Max Trescott talks with Ken Solosky, the NYPD's Chief Pilot on 9/11, about his experiences managing helicopter operations on one of the most catastrophic days in American history. Though Ken wasn?t flying at the moment of the attacks, he was on the ground coordinating the NYPD?s aviation response. He recounts how what began as a seemingly routine aircraft accident quickly escalated into a full-blown national emergency. The aviation unit scrambled a standard rescue package?Bell 412s with divers and crew chiefs, and patrol helicopters?only to face total communication breakdowns. Cell service and landlines failed, radio channels were overloaded, and misinformation, including reports of enemy fighter jets, created unprecedented confusion.

Ken recalls the surreal moment of watching the second plane hit the South Tower live on TV and initially being unable to process the reality. He explains why rooftop rescues weren?t feasible?smoke obscured visibility, doors were locked or inaccessible, and the risk of engine flameout in the intense heat made the mission too dangerous. Still, he and his team documented the scene extensively and continued daily aerial photography for nearly a year afterward.

Ken describes how foreign and domestic aviation units offered immediate support, with helicopters arriving from other cities?even LAPD offering to send their fleet. Yet due to lack of coordination, many of these aircraft were unknown to NYPD at the time and went unused in the response. He speaks candidly about the emotional toll, having lost 10 close friends among the 23 NYPD officers killed, and how that pain continues with the rise in 9/11-related cancer deaths among first responders.

Post-9/11, Ken was instrumental in implementing a ?96-hour standalone? plan for the NYPD, designed to maintain operations without headquarters support. Staffing schedules were restructured to ensure long-term response capacity. He shares how the aviation unit has evolved over the years?growing from six helicopters to a modern fleet including Bell 429s, a Bell 407 trainer, and a fixed-wing Caravan used for radiation scanning of incoming ships to New York Harbor.

Ken also offers a detailed look at what a typical day is like for an NYPD pilot?flying patrol missions, conducting surveillance, responding to foot and vehicle pursuits, and supporting SWAT teams. He explains how the aircraft are equipped with cutting-edge tools like high-def thermal imagers, tactical radios, moving maps, and address-targeting cameras that can zoom in on a license plate from miles away. These tools enable precise coordination with ground teams and real-time intelligence, greatly improving safety and effectiveness.

The conversation also delves into pilot recruitment and training, safety management system (SMS) implementation, and Ken?s personal advice for those interested in joining a law enforcement aviation unit. He emphasizes that character and work ethic matter just as much as flight hours.

In lighter moments, Ken shares stories of flying Barbara Bush to West Point when Marine One had mechanical issues, and being told by Yankees legend Derek Jeter that flying for the NYPD was cooler than being the Yankees? shortstop. He also describes dramatic rescues, like locating a man stranded on a sandbar after his friend swam off?and later finding that friend safe on another island.

Ken currently flies both a Bell 407 and an Augusta 109 for corporate clients and continues to teach and speak for the FAA and EAA. His legacy and continued contribution to aviation safety and training are evident throughout the episode. The interview is both a sobering reflection on 9/11 and a celebration of how aviation supports public safety in today?s complex world.

Mentioned on the Show:

Ken Solosky's "Solo Sky" YouTube Channel

This episode originally ran on the Aviation News Talk podcast. In it, Max Trescott interviews Dr. John Trowbridge, a physician and former senior Aviation Medical Examiner, to tackle a hidden yet critical safety topic: how over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications contribute to general aviation accidents. Studies have found that up to 40% of fatal accidents involve pilots with impairing substances in their system?ranging from allergy medications to sleep aids to alcohol. The problem? Many of these substances are legal and even commonplace, yet can significantly degrade judgment, memory, attention, and coordination.

Dr. Trowbridge emphasizes that many pilots?and even their doctors?are unaware of FAA wait-time guidelines. He explains the FAA?s ?5x rule,? which states that a pilot must wait five times the recommended dosage interval before flying. So if a medication is taken every six hours, the pilot should wait 30 hours after the last dose. For 24-hour medications like Zyrtec, the wait time stretches to five full days.

The discussion highlights the particular dangers of first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), which are highly sedating and frequently found in sleep aids like Tylenol PM, NyQuil, and Unisom. These medications, even when taken the night before, can impair cognitive function well into the next day. Alarmingly, Benadryl is the most commonly detected OTC drug in fatal GA accidents.

