Push to Talk with Bruce Webb: A Helicopter Podcast

Wendell Dunaway is a former training manager at Safran, where he oversaw the education of hundreds of technicians each year. Wendell knows firsthand how community can nurture skills and build understanding.

In this conversation, Wendell will explain how the guidance of five life coaches — five mentors designated to five different areas of his life — has kept him from stagnating, and how we can relate that practice to our own lives and careers.

A native of the Swiss Alps, Simon Wittinger is the author of The Mountain Flying Handbook. First published in 2020, the book is a comprehensive guide to operating at high altitude. It’s been praised by the helicopter community at large, and even been endorsed by EASA. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Simon about the process of writing the book. He’ll take us inside his experience as a mountain pilot, explain some common errors people make when flying in the mountains, and much more.

Access to the mountain flying handbook: https://manual.sha-swiss.ch/en/m...

Since 1998, Maurice Sabourin has been a part of an elite team specializing in the repair of aircraft blades at Airbus. Their work falls somewhere between the skill of a mechanic and the finesse of an artist.

In this episode, Maurice will give us an inside look at the work of a blade tech. We’ll follow the process of blade repair, from it’s initial damage to it’s return to service. We’ll learn technical insight, like the difference between working on a metal blade vs a composite blade. And finally, Maurice will give his advice on how t...

From lead-acid, to NICAD, and lithium-ion, the evolution of aircraft batteries has always been a balancing act of weight, power and reliability. Getting that balance right is essential.

Today, I’m speaking with Chris Holder of Concorde Battery about the work their company is doing to provide dependable power to the industry.  We’ll look at the development of aircraft batteries over time, common misconceptions about batteries, the future of power in aviation, and much more.

Dwight Robinson is the deputy chief pilot of flight testing at Airbus. Last year, his flying career was almost cut short when he was hospitalized with Atrial Fibrillation. But despite losing his medical, and battling the effects of his condition, Dwight made a decision. One way or another, he told himself, he was going to fly again. 

Against all odds, he did just that. In roughly a year, Dwight was back to flying, with no further heart complications. His story exemplifies a spirit of of perseverance and self-advocacy from which we can learn.

Last March, the US Helicopter Safety Team launched their Peer Pilot Program — an online resource for pilots to seek help with the inner turbulence they might face. Through the program, users can speak with a trained industry “peer” who will listen to the user, and guide them through their concern — personal, professional, and otherwise. These sessions are free, and completely confidential. 

In this episode, I’m speaking with Chris Baur — industry co-chair of the USHST — about launching the new program, and why mental health might be the most urgent, yet overlooked, issue in aviation.

Dr. Ivan Pupulidy is an expert on safety in complex systems and high risk environments. He’s been a featured speaker for TEDx, and his new book “Human Organization And Potential” has been called “a roadmap toward a new era in workplace safety.”

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Dr. Pupulidy about aviation safety reform; how we can can discard the ideas that have been holding us back, and empower pilots with the skills to think on their feet. 

Carl Ockier is the senior expert for flight test engineering at Airbus. Over the last 25 years, Carl has been instrumental in developing some of the most iconic Airbus helicopters, including the H145 and H135.

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Carl about his work engineering aircraft; from the nitty-gritty technical details, to his larger ideas about humans and our relationship to the machines we fly. 

Nick Sinopoli is the creator ICARUS, a smart view limiting device that is revolutionizing IFR training. With a screen visor mounted to a hat or helmet, ICARUS allows its user to seamlessly move between levels of visibility, with a peripheral range not possible with earlier training tools.

I spoke with Nick about ICARUS, and why it’s making such an impact in the industry…but I was just as interested in his story — how a pilot at his lowest point channeled frustration into innovation. 

Unintended flight into IMC is one of the most severe risks we face as pilots. If you haven't been there, it's a hard thing to fathom — flying into the clouds, quickly losing all orientation. 

Our guest today is John Roberts. John is the Senior Training Manager at the Transportation Safety Institute. In a previous career, John flew helicopters in the army, where he retired with the rank of CW 5. 

