The Vertical MRO Podcast

• Episode 54: Gulf Skies to Game-Changing Tools: Joseph LaCaze of Helicopter Work Aids Part II

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Val Medved, co-host Faith Ortega, and guest Joseph LaCaze of Helicopter Work Aids take listeners on a journey through legacy, innovation, and the personal side of helicopter maintenance.Joe shares how a childhood surrounded by aviation shaped his passion for the industry—and how that passion evolved into a career rooted in both technical expertise and a drive to improve the tools of the trade. From early influences in the Gulf of Mexico to co-founding Helicopter Work Aids a family business focused on aviation tools, Joe highlights the power of mentorship, the impact of embracing challenges, and the value of community in growing as a maintainer.The conversation moves seamlessly from lighthearted banter about sports rivalries and family stories to deep dives into safety-focused tool innovation, quality control, and the evolving needs of helicopter mechanics. With insights on continuous learning, legacy aircraft, and building strong industry partnerships, this episode offers something for everyone in the rotorcraft maintenance world.Special thanks to our sponsors, Airbus and Precision Aviation Group.

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• Episode 53: Gulf Skies to Game-Changing Tools: Joseph LaCaze of Helicopter Work Aids Part I

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Val Medved, co-host Faith Ortega, and guest Joseph LaCaze take listeners on a journey through legacy, innovation, and the personal side of helicopter maintenance.Joe shares how a childhood surrounded by aviation shaped his passion for the industry—and how that passion evolved into a career rooted in both technical expertise and a drive to improve the tools of the trade. From early influences in the Gulf of Mexico to co-founding a family business focused on aviation tools, Joe highlights the power of mentorship, the impact of embracing challenges, and the value of community in growing as a maintainer.The conversation moves seamlessly from lighthearted banter about sports rivalries and family stories to deep dives into safety-focused tool innovation, quality control, and the evolving needs of helicopter mechanics. With insights on continuous learning, legacy aircraft, and building strong industry partnerships, this episode offers something for everyone in the rotorcraft maintenance world.Special thanks to our sponsors, SAFE Structure Designs, Robinson Helicopter and Precision Aviation Group.

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• Bonus Episode! What’s Ahead at the MRO Conference – Training, Tech & Team Building

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode of the Vertical MRO podcast, host Jon Gray sits down with two industry experts who will be presenting at the upcoming Vertical MRO Conference. Chris Matt, with over 36 years of experience at PHI, shares insights into his course on corrosion, highlighting its critical impact on rotorcraft maintenance. Francois Magnan, a veteran in the rotorcraft community since 1981 and currently with Parker Lord, discusses his presentation on the care and inspection of elastomeric components.This conversation highlights the essential role of the Vertical MRO Conference in promoting knowledge exchange among rotorcraft maintenance professionals. It also underscores the critical importance of continuous training, industry recruitment, and strong networking, all of which are vital to ensuring safety, operational excellence, and the ongoing advancement of rotorcraft maintenance.Registration is now open for the upcoming Vertical MRO Conference. Join us from October 7-9 at the KF Centre for Excellence in Kelowna, British Columbia, or from November 10-12 at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, Texas. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and expand your industry expertise!For more information about the Vertical MRO Conference, including registration details and the agenda, visit our website at verticalmro.com.

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• Episode 52: Inside Law Enforcement Helicopter Maintenance with Richard Weiser Part II

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two-part series, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely, hosts of the Hangar Z Podcast, sit down with Richard Weiser from the Glendale Burbank Police Air Support Unit.Weiser is a highly skilled helicopter maintenance professional with over 25 years of experience in maintaining and supporting helicopter operations.With more than 18 years dedicated to law enforcement aviation, Weiser has demonstrated exceptional expertise in ensuring aircraft airworthiness, modifying helicopters to meet departmental needs, and managing maintenance schedules.Currently serving as the director of maintenance for the Glendale Burbank Police Department Air Support Unit, he has maintained a fleet of MD500N helicopters for over 15 years.Weiser’s background also includes military helicopter maintenance service in the United States Marine Corps. He holds an active A&P mechanic certificate and an IA inspector authorization.Known for his reliability, technical skill, and dedication, Weiser is a proven asset in aviation maintenance and law enforcement support.Special thanks to our sponsors, SAFE Structure Designs and Robinson Helicopter.

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• Episode 51: Inside Law Enforcement Helicopter Maintenance with Richard Weiser Part I

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two-part series, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely, hosts of the Hangar Z Podcast, sit down with Richard Weiser from the Glendale Burbank Police Air Support Unit.Weiser is a highly skilled helicopter maintenance professional with over 25 years of experience in maintaining and supporting helicopter operations.With more than 18 years dedicated to law enforcement aviation, Weiser has demonstrated exceptional expertise in ensuring aircraft airworthiness, modifying helicopters to meet departmental needs, and managing maintenance schedules.Currently serving as the director of maintenance for the Glendale Burbank Police Department Air Support Unit, he has maintained a fleet of MD500N helicopters for over 15 years.Weiser’s background also includes military helicopter maintenance service in the United States Marine Corps. He holds an active A&P mechanic certificate and an IA inspector authorization.Known for his reliability, technical skill, and dedication, Weiser is a proven asset in aviation maintenance and law enforcement support.Special thanks to our sponsors, Metro Aviation Inc. and Airbus.

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