The Vertical MRO Podcast

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus.

Recorded live in Kelowna during the 2025 conference, this episode of Vertical MRO features a panel discussion with Don Lockie of ARG Aviation Resources Group—returning to the podcast—and John Ross, logistics supervisor at Eagle Copters Maintenance Ltd.

Together, they break down the realities of cross-border shipping in aviation and what it takes to keep parts, equipment, and assets moving across international boundaries.

Cross-border logistics in this industry goes far beyond standard freight. From navigating customs requirements to coordinating with freight forwarders and local authorities, the process is complex, time-sensitive, and often high-stakes. For maintainers and operators, delays don’t just create inconvenience—they directly impact uptime and aircraft availability.

Don and John share practical, experience-driven insights on working with trusted logistics partners, understanding country-specific regulations, and avoiding common pitfalls that can stall shipments. The conversation is grounded in real-world examples, including high-pressure scenarios where rapid coordination and adaptability were critical to mission success.

For operators and MRO teams managing cross-border shipments, this episode offers a clear, practical look at the challenges—and the strategies—that keep aviation moving.

Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Metro Aviation and Rotorcraft Support Inc.

Thank you also to Navigate, who helped make this episode possible by assisting in Don's travel to the Kelowna event.

Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus.

In this special crossover episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we team up with the hosts of Cancelled for Maintenance—Six and MBP—for a conversation that brings the fixed-wing and rotor world together.
What starts as a simple collaboration quickly turns into a deeper look at the shared realities of aviation maintenance. From the small-world nature of the industry to the common challenges faced across platforms, this episode highlights just how aligned maintainers really are—regardless of what they’re working on.
Six and MBP share the story behind their podcast, which began during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown into a space where aviation professionals can connect, vent, and support one another. The conversation dives into the importance of capturing tribal knowledge, the role of open communication in the hangar, and why mental health is becoming an increasingly important part of the maintenance conversation.
The discussion also explores leadership beyond titles—how influence, accountability, and culture are shaped on the hangar floor just as much as they are in the boardroom. From burnout and workforce challenges to the importance of telling real stories, both crews reflect on what they’re seeing from their respective audiences and why these conversations are resonating across the industry.
As the episode unfolds, the group compares rotor and fixed wing maintenance head-on—unpacking what’s different, what’s the same, and why the gap between the two worlds might not be as wide as many think.
This episode is a reminder that while the aircraft may differ, the people, the pressures, and the passion behind aviation maintenance are shared. And by bringing these conversations together, we move one step closer to a stronger, more connected maintenance community.

Thank you to our sponsors who made this episode possible. Precision Aviation Group and Robinson Helicopter.

Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!

In this episode of Vertical MRO, the team breaks down what to expect from the 2026 MRO Conferences in Kelowna, BC, and Irving, Texas.
Building on feedback from previous events, this year’s conferences are expanding in both scale and focus. The discussion highlights the shift toward deeper technical content, more real-world problem-solving, and sessions that reflect the challenges maintainers and operators are facing today.
The episode also explores the growing role of leadership, workforce development, and industry collaboration, along with expanded exhibitor space and increased opportunities to connect across the MRO community.
For those considering attending, this conversation provides a clear look at how the events are evolving—and how they’re designed to deliver practical value for technicians, operators, and industry leaders alike.
Tickets are now available for both 2026 events. If you’re planning to attend, early registration is recommended!

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus.

In this special crossover episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we team up with the hosts of Cancelled for Maintenance—Six and MBP—for a conversation that brings the fixed wing and rotor world together.
What starts as a simple collaboration quickly turns into a deeper look at the shared realities of aviation maintenance. From the small-world nature of the industry to the common challenges faced across platforms, this episode highlights just how aligned maintainers really are—regardless of what they’re working on.
Six and MBP share the story behind their podcast, which began during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown into a space where aviation professionals can connect, vent, and support one another. The conversation dives into the importance of capturing tribal knowledge, the role of open communication in the hangar, and why mental health is becoming an increasingly important part of the maintenance conversation.
The discussion also explores leadership beyond titles—how influence, accountability, and culture are shaped on the hangar floor just as much as they are in the boardroom. From burnout and workforce challenges to the importance of telling real stories, both crews reflect on what they’re seeing from their respective audiences and why these conversations are resonating across the industry.
As the episode unfolds, the group compares rotor and fixed wing maintenance head-on—unpacking what’s different, what’s the same, and why the gap between the two worlds might not be as wide as many think.
This episode is a reminder that while the aircraft may differ, the people, the pressures, and the passion behind aviation maintenance are shared. And by bringing these conversations together, we move one step closer to a stronger, more connected maintenance community.

Thank you to our sponsors who made this episode possible, Metro Aviation and Airbus.

Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus.
As part of the 2026 Blades of Valor tour, Jon Gray and Mike Reyno travelled to meet with the United States Coast Guard to better understand the maintenance culture supporting one of the most demanding rotorcraft missions in the world. Recorded on location, this episode features Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3) Jonathan Harper and Aviation Maintenance Technician Chief Petty Officer (AMTC) Brock Wilson of the Coast Guard Station Clearwater aviation maintenance community as they share how disciplined processes, corrosion control, and safety culture sustain readiness across a vast and complex area of operations.
Operating in saltwater environments, hurricane-prone regions, and high-tempo search and rescue missions requires more than technical competence. It requires systems that support non-punitive reporting, structured mishap response, and continuous learning. CWO3 Harper discusses how the Coast Guard approaches safety culture—not as a compliance exercise, but as an operational foundation—and why encouraging maintainers and aircrew to speak up strengthens the entire program.
The conversation also explores the realities of maintaining aircraft in coastal conditions, managing aging platforms amid parts shortages, and preserving institutional knowledge while empowering the next generation of technicians. From remote deployments to dense operational airspace, Coast Guard maintenance teams balance mission urgency with procedural discipline to ensure aircraft are returned to service safely and consistently.
This episode offers maintainers a detailed look at how one of the world’s most respected public safety aviation organizations structures its maintenance philosophy—where accountability, camaraderie, and craftsmanship intersect to support life-saving missions.
Special thanks to the United States Coast Guard for hosting the Blades of Valor tour and for sharing insight into the maintenance professionals who keep their rotorcraft mission-ready.
Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Alpine Aerotech and Precision Aviation Group.

Thank you to the 2026 Blades of Valor sponsor, Switlik, and the support of Massif Flight Suits. Without your sponsorship and support, this tour would not be possible.

Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!