Send us a textWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Jop Dingemans and Janine Lythe from Pilots Who Ask Why for a candid discussion on what’s broken—and what’s working—in today’s helicop...
Send us a text
Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!
In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Jop Dingemans and Janine Lythe from Pilots Who Ask Why for a candid discussion on what’s broken—and what’s working—in today’s helicopter career pathway.
They unpack the soaring cost of training in Europe, with instrument ratings now reaching more than €100,000, and why the helicopter track still feels scattered compared to the streamlined airline world.
Jop and Janine break down the modular vs. integrated European training routes, the financial barriers pushing talented students away, and the growing pilot and maintenance shortages on both sides of the Atlantic.
The conversation also dives into their mission to make accident learning accessible. The pair reveal how Pilots Who Ask Why simplifies massive 600-page accident reports into practical safety takeaways pilots can actually apply—because real improvement comes from understanding the chain of decisions behind every event.
Whether you're a student pilot, seasoned aviator, or simply curious about the challenges facing rotorcraft professionals, this episode offers an honest look at where the helicopter industry stands—and the people working hard to make it better.
Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopter, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Precision Aviation Group.
Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!