Bonus Episode: Air Angels | The Helicopter Community That Answered Hurricane Helene

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!When Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the southeastern United States, entire communities were cut off by flooding, landslides, and destroyed infrastructure. In those critical first days, civilian helicopter pilots from across the country stepped up to deliver supplies, rescue stranded residents, and support relief efforts where few others could.Halsey sits down with Valerie Smaldone and Monty Hobbs of Just Do Good Entertainment, Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ podcast, and David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, to discuss the making of Air Angels, the incredible volunteer response from the helicopter community, and why these stories of service deserve to be preserved.Together, they discuss how private pilots, volunteers, and ground crews organized an extraordinary relief effort, why helicopters proved to be one of the most effective tools during the crisis, and the countless people whose selfless actions made a difference when it mattered most.More than a film about helicopters, Air Angels is a story about community, compassion, and the unique role our industry can play when people come together to help those in need. It's a powerful reminder that some of aviation's greatest missions happen far from the spotlight—and that behind every helicopter is a team of people willing to answer the call.Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Robinson Helicopter and Sellacopter.Links to the Real ResQ Podcast episodes mentioned.#201 Matt McSwain & Andy Petree  #202 Volunteer Rally for Hurricane Helene #203 Marty Quinn Hurricane Helene Experience #204 Volunteer Pilot Experience during Helene #205 USCG Volunteer after Hurricane Helene #206 Inside Disaster Response | Bob Pasquale #259 Erica Zangwill & Dr. Craig McCotter from Air AngelsOther episodes from The Helicopter Podcast covering the Hurricane Helene response. #98 Operation Helo | Eric Robinson#144 Heroic efforts of civilian helicopters | Pat Harrigan