The Vertical MRO Podcast

• Vertical MRO Alerts: By Bell - Ep 7: Corporate Leather Crew and Passenger Seat Covers Replacement

  Welcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell!In this Alert, Product Support Engineering Manager Marc Dubé is joined by Sebastien Rousseau, Product Lead for the Bell 429, to walk operators through two service directives released simultaneously—a new Alert Service Bulletin (ASB 429-25-69) and an accompanying Operational Service Notice (OSN).These directives address non-conforming crew and passenger seat covers installed on certain Bell 429 aircraft. Marc and Sebastien explain how additional foam added during cosmetic rework impacted the energy-attenuation performance of some crew seats, prompting a required crew-seat replacement under the ASB. Passenger seats, which carry lower criticality, are handled separately under the OSN.The episode covers operator questions Bell has already received—including how third-party-modified seats are handled, what to expect regarding turnaround times, and why rework of passenger seats involves more logistical variables such as upholstery styles, stitching, colors, and custom configurations. They also discuss how operators can streamline the process by confirming interior renderings early and placing orders well ahead of the three-year compliance window.For full details, operators should always refer directly to the official Alert Service Bulletin. The full library of episodes is available to listen to on demandWe want to hear from you! - [email protected] help with your Bell helicopter? - [email protected]

  --------  

  9:19

  --------

  9:19
• Vertical MRO Alerts: By Bell - Ep 6: Main and Tail Rotor Hydraulic Servos

  Welcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell!In this Alert, Product Support Engineering Manager Marc Dubé is joined by Sebastien Rousseau, Product Lead for the Bell 429, to walk operators through the recently released Alert Service Bulletin concerning the main and tail rotor hydraulic servos on the Bell 429.This episode explains why the bulletin calls for a one-time inspection of the MCV driver rods, following a supplier notification regarding potential non-conforming components. Marc and Sebastien address the key questions operators have already raised—along with the ones Bell expects to hear. Topics include the reasoning behind the combined 800-hour / 24-month compliance window, guidance for aircraft already undergoing major inspections, and why operators should send servos through Bell rather than directly to the supplier.The discussion also covers expected turnaround times, how unexpected findings can affect lead time, and Bell’s recommendations to help operators minimize downtime.For full details, operators should always refer directly to the official Alert Service Bulletin. The full library of episodes is available to listen to on demandWe want to hear from you! - [email protected] help with your Bell helicopter? - [email protected]

  --------  

  7:55

  --------

  7:55
• Vertical MRO Tech Talk by Bell – Episode #8: Understanding Autopilot Systems, Training & Maintenance

  Welcome to another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell.In this Bell Tech Talk episode, host Jon Gray is joined by Dawn Lehto and Tad Morley from Bell for an in-depth conversation on the real-world challenges and advancements of autopilot and avionics systems in modern rotorcraft.Drawing from years of hands-on field experience, Dawn and Tad break down common autopilot troubleshooting issues, including friction-related faults, system relearning challenges, and why so many problems stem from long gaps between failures. They explain why knowing how to navigate the manuals before issues arise can save valuable time in the hangar and reduce frustration in the field.The conversation also tackles one of the biggest misconceptions in maintenance—that avionics is harder than mechanical work. Dawn explains why it’s simply a different skill set, why good mechanics already have what it takes to succeed in avionics, and how continuous learning, networking, and system familiarity are the real keys to success.From best practices in maintenance and training to where fly-by-wire and future autopilot technologies are heading, this episode delivers practical insight for maintainers at every stage of their career.We want to hear from you! – [email protected] help with your Bell helicopter? Email us at [email protected] or visit https://www.bellflight.com/support/commercial. 

  --------  

  55:31

  --------

  55:31
• Episode 78: Inside Aviation’s Most Complex Shipments: Don Lockie on The Risks and Results Part II

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this, the second part of our two-part Vertical MRO Podcast series, hosts Jon Gray and Ronnie Ries sit down with Don Lockie of Aviation Resource Group, a seasoned expert in international shipping and logistics, to unpack the high-stakes world of moving aviation assets across the globe.Don shares his journey into the aviation industry and the lessons learned from decades of navigating complex logistics. From understanding unique customer needs to managing razor-thin margins, he explains why experience and specialized knowledge are critical when the cargo is an aircraft. The discussion covers the hidden risks of oversimplifying logistics, the importance of risk management, and why building trusted partnerships can make or break a mission.With real-world examples—including aircraft shipments and unexpected challenges—Don illustrates how innovative problem-solving, effective planning, and clear communication keep operations on track. Whether you’re managing fleet maintenance, overseeing parts supply, or coordinating large-scale aviation moves, this conversation delivers valuable insights into the logistics expertise required to succeed in today’s global aviation market.Don also contributed to an article on International Shipping for Vertical, which can be found here.Special thanks to our sponsors, Metro Aviation, Robinson Helicopter and Precision Aviation Group.

  --------  

  50:48

  --------

  50:48
• Episode 77: Inside Aviation’s Most Complex Shipments: Don Lockie on The Risks and Results Part I

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two-part Vertical MRO Podcast series, hosts Jon Gray and Ronnie Ries sit down with Don Lockie of Aviation Resource Group, a seasoned expert in international shipping and logistics, to unpack the high-stakes world of moving aviation assets across the globe.Don shares his journey into the aviation industry and the lessons learned from decades of navigating complex logistics. From understanding unique customer needs to managing razor-thin margins, he explains why experience and specialized knowledge are critical when the cargo is an aircraft. The discussion covers the hidden risks of oversimplifying logistics, the importance of risk management, and why building trusted partnerships can make or break a mission.With real-world examples—including aircraft shipments and unexpected challenges—Don illustrates how innovative problem-solving, effective planning, and clear communication keep operations on track. Whether you’re managing fleet maintenance, overseeing parts supply, or coordinating large-scale aviation moves, this conversation delivers valuable insights into the logistics expertise required to succeed in today’s global aviation market.Don also contributed to an article on International Shipping for Vertical, which can be found here.Special thanks to our sponsors, SAFE Structure Designs, Vertical Aviation International and Airbus.

  --------  

  45:25

  --------

  45:25

Más podcasts de Ocio

Podcasts a la moda de Ocio

Acerca de The Vertical MRO Podcast