helicopter maintenance careers. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Metro Aviation and Airbus. Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
June 8 · 55 min
Episode 102: Maintaining Miami Dade Air Rescue - Corrosion & Humidity | Blades of Valor
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. In this episode of Vertical MRO, recorded live as part of the Blades of Valor 2026 tour, hosts Jon and Jack sit down with Jerry Zsigo, aircraft maintenance technician with Miami Dade Air Rescue. Jerry shares what it takes to maintain aircraft in one of the most demanding environments in aviation—South Florida—where heat, humidity, and salt air create constant challenges for corrosion control and aircraft upkeep. The conversation focuses on practical, experience-driven maintenance strategies, from inspection routines and cleaning practices to protecting critical components exposed to harsh conditions. Jerry also shares real-world examples of how small findings during routine checks can lead to broader inspection protocols across the fleet. For maintainers and operators working in coastal or high-humidity environments, this episode offers a grounded look at corrosion prevention, daily maintenance discipline, and keeping aircraft mission-ready. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and Precision Aviation Group. Thank you to the 2026 Blades of Valor sponsor, Switlik, and the support of Massif Flight Suits. Without your sponsorship and support, this tour would not be possible. Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
June 1 · 1 hr 10 min
Episode 101: Red Bull Gives You Wings. Maintainers Keep Them Flying | Flying Bulls - Part II
The Vertical MRO Podcast continues its special Flying Bulls conversation with Anthony Hill and Werner Horvath from the Red Bull Flying Bulls. Following Vertical MRO’s milestone 100th episode, hosts Jon Gray and Faith Ortega reconnect for part II with the Flying Bulls technical team in Salzburg, Austria, while recording from the Vertical MRO studio. Anthony and Werner take a deeper dive into the realities of maintaining and restoring historic rotorcraft, including the Flying Bulls Sikorsky S-58 helicopter and the unique operational demands of supporting aerobatic aircraft. We dig into restoring rare vintage aircraft like the S‑58, P‑51 and DC‑6, covering the challenges of sourcing one‑off parts, certification, and re‑engineering, and share the Cobra recovery/restoration story. We also explore maintaining aerobatic rotorcraft (BO‑105), how acrobatic flight changes maintenance programs and life limits, and the special logistics and crew requirements for airshow operations. The conversation unpacks the challenges of operating across multiple regulatory systems (Austrian/EASA and FAA) and explains the role of their National Design Organization. We discuss creative parts sourcing, in‑house manufacturing and prototyping, and how emerging MRO technologies 3D scanning/printing, digital manuals, and AI are starting to help solve long‑standing problems. We discuss the state of the workforce through apprenticeships, recruitment and retention, preserving tribal knowledge, and building a strong safety culture. Throughout the episode, Anthony and Werner share practical career advice focused on continuous learning, stepping out of your comfort zone, and the soft skills that matter. The conversation is capped by a hangar tour and aircraft close‑ups. This is an episode to watch on YouTube for the full experience. Bonus announcement: the Flying Bulls will bring the DC‑6 and P‑38 Lightning to AirVenture Oshkosh this July 2026, crossing the Atlantic for the first time since joining the fleet, with a BO‑105 also appearing with the Red Bull Air Force. Stay tuned after the episode for a special closing segment with the Flying Bulls team. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Metro Aviation and Robinson Helicopter Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
May 27 · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 100: Red Bull Gives You Wings. Maintainers Keep Them Flying | Flying Bulls - Part I
The Vertical MRO Podcast welcomes Anthony Hill and Werner Horvath from the Red Bull Flying Bulls. To celebrate episode 100 we recorded remotely with the Red Bull Flying Bulls maintenance team, they were on the floor of Hangar 7 in Salzburg, Austria, we participated from our studio. Anthony Hill and Werner Horvat join hosts Jon Gray and Faith Ortega for a wide‑ranging conversation about what it takes to keep one of the world’s most elite and unique fleets operational. We dig into restoring rare vintage aircraft like the S‑58, P‑51 and DC‑6, covering the challenges of sourcing one‑off parts, certification, and re‑engineering, and share the Cobra recovery/restoration story. We also explore maintaining aerobatic rotorcraft (BO‑105), how acrobatic flight changes maintenance programs and life limits, and the special logistics and crew requirements for airshow operations. The conversation unpacks the challenges of operating across multiple regulatory systems (Austrian/EASA and FAA) and explains the role of their National Design Organization. We discuss creative parts sourcing, in‑house manufacturing and prototyping, and how emerging MRO technologies 3D scanning/printing, digital manuals, and AI are starting to help solve long‑standing problems. We discuss the state of the workforce through apprenticeships, recruitment and retention, preserving tribal knowledge, and building a strong safety culture. Throughout the episode Anthony and Werner share practical career advice focused on continuous learning, stepping out of your comfort zone, and the soft skills that matter. The conversation is capped by a hangar tour and aircraft close‑ups. This is an episode to watch on YouTube for the full experience. Bonus announcement: the Flying Bulls will bring the DC‑6 and P‑38 Lightning to AirVenture Oshkosh this July 2026 crossing the Atlantic for the first time since joining the fleet with a BO‑105 also appearing with the Red Bull Air Force. Stay tuned after the episode for a special closing segment with the Flying Bulls team. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Rotorcraft Support Inc and Precision Aviation Group. Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
May 18 · 1 hr 12 min
