The Helicopter Podcast

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In this milestone 200th episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider welcomes John LeDrew and Jay Lugo of the Helicopter Pilot Study Group for a conversation about flight training, mentorship and the importance of community in aviation.
After beginning his helicopter training at 46, John discovered how challenging it could be to navigate flight school without a strong support network. What began as a small group of pilots sharing knowledge has since grown into a free online community where students, instructors and experienced aviators come together to learn from one another.
John and Jay share how the group developed, the value of collaborative learning and why pilots at every experience level have something to contribute. The conversation also explores the challenges of Part 61 training, becoming a flight instructor and the importance of building relationships throughout an aviation career.
As The Helicopter Podcast celebrates 200 episodes, it's a fitting conversation about what makes this industry special: pilots sharing their experiences, supporting one another and helping the next generation succeed.
Learn more and join the free Helicopter Pilot Study Group through their Facebook community and Discord platform.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Hillsboro Helicopter Academy, Vertical Aviation International and Airbus.

Other links:
https://floridaaviationnetwork.com/skybaum-blog-5-2/
https://dot.cards/skybaum
https://foundonpreflight.com/
https://www.helicoptertrainingvideos.com/
https://helipreflight.com/
https://askhogs.com/

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

In this episode, Halsey Schider sits down with longtime friend Joey Buley to compare two aviation careers that started from similar places but ultimately took very different paths.
Halsey and Joey have known each other since childhood, and Joey reflects on finding his way into flight school after struggling with the traditional college path. His career would take him through flight instruction, regional airlines, corporate aviation, and eventually single-pilot IFR air medical operations.
Drawing on years in two-pilot cockpits, Joey shares his perspective on crew resource management, communication, and the importance of feeling empowered to speak up. He also recounts one of the most frightening flights of his career—encountering severe turbulence over Mount Rose in a PC-12 and fighting to maintain control of the aircraft.
The conversation closes with Joey's latest venture, For The Frontline, a brand inspired by his connection to aviation and the first responder community.
From career choices to CRM and lessons learned in the cockpit, it's a conversation about the many different paths a career in aviation can take.

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

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

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.