The Vertical MRO Podcast

Welcome to another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell.

In this episode, host Jon Gray is joined by Bell experts Greg Judd and Michael Doucette for a focused discussion on track and balance for the Bell 212—a critical maintenance task that directly affects vibration, performance, and overall aircraft health. While often approached as a routine adjustment, achieving consistent results requires a deeper understanding of rotor system behavior and how it evolves over time.

The conversation explores common challenges maintainers encounter in the field, including variability in blade construction, differences between material types, and the impact of wear, erosion, and operating environments. As blades age, even small changes can introduce track and balance issues that demand a disciplined and methodical troubleshooting approach.

The team also emphasizes the importance of process—conducting thorough inspections, documenting adjustments, and recognizing trends across maintenance events. With so many variables at play, successful track and balance work relies on attention to detail, experience, and a clear understanding of how the rotor system responds to change.

For maintainers supporting the Bell 212, this episode reinforces the fundamentals while offering practical insight into managing one of the most important and nuanced aspects of helicopter maintenance.

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Need help with your Bell helicopter? Email us at [email protected] or visit https://www.bellflight.com/support/commercial.

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus.

Recorded live at Verticon 2026, this episode is hosted by Terrence Eissfeldt and Jon Gray and features a conversation with Wendell Dunaway of PHI Aviation, whose career in helicopter engines spans decades across the industry.
Wendell’s path into aviation started long before hangars and test cells, growing up working on farm equipment and small engines—an early foundation that would eventually lead him into the world of helicopter powerplants. Over the years, that hands-on curiosity turned into a career defined by deep technical experience, from turning wrenches to running engines in test environments and supporting complex operations in the field.
The conversation explores what it really means to build a career around engines, the evolution of technology in the powerplant space, and how foundational mechanical understanding still plays a critical role in modern maintenance. Wendell shares his perspective on learning the trade, adapting to change, and why the fundamentals continue to matter no matter how advanced the equipment becomes.
From engines to classic cars, the discussion reflects a lifelong passion for mechanics and the satisfaction that comes from understanding how things work. It’s a conversation grounded in experience, curiosity, and a genuine appreciation for the craft.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Metro Aviation, Robinson Helicopter and Airbus.

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus.

Recorded live at the Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna and hosted by Jon Gray, this panel brings together voices from across the helicopter maintenance ecosystem to unpack the real issues facing MRO suppliers today—and how those challenges are reshaping the industry.
Panelists include Marc Leduc of VIH Aerospace; Jasen Gerein of Heli-Welders Canada; Ketan Desai of Precision Aviation Group; Jeff Denomme of Alpine Aerotech; and Maria Aguirre of Airbus—representing operators, suppliers, distributors, and maintenance leadership from across the MRO community.
The panel dives into the growing unpredictability of the supply chain, where shortages of even basic hardware and sudden manufacturing disruptions can derail maintenance events. When helicopters are already torn down, small missing parts can quickly become major operational and customer challenges.
Communication emerges as a recurring theme, with panelists stressing the importance of transparency—whether coordinating with OEMs, planning maintenance further ahead, or managing customer expectations in an uncertain environment.
Labor shortages and recruitment also take center stage, particularly the challenge of attracting and retaining the next generation of AMEs. Panelists discuss how investment in facilities, technology, culture, and work-life balance has become essential—not optional—for long-term competitiveness.
Additional discussion touches on predictive maintenance, inventory strategy, tariffs, part-outs, and the role of technology in forecasting needs. The takeaway is clear: collaboration across the MRO ecosystem is no longer a nice-to-have, but a requirement for navigating today’s supply and labor realities.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Alpine Aerotech, Precision Aviation Group and Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing.

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus.

This episode was recorded live on location at the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit as part of the 2026 Blades of Valor tour. Hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down with Matt Callander, an avionics technician serving the unit who also happens to be a pilot, to explore a perspective that bridges the cockpit and the hangar.
In aviation, pilots and mechanics often operate in parallel worlds. One flies the mission. The other makes it possible. But when those worlds truly align, operational performance changes.
Public safety aviation leaves no margin for disconnect. Hoist rescues, maritime operations, complex avionics systems, and mission equipment demand more than technical skill. They demand trust, communication, and a shared operational mindset. Matt brings a rare perspective shaped by both flight experience and maintenance leadership, offering insight into how pilot awareness influences troubleshooting, how maintenance realities shape operational decisions, and why respect between the cockpit and the hangar directly affects safety.
This isn’t just a discussion about turning wrenches or logging hours. It’s about cultural alignment. It’s about how leadership sets the tone between departments. And it’s about why the strongest aviation programs are built where pilots and mechanics stop seeing themselves as separate roles and start operating as one team.
Because in high-consequence aviation, synergy isn’t optional. It’s structural.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Alpine Aerotech, and be sure to check out Vertical MROs instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus.

This episode was recorded live on location at the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit as part of the 2026 Blades of Valor tour. Hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down with Matt Callander, an avionics technician serving the unit who also happens to be a pilot, to explore a perspective that bridges the cockpit and the hangar.
In aviation, pilots and mechanics often operate in parallel worlds. One flies the mission. The other makes it possible. But when those worlds truly align, operational performance changes.
Public safety aviation leaves no margin for disconnect. Hoist rescues, maritime operations, complex avionics systems, and mission equipment demand more than technical skill. They demand trust, communication, and a shared operational mindset. Matt brings a rare perspective shaped by both flight experience and maintenance leadership, offering insight into how pilot awareness influences troubleshooting, how maintenance realities shape operational decisions, and why respect between the cockpit and the hangar directly affects safety.
This isn’t just a discussion about turning wrenches or logging hours. It’s about cultural alignment. It’s about how leadership sets the tone between departments. And it’s about why the strongest aviation programs are built where pilots and mechanics stop seeing themselves as separate roles and start operating as one team.
Because in high-consequence aviation, synergy isn’t optional. It’s structural.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Rotorcraft Support Inc., Airbus and Vertical Plus.