Dr. Trowbridge also warns about second-generation antihistamines like Zyrtec and Xyzal. While marketed as ?non-drowsy,? these can still cause subtle sedation, especially in combination with alcohol or other medications. Alternatives like Allegra and Claritin are usually safer and FAA-approved?but only after personal ground-testing and AME consultation.

Beyond antihistamines, they explore other drug categories. For pain relief, medications like aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen, and Aleve are generally safe, but anything with ?PM? on the label likely contains sedating ingredients. Prescription painkillers like codeine are outright disqualifying. Dr. Trowbridge shares unconventional options too, like topical lidocaine, coconut oil, and even horse liniment?though with cautions about application and legality.

Sleep aids are another minefield. Melatonin is the only one on the FAA?s ?go list,? and even it should be ground-tested first. Nasal decongestants such as Afrin and Sudafed can raise blood pressure and cause jitteriness, making natural remedies like saline rinses or cool vapor inhalation preferable.

Cough medications also pose risks. Products with dextromethorphan (like DayQuil or Delsym) can sedate, as can multi-symptom formulas marked ?PM? or ?nighttime.? Gastrointestinal issues are more straightforward: most antacids like Tums and Maalox are safe, but anti-diarrheals like Imodium are not, due to sedation risks. UTIs are covered with non-sedating options like AZO and D-Mannose, but Dr. Trowbridge cautions pilots never to fly if symptomatic or on unfamiliar antibiotics.

The conversation then turns to alcohol. The FAA?s limit is 0.04%, but even lower levels can impair judgment, night vision, and reaction time?especially when combined with other medications or altitude-related hypoxia. Max cites an older FAA study showing that alcohol above 0.04% was found in 7% of fatal pilot crashes, with 3% involving both alcohol and drugs.

Finally, Dr. Trowbridge emphasizes the importance of pilot self-awareness and due diligence. Most doctors are not trained in FAA regulations and may prescribe disqualifying medications unless reminded. He urges pilots to always research their medications, consult their AME, and even speak with pharmacists about interactions and cognitive side effects.

Dr. Trowbridge?s website, ClearedForTakeoff.info, offers in-depth presentations on pilot health concerns like sleep, sinus issues, inflammation, and safe alternatives to...

Max Trescott is joined by DPE Matt Johnson for a comprehensive and engaging mock oral checkride focused on the private helicopter pilot certification. This episode, one of the most popular styles in the Rotary Wing Show and Aviation News Talk history, simulates the real-world experience of sitting for an FAA practical test, complete with detailed discussions of eligibility, regulations, systems knowledge, and scenario-based questions.

Matt begins by describing his pre-checkride procedures, including document verification, aircraft records review, and setting a comfortable environment for the applicant. He emphasizes the three-legged stool concept: the examiner must be qualified, the aircraft must be airworthy, and the applicant must meet all regulatory requirements. To build rapport, Matt asks Max who his first passenger would be, which Matt then cleverly weaves into multiple checkride scenarios.

The mock oral kicks off with pilot certification and recency requirements under FAR 61.57, followed by an in-depth discussion of Robinson-specific endorsements under SFAR 73. Max correctly explains the need for an additional PIC endorsement after passing the checkride and describes the required flight reviews based on time-in-type.

The two then explore aircraft documents using the AROW mnemonic and systems such as weight and balance. Max demonstrates knowledge of performance planning, Vne adjustments, retreating blade stall, and preflight procedures. He uses both the PAVE and I'M SAFE checklists to explain how he assesses his personal readiness before a flight.

Matt tests Max's cross-country planning, asking about checkpoint selection, altitude choice, and airspace compliance. Max describes navigating around Hayward, California, and into the Central Valley, carefully avoiding Class B and C airspace. The discussion extends into weather analysis, interpretation of AIRMETs and SIGMETs, and use of EFB tools for inflight awareness.

In the systems and emergencies portion, Max explains operation of the electrical system, what to do in case of alternator or battery failure, and how the engine continues to operate using magnetos. They also dive into clutch actuator warnings, rotor system dynamics (free-teetering under-slung system), and the hazards of low-G mast bumping, vortex ring state, and forward CG conditions.

For add-on ratings, Matt details how the helicopter ACS matrix minimizes the oral scope for already-rated pilots. They compare traffic pattern procedures for helicopters versus airplanes, discuss airport lighting for heliports, and reinforce unique requirements like helipad rotating beacon colors (green-yellow-white).

