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

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with Steve Soliz from Bell to discuss the evolving landscape of helicopter emergency medical services.

Steve brings a global perspective to the conversation, breaking down how HEMS operations are adapting through advancements in avionics, autopilot systems, and data-driven mission planning. The discussion focuses on how these tools are reducing pilot workload while improving situational awareness and overall mission safety.

They also explore the differences between North American and European EMS operations, including how regulatory environments, aircraft selection, and medical protocols are shaped by data and operational constraints. Steve highlights the importance of crew resource management, emphasizing how communication and trust between pilots and medical crews play a critical role in preventing incidents and managing risk.

This episode is a grounded look at how technology, human factors, and decision-making continue to shape safer, more effective EMS operations worldwide.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Hillsboro Heli Academy, Precision Aviation Group and Metro Aviation.

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

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schrader sits down with Cory Vinger to talk about the evolution of drone technology—and where his focus is shifting next.

Cory shares his path from aerospace engineering and flight training into the early days of unmanned aviation, building experience in utility inspections as drone capabilities advanced from basic imaging to tools like LiDAR, infrared, and corona detection. The conversation highlights how those technologies are now supporting more proactive, data-driven approaches to infrastructure maintenance.

They also dig into Cory’s current work with AerHub and their new app Aerway, a new aviation-focused networking platform designed to connect professionals across flight operations, maintenance, and leadership. The discussion centers on the role of networking in aviation, how most opportunities are built through relationships, and the need for a more focused, professional digital space.

This episode bridges where the industry has been with where it’s going—both in how we inspect infrastructure, and how we connect as professionals within it.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Enstrom Helicopter, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Airbus.

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

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider sits down with Steve Cox, fighter pilot, airline pilot, and creator of the Cleared Direct YouTube channel, for a wide-ranging conversation about aviation, risk, and the lessons learned from real-world flying.

Steve shares the path that led him from military fighter jets to airline operations and into the world of experimental and backcountry aviation. Along the way, he discusses the discipline required to operate high-performance aircraft, the appeal of building and flying experimental airplanes, and the mindset pilots need to manage risk in demanding environments.

The conversation also explores the role of storytelling in aviation safety. Steve explains why sharing experiences — including mistakes and close calls — helps pilots build mental models that improve decision-making long before a real emergency occurs.

That philosophy becomes especially real as Steve recounts a dramatic water ditching and the rapid decisions that allowed him and his passenger to walk away safely. It’s a powerful reminder that preparation, training, and a strong safety culture remain essential in every corner of aviation.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors Robinson Helicopter, Quantum Helicopters and Enstrom Helicopter.