Episode #144 - Operation Helo - Hope in a Crisis: Eric Robinson - The Helicopter Podcast
Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this inspiring episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Eric Robinson, recipient of the Blades of Valor Award and the driving force behind Operation Helo, a nonprofit that mobilized civilian helicopters for disaster relief during Hurricane Helene’s devastating aftermath in western North Carolina. Eric shares his journey from a fixed-wing aviation background, rooted in his father’s legacy as a Vietnam helicopter pilot, to co-founding Acme Aero, a leading suspension manufacturer for backcountry aircraft. The conversation then dives into Operation Helo’s rapid response to Hurricane Helene, coordinating over 160 helicopters to deliver 2 million pounds of aid and rescue over 430 people. Eric highlights the critical role of Robinson helicopters in accessing tight spaces, as well as Operation Helo's organic growth , and its ongoing commitment to long-term recovery, including providing 221 travel campers for displaced families. Tune in for an amazing episode showcasing the power of community and aviation in a crisis.To learn more about Operation Helo, visit: https://operationhelo.org/Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Robinson Helicopter and Precision Aviation Group. Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!
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Episode #143 - HealthNet’s Legacy of Compassion: Clinton Burley - 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 welcomes Clinton Burley, President and CEO of HealthNet Aeromedical Services, a cornerstone of critical care transport in West Virginia. Starting as a flight paramedic in 1986, Clinton shares his journey from 17 years of frontline clinical work to leading a 501(c)(3) medical transportation organization formed by three competing health systems. He reflects on the emotional impact of patient care, recounting a poignant extrication mission and emphasizing mental health support for EMS providers. Clinton highlights HealthNet’s commitment to safety and altruism, operating 10 Airbus helicopters and 44 ambulances while advancing employee wellness programs and debt relief to patients in need. From pioneering night vision goggle use in all phases of flight to exploring future aircraft platforms, HealthNet prioritizes patient care over profit. To learn more about HealthNet Aeromedical Services, visit: https://www.healthnetaeromedical.com/.Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Airbus and Precision Aviation Group.Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!
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Episode #142 - Hydrogen Powered Helicopters: Dr. Anita Sengupta - 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 welcomes Dr. Anita Sengupta, an aerospace engineer and founder of Hydroplane, who is revolutionizing aviation with hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. With a PhD in electric propulsion and 16 years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dr. Sengupta shares her journey from developing ion thrusters for spacecraft to landing the Mars Curiosity Rover with a supersonic parachute. Now, she’s applying her expertise to decarbonize aviation, focusing on hydrogen fuel cells that offer cleaner, quieter, and more efficient power for airplanes and helicopters. She discusses Hydroplane’s recent success in a U.S. Army competition, where her team powered a full-scale gyrocopter rotor with a hydrogen fuel cell system, achieving flight speeds with enhanced range and reduced noise. Dr. Sengupta’s passion for aviation, inspired by sci-fi and her father’s engineering influence, shines through as she envisions an efficient and sustainable future for flight.To learn more about Dr. Sengupta’s innovative work, visit: https://www.hydroplane.us/Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopter, Precision Aviation Group and Astronautics Corporation of America.Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!
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Episode #141 Valor Flight Crew: Blake & Mike on Medevac Heroes - The Helicopter Podcast
Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!Fadale, hosts of the Vertical Valor Flight Crew Podcast on the Helicast platform. Both seasoned professionals with over a decade each of air medical experience, they share exciting stories from critical medevac missions throughout their careers. They explore the vital role of crew resource management, advancements in air medical technology like blood products and AI, and the pressing need for mental health support in high-stress aviation roles. Through their podcast, Blake and Mike aim to unite public safety aviation professionals, fostering open conversations and breaking down barriers. Join Halsey, Blake, and Mike for a candid discussion on resilience, teamwork, and innovation in air medical operations.To learn more about their work with Echo or the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, visit: https://echoflightcrew.org/Thank you to our sponsors Enstrom, Airbus and Sellacopter.Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!
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Episode #140 - Helicopter Rescue Missions: Jason Quinn - 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 welcomes Jason Quinn, former U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer and host of The Real ResQ Podcast. Jason shares his journey from a high school graduate inspired by his uncle’s Coast Guard service to becoming rescue swimmer No. 500, tackling gruelling training and high-stakes missions. From hoisting into 20-foot Bering Sea waves to earning an Air Medal on his first rescue, Jason recounts gripping stories that highlight the intensity and purpose of search-and-rescue. He shares insight on the critical role of crew resource management, emphasizing teamwork in navigating life-or-death scenarios. Jason also discusses the passion behind The Real ResQ, where he amplifies unsung heroes’ stories, blending heroism, challenge, and hope. Join Halsey and Jason for an inspiring dive into a life of service.To learn more about Jason’s podcast, visit: verticalhelicasts.com/the-real-resq-podcast/Thank you to our sponsors Enstrom, Precision Aviation Group and Sellacopter.Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!
Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, with your host Halsey Schider!This podcast is for helicopter pilots, maintainers, and enthusiasts! Whether you've been in the industry for 30 years or are just someone that loves helicopters, this podcast is for you! The podcasts will feature guests from a wide array of industry sectors to have casual conversation, answer questions, give sound advice, and talk shop. Finally, a podcast produced by helicopter professionals for all types of helicopter people!
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