Throughout the oral, Matt guides the conversation in a scenario-based manner to simulate a real checkride. He weaves in questions on regulations, performance charts, and even cross-references student answers to determine when to revisit topics like weight and balance, systems, or weather.

The episode wraps just before the preflight inspection begins, with Matt outlining the structure of the flight portion, which would include autorotations, hover maneuvers, and a post-flight debrief.

This detailed, realistic mock checkride offers exceptional value for both helicopter students and fixed-wing pilots considering a rotorcraft add-on. It brings listeners inside the mind of a DPE and prepares them for what to expect on test day?covering not just the ?what? but the ?why? behind FAA testing standards.

If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo,

In this special episode of The Rotary Wing Show, titled Top 10 Helicopter Stories + Helicopter News, aviation podcaster Max Trescott officially takes the reins from longtime host Mick Cullen. The episode celebrates the legacy of the podcast while looking forward to its new direction?with Max blending classic storytelling and timely helicopter news.

Mick kicks things off by sharing how he created the show in Australia to connect helicopter pilots working in isolated environments. With a passion for online marketing and storytelling, he built a platform where rotorcraft professionals could share their experiences with a global audience.

Together, Mick and Max count down 10 of the most impactful helicopter stories from past episodes:

The flying you will get to hear about in this episode is a reminder about the difference your helicopter skillset can make to people that are in harms way, and that there is nothing quite like these machines. It also earnt those involved distinguished flying crosses. In September 2020, the California National Guard rescued nearly ?

Continue reading "RWS 113 ? 2020 Creek Fire California Rescues w/ US National Guard"

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Kylle Fenton is an Air Crew Officer (ACO) involved in air rescue and ambulance operations supporting NSW, Australia communities. He is more accustomed to being the one to bring the resources, rescue and safety to others in ?the worst day of their life?.  In this episode Kylle tells a gripping story of when he and ?

Continue reading "RWS 112 ? What Do Army Loadmasters Do and an Amazing Story of Flood Rescue in the Town of Eugowra Nov 2022 with Kylle Fenton"

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James Koens is a Check and Training Aircrew Officer on very expensive rescue/aeromedical helicopters. He also finds time to be a helicopter charter pilot, Army Reserve aircrewman, volunteer rural firefighter and a podcast host. This episode is being pushed out the door half cooked so that you can hear it sooner. Please forgive any short ?

Continue reading "RWS 111 ? Rescue Helicopter Crew Duties to 4300km R22 Ferry Through Remote Australia w/ James Koens"

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Have you applied the idea of situational awareness to weather before? Knowing what the weather was doing, what the weather is now and what it will be in the future. With access to the right weather products and knowing more about how they are developed you can level up your pre-flight weather assessment.  Weather is ?

Continue reading "RWS 110 ? Better Weather Situational Awareness with Matt Johnson"

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You have probably seen the video clip on social media multiple times ? a OH-58 comes into land and as it touches down the blades contact another helicopter ground running beside it. Both aircraft are destroyed in spectacular manner but luckily there is no loss of life. In this episode we give a lot more ?

Continue reading "RWS 109 ? Going Beyond the Social Media Clip ? Pasadena PD Accident (2012) with Dan Parsons"

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As aircrew we spend a huge amount of time training for different circumstances and emergencies. Dealing with a burning flare in your cockpit fired from a wingman?s aircraft is not one of these circumstances!! Add in the complications of being a few thousand feet in the air, over hostile controlled land and in a sealed ?

Continue reading "RWS 108 ? Sharing an Apache Cockpit with a Burning Flare with Clive Richardson"

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Halfway through 2021, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) put out a call for assistance for information from the aviation community. What they are looking for is feedback or more information about any ground handling incidents on Robinson type helicopters, especially focused on the aft tail cone bulkhead or tail rotor gearbox areas  If you ?

Continue reading "RWS 107 ? ATSB Request for Information with Robert Chopin"

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Cattle are big business in Australia. Rough round numbers has us at 25 million head of cattle and the industry employs somewhere around 200,000 people. Australia is the 3rd largest beef exporter in the world. The cattle industry also contributes a sizable chunk of the annual helicopter hours flown in Australia.  One set of figures I ?

Continue reading "RWS 106 ? Mustering with Sam Chisholm"

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Chatter in the cabin starts to die down, you have reduced power and started to bleed back the airspeed. Outside your world is starting to shrink as the conditions start to deteriorate. You lean forward in your seat to try and see a little further ahead. The VSI is showing a descent as you keep ?

