The RotorHub International Podcast

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers is joined by David Rogers, Founder of VNE Aero, to discuss the evolution of rotary-wing flight helmets and how efforts to improve impact protection have contributed to heavier, larger systems that can affect aircrew comfort, mobility and long-term health. Rogers also shares the thinking behind VNE Aero’s Rotary Wing Advanced Tactical Helmet (RATH), including its clean-sheet approach to helmet sizing, hearing and impact protection, and the design challenges involved in developing a lighter and more effective solution for modern rotary-wing aircrew.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Gideon Ewers speaks with Jason Hill, Founder and Chief Engineer at Hill Helicopters, about the GT50 engine’s first successful run, the development of the HX50 and progress towards its first flight.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers is joined by Joseba Mendizabal, Lieutenant, Pilot and CFI with the Basque Police, to discuss the role of helicopter operations in modern law enforcement and the evolving demands placed on police aviation. Mendizabal also shares insight into the Basque Police's aviation unit, pilot recruitment and in-house training, the changing landscape of organised crime and terrorism, and the value of international collaboration through European and US aviation training events. This keeps the same concise, editorial style and length as the previous three episodes while naturally covering the key discussion points without trying to list every topic.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Gideon Ewers speaks with Tor Baustad, Business Development at Vipe 21, about the future of helicopter connectivity, emerging avionics technologies and the innovations shaping rotorcraft operations.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers is joined by Régis Magnac, Vice President Head of Energy, Leasing and Global Accounts at Airbus Helicopters, to discuss the launch of H160 operations in the North Sea and the aircraft's expanding role across multiple mission types. Magnac also shares insight into the H160's versatility across offshore energy, business aviation, EMS and public services, while discussing how the aircraft has been designed to meet the evolving needs of operators around the world.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers is joined by Jamie John, Chief Commercial Officer at NHV Group, to discuss the launch of H160 operations in the North Sea and what this latest milestone means for the operator. John also shares insight into NHV's history as the global launch customer for the H175, the growing importance of offshore wind support operations and increasing demand across the offshore energy market, while discussing the company's commitment to innovation and operating in some of the industry's most challenging environments.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers is joined by Bill Long, Aviation Director at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT), to discuss the charity’s recent Air Operator Certificate (AOC) award and what this milestone means for the organisation. Long also shares insight into EHAAT’s role supporting five million people across Essex and Hertfordshire, operating two £11 million helicopters 365 days a year without Government funding, while discussing wider challenges facing the sector, including ongoing pilot shortages.

Season 3 of the RotorHub International Podcast begins with Editor Gideon Ewers joined by Andy Oxenford, author of Reflections of an Oil & Gas Helicopter Pilot , to discuss his experiences across the offshore helicopter industry. Drawing on decades in oil and gas aviation, Oxenford reflects on offshore operations, career-defining moments and how the industry has evolved over the years, while also sharing insight into the realities and challenges of life as a helicopter pilot.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, Editor Gideon Ewers is joined by Ruben García Medina, Managing Director Iberia at Avincis, to discuss the company’s role in supporting critical aerial operations across Europe. From aerial firefighting to search and rescue and emergency medical services, Avincis supports essential missions across the region while helping address the growing challenge of wildfires in Europe.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast , Gideon Ewers speaks with Colin Waite, Police Account Manager, and Paul Petit-How, Business Development Lead at Enterprise Control Systems (ECS), part of SPX Communication Technologies . Enterprise Control Systems specialises in advanced communication and datalink technologies supporting aviation, defence, and security operations worldwide. With extensive experience across aviation and national security sectors, Colin and Paul discuss the work ECS is doing to support operators and organisations working in demanding operational environments. In this conversation, they introduce the company, discuss their roles within ECS, and share insight into the importance of reliable communications technology across modern aviation and defence operations.

Live from Day 2 of VERTICON, RotorHub’s Gideon Ewers speaks with Krister Genmark, Senior Vice President of Revenue at Vellox Group. Vellox Group provides specialised aviation services supporting helicopter operators and organisations across the global rotorcraft sector. Speaking from the show floor, Krister introduces the company and shares insight into Vellox Group’s role within the evolving rotorcraft industry.

