Episode #175: Beyond Drones: Building Aviation Networks | Cory Vinger - 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 Schrader sits down with Cory Vinger to talk about the evolution of drone technology—and where his focus is shifting next.Cory shares his path from aerospace engineering and flight training into the early days of unmanned aviation, building experience in utility inspections as drone capabilities advanced from basic imaging to tools like LiDAR, infrared, and corona detection. The conversation highlights how those technologies are now supporting more proactive, data-driven approaches to infrastructure maintenance.They also dig into Cory’s current work with AerHub and their new app Aerway, a new aviation-focused networking platform designed to connect professionals across flight operations, maintenance, and leadership. The discussion centers on the role of networking in aviation, how most opportunities are built through relationships, and the need for a more focused, professional digital space.This episode bridges where the industry has been with where it’s going—both in how we inspect infrastructure, and how we connect as professionals within it.Thank you to this episode's sponsors, Enstrom Helicopter, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Airbus.