Episode 85: Fleets, People, and the Long Game of Helicopter MRO - Special AEM Panel

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

In this episode, Jon Gray moderates a timely panel discussion with industry leaders who come together for a wide-ranging conversation on what it truly takes to manage helicopter fleets in today’s MRO environment. Recorded at Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing’s facility in Kelowna, Canada, the discussion blends real-world operational experience with long-term thinking around people, aircraft, and organizational culture.

The panel explores the continued importance of legacy aircraft, the pressures created by supply chain constraints, and how evolving technology is reshaping the way fleets are maintained and supported. Just as importantly, they reinforce that MRO is not simply a job—it’s a career built on experience, mentorship, and a commitment to continual learning.

Labor challenges take center stage as the group discusses recruitment, retention, and the responsibility of developing the next generation of AMEs through shadowing, coaching, and real-world exposure. Networking and community are highlighted as essential tools in an industry where collaboration between operators often makes the difference between resilience and disruption.

From fleet replacement strategies to mission equipment integration, this episode captures the complexity of modern helicopter MRO and reinforces a common theme: sustainable operations depend just as much on investing in people as they do in aircraft.

Panelists featured in this episode include Sheri Totten of Boeing Distribution Services, Scott Hayward of Alpine Helicopters, Jan Booij of Skytek, and Bryan Eaton of Canadian Helicopters.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Metro Aviation, Alpine Aerotech and Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing.