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

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with David Smith, ceo of Robinson Helicopters, during European Rotors in Cologne, Germany, for a conversation that blends storytelling, innovation, and the future of rotorcraft.

The discussion centers on Robinson’s new book, Climb Higher, a global project led by husband-and-wife team of photographer and book developer Jon Davison and writer Jude Brazendale.

The project captured the diversity of missions, environments, and people flying Robinson helicopters around the world. David shares how the project came together, why photography and storytelling matter, and how showcasing real customer experiences helps Robinson stay closely connected to the operators who use their aircraft every day.

From there, the conversation turns toward the future. David offers insight into Robinson’s product roadmap, including the R66 NXG, advances in avionics and autopilot integration, and the company’s push toward instrument flight rules (IFR) certification — all with the goal of improving safety, accessibility, and confidence for pilots. They also touch on industry challenges, innovation cycles, and why solving issues like inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC) remains a top priority.

Blending creative perspective with technical leadership, this episode provides a look at how Robinson Helicopters is honoring its legacy while continuing to evolve — and why “climb higher” is more than just a book title, but a mindset guiding the company forward.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors Metro Aviation, Robinson Helicopter and Helicopter Institute.

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

In this two-part conversation on The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider continues his discussion with Michael Benton, turning the focus toward accident investigation, safety culture, and how aviation organizations learn after things go wrong.

Drawing from his experience as an NTSB party member and safety leader within air medical operations, Michael walks through what actually happens after an accident and the role operators play in the investigation process.

The conversation explores how accidents are rarely the result of a single mistake, but instead develop from gaps in training, oversight, equipment, and decision support.

Michael shares insight into how strong safety programs are built, why transparency and leadership matter, and how pilots and crews can be better supported in high-pressure operational environments.

The episode also touches on the human side of the job, and why a healthy safety culture depends on trust, accountability, and realistic expectations.

Don't forget to check out Part 1 of this conversation for some amazing stories, and a deep dive into Michael's aviation history!

Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Robinson Helicopter and Quantum Helicopters.

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

In this two-part conversation on The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Michael Benton, whose career in aviation began in an unexpected place.

Before flight school, Michael served as a U.S. Army interrogator and Korean linguist, a background that shaped how he evaluates human behavior, decision-making, and risk.

That path ultimately led him into Army warrant officer flight training, combat operations as a Kiowa Warrior pilot, and later into air medical operations, accident investigation, and aviation safety leadership.

In Part 1, Michael shares stories from his military career, including combat missions, surviving a rocket strike on a wingman, and his first flight as pilot in command ending in a hydraulic failure and run-on landing.

Part 2 continues the conversation with a deeper look at Michael’s work in accident investigation, safety culture, and his current role shaping aviation operations today.

Thank you to our sponsors Hillsboro Heli Academy, Precision Aviation Group and Robinson Helicopter.