Episode 122: The AME Pipeline Crisis: Red Seal & Workforce Solutions | Kelowna Conference

The Vertical MRO Podcast · 9 ноября 2026 г. · 1 ч 5 мин

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast , brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Plus . The helicopter maintenance industry is facing a growing challenge: How do we attract, train, and retain the next generation of aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs)? Recorded live at the 2026 Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna, British Columbia, this special panel discussion brings together an exceptional group of industry leaders representing helicopter operations, aviation education, industry advocacy, and Transport Canada to tackle the AME pipeline crisis. Moderated by Vertical MRO Podcast host Jon Gray, the panel features Beth Christianos of Leading Edge Aerospace , Scott Hayward and Jeff Denomme of Alpine Helicopters and Alpine Aerotech , Gerry Egan of BCIT, Trevor Mitchell of the Helicopter Association of Canada , and Jamie Johnson of Transport Canada . Together, they explore the challenges preventing the industry from developing enough qualified maintainers, from lengthy training waitlists and the financial burden facing students to apprenticeship opportunities, mentorship, and the need to modernize aviation maintenance education. A particularly engaging part of the conversation examines whether Canada's Red Seal trades model offers a path forward for AMEs, alongside emerging earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship programs that could make aviation careers more accessible. The discussion also extends into the audience, with students, educators, and industry professionals contributing their own experiences, asking challenging questions, and offering additional perspectives on what needs to change. Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Precision Aviation Group , Vertical Aviation International and Airbus . Also, be sure to check out Vertical MRO's Instagram channel for even more awesome content highlighting the awesome work being done to keep the rotorcraft community flying!