The Vertical MRO Podcast

Welcome to another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell.

In this episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell, host Jon Gray continues the conversation on autopilot systems with Dawn Lehto and Tad Morley. This time, focusing on the Bell 407 Autopilot Flight Control System (AFCS) discussion. Building on the system overview from Part I, the team takes a deeper dive into troubleshooting common autopilot issues and understanding how the system behaves in real-world operations.
Drawing on their experience supporting operators in the field, Dawn and Tad explain how technicians and pilots can better diagnose AFCS faults by understanding system behavior, reviewing fault codes, and following proper maintenance procedures. The discussion explores topics such as autopilot degrade messages, common causes of iBit test failures, and how environmental factors can sometimes impact system performance.
The team also walks through practical troubleshooting steps and highlights the importance of correct balance spring adjustments and proper aircraft configuration when diagnosing autopilot issues. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize how careful adherence to the flight manual supplement and maintenance documentation helps prevent many of the common problems operators encounter.
With a focus on practical insights and real-world examples, this episode provides valuable guidance for technicians, pilots, and operators working with the Bell 407 AFCS system.
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Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus

What does one of the world's greatest endurance athletes have to teach the aviation maintenance industry? More than you might expect.
In this episode of Vertical MRO, hosts Jon Gray and David Kreutzkamp welcome James Lawrence, better known as the Iron Cowboy, ahead of his keynote presentation at the 2026 Vertical MRO Conferences.
Rather than focusing solely on endurance records, the conversation explores the mindset required to perform under pressure. James shares practical lessons on staying calm during chaos, prioritizing what matters most, building resilient teams, and maintaining focus when the workload never seems to stop.
Drawing parallels between extreme endurance events and the realities of helicopter maintenance, James explains why high performers succeed by controlling their reactions, not their circumstances. Whether you're leading a maintenance team, troubleshooting an AOG aircraft, or navigating a demanding career, this conversation offers practical insights into resilience, leadership, and performing at your best when it matters most.
Learn more about James Lawrence and his upcoming keynote at the 2026 Vertical MRO Conferences by visiting verticalmro.com.

Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, Alpine Aerotech. 

Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus.

For this episode of Vertical MRO, recorded live at APSCON 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down with Nicolas Ianiero, aircraft maintenance engineer with Canadian Helicopters supporting the York Regional Police Air Support Unit and the recipient of the 2026 APSA Technician of the Year Award.
Nicolas shares the journey that took him from aspiring pilot to licensed aircraft maintenance engineer, including his introduction to helicopter maintenance and the experiences that shaped his career. Along the way, he reflects on the value of mentorship, continuous learning, and embracing opportunities that weren't part of the original plan.
The conversation also explores the unique responsibility of supporting public safety aviation. Whether responding to missing persons, critical incidents, or life-saving missions, Nicolas explains how maintainers play a vital role long before an aircraft ever leaves the hangar. It's a perspective that highlights the dedication, professionalism, and quiet commitment behind every successful mission.
Congratulations to Nicolas on being recognized as the 2026 APSA Technician of the Year and thank you for sharing your story with the Vertical MRO community.

Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Precision Aviation Group and Airbus

Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus.

In Part II of their conversation with aviation leader Ray Bennett, hosts Ronnie Ries and Faith Ortega take a deeper look at how the aviation industry responds when safety is put to the test.
Drawing on firsthand experience supporting operators through major industry events, Ray shares his perspective on accident response, crisis decision-making, and the challenges organizations face when critical information is limited and stakes are at their highest.
The discussion includes reflections on the 2016 EC225 accident and the far-reaching changes that followed across engineering, maintenance, monitoring, and operational practices. Ray provides insight into the realities of fleet groundings, industry-wide investigations, and the difficult decisions leaders must make in the immediate aftermath of a major event.
Part II offers a thoughtful look at how aviation learns from tragedy, why continuous improvement matters, and how those lessons ultimately contribute to a safer industry for everyone.

Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Robinson Helicopter and Metro Aviation.

Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus.

For this episode of Vertical MRO, hosts Ronnie Ries and Faith Ortega sit down with aviation leader Ray Bennett for a conversation about the people, values, and experiences that shape safety in aviation.
Drawing from a career that spans operators, maintenance organizations, manufacturers, and industry leadership roles, Ray reflects on the lessons learned throughout his journey and the importance of integrity, accountability, and engineering rigor in aviation maintenance.
The discussion explores how strong safety cultures are built, why leadership matters, and the role every technician, engineer, and manager plays in creating an environment where concerns can be raised and lessons can be shared. Along the way, Ray shares stories from the field that illustrate how small decisions can have lasting impacts on both safety and organizational culture.
Part I focuses on the foundations of aviation safety and the leadership principles that help organizations build trust, resilience, and operational excellence.

Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Alipine Aerotech and Precision Aviation Group

Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!