The Helicopter Podcast

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Welcome 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.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!
In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, recorded at Verticon 2026, Halsey Schider sits down with David Smith, ceo of Robinson Helicopters, and Paul Fermo, president of Robinson Unmanned, to discuss safety, innovation, and where the industry is heading next.
The conversation opens with a look at recent safety improvements across the helicopter industry, including lower accident rates and the continued focus on training for inadvertent IMC. David and Paul highlight how tools like cockpit cameras and scenario-based training are helping pilots better understand risk and make more informed decisions in the moment.
They also explore Robinson’s evolving product strategy — from utility-focused updates like the R44 interior to broader efforts to meet changing customer needs. A major focus is the launch of Robinson Unmanned and the company’s investment in drone technology, signaling a shift toward a more integrated future across crewed and uncrewed aviation.
Blending safety, technology, and long-term strategy, this episode offers insight into how Robinson is adapting to a changing market while staying grounded in its core mission: building practical, reliable aircraft for real-world operations.
Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Metro Aviation, Quantum Helicopters and Robinson Helicopter.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!
In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, recorded at Verticon 2026, Halsey Schider sits down with Francois Lassale, president and ceo of Vertical Aviation International, for a first conversation on leadership, safety culture, and decision-making in aviation.
The discussion opens with Halsey sharing a formative lesson from his early flying career — the importance of knowing when to say no. In an industry where mission pressure is real, the ability to make the right call can be one of the most critical skills a pilot develops.
Francois builds on that idea from a leadership perspective, emphasizing that true safety culture goes beyond policies and procedures. It’s about creating teams that consistently make the right decisions, even when no one is watching. He shares a personal example from outside aviation, where wearing proper motorcycle safety gear likely saved his life in a serious accident — reinforcing the idea that safety is a mindset carried into every aspect of life.
The conversation also touches on communication, training, and how organizations can better support pilots in making sound decisions under pressure. Together, they highlight that safety isn’t just taught — it’s modeled, reinforced, and lived daily.
A thoughtful discussion on leadership, accountability, and building a culture where doing the right thing is the standard.
Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Helicopter Institute, Robinson Helicopter and Vertical Aviation International.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

Recorded live at European Rotors 2025, this episode of The Helicopter Podcast features a conversation between Halsey Schider and Glen White from EuroSafety about helicopter training, safety culture, and the growing European market.
The conversation begins with Europe’s expanding role in the global helicopter industry and the unique dynamics shaping training and operations across the region. From private owners to commercial operators, the market presents different challenges — and different expectations — around professionalism and safety culture.
Glen shares insights from his work with Loft Dynamics, (interviewed at European Rotors last year), explaining how scenario-based simulation is changing the way pilots prepare for real-world emergencies. Instead of relying solely on rote memory, modern training puts pilots in realistic situations where decision-making matters — especially during inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC) and system malfunctions.
They also discuss skill fade, complacency, and why continuous practice is essential in helicopter operations. From private owners to commercial crews, professionalism and safety culture remain central to the industry’s future.
A focused conversation on training for the unexpected — and building safer pilots in the process.
Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Vertical Aviation International and Airbus.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with longtime helicopter pilot and safety advocate Nick Mayhew to explore a career shaped by military aviation, hard lessons, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

Nick shares his journey from the Royal Navy into helicopter operations, including tense moments in night flying and high-risk environments that reinforced one simple truth: Fatigue, complacency, and small mistakes can have massive consequences.

The conversation dives into safety culture, the mission of the US Helicopter Safety Team, and Nick’s concept of a “Retirement Checklist” — a mindset built around never cutting corners and always keeping it in the green. 
At the heart of it all is the belief that aviation must foster a just culture where pilots own outcomes, speak up about close calls, and learn openly from mistakes.

With a clear goal of zero fatal accidents, this episode is a powerful reminder that professionalism, humility, and discipline remain the foundation of helicopter safety.
Thank you to our sponsors, Hillsboro Heli Academy, Airbus and Precision Aviation Group.