Explore every episode of the podcast The RotorHub International Podcast

Returning to the RotorHub International Podcast, Krister Genmark, Senior Vice President of Revenue at Vellox Group, joins Editor Gideon Ewers to discuss how aviation organisations can turn safety data into practical action.

Genmark explores how data from safety management systems, incidents and minor accidents can reveal early warnings of more serious risks. He also discusses the importance of adapting safety systems when introducing new aircraft and reflects on the latest industry developments and customer insights shared at Vellox Group’s event in San Diego.

This episode is sponsored by Vellox Group.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers is joined by Brandon Robinson, Co-founder and CEO of Horizon Aircraft, to discuss the company’s hybrid-electric approach to vertical flight and why they chose not to pursue an all-electric aircraft.

Robinson explores the operational gap Horizon Aircraft aims to address with the Cavorite X7, combining vertical take-off and landing capability with the range, payload and conventional systems expected of a commercial aircraft. He also discusses the aircraft’s distinctive fan-in-wing design and how it differs from tilt-rotor and tilt-wing concepts currently being developed across the market.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers is joined by David Rogers, Founder of VNE Aero, to discuss the evolution of rotary-wing flight helmets and how efforts to improve impact protection have contributed to heavier, larger systems that can affect aircrew comfort, mobility and long-term health.

Rogers also shares the thinking behind VNE Aero’s Rotary Wing Advanced Tactical Helmet (RATH), including its clean-sheet approach to helmet sizing, hearing and impact protection, and the design challenges involved in developing a lighter and more effective solution for modern rotary-wing aircrew.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Gideon Ewers speaks with Jason Hill, Founder and Chief Engineer at Hill Helicopters, about the GT50 engine’s first successful run, the development of the HX50 and progress towards its first flight. 

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers is joined by Joseba Mendizabal, Lieutenant, Pilot and CFI with the Basque Police, to discuss the role of helicopter operations in modern law enforcement and the evolving demands placed on police aviation.

Mendizabal also shares insight into the Basque Police's aviation unit, pilot recruitment and in-house training, the changing landscape of organised crime and terrorism, and the value of international collaboration through European and US aviation training events.

This keeps the same concise, editorial style and length as the previous three episodes while naturally covering the key discussion points without trying to list every topic.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Gideon Ewers speaks with Tor Baustad, Business Development at Vipe 21, about the future of helicopter connectivity, emerging avionics technologies and the innovations shaping rotorcraft operations.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers is joined by Régis Magnac, Vice President Head of Energy, Leasing and Global Accounts at Airbus Helicopters, to discuss the launch of H160 operations in the North Sea and the aircraft's expanding role across multiple mission types.

Magnac also shares insight into the H160's versatility across offshore energy, business aviation, EMS and public services, while discussing how the aircraft has been designed to meet the evolving needs of operators around the world.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers is joined by Jamie John, Chief Commercial Officer at NHV Group, to discuss the launch of H160 operations in the North Sea and what this latest milestone means for the operator.

John also shares insight into NHV's history as the global launch customer for the H175, the growing importance of offshore wind support operations and increasing demand across the offshore energy market, while discussing the company's commitment to innovation and operating in some of the industry's most challenging environments.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers is joined by Bill Long, Aviation Director at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT), to discuss the charity’s recent Air Operator Certificate (AOC) award and what this milestone means for the organisation.

Long also shares insight into EHAAT’s role supporting five million people across Essex and Hertfordshire, operating two £11 million helicopters 365 days a year without Government funding, while discussing wider challenges facing the sector, including ongoing pilot shortages.

Season 3 of the RotorHub International Podcast begins with Editor Gideon Ewers joined by Andy Oxenford, author of Reflections of an Oil & Gas Helicopter Pilot, to discuss his experiences across the offshore helicopter industry. 

Drawing on decades in oil and gas aviation, Oxenford reflects on offshore operations, career-defining moments and how the industry has evolved over the years, while also sharing insight into the realities and challenges of life as a helicopter pilot. 

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers is joined by Ruben García Medina, Managing Director Iberia at Avincis, to discuss the company’s role in supporting critical aerial operations across Europe. From aerial firefighting to search and rescue and emergency medical services, Avincis supports essential missions across the region while helping address the growing challenge of wildfires in Europe.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Gideon Ewers speaks with Colin Waite, Police Account Manager, and Paul Petit-How, Business Development Lead at Enterprise Control Systems (ECS), part of SPX Communication Technologies.

Enterprise Control Systems specialises in advanced communication and datalink technologies supporting aviation, defence, and security operations worldwide. With extensive experience across aviation and national security sectors, Colin and Paul discuss the work ECS is doing to support operators and organisations working in demanding operational environments.

