The Vertical MRO Podcast

Vertical HeliCASTS
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Aviation
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Our episodes feature MRO experts who share invaluable tribal knowledge and stories that are sure to inspire current and aspiring industry maintainers. 

  1. 8h ago ·  Video

    Episode 114: Human Factors, Mentorship and the Future of Maintenance | Anneke Tucker - Part I

    Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus. In this episode of Vertical MRO, hosts David Kreutzkamp and Scott Hayward are joined by Anneke Tucker of Attain Aviation for a conversation about human factors, leadership, mentorship, and building stronger maintenance organizations. Anneke shares her unconventional path into aviation, from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and working on CH-53 helicopters to a career spanning aircraft maintenance, quality systems, and aviation consulting. That experience provides the foundation for a broader discussion about why human factors go well beyond simply recognizing the Dirty Dozen. Together, Anneke, Scott, and David explore the role leadership and organizational culture play in reducing human factors risks, the value of mentorship and knowledge transfer, and the challenge of preserving decades of experience as senior maintainers leave the workforce. The conversation also looks ahead to the next generation, including why the industry needs to introduce young people to maintenance careers earlier and provide meaningful hands-on opportunities that show them what working in aviation can actually look like. Anneke will continue the conversation as a speaker at the 2026 Vertical MRO Conference, bringing practical lessons in human factors directly to the maintenance community. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Part 1 - Precision Aviation Group and Rotorcraft Support, Inc. Part 2- Alpine Aerotech 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!

    Episode 114: Human Factors, Mentorship and the Future of Maintenance | Anneke Tucker - Part I

  2. Sep 7 ·  Video

    Episode 113: Wildfires, Black Hawks & Maintenance Safety | MRO Roundtable

    Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus The Vertical MRO crew gets together for the first MRO Roundtable — a new recurring conversation bringing the hosts together to catch up, discuss current helicopter industry news, and look at what's ahead for the maintenance community. David Kreutzkamp is joined by Jon Gray, Ronnie Ries, and returning MRO host Val Medved for a wide-ranging discussion that starts with one of the busiest wildfire seasons in recent memory. The group talks about the demands being placed on operators across Canada, the U.S. and beyond, along with developments surrounding restricted-category aircraft and their growing role in aerial firefighting. The conversation then turns to maintenance safety and lessons from a Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigation into a fatal helicopter ground-run accident. Rather than assigning blame, the group considers what the industry can learn about distraction, complacency, checklist discipline, communication, and the human factors that can turn routine work into a serious risk. The crew also catches up on what's happening across the industry, workforce and leadership development, and what listeners can expect at the upcoming Vertical MRO Conferences. It's news, lessons learned, a little shop talk, and plenty of opinions from around the Vertical MRO table. Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, Rotorcraft Support Inc and 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!

    Episode 113: Wildfires, Black Hawks & Maintenance Safety | MRO Roundtable

  3. Aug 31 ·  Bonus

    Vertical MRO Tech Talk by Bell – Episode #12: Autopilot Part II - Bell 407 Focus

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

    Vertical MRO Tech Talk by Bell – Episode #12: Autopilot Part II - Bell 407 Focus

  4. Aug 24 ·  Video

    Episode 112: Mental Toughness for Aviation Maintenance | James Lawrence

    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!

    Episode 112: Mental Toughness for Aviation Maintenance | James Lawrence

  5. Aug 17 ·  Video

    Episode #111: The Weight of Keeping Public Safety Aircraft Flying | Nicolas Ianiero

    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!

    Episode #111: The Weight of Keeping Public Safety Aircraft Flying | Nicolas Ianiero

  6. Aug 10 ·  Video

    Episode 110: What Aviation Accidents Teach Us About Safety | Ray Bennett - Part II

    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!

    Episode 110: What Aviation Accidents Teach Us About Safety | Ray Bennett - Part II

  7. Aug 3 ·  Video

    Episode 109: What Aviation Accidents Teach Us About Safety | Ray Bennett - Part I

    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!

    Episode 109: What Aviation Accidents Teach Us About Safety | Ray Bennett - Part I

  8. Jul 29 ·  Bonus Video

    Vertical MRO Alerts: By Bell - Ep 9: Bell 429 Main Rotor Mast Inspection

    Welcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell! In this Alert, Bell 429 Product Support Engineering Lead Sebastien Rousseau discusses Alert Service Bulletin 429-26-74, which introduces a one-time inspection of certain Bell 429 main rotor mast assemblies for machining marks on the inner diameter. Sebastien explains Bell's investigation that these machining marks can affect mast fatigue life, and the required actions based on the mast's accumulated hours. He also reviews the compliance timelines, inspection requirements, and the latest updates included in Revision A, including mandatory borescope use and a simplified inspection procedure that reduces the maintenance required to accomplish the bulletin. Maintainers who have questions or are uncertain about their inspection findings are encouraged to contact Bell Product Support for assistance. For full details and compliance requirements, operators should always refer directly to Alert Service Bulletin 429-26-74. The full library of episodes is available to listen to on demand. We want to hear from you! – techtalk@bellflight.com Need help with your Bell helicopter? – productsupport@bellflight.com

    Vertical MRO Alerts: By Bell - Ep 9: Bell 429 Main Rotor Mast Inspection
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About

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Our episodes feature MRO experts who share invaluable tribal knowledge and stories that are sure to inspire current and aspiring industry maintainers. 

Information

  • Creator
    Vertical HeliCASTS
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    138
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Vertical MRO Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Vertical MRO Podcast