The Vertical MRO Podcast

• Episode 63: Blackhawk Crew Chief to Industry Leader — James Simmons’ Journey in Helicopter MRO Part I

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Jon Gray and co-host Leslie Ferry sit down with James Simmons, founder of Avolatus and a seasoned aviation professional. We explore his career journey in aviation and gather his insights into the rotorcraft maintenance industry. James shares his experiences from his military service to his current role in workforce development with Vertical Aviation International (VAI), highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the MRO sector. Learn about his contributions to the Vertical MRO Conference and his passion for fostering new talent in aviation. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of aviation maintenance and the pivotal role of leadership and training.Special thanks to our sponsors, Airbus, Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing and Precision Aviation Group.

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• Episode 62: Inside the Classroom – How Thrust Inst. is Reinventing Helicopter Training Part II

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two part series of the Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Ronnie Ries have a discussion with Jon Dillenberg, director at the Thrust Institute of Maintenance.During this conversation, we dive into the critical challenges and exciting opportunities in recruiting and shaping the next generation of talent in the aviation industry.Jon talks about the Thrust Institute’s innovative training approaches. We discuss leveraging social media and partnerships with high school STEM programs like Rising Aviation High School, to engage youth and promote aviation careers.We explore the evolving landscape of technical training, the importance of adaptability with new technologies like AI, and the need for smarter aircraft design focused on maintainability to ensure a sustainable future. Join us as we discuss the future of aircraft maintenance, how to attract new talent, and how industry-wide shifts can shape the next era of rotorcraft aviation.Special thanks to our sponsors, SAFE Structure Designs, Robinson Helicopter and Essential Turbines.

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• Episode 61: Inside the Classroom – How Thrust Inst. is Reinventing Helicopter Training Part I

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this two part series of the Vertical MRO Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Ronnie Ries have a discussion with Jon Dillenberg, director at the Thrust Institute of Maintenance.During this conversation, we dive into the critical challenges and exciting opportunities in recruiting and shaping the next generation of talent in the aviation industry.Jon talks about the Thrust Institute’s innovative training approaches. We discuss leveraging social media and partnerships with high school STEM programs like Rising Aviation High School, to engage youth and promote aviation careers.We explore the evolving landscape of technical training, the importance of adaptability with new technologies like AI, and the need for smarter aircraft design focused on maintainability to ensure a sustainable future. Join us as we discuss the future of aircraft maintenance, how to attract new talent, and how industry-wide shifts can shape the next era of rotorcraft aviation.Special thanks to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Essential Turbines and Astronautics Corporation of America.

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• Bonus Episode! Milton Geltz, Managing Director of Metro Aviation, on 50 Years of Aviation Excellence

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Jon Gray and co-host Howie Murray, sit down with Milton Geltz, managing director of Metro Aviation, to reflect on his remarkable 50-year career in aviation. Milton began his journey in 1976 and has been with Metro since 1983, overseeing daily operations across flight, maintenance, completions, finance, sales, and marketing. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in professional aviation management, Milton also holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airframe and power plant certificate and is an FAA designated airworthiness representative for both maintenance and manufacturing. He was honored with the 2007 Aviation Maintenance Technician Award by Helicopter Association International. Milton shares insights into the evolution of safety standards, the importance of training a skilled workforce, and how advanced data monitoring systems are transforming operational safety. We also have an opportunity to discuss key challenges like recruitment and retention and highlight Metro Aviation’s ongoing commitment to excellence. Stay tuned for valuable insights into the future of rotorcraft maintenance and safety.Special thanks to our sponsors, Airbus, Metro Aviation and Vertical MRO Conference.

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• Episode 60: How Airbus Supports 12,000+ Helicopters – Romain Trapp on Innovation & Trust

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this special episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, host Jon Gray is joined by Romain Trapp, Executive Vice President of Customer Support and Services at Airbus Helicopters, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, innovation, and the future of rotorcraft support.Romain shares the personal journey that led him through key leadership roles at Airbus Helicopters in Canada, North America, and now globally — a journey grounded in passion, purpose, and people.Listeners will hear about:Leading through global crises and economic turbulenceThe cultural value of walking the hangar floor and meeting crews face-to-faceAirbus’s global transformation strategy built on trust, performance, and sustainabilityTraining innovation, workforce development, and the challenges of attracting the next generationWith more than 12,000 helicopters supported worldwide, Romain offers candid insight into the future of helicopter maintenance, MRO strategy, and the critical partnerships that keep rotorcraft flying safely and efficiently.This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership, aviation, and the future of rotorcraft.Special thanks to our sponsors, Airbus, SAFE Structure Designs and the Vertical MRO Conference. 

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