In this episode, John will tell the story of a UIMC event he survived while flying in the army. What was his thought process as he ente...

This is the fourth and final episode of our mini-series on Daniel Kahneman's Thinking Fast and Slow. In it, we focus on his insights into human behavior and how we can apply them to aviation. We'll discuss anchoring and "the possibility effect" — how we undervalue likely outcomes while overvaluing unlikely ones.

This is the third part of our series exploring the work of psychologist Daniel Kahneman, and how it relates to aviation. In this episode, we’re looking at cognitive ease and our tendency to mistake correlation for causation.

This is the second part of our series exploring the work of psychologist Daniel Kahneman, and how it relates to aviation. In Episode 1, we laid the groundwork by introducing our two modes of thought: System 1 — the fast, instinctive system — and System 2 — the slow, logical one. Today, we’re looking at heuristics; the mental shortcuts our minds use to make quick decisions.

There has been perhaps no greater influence on my views of human behavior than Daniel Kahneman’s 2011 book, Thinking Fast And Slow. In the book, Kahneman — a psychologist — makes the case that human behavior is driven by the interplay of two differing modes of thought: System 1 — the fast, instinctive system — and System 2 — the slow, logical one.

If you’ve listened to this podcast, you’ve almost certainly heard me reference this book. I believe that understanding Kahneman will help us better diagnose the problems we face as pilots. 

And so, for the next four episodes, released each Thu...

Larry Chappell knows more about classic Airbus helicopters than perhaps anyone alive today. 

Having started with the company in 1983 — before MBB merged with Areospatiale to create Eurocopter — Larry has a remarkable amount of insight about helicopters, and how they work. 

In this episode, Larry will give us an overview of his extraordinary career, from flying in the the deserts of Iran to the Amazon rainforest. 

We’ll take a look at the early history and development of the BK117, and why that specific airframe has stood the test of time. 

Then, later in t...

As aviation propels into the second quarter of this century, we’re learning more than ever that the best aircraft designs consider the humanity of aviators — their strengths, their shortcomings…their very nature. 

Raphael Paquin and Fabien Bernard are experts in human factors engineering. They work together at Airbus in France, where they find new ways to bring flying closer to the human experience. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Raphael and Fabien about their work. We’ll look at all things human factors, from the emerging use of augmented reality in maintenance, to the century...

Seth Buttner has investigated over 400 accidents in a career spanning 30 years. Formerly with Cessna, Seth works today as the senior investigator for Airbus Helicopters.

In this conversation, Seth will trace his career back to the start. How did a boy piecing together a model airplane in his father’s office go on to work accident cases in Chile, Russia, and beyond? Also, we'll talk about the surreal nature of accident sites, what it takes to be a successful investigator, and much more. 

In this solo episode, I'm looking back in history to the first fatal heavier-than-air accident, and the insights we can draw from Orville Wright and the death of Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge. Along the way, I’ll look at a few other historical accidents, and how they might apply to those of us flying today. 

Perhaps you’ve been here before — flying, not long after takeoff, when you encounter low ceilings. Before departure, your weather app indicated everything was clear...You may have just become a a victim of Green Dot Syndrome, according to our guest today. 

Matt Johnson flies for Metro Aviation, at an air ambulance program based in Southwestern Ohio. An accomplished pilot and pilot examiner, Matt is one of the industry’s most forward-thinkers when it comes to our working relationship with weather. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Matt about Green Dot Syndrome, and the steps we c...

Lindsay Cunningham is a former accident investigator for Airbus. Today, she works as Managing Director for Helisim in the United States, where she facilitates the cutting-edge of simulation training. In this conversation, I’ll speak with Lindsey about the psychology of accident investigation; how to avoid false starts and misleading conclusions.

Rusty Sloane is a lecturer at Baylor University’s aviation program, where he prepares student pilots for careers in the airlines. A former coast guard helicopter pilot, Rusty spent several years flying with me here at Airbus. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Rusty about finding one's place as a pilot, a student, a leader, and everything in-between. We’ll look at the truth behind the pilot shortage, the importance of camaraderie, and much more.

