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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#121
Yesterday · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 121: Aging Helicopters, Drones & Maintenance Safety | MRO Hosts Roundtable
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. From aging helicopter fleets and parts shortages to emerging drone technology and maintenance safety, there's no shortage of challenges and opportunities facing the rotorcraft industry. David Kreutzkamp welcomes fellow Vertical MRO Podcast hosts Howie Murray, Ronnie Ries, and Jon Gray for another informal roundtable, sharing perspectives from the hangar floor, the field, and a busy season of aviation conferences. The conversation explores how drones are increasingly complementing traditional helicopter operations, why keeping hardworking Bell Mediums flying is becoming more challenging as parts and overhaul capabilities grow scarce, and how better sharing of operational data could help manufacturers anticipate demand. The group also discusses concerns surrounding maintenance-related incidents, the effects of fatigue and operational pressure, and the importance of creating a workplace where maintainers are empowered to put safety first. Rounding out the conversation, the hosts reflect on the growing participation of students and apprentices at industry events, along with new scholarships and training partnerships aimed at making aviation maintenance careers more accessible. It's another opportunity to catch up with the MRO Podcast team and explore the issues, ideas, and experiences shaping the helicopter maintenance community. 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! Other links: Injured soldier drone airlift Maintenance Scholarship 1 Maintenance Scholarship 2 Maintenance Scholarship 3 Rate of Maintenance-Related Accidents
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October 20 · 1 hr 6 min
Episode 120: From the Hangar Floor: Vertical MRO Kelowna Highlights
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. What happens when the helicopter maintenance community comes together? At the 2026 Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna, British Columbia, the answer was plenty of honest conversations, shared experiences, new connections, and a collective commitment to keeping the industry moving forward. In this special edition of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we're bringing you highlights from six conversations recorded during the conference, featuring operators, maintenance professionals, technical experts, educators, and students. Hear from Mark Wiskemann and Michael Rodyniuk of Wisk Air about aircraft availability, rising costs, and the importance of valuing maintenance teams. Explore the role of the KF Centre for Excellence in bringing aviation professionals and future maintainers together, and learn why fatigue management deserves greater attention with Meredith Hedwall and Doug Downey of Pulsar Informatics. Wilson Boynton of Advanced Composites Training shares what experienced technicians discovered during hands-on training, while Dana and Dell of Select Helicopters Services discuss the importance of customer relationships, company culture, and working constructively with regulators. Finally, BCIT instructor Dale Hambrook and his students offer an encouraging look at the next generation entering aircraft maintenance. These are just a few of the conversations that made Kelowna memorable, and there's much more to come as we release the full interviews in future episodes. Missed Kelowna? Join us in Irving, Texas, November 16–18, for the next Vertical MRO Conference. Registration is open, with more opportunities to learn, connect, and share ideas with the people who keep helicopters flying. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Precision Aviation Group 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!
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#119
October 19 · 45 min
Episode 119: Turning Aircraft Problems Into Engineered Solutions | Ryan Hader - Part II
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. In Part Two of the Vertical MRO Podcast's conversation with Ryan Hader of iAERO, hosts David Kreutzkamp and Howie Murray dig into the realities behind supplemental type certificates and aircraft modifications. Starting with something as seemingly simple as a cup holder, Ryan explains why permanently installing a new component in an aircraft can introduce questions around materials, flammability, structural loads, testing, documentation, and certification—and why the cost of proving a modification is safe and compliant can quickly exceed the cost of the component itself. The conversation expands into increasingly complex modifications and what it actually takes to move an idea from an operator's requirement to an engineered, tested, approved, and supportable aircraft installation. Ryan also discusses the additional challenges of taking modifications across borders and navigating different regulatory authorities and approval requirements. For maintainers and operators, the discussion provides a look behind the paperwork at the engineering intent behind an STC—and why understanding that intent matters when installing, maintaining, or modifying certified equipment in the field. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Airbus and Vertical Aviation International. 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!
