Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this episode we take you inside the world of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) aviation safety, where we are joined by members of the Echo Safety Team to dive deep into the critical role safety plays in HEMS operations.

From exploring the Public Safety Aviation Bill of Rights to tackling emerging issues like laser strikes and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations, we’ll cover the latest trends shaping the industry.

We’ll also discuss the challenges of “green-on-green” situations, the importance of mentorship and experience, and the strategies that help enhance safety on every mission.

This episode emphasizes the significance of fostering a culture of safety—one that prioritizes open dialogue, risk assessment, and collaboration across all levels of the crew.

Tune in as we explore how a just culture, ongoing education, and mental health integration, are all essential in building a safer, more transparent public safety aviation community. It’s an insightful conversation you won’t want to miss!

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, Blake and Mike sit down with pilots Gene Reynolds and Matt Johnson for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what really makes air ambulance operations run smoothly. It’s all about communication, trust, and teamwork — both in the cockpit and in the back of the aircraft.

They talk through everything from pre-flight briefings and sterile cockpit rules to the ‘Fit for Shift’ mindset that keeps everyone ready for whatever the mission throws at them. Gene and Matt share their take on how training isn’t just a checkbox — it’s something we all need to fully engage in so we’re sharp when it counts.

The crew also dives into the balancing act of managing equipment and weight on the aircraft. Turns out, every pound matters, and it takes solid communication between med crews and pilots to make sure we’re carrying what we need — and leaving behind what we don’t.

Weather challenges, IFR operations, and the pressures pilots face all get some airtime, too. The conversation touches on the cultural shift happening in aviation: focusing on patient care and crew safety over operational pressures. Whether you’re flying, treating, or supporting from the ground, this one’s packed with takeaways on how we can all work better together.

Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Spectrum Aeromed and Vertical Valor magazine.

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, Blake and Mike sit down with pilots Gene Reynolds and Matt Johnson for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what really makes air ambulance operations run smoothly. It’s all about communication, trust, and teamwork — both in the cockpit and in the back of the aircraft.

They talk through everything from pre-flight briefings and sterile cockpit rules to the ‘Fit for Shift’ mindset that keeps everyone ready for whatever the mission throws at them. Gene and Matt share their take on how training isn’t just a checkbox — it’s something we all need to fully engage in so we’re sharp when it counts.

The crew also dives into the balancing act of managing equipment and weight on the aircraft. Turns out, every pound matters, and it takes solid communication between med crews and pilots to make sure we’re carrying what we need — and leaving behind what we don’t.

Weather challenges, IFR operations, and the pressures pilots face all get some airtime, too. The conversation touches on the cultural shift happening in aviation: focusing on patient care and crew safety over operational pressures. Whether you’re flying, treating, or supporting from the ground, this one’s packed with takeaways on how we can all work better together.

Thank you to our sponsors Axnes, Metro Aviation and Spectrum Aeromed.