The Vertical MRO Podcast

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode of Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Ronie, Scott, Terrence and Jon, along with producer and host David, reflect on the past year. We have an opportunity to discuss highlights, and the growth of the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) community developed through the podcast and the Vertical MRO Conference.We also talk about the excitement surrounding the next generation of aviation professionals and the need for continued conversations promoting the maintenance community. Lastly, we discuss what is exciting for 2026 as we look forward, sharing our hopes for the future of the industry and emphasizing the importance of investing in people and adopting new technology.Special thanks to our sponsors, SAFE Structure Designs, Vertical Aviation International and Airbus.

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.Recorded live at the inaugural Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna, British Columbia, this episode features a panel discussion on one of the industry’s most transformative topics: Technology and the future of rotorcraft maintenance.Hosted by Jon Gray, this conversation brings together Seth Hardage, CEO of Rotorcraft Repair and Manufacturing; Ronnie Ries, vice president of marketing at GPMS; and Joaquin DeMoreta, CEO and founder of Digital AirWare. Together, they explore how cutting-edge technologies — from health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) to predictive maintenance and digital data integration — are redefining how maintainers troubleshoot, prevent issues, and keep aircraft mission-ready.The panel dives into the changing role of technology in day-to-day maintenance, discussing how smarter tools and connected systems are improving efficiency, enhancing safety, and helping retain a new generation of technicians.From vibration analysis to data-driven diagnostics, the experts share how innovation is transforming rotorcraft maintenance from a reactive process to a predictive science — and why embracing technology is key to the industry’s future success.This live panel captures the spirit of collaboration and forward thinking that defined the Kelowna conference, where maintenance professionals, engineers, and innovators came together to shape what’s next for the rotorcraft maintenance, repair and overhaul community.Special thanks to our sponsors, Precision Aviation Group, Robinson Helicopter and Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing.

Welcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell!In this Alert, Product Support Engineering Manager Marc Dubé is joined by Sebastien Rousseau, Product Lead for the Bell 429, to walk operators through two service directives released simultaneously—a new Alert Service Bulletin (ASB 429-25-69) and an accompanying Operational Service Notice (OSN).These directives address non-conforming crew and passenger seat covers installed on certain Bell 429 aircraft. Marc and Sebastien explain how additional foam added during cosmetic rework impacted the energy-attenuation performance of some crew seats, prompting a required crew-seat replacement under the ASB. Passenger seats, which carry lower criticality, are handled separately under the OSN.The episode covers operator questions Bell has already received—including how third-party-modified seats are handled, what to expect regarding turnaround times, and why rework of passenger seats involves more logistical variables such as upholstery styles, stitching, colors, and custom configurations. They also discuss how operators can streamline the process by confirming interior renderings early and placing orders well ahead of the three-year compliance window.For full details, operators should always refer directly to the official Alert Service Bulletin. The full library of episodes is available to listen to on demandWe want to hear from you! - [email protected] help with your Bell helicopter? - [email protected]

Welcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell!In this Alert, Product Support Engineering Manager Marc Dubé is joined by Sebastien Rousseau, Product Lead for the Bell 429, to walk operators through the recently released Alert Service Bulletin concerning the main and tail rotor hydraulic servos on the Bell 429.This episode explains why the bulletin calls for a one-time inspection of the MCV driver rods, following a supplier notification regarding potential non-conforming components. Marc and Sebastien address the key questions operators have already raised—along with the ones Bell expects to hear. Topics include the reasoning behind the combined 800-hour / 24-month compliance window, guidance for aircraft already undergoing major inspections, and why operators should send servos through Bell rather than directly to the supplier.The discussion also covers expected turnaround times, how unexpected findings can affect lead time, and Bell’s recommendations to help operators minimize downtime.For full details, operators should always refer directly to the official Alert Service Bulletin. The full library of episodes is available to listen to on demandWe want to hear from you! - [email protected] help with your Bell helicopter? - [email protected]

Welcome to another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell.In this Bell Tech Talk episode, host Jon Gray is joined by Dawn Lehto and Tad Morley from Bell for an in-depth conversation on the real-world challenges and advancements of autopilot and avionics systems in modern rotorcraft.Drawing from years of hands-on field experience, Dawn and Tad break down common autopilot troubleshooting issues, including friction-related faults, system relearning challenges, and why so many problems stem from long gaps between failures. They explain why knowing how to navigate the manuals before issues arise can save valuable time in the hangar and reduce frustration in the field.The conversation also tackles one of the biggest misconceptions in maintenance—that avionics is harder than mechanical work. Dawn explains why it’s simply a different skill set, why good mechanics already have what it takes to succeed in avionics, and how continuous learning, networking, and system familiarity are the real keys to success.From best practices in maintenance and training to where fly-by-wire and future autopilot technologies are heading, this episode delivers practical insight for maintainers at every stage of their career.We want to hear from you! – [email protected] help with your Bell helicopter? Email us at [email protected] or visit https://www.bellflight.com/support/commercial.