The Helicopter Podcast

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In this episode, Halsey Schider welcomes Robinson Helicopter Company CEO David Smith back to the podcast for an update on a period of significant change for the company.
At the centre of the conversation is Robinson's growing role in military flight training and the selection of the R66 for the U.S. Army's Flight School Next program. David explains why the Army is placing renewed emphasis on single-engine training and fundamental stick-and-rudder skills, and what the program could mean for Robinson as thousands of future Army aviators gain experience on the R66.
The conversation also looks at what's next for the R66 itself. David discusses Robinson's work toward expanded IFR capabilities, the certification challenges involved, and how real-world accidents and incidents continue to influence the company's thinking around safety, training and aircraft development.
Halsey and David also dig into engine supply challenges, Robinson's expanding partnerships, unmanned applications and the company's longer-term ambitions.
From training the next generation of Army aviators to expanding what the R66 can do, David offers a look at how Robinson is positioning itself for its next chapter.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Vertical Aviation International, SiriusXM Aviation and Robinson Helicopter.

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

In this episode, Halsey Schider sits down with Jim O'Neill of Bristow Group, an experienced helicopter rescue paramedic, winchman, and winch operator whose career has taken him from the infantry to decades of helicopter search-and-rescue operations.
Jim takes Halsey inside a challenging rescue with the Irish Coast Guard near Dingle Harbour, Ireland, where severe weather, a vessel in distress, and a rapidly evolving situation forced the crew to make difficult decisions under pressure. The mission would ultimately earn Jim the Billy Deakin Award, named in honour of a winchman who lost his life during a heroic rescue.
Beyond the rescue itself, Jim shares what years of experience have taught him about managing risk without becoming another casualty, recognizing when pressure is beginning to influence a decision, and relying on strong crew resource management where everyone has both a voice and a responsibility to speak up.
Jim and Halsey also discuss the training and mindset behind helicopter rescue, including Jim's belief that mastering the simple things creates the foundation for handling the complicated ones. From building trust with new rescue crew members to maintaining proficiency after decades on the job, the conversation offers a rare perspective from someone who has spent much of his career working beneath the helicopter when the stakes are at their highest.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Enstrom Helicopter, Metro Aviation and Hillsboro Heli Academy.

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

In this episode, Halsey Schider sits down with Chad McIntosh and Bailey Gackstetter of Great Lakes Helicopter and HeliSIX in Ontario, Canada, for a conversation about flight training, building helicopter pilots and the value of learning inside a working aviation operation.
Chad and Bailey explain why choosing a flight school should be about more than price or simply earning a licence. The instructors, culture and community surrounding a student can help shape the pilot they eventually become. They also discuss how students can make the most of their first 100 hours by asking questions, learning from experienced pilots and taking advantage of every opportunity to see real helicopter operations firsthand.
The conversation also explores Great Lakes' evolution from flight training into a diverse operation spanning aerial application, charter, utility and tourism, along with the launch and growth of the HeliSIX brand.
For aspiring pilots in particular, Chad and Bailey offer a candid look at helicopter training in Canada, the realities of breaking into the industry and why attitude, professionalism and a willingness to learn can matter long before that first flying job.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Vertical Aviation International, Robinson Helicopter 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 Beau Prine of Aviation Academy Louisiana to discuss a career shaped by military aviation, maintenance excellence, and a passion for developing the next generation of aviation professionals.
Before entering aviation education, Beau served as a CH-53 crew chief in the United States Marine Corps, including two tours with HMX-1—the squadron responsible for presidential helicopter transport. He shares stories from his first presidential mission supporting President Obama, his return to the unit years later during President Trump's first term, and the professionalism, preparation, and attention to detail required to support some of the most visible aviation operations in the world.
The conversation explores the critical role maintenance plays in aviation safety, lessons learned from the Marine Corps' CH-53 reset program, and the standards required to keep aircraft mission-ready after years of demanding operational use. Beau also reflects on leadership, personal accountability, and the pride that comes from mastering a craft and continually striving for excellence.
From presidential support missions to aviation training, this episode offers an inside look at military helicopter operations and the lessons that continue to shape Beau's approach to aviation today. At its core, it's a conversation about professionalism, preparation, and the people behind the aircraft who make every mission possible.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Hillsboro Heli Academy, Precision Aviation Group 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 fighter pilot, author, and content creator C.W. Lemoine to talk about an aviation career that rarely followed the obvious path.
Growing up in Louisiana, C.W. dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot, only to be told early on that his eyesight would likely prevent him from ever reaching that goal. Rather than letting that answer define his future, he continued looking for another way in. A chance connection with an Air Force Reserve fighter squadron eventually opened a door, beginning a military aviation career that would take him through the Air Force and Navy and into flying aircraft including the F-16 and F/A-18.
C.W. shares some of the unexpected turns along that journey, from Hurricane Katrina and military restructuring to deployments and combat flying. He and Halsey also get into the realities of high-performance aircraft, G-forces, training, and C.W.'s eventual experience crossing over into the helicopter world.

The conversation also explores how C.W. has taken his aviation experience beyond the cockpit through his books and online content, using authenticity and approachable storytelling to connect aviation with a much broader audience.
C.W.'s latest novel, AIR ONE: Origin, is available for pre-order now and releases October 20. Pre-order your copy here.
Through it all is a lesson C.W. has carried throughout his career: don't eliminate yourself from an opportunity before someone with the authority to make that decision actually tells you no. It's a philosophy he has spoken about before in his popular “Make Them Tell You No” video, and one that comes through clearly in his own unconventional path into military aviation. His story is a reminder that an aviation career doesn't always unfold according to plan—and that setbacks don't necessarily mean the end of the road.
Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Robinson, Sirius XM Aviation and Airbus.