Episode 99: Broward Sheriff’s Aviation Maintenance: Troubleshooting & Workforce - Blades of Valor Tour
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. In this episode of Vertical MRO, hosts Jack and Jon sit down with Thomas Edison, director of maintenance for the Broward Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit. Thomas shares his path into aviation maintenance and what it takes to support mission-critical aircraft in a law enforcement environment, where uptime directly impacts operations. The conversation focuses on the complexity of helicopter maintenance and real-world troubleshooting, including diagnosing issues with mission equipment where the root cause isn’t immediately obvious. It’s a practical look at the importance of thorough inspection, documentation, and system knowledge. They also discuss a growing industry challenge—workforce development—and the need for stronger aviation maintenance programs to support the next generation. For maintainers and operators, this episode offers a grounded look at troubleshooting, mission readiness, and building a sustainable MRO workforce. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Airbus and Precision Aviation Group. Thank you to the 2026 Blades of Valor sponsor, Switlik, and the support of Massif Flight Suits. Without your sponsorship and support, this tour would not be possible. Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
May 11 · 47 min
Episode 98: Cross Border Shipping Panel Conversation at Kelowna MRO Conference
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. Recorded live in Kelowna during the 2025 conference, this episode of Vertical MRO features a panel discussion with Don Lockie of ARG Aviation Resources Group—returning to the podcast—and John Ross, logistics supervisor at Eagle Copters Maintenance Ltd. Together, they break down the realities of cross-border shipping in aviation and what it takes to keep parts, equipment, and assets moving across international boundaries. Cross-border logistics in this industry goes far beyond standard freight. From navigating customs requirements to coordinating with freight forwarders and local authorities, the process is complex, time-sensitive, and often high-stakes. For maintainers and operators, delays don’t just create inconvenience—they directly impact uptime and aircraft availability. Don and John share practical, experience-driven insights on working with trusted logistics partners, understanding country-specific regulations, and avoiding common pitfalls that can stall shipments. The conversation is grounded in real-world examples, including high-pressure scenarios where rapid coordination and adaptability were critical to mission success. For operators and MRO teams managing cross-border shipments, this episode offers a clear, practical look at the challenges—and the strategies—that keep aviation moving. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Metro Aviation and Rotorcraft Support Inc. Thank you also to Navigate, who helped make this episode possible by assisting in Don's travel to the Kelowna event. Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
May 4 · 58 min
Episode 97: Same Problems, Different Aircraft: A Cancelled for Maintenance Collab - Part II
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. In this special crossover episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we team up with the hosts of Cancelled for Maintenance—Six and MBP—for a conversation that brings the fixed-wing and rotor world together. What starts as a simple collaboration quickly turns into a deeper look at the shared realities of aviation maintenance. From the small-world nature of the industry to the common challenges faced across platforms, this episode highlights just how aligned maintainers really are—regardless of what they’re working on. Six and MBP share the story behind their podcast, which began during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown into a space where aviation professionals can connect, vent, and support one another. The conversation dives into the importance of capturing tribal knowledge, the role of open communication in the hangar, and why mental health is becoming an increasingly important part of the maintenance conversation. The discussion also explores leadership beyond titles—how influence, accountability, and culture are shaped on the hangar floor just as much as they are in the boardroom. From burnout and workforce challenges to the importance of telling real stories, both crews reflect on what they’re seeing from their respective audiences and why these conversations are resonating across the industry. As the episode unfolds, the group compares rotor and fixed wing maintenance head-on—unpacking what’s different, what’s the same, and why the gap between the two worlds might not be as wide as many think. This episode is a reminder that while the aircraft may differ, the people, the pressures, and the passion behind aviation maintenance are shared. And by bringing these conversations together, we move one step closer to a stronger, more connected maintenance community. Thank you to our sponsors who made this episode possible. Precision Aviation Group and Robinson Helicopter. Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
May 1 · 22 min
Inside the 2026 MRO Conferences: What’s Changing and Why It Matters - Vertical MRO Bonus Episode!
In this episode of Vertical MRO, the team breaks down what to expect from the 2026 MRO Conferences in Kelowna, BC, and Irving, Texas. Building on feedback from previous events, this year’s conferences are expanding in both scale and focus. The discussion highlights the shift toward deeper technical content, more real-world problem-solving, and sessions that reflect the challenges maintainers and operators are facing today. The episode also explores the growing role of leadership, workforce development, and industry collaboration, along with expanded exhibitor space and increased opportunities to connect across the MRO community. For those considering attending, this conversation provides a clear look at how the events are evolving—and how they’re designed to deliver practical value for technicians, operators, and industry leaders alike. Tickets are now available for both 2026 events. If you’re planning to attend, early registration is recommended!
