The Vertical MRO Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to The Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!

In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we dive deep into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in helicopter maintenance.

Our expert panel discusses the current applications of AI, highlighting its impact on predictive maintenance, supply chain logistics, and procurement. They emphasize the importance of efficient data collection and analysis to support decision-making, improve maintenance practices, and ultimately enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of helicopter operations.

The conversation explores the growing acceptance of AI in the industry, focusing on how AI technology is evolving to assist both experienced and novice technicians. Our guests share insights on the collaboration between AI systems and human personnel, underscoring the necessity for trust and accurate data in AI implementation. We also look to the future, discussing trends like the use of robots and cobots for inspections, and the potential integration of natural language processing in maintenance processes.

Tune in to learn how AI is reshaping helicopter maintenance, from real-time monitoring and predictive analysis to optimizing maintenance schedules and improving overall operational outcomes. Plus, we wrap up the discussion with a fun debate on whether pineapple truly belongs on pizza.

Don't miss this engaging episode on the future of helicopter maintenance and the exciting potential of AI technology!

Special thanks to our sponsors, Salus Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome to The Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!

In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we dive deep into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in helicopter maintenance.

Our expert panel discusses the current applications of AI, highlighting its impact on predictive maintenance, supply chain logistics, and procurement. They emphasize the importance of efficient data collection and analysis to support decision-making, improve maintenance practices, and ultimately enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of helicopter operations.

The conversation explores the growing acceptance of AI in the industry, focusing on how AI technology is evolving to assist both experienced and novice technicians. Our guests share insights on the collaboration between AI systems and human personnel, underscoring the necessity for trust and accurate data in AI implementation. We also look to the future, discussing trends like the use of robots and cobots for inspections, and the potential integration of natural language processing in maintenance processes.

Tune in to learn how AI is reshaping helicopter maintenance, from real-time monitoring and predictive analysis to optimizing maintenance schedules and improving overall operational outcomes. Plus, we wrap up the discussion with a fun debate on whether pineapple truly belongs on pizza.

Don't miss this engaging episode on the future of helicopter maintenance and the exciting potential of AI technology!

Special thanks to our sponsors, SAFE Structure Designs and Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing.

Welcome to The Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!

Welcome to the Vertical MRO podcast, where we unveil the mysteries of maintenance, repair and overhaul, and explore the cutting-edge innovations that drive the helicopter industry forward.

 Host Val Medved is honored to have a true industry luminary join the show for a feature interview.

 Meet Anthony Saenz, a titan in the aerospace realm. With over 27 years of experience and now at the helm of JASCO Consulting LLC, Anthony's expertise shines brightly in the Arizona skies.

 But Anthony's journey doesn't stop there. As the former president of Able Aerospace and senior vice president at Able Aerospace Services Inc., his leadership has propelled companies to new heights, ensuring safety and efficiency in every endeavor.

 Anthony's trailblazing career traces back to his roots as an engineer at industry giants like Honeywell Aerospace and Triumph Group. From VP of engineering to president, he's left an indelible mark on every venture he's touched.

 Join us as we dive deep into Anthony's insights and the invaluable lessons he's gleaned throughout his illustrious career. Get ready to soar through the skies of knowledge with Anthony Saenz, your guide to aerospace excellence.

 The Vertical MRO Podcast is brought to you by Vertical HELICASTS. 

Special thanks to our sponsors, Vertical Aviation International and PAG.

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

In this two-part series, Hangar Z Podcast hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray take over the Vertical MRO Podcast to sit down with Kris Stone, owner and handler of K9 Torque and the Huey Vets crew from EMU Inc.

EMU Inc. derives its name from the radio call sign of a unique unit in Army aviation history, the 135th Assault Helicopter Company.

The 135th was a typical Vietnam-era Assault Helicopter Company with the major exception that it was composed of both U.S. Army and Royal Australian Navy personnel. Because of this unique composition, the 135th was considered an Experimental Military Unit, hence its call sign E.M.U. or EMU.

In this conversation, the EMU Crew discusses the challenges and maintenance considerations of operating and restoring the Huey helicopter. 

The EMU Crew also shares their work with Huey Vets, an organization that uses helicopters to raise awareness about the forgotten heroes of the Vietnam War.

