The Helicopter Podcast

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In this special update episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider welcomes Jason Hill back to the show to discuss one of the biggest milestones in Hill Helicopters' journey—the successful first run of the GT50 turbine engine.
Two years after Jason's first podcast with Halsey in which shared his vision for designing and manufacturing a modern helicopter from the ground up, the conversation catches up on the progress that's been made and what this latest achievement means for the future of the HX50 program. Jason explains the engineering challenges behind developing a turbine engine in-house, why vertical integration has become a cornerstone of Hill's business strategy, and how controlling manufacturing costs could reshape general aviation.
Drawing on questions submitted by the Hill Helicopters owner and reservation-holder community, Halsey also asks Jason about certification, production timelines, funding, safety, and the next major milestones on the road to customer deliveries.
Whether you've been following Hill Helicopters since the beginning or are just discovering the project, this episode offers an inside look at one of the industry's most ambitious aircraft development programs and the progress being made toward bringing it to market.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Hillsboro Heli Academy, Enstrom, and Sellacopter.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this episode, Halsey Schider sits down with longtime friend and fellow Air Evac Life Team pilot Graham Ritter for a conversation that goes far beyond flying helicopters.
The two reflect on their time training together at Air Evac and how their careers, families, and perspectives have evolved over the years. Along the way, they discuss the realities of helicopter EMS, the impact those missions can have on patients and crews, and the moments that remind pilots why the work matters.
The conversation also explores topics that are often difficult to discuss in aviation, including stress, anxiety, emotional resilience, and the importance of strong leadership. Graham shares how mentors and supervisors helped shape his approach to both flying and life, while Halsey reflects on the growing need for more open conversations around mental health within the industry.
At its core, this episode is a candid discussion about the people behind the profession—the friendships, challenges, and lessons that continue to shape pilots long after training is over.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Hillsboro Heli Academy, Metro Aviation and Airbus

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this episode, Halsey Schider sits down with Ty Burlingham, chief pilot, and Mark Paulson, director of maintenance at Precision, to discuss what it takes to grow a successful helicopter operation while maintaining the culture and standards that got you there.
Ty shares his unconventional path into aviation, from studying at Oregon State University to discovering helicopters through an introductory flight that changed the direction of his career. He reflects on the transition from line pilot to leading a team of more than 30 pilots, the importance of professional development, and why investing in leadership is just as critical as developing flying skills.
Mark brings the maintenance perspective, explaining the responsibilities of overseeing an expanding fleet and the systems required to keep aircraft safe, reliable, and productive. From managing component life limits and maintenance schedules to supporting aircraft in the field, he highlights how communication between pilots, mechanics, and leadership is essential to minimizing downtime and maximizing operational success.
Together, they discuss Precision's evolution from a small, family-style operation into a larger organization, the challenges of preserving company culture as new employees join the team, and why strong relationships across every department remain one of the company's greatest strengths.
Whether you're a pilot, maintainer, or aviation leader, this episode offers valuable insights into building an operation where people, culture, and communication are every bit as important as the aircraft themselves.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Hillsboro Heli Academy, Sirius XM and Airbus.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

When Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the southeastern United States, entire communities were cut off by flooding, landslides, and destroyed infrastructure. In those critical first days, civilian helicopter pilots from across the country stepped up to deliver supplies, rescue stranded residents, and support relief efforts where few others could.
Halsey sits down with Valerie Smaldone and Monty Hobbs of Just Do Good Entertainment, Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ podcast, and David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, to discuss the making of Air Angels, the incredible volunteer response from the helicopter community, and why these stories of service deserve to be preserved.
Together, they discuss how private pilots, volunteers, and ground crews organized an extraordinary relief effort, why helicopters proved to be one of the most effective tools during the crisis, and the countless people whose selfless actions made a difference when it mattered most.
More than a film about helicopters, Air Angels is a story about community, compassion, and the unique role our industry can play when people come together to help those in need. It's a powerful reminder that some of aviation's greatest missions happen far from the spotlight—and that behind every helicopter is a team of people willing to answer the call.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Robinson Helicopter and Sellacopter.

Links to the Real ResQ Podcast episodes mentioned.
#201 Matt McSwain & Andy Petree 
#202 Volunteer Rally for Hurricane Helene
#203 Marty Quinn Hurricane Helene Experience
#204 Volunteer Pilot Experience during Helene
#205 USCG Volunteer after Hurricane Helene
#206 Inside Disaster Response | Bob Pasquale
#259 Erica Zangwill & Dr. Craig McCotter from Air Angels

Other episodes from The Helicopter Podcast covering the Hurricane Helene response.
#98 Operation Helo | Eric Robinson
#144 Heroic efforts of civilian helicopters | Pat Harrigan

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!
In this episode, Halsey Schider sits down with Ian Lumpp, executive sales director at GlobalAir.com, to discuss the role business aviation plays in the broader aviation ecosystem and the challenges the industry faces moving forward.
Ian shares insights from his involvement with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), highlighting the importance of educating policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public about the value business aviation provides. The conversation explores common misconceptions surrounding the industry, including perceptions around environmental impact and the role business aircraft play in supporting organizations and communities.
They also discuss advocacy efforts within aviation, the importance of engaging with lawmakers and regulators, and how innovation—from sustainable aviation fuel to advancements in aircraft design—continues to shape the future of the industry.
This episode is a thoughtful look at why aviation needs strong advocates, how the industry can better tell its story, and what lies ahead for business aviation in an increasingly complex operating environment.
Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Metro Aviation, Robinson Helicopter and Sellacopter.