Top 10 Helicopter Stories + Helicopter News

In this special episode of The Rotary Wing Show, titled Top 10 Helicopter Stories + Helicopter News, aviation podcaster Max Trescott officially takes the reins from longtime host Mick Cullen. The episode celebrates the legacy of the podcast while looking forward to its new direction—with Max blending classic storytelling and timely helicopter news.

Mick kicks things off by sharing how he created the show in Australia to connect helicopter pilots working in isolated environments. With a passion for online marketing and storytelling, he built a platform where rotorcraft professionals could share their experiences with a global audience.

Together, Mick and Max count down 10 of the most impactful helicopter stories from past episodes:

1. Mike Durant (Ep. 34) – The Black Hawk Down pilot shares powerful war stories and lessons from special operations aviation.
2. Rob Mason (Ep. 46) – Vietnam veteran and Chickenhawk author delivers raw insight into helicopter combat.
3. Harry Benson (Ep. 67) – British pilot recounts helicopter operations in the Falklands War.
4. Peter Gillies (Ep. 41) – “Cyclic back” technique for emergency response—a must-hear safety episode.
5. Matt Barker (Ep. 56) – The infamous “chicken bone story” that listeners can’t forget.
6. Richard Morningstar Sanford (Eps. 93, 103) – Offers deep technical dives into governor systems and carburetor icing in Robinson helicopters.
7. Dan Parsons (Ep. 109) – Analyzes a Pasadena Police Department accident and the systemic causes behind it.
8. Kevin Humphreys (Eps. 70 and Ep. 71)– Opens up about mental health in aviation and the importance of speaking out.
9. Mike Atkinson (Ep. 75)– Shares survival flying stories from the Australian Army and appearing on the TV series Alone.
10. Shawn Coyle (Ep. 19) and Dennis Kenyon (Eps. 14 and Ep. 15) – Interviews that preserved the voices of helicopter legends before their passing.

Max shares how the show helped him during his own training for a helicopter add-on rating, often listening during long drives to the flight school. He explains how stories like Sanford’s technical breakdowns directly improved his flying and understanding.

Looking ahead, Max announces that the podcast will often now feature helicopter news updates—much like his Aviation News Talk show. This week’s news headlines include:

• 🛫 FAA reroutes helicopter corridors near Washington Reagan National Airport to improve safety.
• 🎓 U.S. Army revamps pilot training, with a possible shift to contractor-run flight schools using Robinson R66 helicopters.
• 🌊 Robinson R44 ditching in Ecuador, with video footage of the emergency landing and a safe outcome for all aboard.
• 🚁 Nassau County Police under FAA review after low hover maneuvers at a crowded beach stirred public backlash. Similar 2018 incident at Penn State
• ⚖️ New Zealand pilot sentenced for offering unlicensed commercial helicopter rides.
• ❗ NTSB report on EC130 crash cites pilot's use of sedating medications as a contributing factor in a fatal loss-of-control accident.
• 🇨🇦 Nova Scotia asks the public to name its new fleet of H125 helicopters, used in wildfire response.

In a heartfelt moment, Mick spotlights one of his proudest achievements: World Helicopter Day, held annually on the third Sunday in August (August 17 in 2025). Created as a grassroots event to promote helicopter awareness, it has grown to include events around the world—from Australia to Serbia to New York. Mick encourages operators and flight schools to use the day to connect with the public, host open houses, and inspire the next generation of pilots.

As the show closes, Max promises to honor the storytelling tradition of The Rotary Wing Show while bringing new energy and information to helicopter enthusiasts worldwide.

Whether you’re a career rotorcraft pilot, a flight student, or simply curious about helicopter operations, this episode delivers a powerful mix of legacy stories and breaking news. It’s the perfect on-ramp for both longtime fans and new listeners.