April 27 · 58 min
Episode 96: Same Problems, Different Aircraft: A Cancelled for Maintenance Collab - Part I
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. In this special crossover episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we team up with the hosts of Cancelled for Maintenance—Six and MBP—for a conversation that brings the fixed wing and rotor world together. What starts as a simple collaboration quickly turns into a deeper look at the shared realities of aviation maintenance. From the small-world nature of the industry to the common challenges faced across platforms, this episode highlights just how aligned maintainers really are—regardless of what they’re working on. Six and MBP share the story behind their podcast, which began during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown into a space where aviation professionals can connect, vent, and support one another. The conversation dives into the importance of capturing tribal knowledge, the role of open communication in the hangar, and why mental health is becoming an increasingly important part of the maintenance conversation. The discussion also explores leadership beyond titles—how influence, accountability, and culture are shaped on the hangar floor just as much as they are in the boardroom. From burnout and workforce challenges to the importance of telling real stories, both crews reflect on what they’re seeing from their respective audiences and why these conversations are resonating across the industry. As the episode unfolds, the group compares rotor and fixed wing maintenance head-on—unpacking what’s different, what’s the same, and why the gap between the two worlds might not be as wide as many think. This episode is a reminder that while the aircraft may differ, the people, the pressures, and the passion behind aviation maintenance are shared. And by bringing these conversations together, we move one step closer to a stronger, more connected maintenance community. Thank you to our sponsors who made this episode possible, Metro Aviation and Airbus. Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
April 20 · 1 hr 11 min
Episode 95: Inside U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Maintenance | Blades of Valor Tour
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. As part of the 2026 Blades of Valor tour, Jon Gray and Mike Reyno travelled to meet with the United States Coast Guard to better understand the maintenance culture supporting one of the most demanding rotorcraft missions in the world. Recorded on location, this episode features Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3) Jonathan Harper and Aviation Maintenance Technician Chief Petty Officer (AMTC) Brock Wilson of the Coast Guard Station Clearwater aviation maintenance community as they share how disciplined processes, corrosion control, and safety culture sustain readiness across a vast and complex area of operations. Operating in saltwater environments, hurricane-prone regions, and high-tempo search and rescue missions requires more than technical competence. It requires systems that support non-punitive reporting, structured mishap response, and continuous learning. CWO3 Harper discusses how the Coast Guard approaches safety culture—not as a compliance exercise, but as an operational foundation—and why encouraging maintainers and aircrew to speak up strengthens the entire program. The conversation also explores the realities of maintaining aircraft in coastal conditions, managing aging platforms amid parts shortages, and preserving institutional knowledge while empowering the next generation of technicians. From remote deployments to dense operational airspace, Coast Guard maintenance teams balance mission urgency with procedural discipline to ensure aircraft are returned to service safely and consistently. This episode offers maintainers a detailed look at how one of the world’s most respected public safety aviation organizations structures its maintenance philosophy—where accountability, camaraderie, and craftsmanship intersect to support life-saving missions. Special thanks to the United States Coast Guard for hosting the Blades of Valor tour and for sharing insight into the maintenance professionals who keep their rotorcraft mission-ready. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Alpine Aerotech and Precision Aviation Group. Thank you to the 2026 Blades of Valor sponsor, Switlik, and the support of Massif Flight Suits. Without your sponsorship and support, this tour would not be possible. Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!
April 15 · 1 hr 9 min
Vertical MRO Tech Talk by Bell – Episode #10: Mastering Bell 212 Track and Balance
Welcome to another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell. In this episode, host Jon Gray is joined by Bell experts Greg Judd and Michael Doucette for a focused discussion on track and balance for the Bell 212—a critical maintenance task that directly affects vibration, performance, and overall aircraft health. While often approached as a routine adjustment, achieving consistent results requires a deeper understanding of rotor system behavior and how it evolves over time. The conversation explores common challenges maintainers encounter in the field, including variability in blade construction, differences between material types, and the impact of wear, erosion, and operating environments. As blades age, even small changes can introduce track and balance issues that demand a disciplined and methodical troubleshooting approach. The team also emphasizes the importance of process—conducting thorough inspections, documenting adjustments, and recognizing trends across maintenance events. With so many variables at play, successful track and balance work relies on attention to detail, experience, and a clear understanding of how the rotor system responds to change. For maintainers supporting the Bell 212, this episode reinforces the fundamentals while offering practical insight into managing one of the most important and nuanced aspects of helicopter maintenance. We want to hear from you! – techtalk@bellflight.com Need help with your Bell helicopter? Email us at productsupport@bellflight.com or visit https://www.bellflight.com/support/commercial.