The Helicopter Podcast

Hosted by Halsey Schider

Business Careers Leisure EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

184

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, with your host Halsey Schider!This podcast is for helicopter pilots, maintainers, and enthusiasts! Whether you've been in the industry for 30 years or are just someone that loves helicopters, this podcast is for you! The podcasts will feature guests from a wide array of industry sectors to have casual conversation, answer questions, give sound advice, and talk shop. Finally, a podcast produced by helicopter professionals for all types of helicopter people!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 18253 min

Episode #182: How Heli Austria Built a Global Helicopter Operation | Roy Knaus

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode, Halsey Schider sits down with Roy Knaus of Heli Austria to discuss the company's journey from a small family operation to one of Europe's most established helicopter operators.Roy shares the history of Heli Austria, founded by his father in the 1980s, and reflects on the growth that has taken the company from a fleet of just three helicopters to nearly 40 aircraft supporting a wide range of missions. The conversation explores how the company has expanded beyond Austria into international markets, including operations in Iceland and Chile, while maintaining a focus on safety, customer service, and operational excellence.They also discuss the realities of growing a helicopter business, building strong local partnerships, navigating different regulatory environments, and creating opportunities in sectors ranging from HEMS and firefighting to utility work and heli-skiing.Throughout the conversation, Roy offers lessons learned from decades in the industry, emphasizing adaptability, continuous learning, and the importance of building a motivated team capable of taking on new challenges.This episode is a look at what it takes to grow a helicopter company over the long term and how strong partnerships, vision, and persistence can create opportunities far beyond where the journey began.Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, Airbus and Hillsboro Heli Academy.

June 9, 2026Episode 18151 min

Episode #181: 65 Years of Enstrom Helicopters | Todd Tetzlaff

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode, host Halsey Schider sits down with Todd Tetzlaff, senior vice-president of regulatory affairs and global relations at Enstrom Helicopter, to talk about how a legacy manufacturer continues to adapt in today’s market.Todd shares perspective on Enstrom’s long history in the industry and what it takes to stay relevant, from navigating an increasingly complex certification environment, to supporting operators in the field. The conversation highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with service centers and maintenance, repair and overhaul shops, and why that support network is critical to long-term success.They also discuss Enstrom’s push to expand in Europe, including the challenges of entering a market with established competitors and different regulatory expectations. Todd breaks down how certification, infrastructure, and local partnerships all play a role in making that growth possible.This episode is a look at what it takes to sustain and grow a helicopter manufacturer over time—and how experience, support, and adaptability continue to shape the path forward.Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Metro Aviation and Enstrom Helicopter.

May 31, 2026Episode 1801 hr 22 min

Episode #180: From Army Rangers to 160th SOAR | Ryan Walters

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with Ryan Walters to talk about his path from Army Ranger to pilot in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.Ryan shares how his time in the Ranger Regiment shaped his perspective early on, and how working alongside the 160th during that period ultimately influenced his decision to transition into aviation through the warrant officer program. After seeing those crews operate up close, the goal became clear—get in the front seat.The conversation focuses on the realities of that transition, the demands of training, and the standard required to operate in a unit built around precision and consistency. Ryan also reflects on the level of performance he witnessed in the field, where training, preparation, and trust in the team allowed people to do extraordinary things under pressure.This episode is a look at what it takes to move into high-level aviation roles—and how the right environment, mindset, and team can shape what’s possible.Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Airbus, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Robinson Helicopter.

May 26, 2026Episode 1791 hr 2 min

Episode #179: Guest #1 Returns! | Sean Moretz on Networking and Memorable Flights

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with Sean Moretz—returning as the show’s very first guest more than 170 episodes later.Sean talks through how his role as a designated pilot examiner (DPE) has shaped his career, and how relationships built early in aviation tend to come full circle over time. Through that work, he’s stayed closely connected to pilots at key moments in their progression, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and staying engaged in the industry.The conversation reflects on how both Sean’s perspective and the industry itself have evolved since that first episode. They also revisit early days in flight instruction, the challenge of building confidence in new pilots, and the lessons that come from learning on the job.This episode is a look at how experience builds over time—what changes, what doesn’t, and why the people in this industry matter just as much as the flying.Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Precision Aviation Group and Sellacopter.

May 19, 2026Episode 1781 hr 14 min

Episode #178: The MD 500 Training Advantage | JD Parsons

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with JD Parsons of Colorado Highland Helicopters to talk about a different approach to flight training.JD shares his path from trucking entrepreneur to helicopter operator, and how that background shaped the way he thinks about flight school. The conversation focuses on challenging traditional training models, including his use of the MD 500 as a primary training aircraft and a strong emphasis on high-altitude, scenario-based flying.They dig into the realities of student retention, the importance of building confidence without ego, and how real-world mission profiles—like search and rescue or utility work—can better prepare pilots from the start. JD also discusses safety culture, decision-making under pressure, and why open communication in the cockpit is critical to long-term success.This episode is a practical look at how training can evolve to better reflect real-world operations—and what it takes to build safer, more capable pilots from day one.Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Airbus, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Robinson Helicopter.

