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 electrifying episode, host Halsey Schider brings The Helicopter Podcast to the buzzing floor of Verticon 2025, sitting down with Pete Anderson, senior manager of helicopter operations at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). As California’s biggest utility—powering one in 20 Americans—PG&E leans on its aviation muscle, and Pete—with 28 years on the job—has lived it all. From lineman days on high-voltage lines to running a top-tier helicopter outfit, he shares a charged view of keeping the grid humming from above.Pete dives into PG&E’s daring missions: Crews in Faraday suits tackling live 500kV lines mid-flight, helicopters hauling towers and concrete, and human external cargo ops slinging linemen for over 14,000 hours a year. With Black Hawks, a 50-year tie to PJ Helicopters, and a peak of 75 ships in a day, the scale is stunning. He highlights picking versatile Bell 407s and seasoned pilots with laser focus, plus LiDAR scans to dodge wildfire risks. Pete also reflects on safety’s evolution—rigorous training, linemen in crew resource management—and nods to drones stepping up for new tasks.Join Halsey and Pete live from Verticon for a jolt of real-world wisdom on powering California with helicopters and beyond!Thank you to our sponsors Vertical Aviation International, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation and Hillsboro Heli Academy.

Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this thrilling in-person episode, host Halsey Schider brings The Helicopter Podcast to Verticon 2025, sitting down with Airbus Helicopters’ Dirk Petry, a 25-year engineering veteran, and test pilot Volker Bau. Recorded live amid the show’s buzz, they unveil the H140—a perfect blend of the H135’s affordability and the H145’s power, sparked by market demand for more space and performance. Its five-blade rotor cuts vibration, while a sleek medical interior and six comfy seats shine.Volker shares the joy of flying the H140, and his excitement with “hot and high” tests on the horizon, while Dirk touts its performance: a new powerful and efficient engine and low sound emissions thanks to the five-blade main rotor and the new Fenestron design. With global certification and life-saving potential fueling their pride, Join Halsey, Dirk, and Volker for a front-row peek at Airbus’ amazing new helicopter!Enjoy this special bonus episode recorded live on the show floor at Veritcon 2025. 

Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this exciting in-person episode, host Halsey Schider takes The Helicopter Podcast to the pulsing heart of Verticon 2025, sitting down with Robinson Helicopter Company’s CEO David Smith, and VP of Engineering Sean Doyle. The conversation ignites with the R66’s stunning transformation. David and Sean unpack its bold upgrades—cutting-edge avionics, a seamless 2-axis autopilot, and a trio of fresh options: the affordable Southwood, the refined Palo Verde, and the one-year-only Riviera special edition. It’s a pilot’s dream, reimagined with flair and precision.The spotlight then swings to the R88, Robinson’s brand-new sensation unveiled at Verticon. David and Sean trace its path from a spark of inspiration to the cusp of flight, teasing a versatile, two-blade titan built for power, efficiency, and flexibility for missions like utility, EMS, tours, and firefighting across the globe. David shares his thrill at the reveal, envisioning its impact worldwide, as well as deep insights into safety innovations, like autopilot inputs to avoid Low-G, that have never been applied or considered in two-bladed helicopters before. Join Halsey, David, and Sean for a front-row seat to Robinson’s electrifying next chapter!Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Robinson Helicopter and Hillsboro Heli Academy.

