EPISODE · Aug 7, 2025 · 7 MIN
The Skill That Makes You a Better Pilot | Kim Hutchings
from Hangar X Studios · host John Ramstead
In this exciting episode recorded live at Verticon, host John Ramstead sits down with Kim Hutchings, co-founder of Volo Mission, the only U.S.-based helicopter training program dedicated exclusively to long line external load operations. Kim shares how a need for formalized training inspired her and her husband—a veteran external load pilot—to launch Volo Mission. They delve into the complexities of long line flying, the skillset it demands, how Volo’s curriculum is transforming pilot readiness, and their latest initiatives to bring more women into the rotorcraft industry. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a commercial pilot, or someone fascinated by the evolving vertical economy, this episode delivers high-impact insights into one of aviation’s most specialized disciplines. Episode Highlights The origin story of Volo Mission and why external load training is critical Flight dynamics of long line operations and pendulum control Volo’s immersive training with real-world loads: tires, AC units, power poles, and more "Ladies of the Long Line" initiative and scholarships for female pilots Volo’s role as a Robinson R66 Utility distributor and new ventures for 2025 Key Points with Timestamps [00:00:03] Kim describes how her husband entered the world of external load flying without any formal training [00:00:29] Host John Ramstead introduces the episode and sets the stage from Verticon [00:02:07] Kim shares the founding of Volo Mission and its unique long line training [00:03:21] The challenge of flight dynamics and learning to “fly the line” [00:04:15] Techniques to control swinging loads in windy conditions [00:04:44] What’s new in 2025: adding complex training scenarios and live fire Bambi bucket exercises [00:05:20] Types of students: aspiring pilots and operators sending new hires [00:05:27] Clarifying there's no formal certification—just essential skill development [00:05:49] Introduction to “Ladies of the Long Line” and scholarships for women via the Whirly Girls [00:06:42] Volo’s work as a distributor for the Robinson R66 Utility helicopter [00:07:22]
What this episode covers
In this exciting episode recorded live at Verticon, host John Ramstead sits down with Kim Hutchings, co-founder of Volo Mission, the only U.S.-based helicopter training program dedicated exclusively to long line external load operations. Kim shares how a need for formalized training inspired her and her husband—a veteran external load pilot—to launch Volo Mission. They delve into the complexities of long line flying, the skillset it demands, how Volo’s curriculum is transforming pilot readiness, and their latest initiatives to bring more women into the rotorcraft industry. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a commercial pilot, or someone fascinated by the evolving vertical economy, this episode delivers high-impact insights into one of aviation’s most specialized disciplines. Episode Highlights The origin story of Volo Mission and why external load training is critical Flight dynamics of long line operations and pendulum control Volo’s immersive training with real-world loads: tires, AC units, power poles, and more "Ladies of the Long Line" initiative and scholarships for female pilots Volo’s role as a Robinson R66 Utility distributor and new ventures for 2025 Key Points with Timestamps [00:00:03] Kim describes how her husband entered the world of external load flying without any formal training [00:00:29] Host John Ramstead introduces the episode and sets the stage from Verticon [00:02:07] Kim shares the founding of Volo Mission and its unique long line training [00:03:21] The challenge of flight dynamics and learning to “fly the line” [00:04:15] Techniques to control swinging loads in windy conditions [00:04:44] What’s new in 2025: adding complex training scenarios and live fire Bambi bucket exercises [00:05:20] Types of students: aspiring pilots and operators sending new hires [00:05:27] Clarifying there's no formal certification—just essential skill development [00:05:49] Introduction to “Ladies of the Long Line” and scholarships for women via the Whirly Girls [00:06:42] Volo’s work as a distributor for the Robinson R66 Utility helicopter [00:07:22]
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The Skill That Makes You a Better Pilot | Kim Hutchings
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