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The Helicopter PodcastAuthor: Halsey Schider
Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, with your host Halsey Schider!This podcast is for helicopter pilots, maintainers, and enthusiasts! Whether you've been in the industry for 30 years or are just someone that loves helicopters, this podcast is for you! The podcasts will feature guests from a wide array of industry sectors to have casual conversation, answer questions, give sound advice, and talk shop. Finally, a podcast produced by helicopter professionals for all types of helicopter people! Language: en-us Genres: Aviation, Business, Careers, Leisure Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode #168: Climb Higher, Innovation, and the Future of Robinson Helicopters – The Helicopter Podcast
Episode 168
Tuesday, 3 March, 2026
Send a textWelcome 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.