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#118
October 13 · 49 min
Episode 118: Turning Aircraft Problems Into Engineered Solutions | Ryan Hader - Part I
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. In Part One of this two-part conversation, Vertical MRO host David Kreutzkamp and co-host Howie Murray sit down with Ryan Hader, founder of iAERO, to talk about the experiences that shaped his approach to aircraft maintenance, engineering, and modification. Ryan traces his path from a lifelong interest in building and tinkering through hands-on aircraft maintenance and increasingly complex modification work. Those experiences eventually exposed gaps between what operators needed from their aircraft and the solutions readily available to them, helping lead to the creation of iAERO. The conversation also takes a detour into 3D printing and scanning, with Ryan and Howie exploring how increasingly accessible technology can help solve real-world problems in the hangar and support the development of new aircraft solutions. Throughout the discussion, Ryan shares the value of combining hands-on maintenance experience with engineering and certification knowledge—and why understanding how an aircraft is actually operated matters when developing a modification. Part Two takes that conversation deeper into the world of STCs, including why even seemingly simple aircraft modifications can become complex certification projects. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Precision Aviation Group and Vertical Aviation International. 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!
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#117
October 4 · 37 min
Episode 117: What to Expect at the 2026 Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna
The Vertical MRO Conference kicks off tomorrow in Kelowna, British Columbia, and we're getting the crew together for a quick look at what's ahead. David Kreutzkamp is joined by Mike and Linda Reyno, Jon Gray, and Maddy Reyno to talk about what attendees can expect—from expanded technical education and hands-on training to leadership development, workforce initiatives, students, exhibitors, and aircraft on site at the KF Centre for Excellence. Whether you're travelling to Kelowna, arriving today, or following along from home, consider this your welcome to the 2026 Vertical MRO Conference—and a preview of what the MRO and HeliCASTS teams have planned throughout the show. And for our Irving community, don't worry—we'll be back with a special preview ahead of the Nov. 16–18 conference in Texas. Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Robinson Helicopter and Airbus.
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#116
October 1 · 1 hr 5 min
Why Quality Maintenance Protects Aircraft Value | Joe LaRue - Episode 116
This special crossover episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast comes from our sister show, The Helicopter Podcast, bringing an operator-focused conversation directly to the maintenance community. Recorded at VERTICON 2026, The Helicopter Podcast host Halsey Schider sits down with Joe LaRue of Prairie Air to discuss his path through aviation and the role quality maintenance has played in building a business focused on Robinson helicopter operations and support. Joe shares why good maintenance goes beyond keeping an aircraft serviceable. The conversation explores record-keeping, long-term aircraft support, and how the quality of work performed throughout a helicopter's life can directly affect safety, reliability and aircraft value. Joe and Halsey also look at one of the industry's biggest challenges: developing the next generation of pilots and maintainers. Joe discusses Prairie Air's work with local schools and community programs, why exposing young people to aviation matters, and what the industry can do to create clearer pathways into these careers. The conversation rounds out with a look toward emerging technologies, including autonomous aircraft, and where new tools may fit alongside the people and skills that keep today's helicopter industry moving. Originally recorded for The Helicopter Podcast, we're sharing this conversation with the Vertical MRO audience because Joe's perspective on maintenance, workforce development and long-term aircraft support is equally at home in the MRO community. Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Precision Aviation Group and Airbus
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September 30 · 46 min
Bell Tech Talk Ep #13: Bell 505 Maintenance - Live Mounts, Rotor Track & Balance and More
Welcome to another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell. In this episode of Bell Tech Talk, Vertical MRO's David Kreutzkamp is joined by Bell customer support engineers Eric Parent and Jason Estaphan for a deep dive into common Bell 505 maintenance questions coming from the field. Eric and Jason share practical guidance on servicing the Bell 505 live mount system, hydraulic pump drive shaft and NR pickup troubleshooting, differences maintainers should know between the Garmin G1000 NXi and earlier systems, and techniques for more efficient rotor track and balance. Along the way, they highlight procedural updates, common troubleshooting considerations, and lessons from Bell's field support teams that can help maintainers diagnose problems and keep the 505 performing as designed. 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.
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#116
September 28 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 116: Why Quality Maintenance Protects Aircraft Value | Joe LaRue
This special crossover episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast comes from our sister show, The Helicopter Podcast, bringing an operator-focused conversation directly to the maintenance community. Recorded at VERTICON 2026, The Helicopter Podcast host Halsey Schider sits down with Joe LaRue of Prairie Air to discuss his path through aviation and the role quality maintenance has played in building a business focused on Robinson helicopter operations and support. Joe shares why good maintenance goes beyond keeping an aircraft serviceable. The conversation explores record-keeping, long-term aircraft support, and how the quality of work performed throughout a helicopter's life can directly affect safety, reliability and aircraft value. Joe and Halsey also look at one of the industry's biggest challenges: developing the next generation of pilots and maintainers. Joe discusses Prairie Air's work with local schools and community programs, why exposing young people to aviation matters, and what the industry can do to create clearer pathways into these careers. The conversation rounds out with a look toward emerging technologies, including autonomous aircraft, and where new tools may fit alongside the people and skills that keep today's helicopter industry moving. Originally recorded for The Helicopter Podcast, we're sharing this conversation with the Vertical MRO audience because Joe's perspective on maintenance, workforce development and long-term aircraft support is equally at home in the MRO community. Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Robinson Helicopter, Precision Aviation Group, Airbus.
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#115
September 21 · 48 min
Episode 115: Human Factors, Mentorship and the Future of Maintenance | Anneke Tucker - Part II
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. In this episode of Vertical MRO, hosts David Kreutzkamp and Scott Hayward are joined by Anneke Tucker of Attain Aviation for a conversation about human factors, leadership, mentorship, and building stronger maintenance organizations. Anneke shares her unconventional path into aviation, from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and working on CH-53 helicopters to a career spanning aircraft maintenance, quality systems, and aviation consulting. That experience provides the foundation for a broader discussion about why human factors go well beyond simply recognizing the Dirty Dozen. Together, Anneke, Scott, and David explore the role leadership and organizational culture play in reducing human factors risks, the value of mentorship and knowledge transfer, and the challenge of preserving decades of experience as senior maintainers leave the workforce. The conversation also looks ahead to the next generation, including why the industry needs to introduce young people to maintenance careers earlier and provide meaningful hands-on opportunities that show them what working in aviation can actually look like. Anneke will continue the conversation as a speaker at the 2026 Vertical MRO Conference, bringing practical lessons in human factors directly to the maintenance community. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Alpine Aerotech 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!
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#114
September 14 · 46 min
Episode 114: Human Factors, Mentorship and the Future of Maintenance | Anneke Tucker - Part I
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. In this episode of Vertical MRO, hosts David Kreutzkamp and Scott Hayward are joined by Anneke Tucker of Attain Aviation for a conversation about human factors, leadership, mentorship, and building stronger maintenance organizations. Anneke shares her unconventional path into aviation, from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and working on CH-53 helicopters to a career spanning aircraft maintenance, quality systems, and aviation consulting. That experience provides the foundation for a broader discussion about why human factors go well beyond simply recognizing the Dirty Dozen. Together, Anneke, Scott, and David explore the role leadership and organizational culture play in reducing human factors risks, the value of mentorship and knowledge transfer, and the challenge of preserving decades of experience as senior maintainers leave the workforce. The conversation also looks ahead to the next generation, including why the industry needs to introduce young people to maintenance careers earlier and provide meaningful hands-on opportunities that show them what working in aviation can actually look like. Anneke will continue the conversation as a speaker at the 2026 Vertical MRO Conference, bringing practical lessons in human factors directly to the maintenance community. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Part 1 - Precision Aviation Group and Rotorcraft Support, Inc. Part 2- Alpine Aerotech 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!
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#113
September 7 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 113: Wildfires, Black Hawks & Maintenance Safety | MRO Roundtable
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus The Vertical MRO crew gets together for the first MRO Roundtable — a new recurring conversation bringing the hosts together to catch up, discuss current helicopter industry news, and look at what's ahead for the maintenance community. David Kreutzkamp is joined by Jon Gray, Ronnie Ries, and returning MRO host Val Medved for a wide-ranging discussion that starts with one of the busiest wildfire seasons in recent memory. The group talks about the demands being placed on operators across Canada, the U.S. and beyond, along with developments surrounding restricted-category aircraft and their growing role in aerial firefighting. The conversation then turns to maintenance safety and lessons from a Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigation into a fatal helicopter ground-run accident. Rather than assigning blame, the group considers what the industry can learn about distraction, complacency, checklist discipline, communication, and the human factors that can turn routine work into a serious risk. The crew also catches up on what's happening across the industry, workforce and leadership development, and what listeners can expect at the upcoming Vertical MRO Conferences. It's news, lessons learned, a little shop talk, and plenty of opinions from around the Vertical MRO table. Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, Rotorcraft Support Inc and Alpine Aerotech. 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!
