Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, with your host Halsey Schider!This podcast is for helicopter pilots, maintainers, and enthusiasts! Whether you've been in the...
Episode #115 - Helicopters at Sea - Challenges and Risks: Felix Christians - The Helicopter Podcast
Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down once more with Felix Christians to dive deep into the complexities of maritime helicopter operations. They explore the unique challenges of managing aviation on large vessels, from regulatory compliance and training, to communication between aviation and maritime crews. Felix sheds light on the experience requirements for helicopter pilots, the authority of vessel captains, and the importance of bridge briefings in ensuring safe and efficient flight operations.The conversation also touches on life aboard yachts, the work-life balance for pilots, and the interpersonal dynamics of working in confined environments. Felix shares insights into the realities of turnover rates, medical emergencies, and maintenance challenges in remote aviation settings. For aspiring yacht pilots, he emphasizes the value of offshore flying experience, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to say no to unsafe practices.Whether you’re interested in maritime aviation, yacht-based helicopter operations, or the evolving regulations in this specialized field, this episode of The Helicopter Podcast offers an insider’s perspective on what it takes to succeed in one of aviation’s most demanding and isolated environments!Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation and Precision Aviation Group.
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Episode #114 - Antarctic Adventures and Canadian Aviation with Felix Christians - The Helicopter Podcast
Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of the Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider is joined by Felix Christians, a veteran helicopter pilot with over 25 years of experience and nearly 10,000 flight hours. Felix shares his journey from Germany to Canada, highlighting his work across diverse environments and industries. The conversation delves into his passion for teaching, scenario-based training, and his role at Select Aviation College, where he helps students navigate pathways to aviation careers in Canada. Felix emphasizes the unique advantages of training in Canada, from favorable exchange rates to turbine endorsements and potential pathways to residency.The episode also explores the fascinating MV Ultramarine project, a luxury cruise to Antarctica featuring helicopter operations. Felix discusses the logistics of flying in remote locations, the challenges of operating helicopters on oceanic yachts, and the evolving safety and regulatory standards in the tourism and maritime aviation sectors. He sheds light on the importance of understanding cultural nuances in aviation, and the role of helicopters in helping drive economic activity.Whether you're intrigued by helicopter tourism, pilot training opportunities, or the adventures of flying in extreme environments, this episode of The Helicopter Podcast offers fascinating insights into the challenges and opportunities in modern aviation. Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopters, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Vertical Aviation International.
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Episode #113 - European pilot training: Sascha Richter & Phil Haupt – The Helicopter Podcast
Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode, host Halsey Schider engages in a compelling discussion with Phil Haupt, European representative for Hillsboro Heli Academy (HHA), and Sascha Richter from ADAC Luftrettung, Germany’s leading air medical helicopter operator. The conversation centers on the innovative pathway program established between HHA and ADAC, designed to provide German-speaking Europeans with a streamlined route to a career in helicopter aviation.Phil and Sascha delve into the specifics of this partnership, highlighting how students can train at HHA’s Troutdale, Oregon, campus to obtain both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certifications. This dual-certification approach positions HHA as a comprehensive training solution for European students, eliminating the need for separate training programs across different continents. The discussion also explores the benefits of the F-1 visa program, which allows students to work in the U.S. for up to 23 months post-training, enabling them to accumulate the flight hours required by European employers. This aspect of the program offers significant time and cost savings, as students can gain practical experience without the need for additional training upon returning to Europe.Sascha provides insights into ADAC’s operations and the organization’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for emergency medical service pilots in Germany. He emphasizes the importance of well-trained pilots and how the partnership with HHA plays a crucial role in meeting this need. Tune in to this informative episode to learn more about the collaborative efforts between HHA and ADAC, and how they are paving the way for aspiring European helicopter pilots to achieve their career goals through comprehensive training and strategic partnerships.Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopters, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Sellacopter
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Episode #112 - VR meets reality: Fabi Riesen, CEO of Loft Dynamics - The Helicopter Podcast
Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode, host Halsey Schider dives into the transformative world of aviation simulation with Fabi Riesen, CEO of Loft Dynamics. Fabi and his team at Loft Dynamics are revolutionizing how pilots train, bringing a fresh, immersive approach to flight simulation that leverages cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology. The conversation begins with Fabi sharing his early fascination with technology and how a simple VR headset sparked the idea that would eventually lead to Loft Dynamics. Fueled by his passion for innovation, Fabi and his team seized the unique challenges of the COVID-19 era, using the time to go full force into developing advanced, immersive simulators that have now become some of the most realistic training tools in the industry.Loft Dynamics has recently made headlines with its impressive expansion and new partnerships, including collaborations aimed at enhancing global pilot training and meeting the increasing demand for qualified pilots worldwide. Their simulators, praised for realism and efficiency, offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to traditional training, helping to reduce emissions and address critical gaps in training resources. Throughout this insightful discussion, Halsey and Fabi explore Loft Dynamics’ mission to make aviation safer, more accessible, and responsive to the needs of a rapidly evolving industry. They discuss the immense impact these VR-based simulators could have, from cutting operational costs for training providers to offering pilots more frequent, hands-on practice in scenarios that challenge their skills and judgment.Tune in to hear Fabi’s inspiring journey and learn about the game-changing advancements Loft Dynamics is bringing to aviation. This episode offers an exciting glimpse into the future of flight training, where VR meets reality, and innovation is paving the way for a new era in pilot education. Don’t miss this enlightening episode of The Helicopter Podcast!Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Precision Aviation Group and Sellacopter.
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Episode #111 - Insights from the Helicopter Institute - Randy Rowles - The Helicopter Podcast
Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Randy Rowles, a veteran aviator and founder of the Helicopter Institute. With over 40 years in the industry, Randy shares insights on aviation training, mentorship, and the entrepreneurial drive that shaped his career.The discussion highlights the critical need for experienced instructors, and the evolving role of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in pilot certification. Randy also reflects on many interesting topics, from the pivotal moment of solo flight sign-offs, to supporting Afghan pilots transitioning to U.S. aviation, and his thoughts on adapting training methods to meet modern safety and technological standards.For practical lessons and inspiring stories from one of aviation’s most dedicated contributors, tune into this episode of The Helicopter Podcast!Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Robinson Helicopters and Sellacopter.
Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, with your host Halsey Schider!This podcast is for helicopter pilots, maintainers, and enthusiasts! Whether you've been in the industry for 30 years or are just someone that loves helicopters, this podcast is for you! The podcasts will feature guests from a wide array of industry sectors to have casual conversation, answer questions, give sound advice, and talk shop. Finally, a podcast produced by helicopter professionals for all types of helicopter people!
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