MY 2 CENTS
with the very operators who purchase their aircraft. Whether it’s providing passenger transport, training services, or maintenance
programs, This creates a unique manufacturers
have blurred the lines between supplier and competitor.
challenge for
traditional vertical-lift operators. Not only must they compete with other operators in their geographic and market space, but they must also contend with the OEMs that built the vertical-lift aircraft they rely on. These manufacturers often have deeper pockets, global reach, and the advantage of vertical integration, making it harder for smaller or regional operators to remain competitive.
The vertical-lift industry stands at a crossroads. The once-reliable military pipeline is a fraction of what it used to be. Civilian flight training has scaled up, but quality and readiness remain inconsistent. Mechanic training still lags behind the needs of the rotorcraft world, and technology continues to outpace the average mechanic’s education.
Manufacturers are deeply
involved in training, but often stop short of providing the type of immersive, risk-based instruction required for real- world readiness. Worse yet, they’re now becoming competitors in the commercial space.
For operators, the future demands adaptation. Building strong internal training programs, investing in personnel development, and collaborating with industry partners — rather than relying solely on external sources—will be key. For the industry as a whole, aligning mechanic training with rotorcraft-specific needs and addressing the disconnect between classroom training and operational demands will determine how successfully we can meet the challenges of the next generation.
In short, the vertical-lift industry isn’t what it used to be — and it never will be again. However, with smart strategies and a collaborative mindset, it doesn’t have to be worse. It can be better.
Randy Rowles has been an FAA pilot examiner for 20 years for all helicopter certificates and ratings. He holds an FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate, NAFI Master Flight Instructor designation, and was the 2013 recipient of the HAI Flight Instructor of the Year Award. Rowles is currently the owner of the Helicopter Institute. He can be reached at randyrowlesdpe@
gmail.com
rotorpro.com
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