Episode #160 - European Rotors 2025: Workforce Challenges, Growth & What’s Next - The Helicopter Podcast

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey Schider is joined by Dr. Frank Liemandt, Show Director, and Callum Clench, CEO of European Rotors, to unpack their takeaways from European Rotors 2025 in Cologne—an event that continues to grow in both scale and influence across the global helicopter industry.They reflect on why this year’s show stood out, from record attendance to deeper, more meaningful conversations around the challenges facing rotorcraft today. Central to that discussion is the ongoing shortage of pilots and maintainers, and the growing urgency to engage the next generation through education, exposure, and realistic career pathways.The conversation dives into the often-overlooked role of maintenance in aviation safety, the rising cost of training, and why saying “no” can be one of the most important decisions made in aviation. Frank and Callum also share insights into how collaboration—between operators, manufacturers, educators, and regulators—will be essential to sustaining industry growth.They close by reflecting on the role platforms like The Helicopter Podcast play in connecting people, sharing real-world experiences, and helping inspire the future workforce that will keep this industry moving forward.Thank you to our sponsors, Precision Aviation Group, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Airbus.