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Explore every episode of the podcast Rotary Wing Show – Helicopter News, Safety, Training & Pilot Stories

Dive into the complete episode list for Rotary Wing Show – Helicopter News, Safety, Training & Pilot Stories. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Helicopter Private Pilot Mock Oral: Max Trescott’s Checkride with Matt Johnson03 Jul 202501:13:49

Max Trescott is joined by DPE Matt Johnson for a comprehensive and engaging mock oral checkride focused on the private helicopter pilot certification. This episode, one of the most popular styles in the Rotary Wing Show and Aviation News Talk history, simulates the real-world experience of sitting for an FAA practical test, complete with detailed discussions of eligibility, regulations, systems knowledge, and scenario-based questions.

Matt begins by describing his pre-checkride procedures, including document verification, aircraft records review, and setting a comfortable environment for the applicant. He emphasizes the three-legged stool concept: the examiner must be qualified, the aircraft must be airworthy, and the applicant must meet all regulatory requirements. To build rapport, Matt asks Max who his first passenger would be, which Matt then cleverly weaves into multiple checkride scenarios.

The mock oral kicks off with pilot certification and recency requirements under FAR 61.57, followed by an in-depth discussion of Robinson-specific endorsements under SFAR 73. Max correctly explains the need for an additional PIC endorsement after passing the checkride and describes the required flight reviews based on time-in-type.

The two then explore aircraft documents using the AROW mnemonic and systems such as weight and balance. Max demonstrates knowledge of performance planning, Vne adjustments, retreating blade stall, and preflight procedures. He uses both the PAVE and I'M SAFE checklists to explain how he assesses his personal readiness before a flight.

Matt tests Max's cross-country planning, asking about checkpoint selection, altitude choice, and airspace compliance. Max describes navigating around Hayward, California, and into the Central Valley, carefully avoiding Class B and C airspace. The discussion extends into weather analysis, interpretation of AIRMETs and SIGMETs, and use of EFB tools for inflight awareness.

In the systems and emergencies portion, Max explains operation of the electrical system, what to do in case of alternator or battery failure, and how the engine continues to operate using magnetos. They also dive into clutch actuator warnings, rotor system dynamics (free-teetering under-slung system), and the hazards of low-G mast bumping, vortex ring state, and forward CG conditions.

For add-on ratings, Matt details how the helicopter ACS matrix minimizes the oral scope for already-rated pilots. They compare traffic pattern procedures for helicopters versus airplanes, discuss airport lighting for heliports, and reinforce unique requirements like helipad rotating beacon colors (green-yellow-white).

Throughout the oral, Matt guides the conversation in a scenario-based manner to simulate a real checkride. He weaves in questions on regulations, performance charts, and even cross-references student answers to determine when to revisit topics like weight and balance, systems, or weather.

The episode wraps just before the preflight inspection begins, with Matt outlining the structure of the flight portion, which would include autorotations, hover maneuvers, and a post-flight debrief.

This detailed, realistic mock checkride offers exceptional value for both helicopter students and fixed-wing pilots considering a rotorcraft add-on. It brings listeners inside the mind of a DPE and prepares them for what to expect on test day—covering not just the “what” but the “why” behind FAA testing standards.

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Mentioned on the Show:

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Aviation News Talk Podcast

NTSB News Talk Podcast

UAV News Talk Podcast


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Top 10 Helicopter Stories + Helicopter News15 Jun 202500:34:06

In this special episode of The Rotary Wing Show, titled Top 10 Helicopter Stories + Helicopter News, aviation podcaster Max Trescott officially takes the reins from longtime host Mick Cullen. The episode celebrates the legacy of the podcast while looking forward to its new direction—with Max blending classic storytelling and timely helicopter news.

Mick kicks things off by sharing how he created the show in Australia to connect helicopter pilots working in isolated environments. With a passion for online marketing and storytelling, he built a platform where rotorcraft professionals could share their experiences with a global audience.