Continue reading "RWS 105 ? Enroute Decision Point with Miles Dunagan"

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How would you like to have been holding a steady hover and taking off and landing at 3 hours of helicopter flight time? Chris Ryan couldn?t afford helicopter lessons so he built himself a simulator to practice at home. His instructor was so impressed at his progress that he encouraged Chris to turn the simulator ?

Continue reading "RWS 104 ? Virtual Reality Simulators 2021 Revisit with Chris Ryan"

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Before this episode if you told me that there was more than an hour conversation that you could get out of talking about the governor in Robinson type helicopters I would have been dubious. I was wrong! Today we have back on the show pilot and engineer Richard Mornington-Sanford. Richard Mornington-Sanford was an engineer in ?

Continue reading "RWS 103 ? Robinson Governor Operation with Richard Mornington-Sanford"

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If the images and text on the page of your aerodynamic textbook are starting to blur together then it might be time to take a break and try to ingest the information using another format. Jacob from the YouTube channel Helicopter Lessons in 10 Minutes or Less is an Apache instructor and standards officer who ?

Continue reading "RWS 102 ? Helicopter Lessons in 10 Minutes or Less with Jacob"

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Helicopters make fantastic photo subjects! There is still something special about flying that captures the human spirit and the intrinsic movement and energy in a helicopter especially so. Mark Watterson has been photographing helicopters professionally since 2014. He shares some tips for how best to work with aerial photographers for a great product.  Mark has ?

Continue reading "RWS 101 ? Air to Air Photography with Mark Watterson"

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Two US National Guard pilots are developing a new training tool to reduce the risk of and improve the fidelity of reduced visual environment training. IIMC, dust landings and white outs have all been the causes of both training mishaps and real world accidents and deaths. We talk about what it missing in the current ?

Continue reading "RWS 100 ? Degraded Visibility Training with Tyson Phillips and Andre Lavallee"

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It is not unusual for helicopter pilots to take a winding route to before they end up with a career in the cockpit. Tryggvi worked as a baggage handler, in flight operations and as a quality auditor before taking on a flying job. Now he is flying for the Icelandic Coast Guard on missions as ?

Continue reading "RWS 99 ? Helicopter Flying in Iceland with Tryggvi Helgason"

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Before a helicopter approaches to an oil rig there are checks and safety procedures to be followed on the rig in preparation ? the deck is cleared, cranes are moved out of the way and gas venting is stopped. When the landing rig is misidentified and an approach flown to the wrong landing deck the ?

Continue reading "RWS 98 ? Wrong Deck Landings and Approach Detection with Jon Davis"

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Jerry Grayson returns to the Rotary Wing Show with an update on his next adventure following a packed career in the cockpit as a SAR and film pilot. Now-a-days he keeps his feet on the ground but leverages his experience in the operation of drones ? and he thinks it might be a good time ?

Continue reading "RWS 97 ? A Possible Helicopter Career Plan B with Jerry Grayson"

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Richard (Rick) Howell started spinning spanners on aircraft in 1960 as a QANTAS apprentice. Since then he has flown all through Australia and PNG including a 29 year run as a pilot for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.  Rick and his twin brother John both started in aviation at the same time which presented a number ?

Continue reading "RWS 96 ? What I?ve Been Doing for the Last 60 Years with Richard Howell"

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Working in the helicopter media part of the industry Elan Head gets to talk to a wide range of people and over time has had the opportunity to take the controls of a wide range of helicopters. This gives her a unique vantage point to talk about the many roles that helicopters perform and some ?

Continue reading "RWS 95 ? Adventures in Helicopter Media with Elan Head"

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Electronic news gathering or ENG is the term that those in the helicopter news corner of the industry use to capture their operations. As a platform to provide real time on-scene video at short notice over a city nothing so far beats a helicopter.     As consumers of news media we have become pretty accustomed ?

Continue reading "RWS 94 ? News Helicopter Ops Over Los Angeles with Larry Welk"

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Most piston engine pilots will be at least passingly familiar with the theory behind the formation of carburetor icing. However most textbooks lean towards the operation of the carburettor in a fixed wing mounted engine. Helicopter engines, predominately the Robinson helicopter types but applicable to others as well, have their own unique challenges when it ?

Continue reading "RWS 93 ? Carburettor Icing in Helicopters with Richard Mornington-Sanford"

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As versatile as helicopters are there are still tight places where they just can?t land to get people in or out. For overwater flights, rescue teams and some utility operations that means using a hoist or under-slung line to reach someone. A hoist fitted helicopter is not always avaliable. Hence we have the considerations that ?