Chris Baur (US Helicopter Safety Team) returns to the show to speak about the power of volunteer work in aviation — how we can take the lessons we’ve learned at any level of experience, use them to enrich the lives of others, and, in doing so, enrich our own lives as well. 

Perhaps nothing today exemplifies the strides our industry is making more than the Airbus RACER , an experimental compound helicopter that made its first flight in April of this year. With reported ability to reach unprecedented speeds while maintaining groundbreaking efficiency, RACER is changing aviation as we know it.

As the chief test pilot for Airbus, Herve Jammyrac is front and center in the development of the RACER. In this conversation, I’ll speak with Herve about his work as a test pilot, his experience on the RACER program, and the exciting things just around the corner of ou...

Jeff Trang is a lifelong test pilot. His flying played a part in certificating some of the most widely-flown airframes today. For several years, Jeff was my boss here at Airbus; today, he’s the head of the National Test Pilot School, a civilian test pilot training institute in the Mojave desert. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Jeff about his life, his work, and what it means to serve as a link between those who develop aircraft, and the pilots who fly them day-to-day.

Jeff Trang is a lifelong test pilot. His flying played a part in certificating some of the most widely flown airframes today. For several years, Jeff was my boss here at Airbus; today, he’s the head of the National Test Pilot School, a civilian test pilot training institute in the Mojave desert. 

Krista Haugen is the director of patient safety for Global Medical Response. While working as a flight nurse in 2005, Krista survived a helicopter crash; an experience that emboldened her to speak up. Today, Krista is a fierce advocate for all things human; from accident prevention, to stress management and trauma recovery, her compassionate insight is key in moving the air medical industry forward.

1. Act safely, even when no one is watching. 
 2. Accept that it could happen to you 
 3. Always follow the rules
 4. Abide by personal minimums 
 5. Always steady, never impulsive 
 6. Own the outcome and speak up 
 7. Never cut corners 
 8. Never say "Hey, watch this!"
 9. Regularly use simulated training environments  
 10. Believe that zero fatal accidents is achievable 
 
 Nick Mayhew is a pilot and instructor of nearly five decades. From serving as an officer in the UK’s Royal Navy, to managing training programs at Bristow Academy, Nick understands the habits that shape a successful aviator...

Eleonora Avi is an aviation psychologist based in Italy. The same year Eleanora earned her degree in psychology, her mother was rescued by a Helicopter Air Ambulance — an event that inspired Eleonora to give back to the industry by helping pilots understand the inner-workings of their minds. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Eleanora about her unique and fascinating field; how can we recognize what drives our bodies to act, and use it to be more conscious aviators? 

Frank Kanauka is a helicopter pilot and former army aviator.  In this conversation, Frank and I will discuss his early training in the Warrant Officer program during the Vietnam War, and the events leading up to his survival of a mid-air collision in Cambodia. 

Personal and private flights account for the largest percentage of helicopter accidents — despite making up just 3% of hours flown. So how can we fix this?

Our guests today are Scott Tyrell — a former FAA accident investigator — and Arvid Albanese — a business owner and private pilot. As co-sponsors of the personal/private segment of the US Helicopter Safety Team, Scott and Arvid promote safety ideas for those pilots who might not have easy access to the learning resources other sectors of the industry do.

In this conversation, Scott, Arvid and I will take a look beh...

Chris Hill is the senior director of safety for Vertical Aviation International — formerly, HAI. In his role, Chris seeks out new ways to promote and adhere to safety culture. 

In this conversation, Chris and I will examine the importance of open dialogue in safety; why we should feel motivated to share the lessons we’ve learned from our shortcomings, and withhold judgement from others doing the same. 

Chris Baur of Hughes Aerospace returns to the show to tell us about The Hughes App, a new all-in-one flight aid, complete with maps, charts, camera feeds, weather data, risk assessment functions, and many more flight supplements. 

