Episode #147 - Building Safer Skies with TOPS: Christopher Young - The Helicopter Podcast
Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this engaging episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Christopher Young, a seasoned helicopter pilot and executive director of the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS). With a 20-year U.S. Navy career flying Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawks, Chris shares his journey from naval aviation to air medical operations with STAT Medevac, and later to roles at Sikorsky, Argus Prism, and Baldwin, all centered on enhancing safety. Now an aviation insurance broker and risk management consultant at Pik West, Chris emphasizes practical safety solutions and the importance of a robust safety management system (SMS). He discusses TOPS’ mission to elevate safety standards in the air tour industry, including its evolving inclusivity for Federal Aviation Administration Part 91.147 operators. Chris highlights the value of accountability, culture, and collaboration, in mitigating risks, offering insights for pilots and operators alike.To learn more about TOPS, visit: https://topsafety.org/Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopter, Vertical Aviation International and HeliLadder.Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!
--------
1:06:43
--------
1:06:43
Episode #146 - Human Factors in High Stakes: Ken Wylie - The Helicopter Podcast
Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this captivating episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Ken Wylie, an International Certified Mountain Guide and author of Buried. Unlike typical guests, Ken’s expertise lies not in aviation but in mountaineering, where he has dedicated his career to understanding human factors and decision-making in high-consequence environments. Drawing parallels between mountaineering and aviation, Ken shares his transformative experience surviving a tragic 2003 avalanche in Revelstoke, where seven lives were lost. He reflects on the critical role of intuition, the dangers of hierarchical decision-making, and the importance of balancing courage with humility. Through his Archetypal framework, Ken explores how countering mindsets like the “addict” and “alchemist” shape decisions under pressure. This episode offers profound insights for pilots and high-risk professionals on managing fear, complacency, and responsibility to enhance safety and performance.To learn more about Ken’s work, visit: https://www.archetypal.ca/Thank you to our sponsors HeliLadder, Enstrom and Sellacopter.
--------
1:14:40
--------
1:14:40
Episode #145 - Blades of Valor: Lee Benson - Vietnam to FireHawks - The Helicopter Podcast
Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this gripping episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Lee Benson, a 2025 MHM Blades of Valor Award recipient, whose 15,000-plus hours as a helicopter pilot have left an indelible mark on the industry. From his early days as a Vietnam War pilot at 19, Lee transitioned to commercial flying in the “Wild West” era of the 1970s, supported naval operations, and served 27 years with LA County Fire Department, where he was instrumental in developing the Firehawk. He shares gripping stories of surviving a tail rotor failure in Vietnam and a rotor brake incident in Alaska, showcasing his resilience and skill. As a key figure in transforming the Firehawk into a versatile public-use aircraft for firefighting, swift water rescues, and medical evacuations, Lee offers timeless insights on professionalism and managing high-time pilots. Join Halsey for an unforgettable dive into Lee’s extraordinary contributions.To learn more about LA County Fire Department’s Air Operations, visit: https://fire.lacounty.gov/Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Airbus and Precision Aviation Group.Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!
--------
1:03:44
--------
1:03:44
Episode #144 - Operation Helo - Hope in a Crisis: Eric Robinson - The Helicopter Podcast
Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this inspiring episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Eric Robinson, recipient of the Blades of Valor Award and the driving force behind Operation Helo, a nonprofit that mobilized civilian helicopters for disaster relief during Hurricane Helene’s devastating aftermath in western North Carolina. Eric shares his journey from a fixed-wing aviation background, rooted in his father’s legacy as a Vietnam helicopter pilot, to co-founding Acme Aero, a leading suspension manufacturer for backcountry aircraft. The conversation then dives into Operation Helo’s rapid response to Hurricane Helene, coordinating over 160 helicopters to deliver 2 million pounds of aid and rescue over 430 people. Eric highlights the critical role of Robinson helicopters in accessing tight spaces, as well as Operation Helo's organic growth , and its ongoing commitment to long-term recovery, including providing 221 travel campers for displaced families. Tune in for an amazing episode showcasing the power of community and aviation in a crisis.To learn more about Operation Helo, visit: https://operationhelo.org/Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Robinson Helicopter and Precision Aviation Group. Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!
--------
1:04:39
--------
1:04:39
Episode #143 - HealthNet’s Legacy of Compassion: Clinton Burley - The Helicopter Podcast
Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Clinton Burley, President and CEO of HealthNet Aeromedical Services, a cornerstone of critical care transport in West Virginia. Starting as a flight paramedic in 1986, Clinton shares his journey from 17 years of frontline clinical work to leading a 501(c)(3) medical transportation organization formed by three competing health systems. He reflects on the emotional impact of patient care, recounting a poignant extrication mission and emphasizing mental health support for EMS providers. Clinton highlights HealthNet’s commitment to safety and altruism, operating 10 Airbus helicopters and 44 ambulances while advancing employee wellness programs and debt relief to patients in need. From pioneering night vision goggle use in all phases of flight to exploring future aircraft platforms, HealthNet prioritizes patient care over profit. To learn more about HealthNet Aeromedical Services, visit: https://www.healthnetaeromedical.com/.Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Airbus and Precision Aviation Group.Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!
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!
South Africa