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 Cade Clark, chief government affairs officer for Vertical Aviation International (VAI), to discuss VAI’s pivotal role in shaping the helicopter industry. Recorded live at European Rotors, Cade shares the excitement behind VAI’s partnership with the European Helicopter Association and their collaborative efforts to bring this premier event to life, showcasing the vibrancy and future potential of European rotorcraft aviation.The conversation delves into Cade’s role at VAI and the vital work his team does to advocate for helicopter aviation among policymakers. With a deep understanding of the industry, Cade highlights the critical importance of maintaining strong relationships with elected officials to ensure the sector’s growth and resilience. He underscores the economic contributions that helicopters bring to the global economy, despite the often-overlooked “PR problem” facing rotorcraft operations.Cade and Halsey explore the challenges and opportunities VAI encounters in raising awareness and reshaping public perceptions about helicopter aviation, not only for its role in emergency response and transportation but also for its significant economic impact. VAI’s recent efforts include working on regulatory and legislative initiatives to address these issues and communicate the value helicopters provide to communities worldwide.Tune in to this insightful episode of The Helicopter Podcast to hear how VAI is championing the helicopter industry on multiple fronts, from event partnerships to governmental advocacy, ensuring the sector remains vibrant and respected. Don’t miss Cade’s expert perspective on how the helicopter community can come together to drive positive change in public perception and policy.Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Astronautics Corporation of America and Hillsboro Heli Academy.

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 Dylan Tent, a helicopter pilot and real estate agent, to discuss his unconventional career path and entrepreneurial successes. Dylan shares how the Red Bull "The Art of Flight" movie shifted his aspirations from chiropractic school to aviation, and how that eventually led into real estate.They explore his unique use of aerial photography to market luxury homes, the financial realities of helicopter ownership, and the power of networking in aviation. Dylan also dives into his latest business venture—investing in a company that develops non-narcotic pain medicine derived from cobra venom. Along the way, they trade stories about helicopter landings in residential neighborhoods, the challenges of pilot pay, and the balancing act of pursuing passion versus financial stability.Tune into this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, packed with insights on creativity, business, and aviation, with a unique look at how helicopters can open doors in unexpected industries!Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopter, Vertical Aviation International and Metro Aviation.

Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this week’s exclusive Helicopter Podcast Short, Halsey dives into all things VAI, with Verticon #1 just days away! He shares what makes VAI special and why anyone in the helicopter industry should consider attending—whether it’s  to learn something new in a class, explore job opportunities at the career fair, or simply connect with fellow helicopter enthusiasts.Halsey also outlines the exciting plans for the show, including his collaboration with Vertical Magazine to co-produce exclusive content covering Day 1 highlights, live podcast recordings, and the highly anticipated Robinson Helicopter reveal. He’ll also be walking the show floor, engaging with industry leaders, and capturing the best moments of VAI.If you’re attending this year’s VAI, reach out! We’d love to hear from you and invite you to visit us at the Vertical booth (#5712) in the main hallway.Tune in for all the details, and get ready for an incredible event!Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Vertical Aviation International and Precision Aviation Group.

Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this engaging episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Beth Christianos, owner of HeliPackers and managing partner at Leading Edge Aerospace. Both Halsey and Beth bring extensive experience to the table, delving into the intricacies of aircraft pre-purchase inspections and the critical role they play in the helicopter industry.Beth shares her journey of identifying a significant gap in the market concerning thorough pre-purchase inspections and efficient aircraft shipping logistics. Through her work with HeliPackers, she has been instrumental in setting new standards for these processes, ensuring that buyers receive comprehensive evaluations and secure transportation for their aircraft. The conversation highlights common industry shortcomings in pre-purchase inspections, such as inadequate assessments and overlooked details that can lead to costly oversights. Beth and Halsey discuss how companies like HeliPackers and Sellacopter are addressing these issues by providing meticulous inspection services and streamlined logistics solutions, thereby enhancing transparency and trust in helicopter transactions.Beth also emphasizes the importance of having licensed engineers handle the disassembly and packing of helicopters for shipping, as improper handling can result in significant damage and financial loss. She shares insights into the specialized procedures her team employs to ensure aircraft are transported safely and arrive in optimal condition. Tune in to this informative episode to gain valuable perspectives on improving pre-purchase inspection protocols and the logistics of aircraft shipping, and to learn how industry leaders like Beth are driving positive change in the helicopter sector.Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group and Vertical Aviation International and Enstrom Helicopters.

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.

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.

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