Episode 354 - Trends in the Helicopter Industry Featuring Terry Miyauchi Part 1

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.

In this two-part series of The Hangar Z Podcast, host Jon Gray is joined by OG co-host Jeff Ratkovich and industry veteran Terry Miyauchi.

The conversation takes us on a deep dive into the evolving landscape of public safety aviation. Fresh off his transition from Bell to launching his own public-safety-focused consultancy, Terry helps unpack the global trends, leadership philosophies, and safety data shaping the industry in 2026.

The conversation begins with Terry’s passion for leadership development. He explains why public safety aviation consistently produces world-class technicians but often struggles to produce equally strong leaders. 

Terry introduces the idea that “ego is the killer of excellence” and makes the case that a genuine “love of people” is the most critical trait for any unit commander. From there, they analyze current global fleet data, highlighting the stark imbalance in rotorcraft assets between North America/Europe and the rest of the world—and what that means for life-saving capability and public safety outcomes.

The series then shifts into the practical realities of staffing and funding. Terry explores the growing trend toward “turnkey” and “civilianized” models, where agencies partner with private operators to overcome the crushing costs of sworn retirement systems, chronic personnel shortages, and aging aircraft. Along the way, we examine how political savviness, not just operational need, often determines whether new units get launched or existing fleets get modernized.

Whether you’re a unit manager fighting for fleet upgrades, a pilot wrestling with target fixation and weather pressures, a tactical flight officer (TFO) trying to raise safety and standards, or an agency exploring how to launch a new program, this two-part series delivers a candid masterclass in the business, politics, and human psychology of keeping public safety aviation missions safe, sustainable, and effective.

Thank you to our sponsors Bell, BLR Aerospace and Rotorcraft Support.