Together, Mick and Max count down 10 of the most impactful helicopter stories from past episodes:

  1. Mike Durant (Ep. 34) – The Black Hawk Down pilot shares powerful war stories and lessons from special operations aviation.
  2. Rob Mason (Ep. 46) – Vietnam veteran and Chickenhawk author delivers raw insight into helicopter combat.
  3. Harry Benson (Ep. 67) – British pilot recounts helicopter operations in the Falklands War.
  4. Peter Gillies (Ep. 41) – “Cyclic back” technique for emergency response—a must-hear safety episode.
  5. Matt Barker (Ep. 56) – The infamous “chicken bone story” that listeners can’t forget.
  6. Richard Morningstar Sanford (Eps. 93, 103) – Offers deep technical dives into governor systems and carburetor icing in Robinson helicopters.
  7. Dan Parsons (Ep. 109) – Analyzes a Pasadena Police Department accident and the systemic causes behind it.
  8. Kevin Humphreys (Eps. 70 and Ep. 71)– Opens up about mental health in aviation and the importance of speaking out.
  9. Mike Atkinson (Ep. 75)– Shares survival flying stories from the Australian Army and appearing on the TV series Alone.
  10. Shawn Coyle (Ep. 19) and Dennis Kenyon (Eps. 14 and Ep. 15) – Interviews that preserved the voices of helicopter legends before their passing.

Max shares how the show helped him during his own training for a helicopter add-on rating, often listening during long drives to the flight school. He explains how stories like Sanford’s technical breakdowns directly improved his flying and understanding.

Looking ahead, Max announces that the podcast will often now feature helicopter news updates—much like his Aviation News Talk show. This week’s news headlines include:


In a heartfelt moment, Mick spotlights one of his proudest achievements: World Helicopter Day, held annually on the third Sunday in August (August 17 in 2025). Created as a grassroots event to promote helicopter awareness, it has grown to include events around the world—from Australia to Serbia to New York. Mick encourages operators and flight schools to use the day to connect with the public, host open houses, and inspire the next generation of pilots.

As the show closes, Max promises to honor the storytelling tradition of The Rotary Wing Show while bringing new energy and information to helicopter enthusiasts worldwide.

Whether you’re a career rotorcraft pilot, a flight student, or simply curious about helicopter operations, this episode delivers a powerful mix of legacy stories and breaking news. It’s the perfect on-ramp for both longtime fans and new listeners.

Enroute Decision Point with Miles Dunagan11 Aug 202100:58:27

Chatter in the cabin starts to die down, you have reduced power and started to bleed back the airspeed. Outside your world is starting to shrink as the conditions start to deteriorate. You lean forward in your seat to try and see a little further ahead. The VSI is showing a descent as you keep …

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Helicopter Airshow Flying and Pilot Safety with Dennis Kenyon – Part 209 Nov 201400:51:32

This is part 2 of the interview with British helicopter display pilot Dennis Kenyon. For part 1, listen to Episode 14 In this episode we delve deeper into the preparation, setup and mindset needed to be a display pilot. Dennis is a CAA appointed Display Authority Examiner and does train and approve other pilots but …

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Helicopter Airshow Flying and Pilot Safety with Dennis Kenyon – Part 104 Nov 201400:50:07

Display flying has captured the imagination of the public ever since the very first flights. One the longest performing and well respected helicopter display pilots in the world is UK pilot Dennis Kenyon Note: This is part 1 of the interview. Look for part 2 in Episode 15 Dennis ‘the maestro’ Kenyon got his flying …

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RWS 13 – Helicopter Longlining with Andre Hutchings27 Oct 201401:04:32

Do you remember how humbling it felt first learning to hover? If you ever want to experience that feeling again then give longlining a go. The ability for helicopters to move equipment and loads to remote or hard to reach locations makes them incredibly useful machines. Helicopter longlining notches that capability up several levels of …

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RWS 12 – NASA Rotary Wing Project with Susan Gorton16 Oct 201401:06:28