In this conversation, they introduce the company, discuss their roles within ECS, and share insight into the importance of reliable communications technology across modern aviation and defence operations.

Live from Day 2 of VERTICON, RotorHub’s Gideon Ewers speaks with Krister Genmark, Senior Vice President of Revenue at Vellox Group.

Vellox Group provides specialised aviation services supporting helicopter operators and organisations across the global rotorcraft sector. Speaking from the show floor, Krister introduces the company and shares insight into Vellox Group’s role within the evolving rotorcraft industry.

Live from VERTICON, RotorHub’s Gideon Ewers speaks with Axnes Managing Director Markus Schmitz and Vice President Brett J. Gardner. 

Axnes is a Norwegian technology company specialising in advanced wireless intercom systems designed to improve communication and safety in demanding aviation and operational environments. In this short conversation from the show floor, they introduce the company and discuss Axnes’ role within the rotorcraft industry. 

In Episode 12 of the RotorHub International Podcast, we’re joined by Capt. Anja Eriksen, pilot, CRM trainer and aviation life coach, to explore what “Next Gen Safety” really means for today’s aviation industry.

While aviation rightly prides itself on decades of safety advancement, the rate of improvement has plateaued for more than 20 years. In this episode, we discuss the need for a more proactive approach, why “zero” may not always be possible, and how safety thinking must evolve to meet modern operational realities.

If you’re interested in proactive safety, human factors and the future of aviation safety culture, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In Episode 11 of the RotorHub International Podcast, we’re joined by Geoff Packer, CEO of HeliSpeed Ltd, a leading aviation training academy dedicated to developing the next generation of helicopter pilots and engineers.

As the global rotorcraft industry faces increasing demand for skilled professionals, Geoff shares how HeliSpeed was established to raise standards in pilot and engineer training, with safety, professionalism, and technical excellence at its core.

From comprehensive training programmes to global career placement support, this episode highlights what it takes to build aviation professionals who are truly industry-ready.

If you’re interested in the future of rotorcraft training, workforce development, and raising operational standards, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, we’re joined by Tobias Nilsson, Sales Manager EMEA at Web Manuals, a leading digital documentation and compliance management platform for the aviation industry. Tobias brings deep insight into how digitalisation is transforming rotorcraft operations, from enhanced safety workflows to more efficient regulatory compliance.

In the latest episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, we sit down with Jonas Goercke, Head of Business Line Flight Training at Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH. Jonas offers a deep dive into the world of high-fidelity rotorcraft simulation, exploring how training has evolved and advanced in the rotorcraft industry, the competitiveness of the training sector, and how technologies like MR and VR are redefining pilot training and medium operators. 

Whether you’re involved in flight training, simulation technology, or rotorcraft operations, Jonas’s perspective delivers valuable expertise straight from one of the sector’s leading innovators.

Recorded live from EUROPEAN ROTORS 2025 in Cologne, this special edition of the RotorHub International Podcast brings together an expert guest panel:  President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, David Smith, Photographer, Jon Davison, and Writer, Jude Brazendale. They share the history and development of their recently published book 'Climb Higher', exclusively available at EUROPEAN ROTORS!

Climb Higher is a collection of visually stunning pictures and compelling stories of Robinson's clients that includes real-world applications on the company's helicopters, like the R44 used for wildlife conservation by The Mara Elephant Project, as detailed in Reporter Grace Hardy's feature in the October/November issue.

This episode captures the excitement of EUROPEAN ROTORS and offers an inside look at Robinson’s role in a rapidly evolving sector. 

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, we speak with Simon Tye, Chief Commercial Officer at Avincis Group, to uncover the history, mission and growth of one of Europe’s leading helicopter and critical aviation service providers. Simon shares how Avincis was formed, the company’s evolution in the rotorcraft sector, and the strategic vision driving its expansion across emergency medical services, search and rescue, aerial firefighting and energy support operations.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, we dive into the world of surplus, component life cycles, and smart sourcing with Jeremy Green, CEO, and Elio Sicheri, Rotary Wing Programme Manager, at Hayward & Green Aviation Ltd. They break down the current state of the used parts market, discussing everything from the challenges of traceability and certification to the massive cost-saving opportunities available to regional operators. 

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, we’re joined by Nicola Winter, pilot, keynote speaker, lecturer, and advisor at ADAC Luftrettung, whose remarkable career embodies passion, precision, and purpose in aviation.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, we’re joined by Nicola Winter. Nicola’s journey began with a childhood dream of flight that led her to become one of Germany’s first female fighter pilots, before taking that ambition even higher to train as an astronaut candidate and later transitioning into the world of HEMS. Now, as part of ADAC Luftrettung, Nicola continues to inspire through her work in aerial rescue operations, sharing her expertise and vision for the next evolution of rescue hoist missions and the future of rotorcraft operations.