EMU 309 Geoff Carr, a Vietnam vet, and his team, discuss the battle damage and life expectancy of the aircraft during the Vietnam War. They also discuss the nonprofit nature of their organization and their mission to support veterans and raise awareness about PTSD.

They also discuss their work with K9 Torque, a detection dog trained to find electronic storage devices. Torque specializes in finding flash drives and SD cards to help investigators gather evidence against child sexual predators and traffickers. Torque is also a therapy dog, providing comfort and support to veterans and children in hospitals and schools.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing and Bell.

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

In this two-part series, Hangar Z Podcast hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray take over the Vertical MRO Podcast to sit down with Kris Stone, owner and handler of K9 Torque and the Huey Vets crew from EMU Inc.

EMU Inc. derives its name from the radio call sign of a unique unit in Army aviation history, the 135th Assault Helicopter Company.

The 135th was a typical Vietnam-era Assault Helicopter Company with the major exception that it was composed of both U.S. Army and Royal Australian Navy personnel. Because of this unique composition, the 135th was considered an Experimental Military Unit, hence its call sign E.M.U. or EMU.

In this conversation, the EMU Crew discusses the challenges and maintenance considerations of operating and restoring the Huey helicopter. 

The EMU Crew also shares their work with Huey Vets, an organization that uses helicopters to raise awareness about the forgotten heroes of the Vietnam War.

EMU 309 Geoff Carr, a Vietnam vet, and his team, discuss the battle damage and life expectancy of the aircraft during the Vietnam War. They also discuss the nonprofit nature of their organization and their mission to support veterans and raise awareness about PTSD.

They also discuss their work with K9 Torque, a detection dog trained to find electronic storage devices. Torque specializes in finding flash drives and SD cards to help investigators gather evidence against child sexual predators and traffickers. Torque is also a therapy dog, providing comfort and support to veterans and children in hospitals and schools.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Vertical Aviation International and Bell.

Welcome to The Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!

 
In this two-part series Val Medved and co-host Jon Gray have a thrilling two-part conversation with Marc Foreman, a helicopter technician A&P and IA from the Oklahoma City Police Department aviation unit. Get ready for an exhilarating mix of topics as they delve into tornadoes, aviation advancements, and public safety.

As a helicopter mechanic, Foreman provides an insider's look into the world of aviation, covering everything from the intricacies of fixed-wing versus helicopter maintenance to the challenges and rewards of working on various aircraft. He also discusses the impact of technology on aviation and highlights the critical role mechanics play in ensuring safety and efficiency in the field.

But that's not all – they also explore the personal side of Foreman's journey, including the invaluable mentorship he received from his stepfather in the industry. Discover the benefits of having a supportive mentor who passes down valuable knowledge and skills.

And of course, we can't forget about the public safety aspects of aviation. Foreman shares insights into the challenges faced by law enforcement aviation units and the crucial role of aircraft maintenance in firefighting operations. Get ready for some fascinating stories from Foreman's career as he reflects on the passion and dedication that mechanics bring to their work.

So, whether you're sipping on a cup of coffee or fueling up with a Monster energy drink (like Foreman), sit back, relax, and join us for this engaging conversation you won’t want to miss!

Special thanks to our sponsors, Bell and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome to The Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!


In this two-part series Val Medved and co-host Jon Gray have a thrilling two-part conversation with Marc Foreman, a helicopter technician A&P and IA from the Oklahoma City Police Department aviation unit. Get ready for an exhilarating mix of topics as they delve into tornadoes, aviation advancements, and public safety.

As a helicopter mechanic, Foreman provides an insider's look into the world of aviation, covering everything from the intricacies of fixed-wing versus helicopter maintenance to the challenges and rewards of working on various aircraft. He also discusses the impact of technology on aviation and highlights the critical role mechanics play in ensuring safety and efficiency in the field.

But that's not all – they also explore the personal side of Foreman's journey, including the invaluable mentorship he received from his stepfather in the industry. Discover the benefits of having a supportive mentor who passes down valuable knowledge and skills.