Continue reading "RWS 92 ? Human External Cargo Helicopter Ops with Jeff Yarnold"

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The general line thrown out there is that most helicopter pilots try to spend their careers staying away from wires ? the guys and girls flying in the powerline industry get right up close as part of their job. David McColl is a powerline pilot in the US and has built up experience in a ?

Continue reading "RWS 91 ? Helicopter Powerline Operations with David McColl"

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The pace of consumer electronics development far outstrips that of aviation equipment and helicopter installed functionality. Electronic Flight Bags are becoming a fixture in cockpits throughout the industry. For about AUD$799 in 2020 you can bring a range of features with you into any legacy aircraft that would have previously either been impossible or would ?

Continue reading "RWS 90 ? Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) with Andrew Boniface"

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We first looked at night aerial firefighting in episode 65 when the capability had just finished the first trials in Australia. Now with two more fire seasons of experience fighting fires at night, Richard Butterworth is back to give an update on the continuing road map and what as been achieved so far.  Richard Butterworth ?

Continue reading "RWS 89 ? Night Aerial Firefighting 2020 Update with Richard Butterworth"

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Today?s topic is First Solo flights. If you are a student getting ready for your first helicopter solo this is the episode that you want to hear.If you are an instructor sending students solo then you will also definitely want to listen to this one. For everyone else there are some good risk management considerations ?

Continue reading "RWS 88 ? First Solo Flights with Peter Holstein"

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We spend a lot of time training for emergencies in the air but how much do you know about what happens next or what kicks into gear if you go missing? Luke Brandley is an ex-Huey pilot now working as a Senior Search and Rescue Officer with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). He and ?

Continue reading "RWS 87 ? Search and Rescue at AMSA with Luke Brandley"

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Even if you are not an avid movie goer it is still very likely that you have seen some of Fred North?s work. Fred has been involved in many of the largest Hollywood Blockbusters in recent times either flying helicopter stunts or providing the aerial filming platform. There is a lot that goes into setting ?

Continue reading "RWS 86 ? Going for Height and Film Flying with Fred North"

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In the market for a helicopter or just want to know some of the ins and outs of the process? Stephen Boyce has been working in helicopter sales since 2011 and flying them since 1994. Helicopters are high cost purchases and almost always a case of buyer beware. Should you buy new or used? How ?

Continue reading "RWS 85 ? Buying a Helicopter with Stephen Boyce"

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Forward Looking Infra-red (FLIR) systems have been around for a while and used in a search or surveillance function normally by an operator with a control panel. A small number of aircraft are now incorporating FLIR as a pilot vision tool, tracked to the pilots head, as another way of seeing at night or through ?

Continue reading "RWS 84 ? Pilotage FLIR with Tony ?Squid? Norton"

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Ditching a rapidly yawing helicopter into the open ocean is one of those experiences most of us would happily pass on. Jim Palmquist and his crew onboard a SH2 Sea Sprite survived just such an event during his time as an aircraft carrier search and rescue pilot. The Kaman Sea Sprite is a unique helicopter ?

Continue reading "RWS 83 ? SH2 Sea Sprite with Jim Palmquist"

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If your perfect day sounds like flying a glider in the morning, testing the HV curve in a Kiowa at lunch and then jumping in a Swedish jet interceptor in the afternoon then Tony ?Squid? Norton can tell you what it?s like!    Tony is currently the senior aviation instructor and and standards pilot for ?

Continue reading "RWS 82 ? Test Flying and Lessons Learnt with Tony ?Squid? Norton"

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A few years can make a big difference and that is the case now in Jan 2020 for the helicopter pilot hiring market in the USA. For the first time in a while the minimum hours/experience for job adverts are starting to decrease and operators are looking for new hires.   Jared Friend is the General ?

Continue reading "RWS 81 ? Helicopter Job Market USA (2020), Visas and FAA License Conversion with Jared Friend"

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There are differing and some very academic definitions for what culture is. I like ? ?the way we do things around here?.  This is a chat about organisational culture and how it impacts on aviation and specifically helicopter operations.  Natalee Johnston spent most of her time in the Royal Australian Navy as a Sea King ?

