The Vertical MRO Podcast

• Episode 73: The HeliLadder Revolution: A Conversation with Dale Neubauer and Drew Benton Jr. - Part I

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two-part Vertical MRO Podcast series, hosts Jon Gray and Faith Ortega have an engaging conversation with Dale Neubauer, an airfame and powerplant (A&P) mechanic and CEO of HeliLadder; and Drew Benton Jr., owner of Helicopter Maintenance Solutions.During the conversation, our guests explore their journeys in the helicopter community. They discuss the professional challenges faced by helicopter technicians, the importance of teamwork and communication, and the critical nature of ensuring aircraft are airworthy.Dale talks about how his experiences in the helicopter air ambulance sector impacted his personal and professional life. He shares a personal story you won't want to miss that highlights the impact of maintenance on patient outcomes, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in the field.Dale talks about the motivation for him and his wife and Susie to create and launch HeliLadder in 2015, starting from their garage with a shared vision to improve aircraft maintenance safety and efficiency. Dale’s 30 years of experience in aircraft maintenance provided the foundation for creating the world’s first modular and portable workstand. Driven by a passion for changing how maintenance is performed, Dale and Susie’s work at HeliLadder continues to prioritize safety, comfort, and quality. Dale’s background and commitment underscore the company’s mission to support safe, efficient, and reliable aircraft maintenance, making a tangible difference in the aviation industry through innovative solutions and unwavering dedication.Special thanks to our sponsors, Vertical Aviation International, HeliLadder and Robinson Helicopter.

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• Episode 72: Honoring Matt Pagano: APSA’s 2025 Technical Specialist Award winner

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.The Vertical MRO Podcast recorded this special episode live from the Vertical Valor booth at APSCON, the Airborne Public Safety Association's annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Host Jon Gray is joined by guest host Jeff Ratkovic from the Hangar Z Podcast to honor the service of Matt Pagano, maintainer for the Riverside (California) Police Department Air Support Unit. Matt was recently recognized with the 2025 Airborne Public Safety Aviation Technical Specialist Award.The Technical Specialist Award is given to an individual whose aviation maintenance efforts for a law enforcement agency are performed extraordinarily well, above and beyond what is normally expected. Their efforts bring distinction to themselves, their department, and to the Airborne Public Safety Association. A central focus of the discussion is Riverside’s transition from the MD 500 helicopter to the Airbus H125 — a shift that has required Matt to prepare new facilities, adapt to evolving mission equipment, and lean on the broader helicopter community for support. Matt shares how mentorship, teamwork, and knowledge-sharing within the aviation industry have been essential in navigating this change.Together, Jon, Jeff, and Matt dive into the importance of building a culture of safety and trust, investing in tools and training, and recognizing the legacy of beloved aircraft like the MD 500. Special thanks to our sponsors, Vertical Aviation International, Robinson Helicopter and SAFE Structure Designs.

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• Episode #71: Highlights from the First Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this special recap episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Howie Murray, along with producer David Kreutzkamp, take listeners inside the inaugural Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna, British Columbia. This first-of-its-kind gathering brought together more than 500 rotorcraft professionals to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and celebrate the passion that drives the helicopter maintenance community.Recorded live at the event, this episode features highlights from 12 on-site mini-interviews that capture the excitement, collaboration, and inspiration of the conference. From discussions on mentorship and recruiting the next generation of AMEs, to the growing role of social media in connecting the maintenance community, the episode showcases the voices and insights that made the event unforgettable.With 30+ FAA-approved educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and a strong focus on community, the Kelowna conference marked the beginning of a movement for the MRO industry.If you missed Kelowna, don’t worry — the Vertical MRO Conference is heading next to Irving, Texas, November 10–12, 2025. Spots are filling fast, so REGISTER NOW and be part of the next chapter in shaping the future of rotorcraft maintenance.Special thanks to our sponsors, Airbus, Precision Aviation Group and Metro Aviation.

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• Vertical MRO Tech Talk by Bell – Episode 7: HUMS & the Future of Helicopter Safety

  Welcome to another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell.In this special episode of Bell Tech Talk, Mark Dube and Tim Doucet sit down with our host Jon Gray to explore the critical role of health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) in a growing number of Bell helicopters. From their early development to today’s miniaturized, data-driven technology, HUMS have evolved into a cornerstone of helicopter safety and maintenance.Our conversation highlights how predictive maintenance, powered by HUMS, helps operators prevent potential failures, improve efficiency, and enhance overall safety. Mark and Tim share real-world success stories, discuss the impact of regulatory changes, and explain why data quality is essential to getting the most from these systems.Whether you’re an operator considering HUMS implementation or simply curious about how technology is reshaping aviation safety, this episode offers insights into why HUMS are not just about maintenance—they’re about protecting lives.We want to hear from you! – [email protected] help with your Bell helicopter? Email us at [email protected] or visit https://www.bellflight.com/support/commercial. 

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• Episode 70: Celebrating Excellence: Zina Hullings and the Blades of Valor Award - Part II

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two-part Vertical MRO Podcast series, Jon Gray sits down with Zina Hullings, management analyst at the Ontario (California) Police Department Air Support Unit; and Eric Weidner, who was Ontario PD Air Support commander before retiring in 2016.Zina is recipient of the prestigious Blades of Valor Recognition of Service, Courage, and Flight Award, an honor that celebrates 20 extraordinary professionals in the fields of aviation, helicopter emergency medical services, and public safety, who have demonstrated outstanding courage, innovation, leadership, and unwavering commitment to saving lives. Zina has had a transformative impact on operations within her unit. Her deep understanding of aircraft capabilities, maintenance programs, and operational needs, allows her to effectively bridge the gap between technical requirements and mission demands. She has been instrumental in managing the acquisition and integration of new aircraft technologies, which have significantly enhanced safety, efficiency, and mission effectiveness.Despite having no initial aviation background, Zina’s proactive approach to learning about airframes, maintenance programs, and aircrew operations, has empowered her to oversee complex aircraft procurement efforts, including the purchase of multiple aircraft and upcoming additions.Her leadership ensures maintenance operations run smoothly, aircraft are equipped with the latest technology, and all operational gaps are identified and addressed.Her ability to coordinate with various departments and stakeholders, while maintaining a focus on safety and performance, has elevated the standards of the entire unit. Through her meticulous management and dedication, Zina has set a new standard for operational readiness.Be sure to look for additional podcasts on the Vertical HeliCASTS platform and articles in Vertical Valor magazine highlighting the other 19 incredible Blades of Valor Award recipients. These individuals exemplify the courage, innovation, and leadership that define the very best in aerospace and public safety aviation.Special thanks to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Vertical Aviation International and Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing.

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