Alida Soemawinata is a helicopter pilot from Australia. In her current position, Alida flies medical services in Borneo, delivering doctors, supplies, and other aid to remote villages across the island. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Alida about her career and outlook on aviation. She’ll talk about her operations in Borneo, including her experience flying the the Bo 105. We’ll look at the rich history of that airframe, and why it’s endured so many years. Then, we’ll speak about the role versatility plays in a pilot’s success; how chasing new experiences can only make us...

Marcus Bauer is a pioneer of accident reconstruction — using a painstaking process, Marcus builds virtual recreations of accidents, down to the most crucial details. His work has helped international authorities, manufacturers, and operators, identify the root cause of accidents, so they might prevent similar ones in the future

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Marcus about his unique line of work. We’ll delve into his process, from gathering eyewitnesses testimony, to analyzing video, and building the final accident reconstruction. 

With the increased popularity of drones and UAVs, our airspace is only getting busier. Knowing this, how can pilots keep the highest level of awareness in a more crowded environment? 

Our guest today is Mike O’Donoghue. Mike is an aviation consultant based in the UK. With decades of experience as a pilot and examiner, Mike studies how emerging technologies can support the human element of aviation. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Mike about his research into electronic conspicuity — using new technologies to transmit and detect location in flight. How do E...

In this special episode of Push to Talk, I’m speaking with three remarkable women from across the helicopter industry as part of Women in Aviation Worldwide week. 

1) Stephanie Bell is the director of key accounts at Collins Aerospace. Raised by a father who built and flew experimental helicopters, Stephanie developed a love for engineering that she carries with her today. I’ll speak with Stephanie about the latest innovations at Collins, and the spirit of invention that has guided her life and career. 

2) Kim Hutchings trains members of high risk-industries how to better manage their...

Those of us who have enjoyed a life in aviation need to face a simple truth; that all the safety knowledge in the world is useless if we don’t successfully pass it down. 

Our guest today is J Heffernan. J is a lifelong aviator with a wide variety of experience, from flying in presidential unit HMX-1, to working in safety roles at HAI, Sikorsky, and Air Evac Lifeteam. Since 2018, he’s helped run Helicopter Safety Alliance, an organization devoted to bringing SMS knowledge to small operators. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with J about th...

Bill Hopper is a  maintenance instructor at Air Evac Lifeteam, an EMS provider based in Missouri. With decades of experience as a pilot and maintainer, Bill spends his time moulding the next generation of aviation professionals.

In this conversation with Bill, we’ll examine an instructor’s relationship with their students. Bill will tell us about his approach to teaching, and the values he finds most important to instill in a fledgling aviator. We’ll talk about scenario-based training, and the vital role storytelling plays in the growth of a pilot. 

And, much more. 

Duration: 00:42:51

Fred North has worked as a stunt pilot and aerial coordinator on some of highest-grossing films of the last twenty years. From Marvel, to James Bond, and Mission Impossible, his aerial performances have helped blockbuster movies bring to life their most thrilling moments. 

In this conversation with Fred, we’ll look at his unique profession from a pilot’s perspective. Fred will walk us through his process — from conceptualizing stunts, to selecting the right ship, to performing in the touch-and-go world of filmmaking. 

Fred's memoir "Flying Sideways" is available now at https://www.fred-north.com/

Duration: 01:01:52

In this final installment, Bruce and Chris discuss ways pilots can prevent and recover from spatial disorientation during flight.

For more information, and for a full list of Helicopter Safety Enhancements, please visit https://ushst.org/h-se-details/

In this third episode, Bruce and Chris look at the science of aerodynamics and how to implement it during flight.

For more information, and for a full list of Helicopter Safety Enhancements, please visit https://ushst.org/h-se-details/

In this second episode, Bruce and Chris discuss how to manage risk during flight.

For more information, and for a full list of Helicopter Safety Enhancements, please visit https://ushst.org/h-se-details/

In this four part mini-series, Bruce Webb and Chris Baur are taking a deep-dive into four different safety enhancement concepts researched and published by the US Helicopter Safety Team. In this first episode, Bruce and Chris look at HSE 19A: Improving Safety Culture.