And of course, we can't forget about the public safety aspects of aviation. Foreman shares insights into the challenges faced by law enforcement aviation units and the crucial role of aircraft maintenance in firefighting operations. Get ready for some fascinating stories from Foreman's career as he reflects on the passion and dedication that mechanics bring to their work.

So, whether you're sipping on a cup of coffee or fueling up with a Monster energy drink (like Foreman), sit back, relax, and join us for this engaging conversation you won’t want to miss!

Special thanks to our sponsors, Bell and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome to The Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!


In this episode, Val Medved and Jon Gray get an opportunity to sit down with Maury Wood. 

In 1992, a move to St. Albert marked the start of new adventures for Wood and his family. From there, it was a whirlwind of after-school work at Avialta Helicopters under the wings of experienced engineers.

Summers were spent in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, where he lent his skills to GSH, managing stores and ensuring smooth operations on the ground.

Fast forward to the late ’90s, and our hero embarked on an educational journey at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), diving into the world of Petroleum Engineering Tech.

But the call of the skies was too strong to resist. With Reeves Wireline in Whitecourt, Alberta, he logged open holes across Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, experiencing the vastness of the Canadian landscape from above — and putting in some serious “bush” time.

Wood marked a pivotal moment in 2002 as he spread his wings at GSH flight school, soaring through the curriculum with flying colors and landing a job with a reputable company.

For the next decade, he navigated the skies as a line pilot and flight instructor, with a brief detour to Elbow River Heli in 2007 for a summer adventure.

Today, he continues to make waves at Avialta Helicopters, wearing multiple hats from customer support to accountable exec, boiler repair, groundskeeping, and even cooking up a storm, when needed.

Join us as we unravel the highs, the lows, and the breathtaking views in "The Helicopter Journey of Maury Wood.”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Bell and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS.

In this two-part interview, we're extremely excited to introduce Faith Ortega, a prominent figure in the maintenance technician community known to many through her social media platform, How to Helicopter.

Ortega's journey into aviation maintenance began at Southern Illinois University, renowned for its outstanding aviation program. There, she earned a bachelor of applied science degree in Aviation Technologies with a specialization in helicopters, which culminated in her A&P certification.

Ortega recently earned her Inspection Authorization (IA) certificate, granting her the authority to approve annual inspections and sign off on major repairs and alterations.

Ortega embarked on her career as an A&P at Helicopters Inc., where she immersed herself in the electronic news gathering (ENG) industry, gaining invaluable experience. Ortega later transitioned to the public safety aviation sector. She now serves as a helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) mechanic and instructor, contributing to critical missions that save lives.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ortega is a passionate advocate for the maintenance technician community through her social media platform (How To Helicopter), where she highlights the vital work of technicians and actively engages in recruiting the next generation of talent.

Additionally, Ortega generously volunteers her time at Gateway Youth Foundation, nurturing aspiring aviators and young minds.

Join us as we delve into Ortega’s inspiring journey, her contributions to the maintenance technician field, and her dedication to shaping the future of aviation. This is Vertical MRO.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Bell and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS.

In this two-part interview, we're extremely excited to introduce Faith Ortega, a prominent figure in the maintenance technician community known to many through her social media platform, How to Helicopter.

Ortega's journey into aviation maintenance began at Southern Illinois University, renowned for its outstanding aviation program. There, she earned a bachelor of applied science degree in Aviation Technologies with a specialization in helicopters, which culminated in her A&P certification.

Ortega recently earned her Inspection Authorization (IA) certificate, granting her the authority to approve annual inspections and sign off on major repairs and alterations.

Ortega embarked on her career as an A&P at Helicopters Inc., where she immersed herself in the electronic news gathering (ENG) industry, gaining invaluable experience. Ortega later transitioned to the public safety aviation sector. She now serves as a helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) mechanic and instructor, contributing to critical missions that save lives.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ortega is a passionate advocate for the maintenance technician community through her social media platform (How To Helicopter), where she highlights the vital work of technicians and actively engages in recruiting the next generation of talent.

Additionally, Ortega generously volunteers her time at Gateway Youth Foundation, nurturing aspiring aviators and young minds.

Join us as we delve into Ortega’s inspiring journey, her contributions to the maintenance technician field, and her dedication to shaping the future of aviation. This is Vertical MRO.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Bell and Precision Aviation Group.