The Vertical MRO Podcast

In this episode of Vertical MRO, the team breaks down what to expect from the 2026 MRO Conferences in Kelowna, BC, and Irving, Texas.
Building on feedback from previous events, this year’s conferences are expanding in both scale and focus. The discussion highlights the shift toward deeper technical content, more real-world problem-solving, and sessions that reflect the challenges maintainers and operators are facing today.
The episode also explores the growing role of leadership, workforce development, and industry collaboration, along with expanded exhibitor space and increased opportunities to connect across the MRO community.
For those considering attending, this conversation provides a clear look at how the events are evolving—and how they’re designed to deliver practical value for technicians, operators, and industry leaders alike.
Tickets are now available for both 2026 events. If you’re planning to attend, early registration is recommended!

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

In this special crossover episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we team up with the hosts of Cancelled for Maintenance—Six and MBP—for a conversation that brings the fixed wing and rotor world together.
What starts as a simple collaboration quickly turns into a deeper look at the shared realities of aviation maintenance. From the small-world nature of the industry to the common challenges faced across platforms, this episode highlights just how aligned maintainers really are—regardless of what they’re working on.
Six and MBP share the story behind their podcast, which began during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown into a space where aviation professionals can connect, vent, and support one another. The conversation dives into the importance of capturing tribal knowledge, the role of open communication in the hangar, and why mental health is becoming an increasingly important part of the maintenance conversation.
The discussion also explores leadership beyond titles—how influence, accountability, and culture are shaped on the hangar floor just as much as they are in the boardroom. From burnout and workforce challenges to the importance of telling real stories, both crews reflect on what they’re seeing from their respective audiences and why these conversations are resonating across the industry.
As the episode unfolds, the group compares rotor and fixed wing maintenance head-on—unpacking what’s different, what’s the same, and why the gap between the two worlds might not be as wide as many think.
This episode is a reminder that while the aircraft may differ, the people, the pressures, and the passion behind aviation maintenance are shared. And by bringing these conversations together, we move one step closer to a stronger, more connected maintenance community.

Thank you to our sponsors who made this episode possible, Metro Aviation 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.
As part of the 2026 Blades of Valor tour, Jon Gray and Mike Reyno travelled to meet with the United States Coast Guard to better understand the maintenance culture supporting one of the most demanding rotorcraft missions in the world. Recorded on location, this episode features Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3) Jonathan Harper and Aviation Maintenance Technician Chief Petty Officer (AMTC) Brock Wilson of the Coast Guard Station Clearwater aviation maintenance community as they share how disciplined processes, corrosion control, and safety culture sustain readiness across a vast and complex area of operations.
Operating in saltwater environments, hurricane-prone regions, and high-tempo search and rescue missions requires more than technical competence. It requires systems that support non-punitive reporting, structured mishap response, and continuous learning. CWO3 Harper discusses how the Coast Guard approaches safety culture—not as a compliance exercise, but as an operational foundation—and why encouraging maintainers and aircrew to speak up strengthens the entire program.
The conversation also explores the realities of maintaining aircraft in coastal conditions, managing aging platforms amid parts shortages, and preserving institutional knowledge while empowering the next generation of technicians. From remote deployments to dense operational airspace, Coast Guard maintenance teams balance mission urgency with procedural discipline to ensure aircraft are returned to service safely and consistently.
This episode offers maintainers a detailed look at how one of the world’s most respected public safety aviation organizations structures its maintenance philosophy—where accountability, camaraderie, and craftsmanship intersect to support life-saving missions.
Special thanks to the United States Coast Guard for hosting the Blades of Valor tour and for sharing insight into the maintenance professionals who keep their rotorcraft mission-ready.
Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Alpine Aerotech and Precision Aviation Group.

Thank you to the 2026 Blades of Valor sponsor, Switlik, and the support of Massif Flight Suits. Without your sponsorship and support, this tour would not be possible.

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 another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell.

In this episode, host Jon Gray is joined by Bell experts Greg Judd and Michael Doucette for a focused discussion on track and balance for the Bell 212—a critical maintenance task that directly affects vibration, performance, and overall aircraft health. While often approached as a routine adjustment, achieving consistent results requires a deeper understanding of rotor system behavior and how it evolves over time.

The conversation explores common challenges maintainers encounter in the field, including variability in blade construction, differences between material types, and the impact of wear, erosion, and operating environments. As blades age, even small changes can introduce track and balance issues that demand a disciplined and methodical troubleshooting approach.

The team also emphasizes the importance of process—conducting thorough inspections, documenting adjustments, and recognizing trends across maintenance events. With so many variables at play, successful track and balance work relies on attention to detail, experience, and a clear understanding of how the rotor system responds to change.

For maintainers supporting the Bell 212, this episode reinforces the fundamentals while offering practical insight into managing one of the most important and nuanced aspects of helicopter maintenance.

We want to hear from you! – [email protected]
Need help with your Bell helicopter? Email us at [email protected] or visit https://www.bellflight.com/support/commercial.

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

Recorded live at Verticon 2026, this episode is hosted by Terrence Eissfeldt and Jon Gray and features a conversation with Wendell Dunaway of PHI Aviation, whose career in helicopter engines spans decades across the industry.
Wendell’s path into aviation started long before hangars and test cells, growing up working on farm equipment and small engines—an early foundation that would eventually lead him into the world of helicopter powerplants. Over the years, that hands-on curiosity turned into a career defined by deep technical experience, from turning wrenches to running engines in test environments and supporting complex operations in the field.
The conversation explores what it really means to build a career around engines, the evolution of technology in the powerplant space, and how foundational mechanical understanding still plays a critical role in modern maintenance. Wendell shares his perspective on learning the trade, adapting to change, and why the fundamentals continue to matter no matter how advanced the equipment becomes.
From engines to classic cars, the discussion reflects a lifelong passion for mechanics and the satisfaction that comes from understanding how things work. It’s a conversation grounded in experience, curiosity, and a genuine appreciation for the craft.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Metro Aviation, Robinson Helicopter and Airbus.