The Vertical MRO Podcast

• Episode 48: Maintaining the mission - Faith Ortega and Valor Flight Crew - Part I

  Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this special collaborative episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we team up with our colleagues at the Valor Flight Crew Podcast to bring you a unique perspective from the front lines of helicopter air ambulance operations.This episode features Vertical MRO co-host and experienced maintainer Faith Ortega, who shares her journey working in general aviation and now supporting critical EMS missions. Interviewed by Valor Flight Crew hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider, Faith offers a candid, technical, and insightful look into what it takes to keep aircraft safe, reliable, and ready—especially in high-pressure, life-saving environments where time is critical.The conversation explores everything from preventative maintenance and emergency repairs to the vital communication flow between mechanics, pilots, and medical crews. Faith also discusses her work mentoring the next generation of maintainers—particularly those transitioning from military to civilian roles—and reflects on how evolving technology is shaping the future of aviation maintenance.Whether you're turning wrenches or turning rotors, this episode bridges the worlds of flight operations and aircraft support, and is a must-listen for anyone passionate about safety, teamwork, and mission readiness in the helicopter industry.Special thanks to our sponsors, Precision Aviation Group, Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing and Robinson.

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• Episode 47: Vertical MRO Conference: Influential Voices on Industry Impact

  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 discusses the significance of the upcoming Vertical MRO conferences. Joined by industry leaders and supporters of the Vertical MRO Conference, the conversation covers the importance of networking, education, leadership, and the challenges of recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.The panelists share their insights on how the Vertical MRO Conference aims to foster collaboration, share best practices, and encourage participation from all facets of the MRO community.Exciting news! Registration is now open for the Vertical MRO Conference, which will take place from October 7-9 at the KF Centre for Excellence in Kelowna, British Columbia, and again from November 10-12 at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, Texas.For more information about the Vertical MRO Conference, including registration details and the agenda, visit our website at verticalmro.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow within the MRO community!Thank you to our panelists:Ketan Desai - PAG, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Jeff Denomme - Alpine Aerotech, PresidentMichael Bucari - Leonardo, Head of Marketing Americas

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• Vertical MRO Alerts: By Bell - Episode 4: Bell 407 Tailboom Hardware & Fittings – Inspection of

  Welcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell!407-24-134 Tailboom Attachment Hardware and Fittings, Inspection OfIn this episode, hosts Marc Dubé and Gilbert Gaudreault, technical experts on the Bell Product Support Engineering (PSE) Team, share insights into recently released Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) regarding the inspection of the attachment hardware and fittings for the tailboom junction which impacts the Bell 407 model.We want to hear from you! - [email protected] help with your Bell helicopter? - [email protected]

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• Episode 46: Aircraft Maintenance Challenges in Mosquito Control: Nelson Reithmaier - 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, Jon Gray and Ronnie Ries sit down with Nelson Reithmaier, chief of maintenance for Pasco County Mosquito Control.During the conversation, they explore Nelson's extensive background in aviation, particularly his time in the Coast Guard, where he worked as an aviation maintenance technician.The discussion delves into the challenges of maintaining aircraft in corrosive environments, and the training and selection process for Coast Guard aviation.We get an opportunity to discuss the unique considerations and challenges that come with Nelson's current role as the aviation chief of maintenance for Pasco County, Florida. Nelson shares his insights on the operational strategies employed during hurricanes, the importance of maintaining aircraft for public health missions, and the technology used in mosquito eradication.The discussion also highlights community engagement efforts and the significance of networking through conferences like the upcoming Vertical MRO Conferences and regional fly-ins.Special thanks to our sponsors, Metro Aviation, Rotorcraft Support Inc and Robinson.

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• Vertical MRO Alerts: By Bell - Episode 3: Immediate Stop on Bell 505 Aft Ballast Box & Weights

  Welcome to Vertical MRO Alerts, presented by Bell!505-25-44 Aft Movable Ballast Box Assembly SLS-706-201-007 Ballast Weights, Cease Use OfIn this episode, hosts Marc Dubé and Mike Vautour, technical experts on the Bell Product Support Engineering (PSE) Team, share insights into recently released Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) regarding the immediate stoppage of the use of the ballast weights within the aft movable ballast box which impacts the Bell 505 model.We want to hear from you! - [email protected] help with your Bell helicopter? - [email protected]

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