NASA is not just space shuttles, Mars robots and moon landings! Susan Gorton has been leading the NASA Rotary Wing Project for the last 8 years helping to pave the way for faster, quieter, safer and more economical helicopter designs and operations. You are in for a treat today as you get to hear about …

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RWS 11 – Whirly Girls International with Dianna Stanger06 Oct 201400:48:50

Whirly Girls International president(2014) Dianna Stanger got her start in flying thanks to a need for breakfast eggs on her island home. That started a love affair that most of us can relate too. Dianna is one busy lady. She manages an airfield and FBO in Texas, operates a flying school amongst several other businesses, …

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RWS 10 – Owning a Helicopter School with Heather Howley30 Sep 201400:42:19

For most young helicopter pilots opening your own helicopter training school is probably not high on your list of things to do. But this is exactly what Heather Howley, this week’s guest on the show, did when she was left in the lurch with a helicopter lease contract to cover. Heather is the owner and …

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RWS 9 – Never Work a Day in your Life with John Eacott22 Sep 201401:04:51

John Eacott’s aviation career has spanned 49 years and he’s still adding time on top of that today as an active commercial pilot. He has spent a huge amount of time flying over oceans as an ex-Royal Navy pilot and multiple stints in the oil industry. He is also the first nuclear qualified helicopter pilot …

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RWS 8 – Helicopter EMS in Alaska with Lorena Knapp14 Sep 201400:55:26

Alaska is still largely wilderness and remote communities rely heavily on helicopter operations. Air Ambulance services like the one that today’s guest Lorena Knapp flies for can drastically reduce the time needed to get a patient to primary care given the terrain and ground conditions. Find out about flying conditions in Alaska and get an …

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RWS 7 – Helicopter Underwater Escape Training with Mick Dowling06 Sep 201400:52:12

30 seconds ago you were airborne but now you are in the drink and water is quickly filling your helicopter cockpit while the machine starts to roll upside down – what do you do next? If you are not 100% certain then you will want to listen to this interview with Mick Dowling, Commercial HUET …

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RWS 6 – Zululand Anti-Poaching Wing with Etienne Gerber30 Aug 201400:55:41

In this episode of the Rotary Wing Show we head to Zululand, South Africa to hear about how helicopters are being employed in the fight against Rhino poachers. Etienne Gerber is the chief pilot at Zululand Anti-Poaching Wing and shares first hand the challenges his crews face in performing their role. Podcast: Subscribe in iTunes …

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Virtual Reality Simulators 2021 Revisit with Chris Ryan04 Aug 202101:22:00

How would you like to have been holding a steady hover and taking off and landing at 3 hours of helicopter flight time? Chris Ryan couldn’t afford helicopter lessons so he built himself a simulator to practice at home. His instructor was so impressed at his progress that he encouraged Chris to turn the simulator …

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RWS 5 – First Person View Quadcopters with Raphael Pirker25 Aug 201400:43:19

Flying helicopters doesn’t come cheap but for those of us that can’t get enough of it or don’t have the funds for the real thing then a new technology might be the answer – enter First Person View (FPV) remote controlled aircraft. The idea is that you strap on a set of video goggles linked …

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RWS 4 – Flying In China with Dan Heath17 Aug 201400:37:10

An interview with Dan Heath, a flying instructor and charter pilot flying in China. Dan talks about the conditions on the ground in China, an insight into the Chinese helicopter industry and some of the challenges and opportunities for helicopter operators there. Podcast: Subscribe in iTunes | Play in new window | Download Oh, and Dan …

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RWS 3 – Helicopter Night Vision Goggles with Richard Maas09 Aug 201400:44:11

An interview with Richard(Dickie) Maas, a Night Vision Goggle(NVG) instructor and assessor. Only a small percentage of helicopter crews have had the chance to fly with NVGs so far – that is slowly changing. In this interview Dickie will take us through how NVGs work, how they impact on military, law enforcement and EMS work …

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RWS 2 – Flying in the Wire Environment with Robert Feerst27 Jul 201400:29:16

