The Helicopter Podcast

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!
In this episode, Halsey Schider sits down with Roy Kanaus of Heli Austria to discuss the company's journey from a small family operation to one of Europe's most established helicopter operators.
Roy shares the history of Heli Austria, founded by his father in the 1980s, and reflects on the growth that has taken the company from a fleet of just three helicopters to nearly 40 aircraft supporting a wide range of missions. The conversation explores how the company has expanded beyond Austria into international markets, including operations in Iceland and Chile, while maintaining a focus on safety, customer service, and operational excellence.
They also discuss the realities of growing a helicopter business, building strong local partnerships, navigating different regulatory environments, and creating opportunities in sectors ranging from HEMS and firefighting to utility work and heli-skiing.
Throughout the conversation, Roy offers lessons learned from decades in the industry, emphasizing adaptability, continuous learning, and the importance of building a motivated team capable of taking on new challenges.
This episode is a look at what it takes to grow a helicopter company over the long term and how strong partnerships, vision, and persistence can create opportunities far beyond where the journey began.
Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, Airbus and Hillsboro Heli Academy.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!
In this episode, host Halsey Schider sits down with Todd Tetzlaff, senior vice-president of regulatory affairs and global relations at Enstrom Helicopter, to talk about how a legacy manufacturer continues to adapt in today’s market.
Todd shares perspective on Enstrom’s long history in the industry and what it takes to stay relevant, from navigating an increasingly complex certification environment, to supporting operators in the field. The conversation highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with service centers and maintenance, repair and overhaul shops, and why that support network is critical to long-term success.
They also discuss Enstrom’s push to expand in Europe, including the challenges of entering a market with established competitors and different regulatory expectations. Todd breaks down how certification, infrastructure, and local partnerships all play a role in making that growth possible.
This episode is a look at what it takes to sustain and grow a helicopter manufacturer over time—and how experience, support, and adaptability continue to shape the path forward.
Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Metro Aviation and Enstrom Helicopter.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!
In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with Ryan Walters to talk about his path from Army Ranger to pilot in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
Ryan shares how his time in the Ranger Regiment shaped his perspective early on, and how working alongside the 160th during that period ultimately influenced his decision to transition into aviation through the warrant officer program. After seeing those crews operate up close, the goal became clear—get in the front seat.
The conversation focuses on the realities of that transition, the demands of training, and the standard required to operate in a unit built around precision and consistency. Ryan also reflects on the level of performance he witnessed in the field, where training, preparation, and trust in the team allowed people to do extraordinary things under pressure.
This episode is a look at what it takes to move into high-level aviation roles—and how the right environment, mindset, and team can shape what’s possible.
Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Airbus, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Robinson Helicopter.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!
In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with Sean Moretz—returning as the show’s very first guest more than 170 episodes later.
Sean talks through how his role as a designated pilot examiner (DPE) has shaped his career, and how relationships built early in aviation tend to come full circle over time. Through that work, he’s stayed closely connected to pilots at key moments in their progression, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and staying engaged in the industry.
The conversation reflects on how both Sean’s perspective and the industry itself have evolved since that first episode. They also revisit early days in flight instruction, the challenge of building confidence in new pilots, and the lessons that come from learning on the job.
This episode is a look at how experience builds over time—what changes, what doesn’t, and why the people in this industry matter just as much as the flying.
Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Precision Aviation Group and Sellacopter.

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!
In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with JD Parsons of Colorado Highland Helicopters to talk about a different approach to flight training.
JD shares his path from trucking entrepreneur to helicopter operator, and how that background shaped the way he thinks about flight school. The conversation focuses on challenging traditional training models, including his use of the MD 500 as a primary training aircraft and a strong emphasis on high-altitude, scenario-based flying.
They dig into the realities of student retention, the importance of building confidence without ego, and how real-world mission profiles—like search and rescue or utility work—can better prepare pilots from the start. JD also discusses safety culture, decision-making under pressure, and why open communication in the cockpit is critical to long-term success.
This episode is a practical look at how training can evolve to better reflect real-world operations—and what it takes to build safer, more capable pilots from day one.
Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Airbus, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Robinson Helicopter.