Continue reading "RWS 80 ? Influencing a Positive Aviation Culture with Natalee Johnston"

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Have you ever taken your eyes inside the cockpit to check a notification or had your preflight inspection interrupted by a phone call? Distractions of all kinds are increasingly a problem for aircrew and they are starting to show up in safety stats.  Picture for a moment ? you are aircrew on a helicopter pre-1995 ?

Continue reading "RWS 79 ? Tackling Helicopter Aircrew Distractions with Kimberly Hutchings"

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For many military aviators their careers at some point end up being a case of ?up? or ?out? ? either promoted to more non-flying roles or transitioning out into the civil industry.  Landing that first non-military position can sometimes be hard as you establish yourself again and reorient to the new environment and civil market. ?

Continue reading "RWS 78 ? Military to Civilian Transition for Helicopter Pilots with Tarryn Ryan"

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Hoist operations open up a wide range of additional roles for helicopters. They allow us to get people and equipment into and out of locations which would otherwise be inaccessible or too dangerous to land. Rob Munday and David Callen from SR3 Rescue Concepts help talk us through some of the considerations. The helicopter industry is ?

Continue reading "RWS 77 ? Helicopter Hoist Operations with Rob Munday and David Callen"

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A bit of change of format for this episode of the Podcast. I?m re-sharing a recording made for the flight school website where I instruct. This one is all about some of the financial assistance that the Australian Government provides that can also be used towards the gaining of a commercial helicopter licence. * This ?

Continue reading "RWS 76 ? Funding Helicopter Training Using VET Student Loans (Australia Only)"

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As an ex-Kiowa helicopter pilot, survival instructor RAAF fixed wing instructor, jet and 737 pilot Mike Atkinson has had opportunities to experience a range of aviation operations.  So what does he do in his spare time? in 1932 two German seaplane pilots found themselves off course and out of supplies in the Kimberley region of northern ?

Continue reading "RWS 75 ? Adventures and Survival with Mike Atkinson"

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Pete?s MD500 is in hilly terrain when a passenger?s hoodie departs the cabin and goes straight through the tail rotor. Listen to what happens next in this recording captured by Doug Williams at his house with Pete Gillies. Extra puppy noises included ? In a machine that by design generates significant torque ? losing helicopter ?

Continue reading "RWS 74 ? Pete Gillies Talks About Tail Rotor Failures"

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In this interview Doug Williams captures a conversation at his house with Pete Gillies about teaching autorotations. Pete shares a story that highlights the differences, especially in turbine helicopters, between touchdown autorotations with the engine idling and with an engine completely off. Have you ever flown an auto with the engine completely off ? be ?

Continue reading "RWS 73 ? Pete Gillies Talks About Teaching Autorotations"

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Tiltrotor technology aims to push the envelope on helicopter top speeds while retaining the ability to land and take-off vertically. The Leonardo AW609 will be the first civilian tiltrotor design to undergo FAA certification and brings with it some unique mission profiles. Dan Wells started his flying career on the AH-1 Cobra before transitioning to ?

Continue reading "RWS 72 ? AW609 Tiltrotor with Dan Wells"

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Part 2 of the interview with ex-Australian Army and current Search and Rescue pilot Kevin Humphreys looking at the topic of aircrew mental health. In this episode the focus shifts from Kevin?s military career to his personal experience with mental health challenges, the recovery process and what other aircrew can take away for their own ?

Continue reading "RWS 71 ? Aircrew Mental Health with Kevin Humphreys ? Part 2"

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Kevin Humphreys is a veteran of a number of overseas military deployments on Blackhawk and Chinook, currently a check and training pilot on AW139 helicopters and an ambassador for a number of mental health charities. He joins us in the interview today to share some of his flying experiences and his personal story of struggling ?

Continue reading "RWS 70 ? Aircrew Mental Health with Kevin Humphreys ? Part 1"

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Learn about multiengine helicopter operations in this episode. A great primer for those that have only flown single engine machines and hopefully a useful refresher others. Putting this together has been a great refresher for me personally as it is just over 10 years since I last flew anything with a second engine. Thankfully though ?

Continue reading "RWS 69 ? Multi-Engine Helicopter Considerations with Jim Vince"

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World Helicopter Day 2018 is this Sunday! Wishing everyone in the industry a fantastic day for it as we celebrate what we do and the machines we love. A big thank you to Mike Young from aircrewinterview.tv for being kind enough to allow the syndication of this interview with RAF pilot Paul Kennard. The audio ?

Continue reading "RWS 68 ? 2018 World Helicopter Day and Flying the Chinook with Paul Kennard"

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