Episode #124 - UAVs and Helicopters Unite: Verticon 2025 - Ascent Aerosystems – The Helicopter Podcast

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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical
HeliCASTS!

In this buzzing in-person episode, host Halsey Schider takes The
Helicopter Podcast to Verticon 2025 for a panel that’s all about
the skies teaming up. Recorded live amid the show’s hum, Halsey
is joined by Peter Fuchs of Ascent Aero Systems, regulatory
specialist Amber Harrison from Vertical Aviation International,
and Heliflite’s Rob Bentley-Johnston from Australia. They dive
into how drones and helicopters aren’t rivals but partners,
boosting missions from rescue to logistics.

Peter shares Ascent’s journey from startup to Robinson
Helicopters’ recent acquisition, as well as details on Ascent's
new Helius drone, a coaxial UAV offering rugged performance in
surveillance, search and rescue, logistics, and more. The group
explore how Helius can be deployed in real-world missions,
particularly in scenarios where drones can enhance efficiency and
safety by working alongside helicopters.

Amber tackles the regulatory tangle holding back
beyond-line-of-sight drone ops, while Rob pitches a vision of
full-on aerial teamwork. Tune into this episode of The Helicopter
Podcast for a peek at the thrilling future of helicopters and
UAVs in sync!

Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopter, Vertical Aviation
International  and Enstrom Helicopter Corporation.

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli
Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast
will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to
contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!