Live from VERTICON, RotorHub’s Gideon Ewers speaks with Axnes Managing Director Markus Schmitz and Vice President Brett J. Gardner. Axnes is a Norwegian technology company specialising in advanced wireless intercom systems designed to improve communication and safety in demanding aviation and operational environments. In this short conversation from the show floor, they introduce the company and discuss Axnes’ role within the rotorcraft industry.

In Episode 12 of the RotorHub International Podcast, we’re joined by Capt. Anja Eriksen, pilot, CRM trainer and aviation life coach, to explore what “Next Gen Safety” really means for today’s aviation industry. While aviation rightly prides itself on decades of safety advancement, the rate of improvement has plateaued for more than 20 years. In this episode, we discuss the need for a more proactive approach, why “zero” may not always be possible, and how safety thinking must evolve to meet modern operational realities. If you’re interested in proactive safety, human factors and the future of aviation safety culture, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In Episode 11 of the RotorHub International Podcast, we’re joined by Geoff Packer, CEO of HeliSpeed Ltd, a leading aviation training academy dedicated to developing the next generation of helicopter pilots and engineers. As the global rotorcraft industry faces increasing demand for skilled professionals, Geoff shares how HeliSpeed was established to raise standards in pilot and engineer training, with safety, professionalism, and technical excellence at its core. From comprehensive training programmes to global career placement support, this episode highlights what it takes to build aviation professionals who are truly industry-ready. If you’re interested in the future of rotorcraft training, workforce development, and raising operational standards, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, we’re joined by Tobias Nilsson , Sales Manager EMEA at Web Manuals , a leading digital documentation and compliance management platform for the aviation industry. Tobias brings deep insight into how digitalisation is transforming rotorcraft operations, from enhanced safety workflows to more efficient regulatory compliance.

In the latest episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, we sit down with Jonas Goercke , Head of Business Line Flight Training at Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH . Jonas offers a deep dive into the world of high-fidelity rotorcraft simulation, exploring how training has evolved and advanced in the rotorcraft industry, the competitiveness of the training sector, and how technologies like MR and VR are redefining pilot training and medium operators. Whether you’re involved in flight training, simulation technology, or rotorcraft operations, Jonas’s perspective delivers valuable expertise straight from one of the sector’s leading innovators.

Recorded live from EUROPEAN ROTORS 2025 in Cologne, this special edition of the RotorHub International Podcast brings together an expert guest panel: President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, David Smith, Photographer, Jon Davison, and Writer, Jude Brazendale. They share the history and development of their recently published book 'Climb Higher', exclusively available at EUROPEAN ROTORS! Climb Higher is a collection of visually stunning pictures and compelling stories of Robinson's clients that includes real-world applications on the company's helicopters, like the R44 used for wildlife conservation by The Mara Elephant Project , as detailed in Reporter Grace Hardy's feature in the October/November issue. This episode captures the excitement of EUROPEAN ROTORS and offers an inside look at Robinson’s role in a rapidly evolving sector.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast , we speak with Simon Tye, Chief Commercial Officer at Avincis Group , to uncover the history, mission and growth of one of Europe’s leading helicopter and critical aviation service providers. Simon shares how Avincis was formed, the company’s evolution in the rotorcraft sector, and the strategic vision driving its expansion across emergency medical services, search and rescue, aerial firefighting and energy support operations.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, we dive into the world of surplus, component life cycles, and smart sourcing with Jeremy Green, CEO, and Elio Sicheri, Rotary Wing Programme Manager, at Hayward & Green Aviation Ltd. They break down the current state of the used parts market, discussing everything from the challenges of traceability and certification to the massive cost-saving opportunities available to regional operators.

In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, we’re joined by Nicola Winter, pilot, keynote speaker, lecturer, and advisor at ADAC Luftrettung, whose remarkable career embodies passion, precision, and purpose in aviation. In this episode of the RotorHub International Podcast, we’re joined by Nicola Winter . Nicola’s journey began with a childhood dream of flight that led her to become one of Germany’s first female fighter pilots, before taking that ambition even higher to train as an astronaut candidate and later transitioning into the world of HEMS. Now, as part of ADAC Luftrettung , Nicola continues to inspire through her work in aerial rescue operations, sharing her expertise and vision for the next evolution of rescue hoist missions and the future of rotorcraft operations.