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#12
August 31 · 47 min
Vertical MRO Tech Talk by Bell – Episode #12: Autopilot Part II - Bell 407 Focus
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 continues the conversation on autopilot systems with Dawn Lehto and Tad Morley. This time, focusing on the Bell 407 Autopilot Flight Control System (AFCS) discussion. Building on the system overview from Part I, the team takes a deeper dive into troubleshooting common autopilot issues and understanding how the system behaves in real-world operations. Drawing on their experience supporting operators in the field, Dawn and Tad explain how technicians and pilots can better diagnose AFCS faults by understanding system behavior, reviewing fault codes, and following proper maintenance procedures. The discussion explores topics such as autopilot degrade messages, common causes of iBit test failures, and how environmental factors can sometimes impact system performance. The team also walks through practical troubleshooting steps and highlights the importance of correct balance spring adjustments and proper aircraft configuration when diagnosing autopilot issues. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize how careful adherence to the flight manual supplement and maintenance documentation helps prevent many of the common problems operators encounter. With a focus on practical insights and real-world examples, this episode provides valuable guidance for technicians, pilots, and operators working with the Bell 407 AFCS system. 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.
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#112
August 24 · 44 min
Episode 112: Mental Toughness for Aviation Maintenance | James Lawrence
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus What does one of the world's greatest endurance athletes have to teach the aviation maintenance industry? More than you might expect. In this episode of Vertical MRO, hosts Jon Gray and David Kreutzkamp welcome James Lawrence, better known as the Iron Cowboy, ahead of his keynote presentation at the 2026 Vertical MRO Conferences. Rather than focusing solely on endurance records, the conversation explores the mindset required to perform under pressure. James shares practical lessons on staying calm during chaos, prioritizing what matters most, building resilient teams, and maintaining focus when the workload never seems to stop. Drawing parallels between extreme endurance events and the realities of helicopter maintenance, James explains why high performers succeed by controlling their reactions, not their circumstances. Whether you're leading a maintenance team, troubleshooting an AOG aircraft, or navigating a demanding career, this conversation offers practical insights into resilience, leadership, and performing at your best when it matters most. Learn more about James Lawrence and his upcoming keynote at the 2026 Vertical MRO Conferences by visiting verticalmro.com. Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, Alpine Aerotech. 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!
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#111
August 17 · 1 hr 12 min
Episode #111: The Weight of Keeping Public Safety Aircraft Flying | Nicolas Ianiero
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. For this episode of Vertical MRO, recorded live at APSCON 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down with Nicolas Ianiero, aircraft maintenance engineer with Canadian Helicopters supporting the York Regional Police Air Support Unit and the recipient of the 2026 APSA Technician of the Year Award. Nicolas shares the journey that took him from aspiring pilot to licensed aircraft maintenance engineer, including his introduction to helicopter maintenance and the experiences that shaped his career. Along the way, he reflects on the value of mentorship, continuous learning, and embracing opportunities that weren't part of the original plan. The conversation also explores the unique responsibility of supporting public safety aviation. Whether responding to missing persons, critical incidents, or life-saving missions, Nicolas explains how maintainers play a vital role long before an aircraft ever leaves the hangar. It's a perspective that highlights the dedication, professionalism, and quiet commitment behind every successful mission. Congratulations to Nicolas on being recognized as the 2026 APSA Technician of the Year and thank you for sharing your story with the Vertical MRO community. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Precision Aviation Group 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!
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#110
August 10 · 42 min
Episode 110: What Aviation Accidents Teach Us About Safety | Ray Bennett - Part II
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. In Part II of their conversation with aviation leader Ray Bennett, hosts Ronnie Ries and Faith Ortega take a deeper look at how the aviation industry responds when safety is put to the test. Drawing on firsthand experience supporting operators through major industry events, Ray shares his perspective on accident response, crisis decision-making, and the challenges organizations face when critical information is limited and stakes are at their highest. The discussion includes reflections on the 2016 EC225 accident and the far-reaching changes that followed across engineering, maintenance, monitoring, and operational practices. Ray provides insight into the realities of fleet groundings, industry-wide investigations, and the difficult decisions leaders must make in the immediate aftermath of a major event. Part II offers a thoughtful look at how aviation learns from tragedy, why continuous improvement matters, and how those lessons ultimately contribute to a safer industry for everyone. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Robinson Helicopter 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!
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#109
August 3 · 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!
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July 29 · 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
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#108
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!
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#107
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!
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#106
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!
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