Episode 94: From Automotive to Helicopter Engines: Wendell Dunaway

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

Recorded live at Verticon 2026, this episode is hosted by Terrence Eissfeldt and Jon Gray and features a conversation with Wendell Dunaway of PHI Aviation, whose career in helicopter engines spans decades across the industry.

Wendell’s path into aviation started long before hangars and test cells, growing up working on farm equipment and small engines—an early foundation that would eventually lead him into the world of helicopter powerplants. Over the years, that hands-on curiosity turned into a career defined by deep technical experience, from turning wrenches to running engines in test environments and supporting complex operations in the field.

The conversation explores what it really means to build a career around engines, the evolution of technology in the powerplant space, and how foundational mechanical understanding still plays a critical role in modern maintenance. Wendell shares his perspective on learning the trade, adapting to change, and why the fundamentals continue to matter no matter how advanced the equipment becomes.

From engines to classic cars, the discussion reflects a lifelong passion for mechanics and the satisfaction that comes from understanding how things work. It’s a conversation grounded in experience, curiosity, and a genuine appreciation for the craft.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Metro Aviation, Robinson Helicopter and Airbus.