The Helicopter Podcast

• Episode #121 - Power in the Sky: Verticon 2025 with Pete Anderson of PG&E – The Helicopter Podcast

  Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this electrifying episode, host Halsey Schider brings The Helicopter Podcast to the buzzing floor of Verticon 2025, sitting down with Pete Anderson, senior manager of helicopter operations at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). As California’s biggest utility—powering one in 20 Americans—PG&E leans on its aviation muscle, and Pete—with 28 years on the job—has lived it all. From lineman days on high-voltage lines to running a top-tier helicopter outfit, he shares a charged view of keeping the grid humming from above.Pete dives into PG&E’s daring missions: Crews in Faraday suits tackling live 500kV lines mid-flight, helicopters hauling towers and concrete, and human external cargo ops slinging linemen for over 14,000 hours a year. With Black Hawks, a 50-year tie to PJ Helicopters, and a peak of 75 ships in a day, the scale is stunning. He highlights picking versatile Bell 407s and seasoned pilots with laser focus, plus LiDAR scans to dodge wildfire risks. Pete also reflects on safety’s evolution—rigorous training, linemen in crew resource management—and nods to drones stepping up for new tasks.Join Halsey and Pete live from Verticon for a jolt of real-world wisdom on powering California with helicopters and beyond!Thank you to our sponsors Vertical Aviation International, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation and Hillsboro Heli Academy.

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• Special Bonus Episode! - The Airbus H140 Takes Flight: Verticon 2025 with Dirk Petry and Volker Bau – The Helicopter Podcast

  Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this thrilling in-person episode, host Halsey Schider brings The Helicopter Podcast to Verticon 2025, sitting down with Airbus Helicopters’ Dirk Petry, a 25-year engineering veteran, and test pilot Volker Bau. Recorded live amid the show’s buzz, they unveil the H140—a perfect blend of the H135’s affordability and the H145’s power, sparked by market demand for more space and performance. Its five-blade rotor cuts vibration, while a sleek medical interior and six comfy seats shine.Volker shares the joy of flying the H140, and his excitement with “hot and high” tests on the horizon, while Dirk touts its performance: a new powerful and efficient engine and low sound emissions thanks to the five-blade main rotor and the new Fenestron design. With global certification and life-saving potential fueling their pride, Join Halsey, Dirk, and Volker for a front-row peek at Airbus’ amazing new helicopter!Enjoy this special bonus episode recorded live on the show floor at Veritcon 2025. 

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• Episode #120 - The all new R66 and R88: Verticon 2025 with Robinson Helicopter Co.

  Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this exciting in-person episode, host Halsey Schider takes The Helicopter Podcast to the pulsing heart of Verticon 2025, sitting down with Robinson Helicopter Company’s CEO David Smith, and VP of Engineering Sean Doyle. The conversation ignites with the R66’s stunning transformation. David and Sean unpack its bold upgrades—cutting-edge avionics, a seamless 2-axis autopilot, and a trio of fresh options: the affordable Southwood, the refined Palo Verde, and the one-year-only Riviera special edition. It’s a pilot’s dream, reimagined with flair and precision.The spotlight then swings to the R88, Robinson’s brand-new sensation unveiled at Verticon. David and Sean trace its path from a spark of inspiration to the cusp of flight, teasing a versatile, two-blade titan built for power, efficiency, and flexibility for missions like utility, EMS, tours, and firefighting across the globe. David shares his thrill at the reveal, envisioning its impact worldwide, as well as deep insights into safety innovations, like autopilot inputs to avoid Low-G, that have never been applied or considered in two-bladed helicopters before. Join Halsey, David, and Sean for a front-row seat to Robinson’s electrifying next chapter!Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Robinson Helicopter and Hillsboro Heli Academy.

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• Episode #119 - Shaping the helicopter industry: Cade Clark with VAI – The Helicopter Podcast

  Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Cade Clark, chief government affairs officer for Vertical Aviation International (VAI), to discuss VAI’s pivotal role in shaping the helicopter industry. Recorded live at European Rotors, Cade shares the excitement behind VAI’s partnership with the European Helicopter Association and their collaborative efforts to bring this premier event to life, showcasing the vibrancy and future potential of European rotorcraft aviation.The conversation delves into Cade’s role at VAI and the vital work his team does to advocate for helicopter aviation among policymakers. With a deep understanding of the industry, Cade highlights the critical importance of maintaining strong relationships with elected officials to ensure the sector’s growth and resilience. He underscores the economic contributions that helicopters bring to the global economy, despite the often-overlooked “PR problem” facing rotorcraft operations.Cade and Halsey explore the challenges and opportunities VAI encounters in raising awareness and reshaping public perceptions about helicopter aviation, not only for its role in emergency response and transportation but also for its significant economic impact. VAI’s recent efforts include working on regulatory and legislative initiatives to address these issues and communicate the value helicopters provide to communities worldwide.Tune in to this insightful episode of The Helicopter Podcast to hear how VAI is championing the helicopter industry on multiple fronts, from event partnerships to governmental advocacy, ensuring the sector remains vibrant and respected. Don’t miss Cade’s expert perspective on how the helicopter community can come together to drive positive change in public perception and policy.Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Astronautics Corporation of America and Hillsboro Heli Academy.

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• Episode #118 - From Helicopters to Real Estate: Dylan Tent’s Journey – The Helicopter Podcast

  Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Dylan Tent, a helicopter pilot and real estate agent, to discuss his unconventional career path and entrepreneurial successes. Dylan shares how the Red Bull "The Art of Flight" movie shifted his aspirations from chiropractic school to aviation, and how that eventually led into real estate.They explore his unique use of aerial photography to market luxury homes, the financial realities of helicopter ownership, and the power of networking in aviation. Dylan also dives into his latest business venture—investing in a company that develops non-narcotic pain medicine derived from cobra venom. Along the way, they trade stories about helicopter landings in residential neighborhoods, the challenges of pilot pay, and the balancing act of pursuing passion versus financial stability.Tune into this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, packed with insights on creativity, business, and aviation, with a unique look at how helicopters can open doors in unexpected industries!Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopter, Vertical Aviation International and Metro Aviation.

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