May 12, 2026Episode 1771 hr 6 min

Episode #177: Burnout and Stepping Back in Aviation | Jesse Munns

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with Jesse Munns, founder of Awakened, Iron and Soul, to talk about career transitions, mental health, and the realities of stepping back in aviation.Jesse shares his experience working in HEMS, describing the buildup of fatigue and burnout that led to a moment where he recognized he couldn’t keep going at the same pace. The conversation centers on what it actually looks like to make that call, how it impacts your career, and why those decisions are often avoided in aviation.They also dig into the broader issue of mental health in the industry—why it’s still difficult to talk about, how it’s often misunderstood, and the gap in support for pilots dealing with stress, anxiety, or burnout. Jesse explains how his work now focuses on helping aviation professionals navigate those transitions and rebuild with a healthier foundation.This episode is an honest discussion about recognizing limits, making difficult decisions, and changing how the industry approaches mental health and career longevity.Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Airbus, Sellacopter and Robinson Helicopter.

May 3, 2026Episode 17649 min

Episode #176: HEMS Safety, Data, and Decision-Making | Steve Soliz of Bell

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with Steve Soliz from Bell to discuss the evolving landscape of helicopter emergency medical services.Steve brings a global perspective to the conversation, breaking down how HEMS operations are adapting through advancements in avionics, autopilot systems, and data-driven mission planning. The discussion focuses on how these tools are reducing pilot workload while improving situational awareness and overall mission safety.They also explore the differences between North American and European EMS operations, including how regulatory environments, aircraft selection, and medical protocols are shaped by data and operational constraints. Steve highlights the importance of crew resource management, emphasizing how communication and trust between pilots and medical crews play a critical role in preventing incidents and managing risk.This episode is a grounded look at how technology, human factors, and decision-making continue to shape safer, more effective EMS operations worldwide.Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Hillsboro Heli Academy, Precision Aviation Group and Metro Aviation.

April 28, 2026Episode 1751 hr 5 min

Episode #175: Beyond Drones: Building Aviation Networks | Cory Vinger - The Helicopter Podcast

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schrader sits down with Cory Vinger to talk about the evolution of drone technology—and where his focus is shifting next.Cory shares his path from aerospace engineering and flight training into the early days of unmanned aviation, building experience in utility inspections as drone capabilities advanced from basic imaging to tools like LiDAR, infrared, and corona detection. The conversation highlights how those technologies are now supporting more proactive, data-driven approaches to infrastructure maintenance.They also dig into Cory’s current work with AerHub and their new app Aerway, a new aviation-focused networking platform designed to connect professionals across flight operations, maintenance, and leadership. The discussion centers on the role of networking in aviation, how most opportunities are built through relationships, and the need for a more focused, professional digital space.This episode bridges where the industry has been with where it’s going—both in how we inspect infrastructure, and how we connect as professionals within it.Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Enstrom Helicopter, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Airbus.

April 21, 2026Episode 1741 hr 24 min

Episode #174: Fighter Pilot Lessons, Backcountry Flying, and a Water Ditching | Steve Cox - The Helicopter Podcast

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with Steve Cox, fighter pilot, airline pilot, and creator of the Cleared Direct YouTube channel, for a wide-ranging conversation about aviation, risk, and the lessons learned from real-world flying.Steve shares the path that led him from military fighter jets to airline operations and into the world of experimental and backcountry aviation. Along the way, he discusses the discipline required to operate high-performance aircraft, the appeal of building and flying experimental airplanes, and the mindset pilots need to manage risk in demanding environments.The conversation also explores the role of storytelling in aviation safety. Steve explains why sharing experiences — including mistakes and close calls — helps pilots build mental models that improve decision-making long before a real emergency occurs.That philosophy becomes especially real as Steve recounts a dramatic water ditching and the rapid decisions that allowed him and his passenger to walk away safely. It’s a powerful reminder that preparation, training, and a strong safety culture remain essential in every corner of aviation.Thank you to this episode's sponsors Robinson Helicopter, Quantum Helicopters and Enstrom Helicopter.

April 14, 2026Episode 17350 min

Episode #173: From Greenland Operations to Mountain Flying Safety | Simon Whitinger – The Helicopter Podcast

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, recorded live at European Rotors 2025 in Cologne, host Halsey Schider sits down with helicopter pilot and author Simon Whitinger for a wide-ranging discussion about operations, training, and knowledge sharing in the helicopter community.The conversation opens with Simon’s flight training and career pathways, including Simon’s flight training experiences in Canada, the challenges of transitioning to EASA certification, and the crucial role that networking and industry events like European Rotors play in building professional connections across the helicopter community.They then turn to Simon's experience flying in Greenland, where helicopters often serve as essential transportation between remote villages, support medevacs, and connect people across challenging terrain. Halsey and Simon explore how these real-world operations shape a pilot’s decision-making and perspective.Finally, they focus on Simon’s Mountain Flying Handbook, a resource developed to address the gap in structured safety knowledge around mountain operations. Drawing on decades of experience in mountainous environments, Simon explains why hazards such as whiteout and unmarked cables remain leading contributors to accidents, and how pilots can prepare to recognize and mitigate these risks.Buy Simon's book, The Mountain Flying Handbook. Be sure to use promo code "Sellacopter".Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Precision Aviation Group and Airbus.