An interview with Robert Feerst, President of Utilities/Aviation Specialists Inc. Wirestrikes in helicopters are one of the leading causes of hull losses world wide. 60% of wirestrikes result in a fatality! If we are going to apply the 80/20 principle to improving helicopter safety then this seems like a good place to start. Podcast: Subscribe …

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RWS 1 – Mountain Flying with Pieter Koster27 Jul 201400:54:21

Mountain flying can be demanding on aircrew and helicopters. Yet helicopters are incredibly useful in this environment. In this episode of the Rotary Wing Show, Mick talks with Pieter Koster of NHZ Topflight, a helicopter mountain flying school operated by Canadian Helicopters. The school operates out of Penticton, British Columbia, Canada with a number of …

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Understanding the Robinson Governor: RPM Control and Pilot Mistakes Explained - Richard Mornington-Sanford01 Jul 202101:11:53

Before this episode if you told me that there was more than an hour conversation that you could get out of talking about the governor in Robinson type helicopters I would have been dubious. I was wrong! Today we have back on the show pilot and engineer Richard Mornington-Sanford. Richard Mornington-Sanford was an engineer in …

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Helicopter Lessons in 10 Minutes or Less with Jacob21 Jun 202100:45:07

If the images and text on the page of your aerodynamic textbook are starting to blur together then it might be time to take a break and try to ingest the information using another format. Jacob from the YouTube channel Helicopter Lessons in 10 Minutes or Less is an Apache instructor and standards officer who …

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Air to Air Photography with Mark Watterson13 Jun 202100:37:50

Helicopters make fantastic photo subjects! There is still something special about flying that captures the human spirit and the intrinsic movement and energy in a helicopter especially so. Mark Watterson has been photographing helicopters professionally since 2014. He shares some tips for how best to work with aerial photographers for a great product.  Mark has …

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Degraded Visibility Training with Tyson Phillips and Andre Lavallee15 May 202101:17:03

Two US National Guard pilots are developing a new training tool to reduce the risk of and improve the fidelity of reduced visual environment training. IIMC, dust landings and white outs have all been the causes of both training mishaps and real world accidents and deaths. We talk about what it missing in the current …

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RWS 99 – Helicopter Flying in Iceland with Tryggvi Helgason28 Apr 202100:42:17

It is not unusual for helicopter pilots to take a winding route to before they end up with a career in the cockpit. Tryggvi worked as a baggage handler, in flight operations and as a quality auditor before taking on a flying job. Now he is flying for the Icelandic Coast Guard on missions as …

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RWS 98 – Wrong Deck Landings and Approach Detection with Jon Davis01 Apr 202100:40:19

Before a helicopter approaches to an oil rig there are checks and safety procedures to be followed on the rig in preparation – the deck is cleared, cranes are moved out of the way and gas venting is stopped. When the landing rig is misidentified and an approach flown to the wrong landing deck the …

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RWS 97 – A Possible Helicopter Career Plan B with Jerry Grayson15 Mar 202101:24:18

Jerry Grayson returns to the Rotary Wing Show with an update on his next adventure following a packed career in the cockpit as a SAR and film pilot. Now-a-days he keeps his feet on the ground but leverages his experience in the operation of drones – and he thinks it might be a good time …

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RWS 96 – What I’ve Been Doing for the Last 60 Years with Richard Howell02 Mar 202101:14:35

Richard (Rick) Howell started spinning spanners on aircraft in 1960 as a QANTAS apprentice. Since then he has flown all through Australia and PNG including a 29 year run as a pilot for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.  Rick and his twin brother John both started in aviation at the same time which presented a number …

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California Wildfire Helicopter Rescue: 400 Evacuated by National Guard16 Jul 202401:50:55

The flying you will get to hear about in this episode is a reminder about the difference your helicopter skillset can make to people that are in harms way, and that there is nothing quite like these machines. It also earnt those involved distinguished flying crosses. In September 2020, the California National Guard rescued nearly …

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RWS 95 – Adventures in Helicopter Media with Elan Head03 Feb 202100:58:24

