Episode 96: Same Problems, Different Aircraft: A Cancelled for Maintenance Collab - Part I

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

In this special crossover episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we team up with the hosts of Cancelled for Maintenance—Six and MBP—for a conversation that brings the fixed wing and rotor world together.

What starts as a simple collaboration quickly turns into a deeper look at the shared realities of aviation maintenance. From the small-world nature of the industry to the common challenges faced across platforms, this episode highlights just how aligned maintainers really are—regardless of what they’re working on.

Six and MBP share the story behind their podcast, which began during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown into a space where aviation professionals can connect, vent, and support one another. The conversation dives into the importance of capturing tribal knowledge, the role of open communication in the hangar, and why mental health is becoming an increasingly important part of the maintenance conversation.

The discussion also explores leadership beyond titles—how influence, accountability, and culture are shaped on the hangar floor just as much as they are in the boardroom. From burnout and workforce challenges to the importance of telling real stories, both crews reflect on what they’re seeing from their respective audiences and why these conversations are resonating across the industry.

As the episode unfolds, the group compares rotor and fixed wing maintenance head-on—unpacking what’s different, what’s the same, and why the gap between the two worlds might not be as wide as many think.

This episode is a reminder that while the aircraft may differ, the people, the pressures, and the passion behind aviation maintenance are shared. And by bringing these conversations together, we move one step closer to a stronger, more connected maintenance community.

Thank you to our sponsors who made this episode possible, Metro Aviation and Airbus.

Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!