Episode 66: Final Countdown — Don’t Miss Your Chance to Register for the First Vertical MRO Conferences
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode, hosts Jon Gray and David Kreutzkamp sit down with MHM Publishing co-founder and co-publisher Linda Reyno, and Leslie Ferry, MHM Publishing’s event director, to give exciting updates on the Vertical MRO Conferences. These events are right around the corner, being held in Kelowna, British Columbia, at the KF Centre for Excellence from Oct. 7 to 9; and in Irving, Texas, at the Irving Convention Center, from Nov 10 to 12.This is a conference, not a tradeshow. We are gathering this very important community from the helicopter industry to focus on education and networking. This is not about selling anything—it’s about promoting the rotorcraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) community. During the recording we focus on updates surrounding the educational offerings, networking opportunities, and locations for the Vertical MRO Conference. We also have an opportunity to address the critical shortage of maintainers in the industry and emphasize the need for community engagement and participation to help inspire the next generation of helicopter maintenance professionals.Special thanks to our sponsors, Precision Aviation Group and Airbus.
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Episode 64: Blackhawk Crew Chief to Industry Leader — James Simmons’ Journey in Helicopter MRO Part II
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Jon Gray and co-host Leslie Ferry sit down with James Simmons, founder of Avolatus and a seasoned aviation professional. We explore his career journey in aviation and gather his insights into the rotorcraft maintenance industry. James shares his experiences from his military service to his current role in workforce development with Vertical Aviation International (VAI), highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the MRO sector. Learn about his contributions to the Vertical MRO Conference and his passion for fostering new talent in aviation. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of aviation maintenance and the pivotal role of leadership and training.Special thanks to our sponsors, Rotorcraft Support Inc, Robinson Helicopter and Heliladder.
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Episode 63: Blackhawk Crew Chief to Industry Leader — James Simmons’ Journey in Helicopter MRO Part I
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Jon Gray and co-host Leslie Ferry sit down with James Simmons, founder of Avolatus and a seasoned aviation professional. We explore his career journey in aviation and gather his insights into the rotorcraft maintenance industry. James shares his experiences from his military service to his current role in workforce development with Vertical Aviation International (VAI), highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the MRO sector. Learn about his contributions to the Vertical MRO Conference and his passion for fostering new talent in aviation. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of aviation maintenance and the pivotal role of leadership and training.Special thanks to our sponsors, Airbus, Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing and Precision Aviation Group.
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Episode 62: Inside the Classroom – How Thrust Inst. is Reinventing Helicopter Training Part II
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two part series of the Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Ronnie Ries have a discussion with Jon Dillenberg, director at the Thrust Institute of Maintenance.During this conversation, we dive into the critical challenges and exciting opportunities in recruiting and shaping the next generation of talent in the aviation industry.Jon talks about the Thrust Institute’s innovative training approaches. We discuss leveraging social media and partnerships with high school STEM programs like Rising Aviation High School, to engage youth and promote aviation careers.We explore the evolving landscape of technical training, the importance of adaptability with new technologies like AI, and the need for smarter aircraft design focused on maintainability to ensure a sustainable future. Join us as we discuss the future of aircraft maintenance, how to attract new talent, and how industry-wide shifts can shape the next era of rotorcraft aviation.Special thanks to our sponsors, SAFE Structure Designs, Robinson Helicopter and Essential Turbines.
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Episode 61: Inside the Classroom – How Thrust Inst. is Reinventing Helicopter Training Part I
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two part series of the Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Ronnie Ries have a discussion with Jon Dillenberg, director at the Thrust Institute of Maintenance.During this conversation, we dive into the critical challenges and exciting opportunities in recruiting and shaping the next generation of talent in the aviation industry.Jon talks about the Thrust Institute’s innovative training approaches. We discuss leveraging social media and partnerships with high school STEM programs like Rising Aviation High School, to engage youth and promote aviation careers.We explore the evolving landscape of technical training, the importance of adaptability with new technologies like AI, and the need for smarter aircraft design focused on maintainability to ensure a sustainable future. Join us as we discuss the future of aircraft maintenance, how to attract new talent, and how industry-wide shifts can shape the next era of rotorcraft aviation.Special thanks to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Essential Turbines and Astronautics Corporation of America.
Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Our episodes feature MRO experts who share invaluable tribal knowledge and stories that are sure to inspire current and aspiring industry maintainers.
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