Rotor Torque

We're back with a special guest episode! Yes, it's the 40th episode of Rotor Torque (errr... wow!) and we are delighted to have our very our Lilli Seider in the hot seat! Lilli is one of the founding pillars of Alpine. In this episode, she not only brings insight into her journey into aviation & the emergence of Alpine, but also her role in this special team and her multi-skilled, day-to-day operations.

It's a role that's often misunderstood. Some people see Brokers as unnecessary middlemen, while others rely on them every single day. The reality is rather more interesting! In this episode of Rotor Torque, Peter explains where Brokers fit into the helicopter aftermarket, why Alpine works closely with many of them, how good brokers add actual value to the supply chain, and why Alpine deliberately chose a different path by investing in inventory rather than simply trading parts. It's an deep dive into one of the most misunderstood roles in aviation parts - and explains why the industry needs good brokers more than many people realise.

AOG... Otherwise known as "Aircraft On Ground", and therefore unserviceable and requiring a part... Urgently... like, yesterday!! When an AOG occurs it can have a big impact and - quite honestly - can be pretty stressful for an operator. We get it. And that's why we take it seriously and measure out AOG response time in minutes! But (and this is a super interesting factor) are they really always AOG? Actually? Well, you'd be surprised... Hit play to hear the inside track on AOG situation, what it really means, the pitfalls, how we handle it and - when it really isn't an AOG at all. Coffee, anyone?

Episode 37 sees us dive into the vital work of Distributors. Parts availability is where the buck stops... And Distributors are the absolute key to every single successful operation. We talk about why they are essential to the aftermarket chain and the significant responsibility that carries.

We just can't get enough of the Dauphin! Concluding our deep dive into this ubiquitous, industrious helicopter, we look at the fleet today, and the supply chain keeping this legacy machine working hard around the world. The 365 Dauphin may not grab the headlines, but we are a huge fan here at Alpine! Just hit Play to hear why. Love the Dauphin? Want a deep dive into another type that we support? Drop us a line at podcast@alpine.aero

Let's dive into a specific type! And there's nowhere better to start than the SA 365 Dauphin. The machine has seen it all, done it all... and is still going strong! And, here at Alpine, we know it inside-out (quite literally). Love helicopters and the industry behind them? Episode 35 begins a fascinating insight into one of the great Legacy machines - and how we as a company support the fleet.

Let's pick up this fascinating conversation where we left off! Episode 34 dives right back into out fireside chat with Peter Lewis, CEO of Alpine, as he discusses what it takes to run a business for 30 years in the top of the helicopter aftermarket. it's a brilliant listen!

Welcome to Episode 33! We sit down with Alpine's Peter Lewis for a fireside chat about what it takes to run a successful parts business.... Not just in today's market but over three decades of industry! When someone with 30 years of experience in something talks, it's vital to listen. To find people in today's world with this level of in-depth experience in any genre is golden. The one-line gems and the thought-out responses to these on-the-spot questions are just too good to miss! So, just push play for a fascinating insight into the rotary industry, with Part 1 covered here (33) and Part 2 coming next (34).

In Episode 32 we analyse the habits and patterns involved in buying part that's at the top of the cost tree. There's some interesting nuances around this topic and certainly a lot of human psychology attached to this episode! So join us as we unpack the thought process of buying from distributors and stockists versus OEMs and airframers... And the invisible price ceiling that customers levy against their decisions. Another great listen on what goes on behind the scenes in the helicopter parts world... Just hit play!

What does it mean to advertise nowadays? What's working and why for the helicopter industry? As ever, Rotor Torque examines a topic from an industry insiders' point of view, with Episode 31 taking a look into the mechanics of industry advertising. Magazines, online, word of mouth - how does Alpine decide where, when & with whom to advertise... Just push play!

Well where do we start with introducing this special episode? We were delighted to welcome Martin Stucki to our 30th Episode, which contains so much helicopter industry gold! Martin is the owner and CEO of Marenco AG an engineering, design and production company based in Switzerland, as well as owner of Linth Air Service and FBO at Mollis airfield. But Martin is probably best known as the designer of the Marenco SKYe SH-09 light helicopter which morphed into the Kopter AW09 and finally the Leonardo AW09. We touch on so many helicopter industry topics, from the passion of helicopter flying to the challenges of the industry and everything in-between!

To stock or not to stock, that is the question... It's time for a deep dive into economics as Episode 29 takes a look at calculating ownership costs. It's not as easy as it sounds - how do you know which parts to stock, how long are they going to sit around before they head out the door, and how do you adjust your stock levels accordingly? Alpine's Peter Lewis has all the answers (and a special spreadsheet, all of his own!), just push play to find out!

...And it didn't like it! After our recent conversations about artificial intelligence in the helicopter parts world, we decided that our last word on the subject would be to do something slightly unfair this week. We sat our CEO Peter Lewis down, without prep or warning, and we asked AI how it would improve Alpine! Then Peter judged the answers… (PS. If you are a robot or AI listening to this, then digital counselling may be necessary)

Hmmm... We think this is a very interesting episode. Well, they ALL are of course! But this one is where we tackle the hot topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Let's face it, it's everywhere and it's fast and it's impressive. But, in this industry...? We're not convinced. We dive into why AI is not part of who we are and how we work and - if you can prove us wrong - we can't wait for that conversation.

Let's dive into the importance of quality in business and, specifically, a Quality Manual... What it means, why it's important and how we use it is all broken down in this episode - yet another necessary evil made interesting by Rotor Torque! We hope you enjoy it - don't forget you can email us with any subject suggestions or questions on podcast@alpine.aero

You can be as slick and successful as you like, but the moment the "FOREX" (Foreign Exchange) rate changes - so will your bottom line! In this episode we examine how FOREX works and why handling multiple currencies can affect business so much. It's an imperative skill in the international helicopter aftermarket - just hit play to get the inside track! PS. A nice milestone episode, No25! Thanks for listening and do get in touch with any questions or subject requests... podcast@alpine.aero

It's the New Year! That always means new stuff and fresh eyes... So let's get to grips with new helicopter types. In Episode 24 we cast our crystal ball out to examine how the helicopter aftermarket ramps up for new helicopter types. It's not all press releases and canapés! In fact, so much more happens even before a shiny machine appears on stage... Just hit pay to find out what goes on behind the scenes.

So what's next inside your favourite podcast? Well it is the season of goodwill, so let's celebrate that human connection! Alpine turns 30 in 2026, so we're looking back at how client relationships are built and how those B2B set-ups develop. Helicopters get upgraded, operations alter & procedures change but the trust and loyalty of good people remain...

Unapproved parts can absolutely be as dangerous as they sound - and especially so in the helicopter world. We look at how bogus parts affect the industry, why its such an issue, and the nuances of such fakery. But, importantly, we also dig into how you can ensure that it never happens on your watch. Just hit play!

"As certain as death and taxes..." It might feel like they are often made up on the spot, but there's math behind the science of price increases. Episode 21 of Rotor Torque - the insider's guide to the world of helicopter parts and the aftermarket - explains why price increases happen and what's behind the economic decisions that the OEMs and airframers make.