Working in the helicopter media part of the industry Elan Head gets to talk to a wide range of people and over time has had the opportunity to take the controls of a wide range of helicopters. This gives her a unique vantage point to talk about the many roles that helicopters perform and some …

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RWS 94 – News Helicopter Ops Over Los Angeles with Larry Welk23 Dec 202001:05:28

Electronic news gathering or ENG is the term that those in the helicopter news corner of the industry use to capture their operations. As a platform to provide real time on-scene video at short notice over a city nothing so far beats a helicopter.     As consumers of news media we have become pretty accustomed …

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Carburetor Icing in Robinson Helicopters: Safety Lessons with Richard Mornington-Sanford15 Dec 202001:09:18

Most piston engine pilots will be at least passingly familiar with the theory behind the formation of carburetor icing. However most textbooks lean towards the operation of the carburettor in a fixed wing mounted engine. Helicopter engines, predominately the Robinson helicopter types but applicable to others as well, have their own unique challenges when it …

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RWS 92 – Human External Cargo Helicopter Ops with Jeff Yarnold11 Dec 202000:48:09

As versatile as helicopters are there are still tight places where they just can’t land to get people in or out. For overwater flights, rescue teams and some utility operations that means using a hoist or under-slung line to reach someone. A hoist fitted helicopter is not always avaliable. Hence we have the considerations that …

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Helicopter Powerline Flying and Avoiding Wire Strike Hazards – David McColl05 Aug 202001:09:08

The general line thrown out there is that most helicopter pilots try to spend their careers staying away from wires – the guys and girls flying in the powerline industry get right up close as part of their job. David McColl is a powerline pilot in the US and has built up experience in a …

Continue reading "RWS 91 – Helicopter Powerline Operations with David McColl"

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RWS 90 – Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) with Andrew Boniface15 Jul 202001:22:37

The pace of consumer electronics development far outstrips that of aviation equipment and helicopter installed functionality. Electronic Flight Bags are becoming a fixture in cockpits throughout the industry. For about AUD$799 in 2020 you can bring a range of features with you into any legacy aircraft that would have previously either been impossible or would …

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RWS 89 – Night Aerial Firefighting 2020 Update with Richard Butterworth09 Jun 202000:39:22

We first looked at night aerial firefighting in episode 65 when the capability had just finished the first trials in Australia. Now with two more fire seasons of experience fighting fires at night, Richard Butterworth is back to give an update on the continuing road map and what as been achieved so far.  Richard Butterworth …

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RWS 88 – First Solo Flights with Peter Holstein01 Jun 202001:22:23

Today’s topic is First Solo flights. If you are a student getting ready for your first helicopter solo this is the episode that you want to hear.If you are an instructor sending students solo then you will also definitely want to listen to this one. For everyone else there are some good risk management considerations …

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RWS 87 – Search and Rescue at AMSA with Luke Brandley25 May 202000:49:41

We spend a lot of time training for emergencies in the air but how much do you know about what happens next or what kicks into gear if you go missing? Luke Brandley is an ex-Huey pilot now working as a Senior Search and Rescue Officer with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). He and …

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RWS 86 – Going for Height and Film Flying with Fred North11 May 202000:56:15

Even if you are not an avid movie goer it is still very likely that you have seen some of Fred North’s work. Fred has been involved in many of the largest Hollywood Blockbusters in recent times either flying helicopter stunts or providing the aerial filming platform. There is a lot that goes into setting …

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What Do Army Loadmasters Do and an Amazing Story of Flood Rescue in the Town of Eugowra Nov 2022 with Kylle Fenton26 Nov 202201:32:48

Kylle Fenton is an Air Crew Officer (ACO) involved in air rescue and ambulance operations supporting NSW, Australia communities. He is more accustomed to being the one to bring the resources, rescue and safety to others in “the worst day of their life”.  In this episode Kylle tells a gripping story of when he and …

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RWS 85 – Buying a Helicopter with Stephen Boyce05 May 202001:14:52