In this episode, we are joined by Sara Dhariwal, Lead Appraiser for Helicopters and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) at Cirium Consultancy. Sara brings a wealth of expertise in aviation asset valuation and market analysis, with a career spanning over a decade at Cirium.

Today, Sara leads the Ascend Helicopter Valuations practice, overseeing a global team of six experts. Her role focuses on delivering market insights, managing valuation outputs, ensuring compliance with Cirium Ascend’s methodologies, and driving thought leadership across the industry.

We are excited to welcome Ian Bonthrone, Chief Executive  of Air Rescue UK Ltd, as our next guest on the RotorHub International Podcast. With over two decades as a military crewman on combat support and SAR helicopters, followed by a career spanning medical devices, public safety, and leadership roles, Ian brings a wealth of experience to the table. 

From his time as a Search & Rescue Winchman, aviator, and instructor to his current role shaping SAR helicopter provision, Ian has lived a career dedicated to saving lives and advancing rescue capability. In our conversation, we dive into SAR missions, rescue hoists, and the lessons learned from a lifetime in rescue and aviation.

In this episode, we are joined by Luis Muñoz Miller, Regional Sales Manager for the US, Canada, and LATAM at CENTUM, to explore how their innovative LifeSeeker system is transforming search and rescue operations.

Luis explains how LifeSeeker works by turning a mobile phone into a beacon, enabling rescue teams to locate missing people quickly and accurately, even in challenging environments where traditional methods fall short. From real-world mission success stories to the technology’s broader impact on safety and survival, this conversation highlights the power of connectivity in saving lives.

Tune in to learn how CENTUM is bridging technology and humanity in critical moments of search and rescue.

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by two senior leaders from Milestone Aviation. First, we have Pat Sheedy, President and CEO, who has led the company since 2019 and brings over 25 years of global financial services and aircraft leasing experience, including senior roles at GE and GECAS. Alongside him is Sébastien Moulin, Chief Commercial Officer, appointed in 2024, who oversees Milestone’s worldwide commercial strategy. With more than two decades in the helicopter industry, including leadership positions at Airbus Helicopters and Bell Helicopter, Sébastien brings deep expertise in global markets.

In this episode recorded at MD Helicopters' headquarters in Mesa, Arizona, Editor Gideon Ewers sits down with Ryan Weeks, CEO and President of MD Helicopters, for an insightful conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of rotorcraft support.

With a distinguished career spanning multiple Fortune 500 companies and industries, Ryan brings a wealth of strategic experience to his role at MD Helicopters. In this episode, he discusses the company’s renewed focus on aftermarket products and services—including spares, repairs and overhauls (R&O), upgrades, and customer support—and how these priorities are driving operational readiness and value for MD operators worldwide.

Tune in to hear Ryan’s vision for MD Helicopters, the evolving needs of the industry from rotor system enhancements and brake redesigns and what’s next in the rotorcraft support landscape.

In this episode of the RotorHub International podcast, we are joined by Lisa Zumkeller, a contract precision longline pilot whose passion for vertical reference flying has taken her across some of Canada’s most rugged and remote landscapes. She plays a critical role in wildfire suppression operations and also flies medevac missions aboard the BK117.

Originally from Germany, Lisa grew up on a farm before immigrating to Canada with her family at the age of 13. Lisa began her aviation journey as a Second-in-Command on the Super Puma, later transitioning to the Bell 206 and then the H125. Over the past five years, she has flown extensively throughout Canada and the Arctic, building a diverse and dynamic career in rotary aviation.

Lisa is also an active member of the international organisation Whirly Girls, dedicated to supporting women in helicopter aviation. She is deeply committed to giving back to the industry and inspiring the next generation of pilots through mentorship and outreach.

In this episode of the RotorHub International podcast, we sit down with Joe Decapite, Manager of Flight Training at Bell Training Academy. With a distinguished background in leadership across operations, logistics, and risk management, Joe brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. Joe shares insights into Bell’s approach to flight training, the evolving needs of pilots in today’s operational landscape, and how strategic planning and collaboration drive performance under pressure. 

In this episode of the RotorHub International podcast, we’re joined by Mike Martin, Vice President of Training, and Cody Berg, Hoist Operations Instructor at Air Rescue Systems. Together, they unveil a breakthrough in aerial rescue technology: a next-generation rescue hoist system designed to eliminate uncontrolled spin during extractions.

Spinning during hoist operations has long been a critical safety concern, often complicating missions and endangering both rescuers and patients. Mike Martin  and Cody Berg explain how their innovative system uses a projected air solution to stabilise the hoist line, offering greater control, increased safety and precision in demanding conditions.

