The Vertical MRO Podcast

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

This episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast was recorded on location at the inaugural Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna, British Columbia. The MRO Conference in Kelowna featured six different panels where MRO professionals shared their expertise.

In this panel conversation, John Gray brings together a multi-generational group of maintainers to reflect on the themes sparked by the Vertical MRO Conference: mentorship, communication, leadership, and the responsibility we have to the next wave of technicians. From brand-new apprentices to five-decade veterans, this discussion digs into how great shops are built—not just through technical skill, but through culture, trust, and shared purpose.
This panel featured Taya Dejong, Mike Broderick, Howie Murray, Trish Bromely and Burt Potter.
Taya and Trish talk candidly about entering the rotorcraft world, finding inspiration in each other, and navigating an industry they never knew existed when they were younger. Bert and Howie offer insight into supporting apprentices, creating healthy learning environments, and balancing small-shop culture with big-shop expectations. And Mike Broderick draws on 50 years in maintenance to share what true mentorship looks like, why passion matters, and how every mechanic becomes the backbone of mission success.
This is a grounded, heartfelt look at what keeps the helicopter maintenance community strong—and what we can all do to support the next generation.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Essential Turbines, Rotorcraft Support Inc, and Precision Aviation Group.

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 aviation veteran Terrence Eissfeldt, whose four-decade career spans from Okanagan Helicopters to founding Boundary Aviation Solutions his own consulting business. Terrence shares stories from his early days in the industry, his family’s deep aviation roots, and the pivotal moments that shaped his path from the hangar floor to leadership roles.

The conversation explores how mentorship, trust, and community remain the cornerstones of aviation maintenance — even as technology, AI, and staffing challenges reshape the landscape. Terrence reflects on what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how maintainers can stay grounded while embracing the tools and innovations that will define the next generation of helicopter maintenance.

With a focus on human connection, work-life balance, and passing on hard-won wisdom, this episode is a tribute to the people who keep rotorcraft flying safely and efficiently — and to the mentors who inspired them to do it well.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Essential Turbines, Precision Aviation Group and Vertical Aviation International.

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 aviation veteran Terrence Eissfeldt, whose four-decade career spans from Okanagan Helicopters to founding Boundary Aviation Solutions his own consulting business. Terrence shares stories from his early days in the industry, his family’s deep aviation roots, and the pivotal moments that shaped his path from the hangar floor to leadership roles.

The conversation explores how mentorship, trust, and community remain the cornerstones of aviation maintenance — even as technology, AI, and staffing challenges reshape the landscape. Terrence reflects on what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how maintainers can stay grounded while embracing the tools and innovations that will define the next generation of helicopter maintenance.

With a focus on human connection, work-life balance, and passing on hard-won wisdom, this episode is a tribute to the people who keep rotorcraft flying safely and efficiently — and to the mentors who inspired them to do it well.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Metro, Vertical Aviation International and Rotorcraft Support Inc.

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.
In this episode of Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Ronie, Scott, Terrence and Jon, along with producer and host David, reflect on the past year. We have an opportunity to discuss highlights, and the growth of the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) community developed through the podcast and the Vertical MRO Conference.
We also talk about the excitement surrounding the next generation of aviation professionals and the need for continued conversations promoting the maintenance community. 
Lastly, we discuss what is exciting for 2026 as we look forward, sharing our hopes for the future of the industry and emphasizing the importance of investing in people and adopting new technology.
Special thanks to our sponsors, SAFE Structure Designs, Vertical Aviation International and Airbus.

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

Recorded live at the inaugural Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna, British Columbia, this episode features a panel discussion on one of the industry’s most transformative topics: Technology and the future of rotorcraft maintenance.
Hosted by Jon Gray, this conversation brings together Seth Hardage, CEO of Rotorcraft Repair and Manufacturing; Ronnie Ries, vice president of marketing at GPMS; and Joaquin DeMoreta, CEO and founder of Digital AirWare. Together, they explore how cutting-edge technologies — from health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) to predictive maintenance and digital data integration — are redefining how maintainers troubleshoot, prevent issues, and keep aircraft mission-ready.
The panel dives into the changing role of technology in day-to-day maintenance, discussing how smarter tools and connected systems are improving efficiency, enhancing safety, and helping retain a new generation of technicians.
From vibration analysis to data-driven diagnostics, the experts share how innovation is transforming rotorcraft maintenance from a reactive process to a predictive science — and why embracing technology is key to the industry’s future success.
This live panel captures the spirit of collaboration and forward thinking that defined the Kelowna conference, where maintenance professionals, engineers, and innovators came together to shape what’s next for the rotorcraft maintenance, repair and overhaul community.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Precision Aviation Group, Robinson Helicopter and Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing.