Episode 87: Beyond the Checklist: Leadership and Safety in High-Risk Operations with Shad Sitz - Part I

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

In this episode, Jon Gray and David sit down with Shad R. Sitz—aviation safety leader, firefighting veteran, and founder of 44 North Aviation—for a candid conversation on leadership, safety, and the realities of operating in high-risk environments.

Shad shares his path from growing up on a ranch to leading complex aviation and firefighting operations, offering a perspective shaped by decades spent in the field. Throughout the discussion, he reinforces a core belief that resonates deeply in MRO: maintainers are the foundation of successful aviation operations, and strong leadership starts with taking care of the people doing the work.

The conversation dives into situational awareness, communication, and trust—especially when the pressure is on. Shad emphasizes the importance of speaking up, staying curious, and recognizing that leadership is not about authority, but responsibility. These themes carry directly into a practical discussion on mishap response planning, where Shad highlights a common industry gap: plans that exist on paper but fail in execution due to a lack of training and ownership.

Drawing from his consulting work, Shad explains how outdated response plans, poor familiarity, and untrained teams often lead to confusion and chaos when incidents occur. He makes a compelling case for regular training, clear communication, and leadership accountability to ensure that when something goes wrong, teams know exactly what to do.

This episode offers valuable insight for maintenance leaders, managers, and technicians alike—reinforcing that safety culture, preparation, and effective leadership are inseparable in modern MRO operations.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alpine Aerotech, Robinson Helicopter and be sure to follow our Instagram for even more awesome maintenance content @vertical.mro.