Lars-Henrik Thorngreen, a transformative leader in the aviation sector with a sharp focus on strategic growth, operational excellence, and innovation. With deep board-level expertise in governance, risk management, and navigating complex transformations. Thorngreen brings insights that extend far beyond aviation. From steering ESG initiatives to building stakeholder trust across regulated industries, he shares what it takes to lead with vision and deliver long-term value in today’s evolving landscape.

It has become readily apparent that, far from being competitors, crewed and uncrewed assets are becoming two sides of the same mission delivery coin. In this episode, we sit down with industry leaders from HeliFlite and Ascent Aerosystems to explore how nano drones are revolutionising mission flexibility, enhancing situational awareness, and integrating seamlessly into modern rotorcraft operations.

Zahara Oubre, Director of Aviation Safety Programs at mba Aviation, shares her journey leading global safety initiatives across airlines and the Oil and Gas sector. With over 15 years of experience, Zahara talks about driving innovation through programs like OSAR, UASi, and JumpseatSMS, and how they are shaping the future of aviation safety.

In recent years, the ability to use HUMS systems that are not only more accurate than ever before but also progressive reductions in weight, have made them a realistic option for almost every class of helicopter. In this episode GPMS' Mr HUMS Ronnie Ries shares his insight and vision about where the technology is, where it is going and what it means not only in dollars and cents, but also in in the wider service delivery sense.

There are those that hype and there are those that do. In the vertical lift sector, there has been a lot of the former and precious little of the latter. At the forefront of those in the latter camp are magniX. Keep in mind that the company flew its first all-electric helicopter, a modified R44, over two years ago – and they continue to be at the leading edge of the fixed-wing space also. In this episode the company’s Chief Technology Officer, Riona Armesmith, shares the latest developments at the company and a vision for the coming years. If you are looking for hype you've come to the wrong place! Riona is an engineer, she does facts rather than puff.

Fred North has become synonymous with the production of action movies. Nine times out of ten, if there is a helicopter doing exciting things, it's Fred in action. But his latest project, leaves the glamour of Hollywood as he focusses on helping the next generation of pilots be the best they can be.

In this special on-location episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, host Gideon Ewers visits the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity at RAF Cosford to explore their cutting-edge training facility. Joined by Aircrew Supervisor and Critical Care Paramedic Karen Baker, we take a deep dive into the advanced medical training and life-saving missions that make this air ambulance service so vital.

eVTOLs: Fact, Fiction, or Faction?

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, host Gideon Ewers sits down with Gary Vermaak, a senior advisor to the Advanced Air Mobility Institute, to discuss the challenges facing the eVTOL industry. From the realities of aircraft certification timelines to operational hurdles like battery performance in extreme conditions, we cut through the hype to uncover what’s truly feasible.

In our third and final episode, host Gideon Ewers sits down with David Smith, President & CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, to discuss pressing challenges and emerging innovations in the rotorcraft industry.
 
Smith offers his unique perspective on workforce development, regulatory constraints, industry-wide collaboration and exciting plans on the horizon for Robinson in 2025. Smith also teases upcoming Robinson projects and advocates for creative workforce development strategies to address shortages in skilled pilots and mechanics.

In our second episode, host Gideon Ewers sits down with David Solar, EASA's Head of General Aviation and Vertical Take Off and Landing and Steve Soliz, Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) Segment Manager at Bell.

 Solar shares insights from EASA’s recent Rotorcraft and VTOL Safety Symposium, where discussions covered advanced automation, new safety measures, and the evolving role of pilots.  As technology progresses,  Solar discusses how the industry is exploring automation to enhance safety and its potential impact on pilot responsibilities.

Soliz reflects on the early days of HEMS in the 1990s and the challenges of establishing this essential service. From untapped markets in Asia-Pacific and Africa to the shift from government-run to civilian-operated HEMS missions, he sheds light on the unique challenges and opportunities emerging worldwide. 

Philippe shares his unique insights from over three decades in the industry, covering the rising demand for new and pre-owned helicopters, supply chain pressures, and workforce challenges. With critical shifts in defence spending, disaster response, and climate change impacts, the global vertical lift industry faces unprecedented growth – and an urgent need to adapt.

#season1

There can't be many people on the planet with more knowledge of the helicopter market than our guest in this episode, Clark McGinn. In his time with the Royal Bank of Scotland, CHC Leasing, Waypoint Leasing and latterly at Uplifting Advice, he's been at the front when it comes to financing aircraft, and has the scars to prove it!

#season2

The devastating wildfires in Southern California have dominated the news cycle. But as he only stepped down as CAL FIRE’s Chief of Flight Operations a few weeks ago, there is no one on earth better placed to talk about the agency’s efforts to combat wildfires on such a scale than our guest, Stu Sprung. We talk not only tactics but also the larger challenges the aerial firefighting community faces as the climate evolves.

#season2