For more information, and for a full list of Helicopter Safety Enhancements, please visit https://ushst.org/h-se-details/

After a two-month hiatus, Push to Talk will return in January with a new batch of conversations featuring  more insightful figures across the world of aviation. 

Thierry Couderc is the Vice Chair of the European Helicopter Association. In this conversation, Thierry and I will speak about aviation regulation in a changing world. Theirrey will tell us about his work integrating drones into European airspace, and some of the challenges he’s faced doing so. 

We’ll speak about Bird Strikes vs Drone Strikes. What are the major differences between the two — and how can flight regulatio...

Joe Gonzalez  is an aviation instructor at Tarrant County College. In this conversation, we’ll examine the current state of aviation education. What new challenges do advancements in technology, such as ForeFlight, present to fledgling aviators? Joe will tell us about the landscape of the industry for new pilots, and why he believes that now is the perfect time to get a foot in the door. 

Tom Nef and Peter Anderson are pilots for  S.T.A.R.S. , an air ambulance organization providing care to rural, remote, and indigenous communicates across Western Canada. 

In this conversation, we’ll break down some of the technical aspects of flying in such a remote environment, and discuss the mental element of flying air ambulance; how a sense of community can give pilots relief  in emotionally challenging roles.  

In this episode of Push to Talk,  I’ll be looking back to my time flying helicopter relief in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. 

Joining me today is Retired Army Chief and Purple Heart recipient Frank Kanaka, who flew alongside me those five days. 

Frank and I will look back and delve into the devastation we witnessed, share our experience navigating city through our relief efforts, and reflect on the kindness and hospitality we received in the face of so much suffering. 

Faith Ortega is a Helicopter A&P Mechanic at Air Evac Lifeteam in St. Louis,  Missouri. Faith runs the popular “HowToHelicopter” Tiktok and Instagram accounts, where she provides viewers a look into the industry with career advice and day-in-the-life style content.

In this conversation with Faith, we’ll examine aviation outreach in today’s world.

Faith will break down the origins of HowToHelicopter; how the page she started as a fun pastime grew a following of over two hundred thousand people across her different platforms. 

We’ll learn about Faith’s personal backstory as a mechanic...

Oliver is an experimental test pilot with Airbus. In this conversation with Olivier, we’ll explore his pivotal role in the development of the Airbus H160. 

Nataly Jahchan is a Human Factors and Ergonomics Specialist at Airbus. In her role, Nataly researches human behavior in aviation, and develops intuitive ways for people to work with the machines they operate. 

In this conversation with Nataly, we’ll examine the science of human factors. We’ll talk about the impact small details make in our comprehension. Why do we pay more attention to safety labels written in lowercase? And why are warning alerts more effective in a female voice? We’ll break down at the science of language — how errors in wording have led to disaster...

Arnd Von-Fabeck is the head of aviation safety management and international network for Airbus. In this conversation with Arnd, we’ll look at SMS on a personal level. What internal roadblocks do aviators face that prevent them from speaking up about safety issues? We’ll examine how to better identify and communicate our own mistakes, and how to address the mistakes others make with grace and understanding. Then, we’ll look to the future; how we can take the lessons we learn within our personal bubbles, and use them to enrich the industry as a whole? 

In this conversation with Kayleigh Bowers, we'll examine  how the best way to solve problems in aviation is to listen to the different lived experiences of those around us. 

Kevin Humphreys is a helicopter pilot and mental health ambassador from Australia. During his service in the Australian army, Kevin fell victim to PTSD, anxiety and depression — ailments he buried deep inside himself until they culminated in a mental breakdown. With the help of those around him, Kevin was able to build himself back from his lowest point. Now, he hopes to use his experience to fight the stigma against mental illness and prove that struggles with anxiety and depression are not aberrations to be ashamed of, but natural forces to confront and manage.

In this conversation wi...

Loreto Moraga has worked as an attorney specializing in aviation law for over 25 years. She serves as President of both the the Chilean Helicopter Association and the Chilean Space Association.

In this conversation with Loreto, we’ll examine aviation from a lawyer’s perspective. How can liability differences between commercial airline and helicopter flights affect the mindset of pilots? We’ll learn about Loreto’s legal background in Chile, and how working with the families of accident victims changed her approach to safety. Loreto will speak about her work in the Chilean Space Association, and break down the safe...

This episode of “Push to Talk” examines a pilot’s relationship with Air Traffic Control. What common mistakes do we make when communicating with the tower? I spoke with Steve Phillips, an Air Traffic Controller of over forty years, to help demystify the voice in our headset. 

Del Livingston is the former Vice President of Flight Operations for Airbus Helicopters, and a veteran of the Vietnam war. In this, we’ll speak with Del about his background flying Dustoff operations in Vietnam, including a harrowing rescue mission, the result of which sent him home from combat a month early. Then, Dell will tell us about his transition into the civil world, and the difference in stakes between civil and military flight when it comes to aviation safety. 

Jessica Meiris is a pilot and rock climber from Colorado Springs. In 2014, she became the first woman in history to rope solo climb El Capitan in a single push.

Jessica experienced her first brush with helicopters when she was air-rescued after an accident climbing a rock tower in Red Rocks, Nevada - an event that would planet the seeds for a new chapter in her life.

Now in a second career as a helicopter pilot, Jessica hopes to one day fly for short haul rescue programs in U.S. national parks, and give back to...

In this second installment of a two-part conversation, we'll speak with aviation photographer Jay Miller about attending Permian High School (the basis of Friday Night Lights), the process of handling proprietary information when publishing his books, and why he believes each person has a story worth telling. 

Jay Miller began his career as an aviation photojournalist in 1957 - he was just nine years old. Through the lens of a small Kodak Brownie pointed to the West Texas sky, Jay Miller built the foundation of a career that would lead him face-to-face with some of the most famous aviators in history. In that time, he’s cultivated an immense body of work that catalogs the story of aviation. 

In this first installment of a two-part conversation, we’ll speak with Jay about his early days photographing aircraft in Odessa, Texas. He’ll tell us how he came...

Gary Maddux served 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a stint in presidential squadron HMX-1. After losing his daughter to suicide in 2019, Gary has dedicated his life to mental health outreach and awareness. Now working to become a licensed counselor, Gary hopes to provide others with the insight he's wrestled from loss.  

Vicki Coates is the team lead of certification for the Helicopter and Agricultural branch of the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority. We'll speak with Vicki about her roots in aviation (including a close call early in her career), helicopter operations in New Zealand, and how growing up on a farm prepared her for a career in the sky.

Hosted by Bruce Webb. Written, Edited, and Produced by Logan Evans. Artwork by Lou Kiss. 

Scott Boughton is the founder of Palisade Aviation, a Colorado-based company looking to refine flight training. We'll speak with Scott about his education philosophy, and how we can equip the next generation of pilots with the skills they need for success.

Hosted by Bruce Webb. Written, Edited, and Produced by Logan Evans. Intro Voiceover by Tamera Ankrah. Artwork by Lou Kiss. 

Ned Parks is a dual-rated flight instructor from Akron, Ohio. After being present during an accident resulting from helicopter wake turbulence, Ned has spent the last year researching the not-often-discussed phenomena. We'll speak with Ned about his research, and how the aviation world can move forward and spread awareness.

Hosted by Bruce Webb. Written, Edited, and Produced by Logan Evans. Intro Voiceover by Tamera Ankrah. Artwork by Lou Kiss. 

Since 1982, Tim Tucker has served as Chief Instructor at Robinson Helicopter. We’ll learn about Tim’s roots in aviation, defined by his stint in the Vietnam war. He’ll give us insight into his time at Robinson, and expand on a design principle unique to Robinson helicopters. And if we listen closely, some of Tim’s humble wisdom might stick with us, to be applied when we need it most.

Hosted by Bruce Webb. Written, Edited, and Produced by Logan Evans. Intro Voiceover by Tamera Ankrah. Artwork by Lou Kiss.