In the market for a helicopter or just want to know some of the ins and outs of the process? Stephen Boyce has been working in helicopter sales since 2011 and flying them since 1994. Helicopters are high cost purchases and almost always a case of buyer beware. Should you buy new or used? How …

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RWS 84 – Pilotage FLIR with Tony ‘Squid’ Norton18 Apr 202000:49:09

Forward Looking Infra-red (FLIR) systems have been around for a while and used in a search or surveillance function normally by an operator with a control panel. A small number of aircraft are now incorporating FLIR as a pilot vision tool, tracked to the pilots head, as another way of seeing at night or through …

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RWS 83 – SH2 Sea Sprite with Jim Palmquist11 Feb 202001:04:04

Ditching a rapidly yawing helicopter into the open ocean is one of those experiences most of us would happily pass on. Jim Palmquist and his crew onboard a SH2 Sea Sprite survived just such an event during his time as an aircraft carrier search and rescue pilot. The Kaman Sea Sprite is a unique helicopter …

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RWS 82 – Test Flying and Lessons Learnt with Tony ‘Squid’ Norton26 Jan 202001:15:50

If your perfect day sounds like flying a glider in the morning, testing the HV curve in a Kiowa at lunch and then jumping in a Swedish jet interceptor in the afternoon then Tony ‘Squid’ Norton can tell you what it’s like!    Tony is currently the senior aviation instructor and and standards pilot for …

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RWS 81 – Helicopter Job Market USA (2020), Visas and FAA License Conversion with Jared Friend19 Jan 202000:47:17

A few years can make a big difference and that is the case now in Jan 2020 for the helicopter pilot hiring market in the USA. For the first time in a while the minimum hours/experience for job adverts are starting to decrease and operators are looking for new hires.   Jared Friend is the General …

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RWS 80 – Influencing a Positive Aviation Culture with Natalee Johnston23 Dec 201901:19:09

There are differing and some very academic definitions for what culture is. I like – “the way we do things around here”.  This is a chat about organisational culture and how it impacts on aviation and specifically helicopter operations.  Natalee Johnston spent most of her time in the Royal Australian Navy as a Sea King …

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RWS 79 – Tackling Helicopter Aircrew Distractions with Kimberly Hutchings21 Nov 201900:48:39

Have you ever taken your eyes inside the cockpit to check a notification or had your preflight inspection interrupted by a phone call? Distractions of all kinds are increasingly a problem for aircrew and they are starting to show up in safety stats.  Picture for a moment – you are aircrew on a helicopter pre-1995 …

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RWS 78 – Military to Civilian Transition for Helicopter Pilots with Tarryn Ryan29 Oct 201900:43:25

For many military aviators their careers at some point end up being a case of ‘up’ or ‘out’ – either promoted to more non-flying roles or transitioning out into the civil industry.  Landing that first non-military position can sometimes be hard as you establish yourself again and reorient to the new environment and civil market. …

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RWS 77 – Helicopter Hoist Operations with Rob Munday and David Callen24 Aug 201901:39:52

Hoist operations open up a wide range of additional roles for helicopters. They allow us to get people and equipment into and out of locations which would otherwise be inaccessible or too dangerous to land. Rob Munday and David Callen from SR3 Rescue Concepts help talk us through some of the considerations. The helicopter industry is …

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RWS 76 – Funding Helicopter Training Using VET Student Loans (Australia Only)09 Aug 201900:45:34

A bit of change of format for this episode of the Podcast. I’m re-sharing a recording made for the flight school website where I instruct. This one is all about some of the financial assistance that the Australian Government provides that can also be used towards the gaining of a commercial helicopter licence. * This …

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Rescue Helicopter Crew Duties to 4300km R22 Ferry Through Remote Australia w/ James Koens22 Nov 202201:10:47

James Koens is a Check and Training Aircrew Officer on very expensive rescue/aeromedical helicopters. He also finds time to be a helicopter charter pilot, Army Reserve aircrewman, volunteer rural firefighter and a podcast host. This episode is being pushed out the door half cooked so that you can hear it sooner. Please forgive any short …

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