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Rotary Wing Show – Helicopter News, Safety, Training & Pilot Stories

Max Trescott | Aviation News Talk Network
Rotary Wing Show – Helicopter News, Safety, Training & Pilot Stories
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  • 9/11 from the Air: NYPD Chief Pilot Ken Solosky Remembers
    Max Trescott talks with Ken Solosky, the NYPD's Chief Pilot on 9/11, about his experiences managing helicopter operations on one of the most catastrophic days in American history. Though Ken wasn’t flying at the moment of the attacks, he was on the ground coordinating the NYPD’s aviation response. He recounts how what began as a seemingly routine aircraft accident quickly escalated into a full-blown national emergency. The aviation unit scrambled a standard rescue package—Bell 412s with divers and crew chiefs, and patrol helicopters—only to face total communication breakdowns. Cell service and landlines failed, radio channels were overloaded, and misinformation, including reports of enemy fighter jets, created unprecedented confusion.Ken recalls the surreal moment of watching the second plane hit the South Tower live on TV and initially being unable to process the reality. He explains why rooftop rescues weren’t feasible—smoke obscured visibility, doors were locked or inaccessible, and the risk of engine flameout in the intense heat made the mission too dangerous. Still, he and his team documented the scene extensively and continued daily aerial photography for nearly a year afterward.Ken describes how foreign and domestic aviation units offered immediate support, with helicopters arriving from other cities—even LAPD offering to send their fleet. Yet due to lack of coordination, many of these aircraft were unknown to NYPD at the time and went unused in the response. He speaks candidly about the emotional toll, having lost 10 close friends among the 23 NYPD officers killed, and how that pain continues with the rise in 9/11-related cancer deaths among first responders.Post-9/11, Ken was instrumental in implementing a “96-hour standalone” plan for the NYPD, designed to maintain operations without headquarters support. Staffing schedules were restructured to ensure long-term response capacity. He shares how the aviation unit has evolved over the years—growing from six helicopters to a modern fleet including Bell 429s, a Bell 407 trainer, and a fixed-wing Caravan used for radiation scanning of incoming ships to New York Harbor.Ken also offers a detailed look at what a typical day is like for an NYPD pilot—flying patrol missions, conducting surveillance, responding to foot and vehicle pursuits, and supporting SWAT teams. He explains how the aircraft are equipped with cutting-edge tools like high-def thermal imagers, tactical radios, moving maps, and address-targeting cameras that can zoom in on a license plate from miles away. These tools enable precise coordination with ground teams and real-time intelligence, greatly improving safety and effectiveness.The conversation also delves into pilot recruitment and training, safety management system (SMS) implementation, and Ken’s personal advice for those interested in joining a law enforcement aviation unit. He emphasizes that character and work ethic matter just as much as flight hours.In lighter moments, Ken shares stories of flying Barbara Bush to West Point when Marine One had mechanical issues, and being told by Yankees legend Derek Jeter that flying for the NYPD was cooler than being the Yankees’ shortstop. He also describes dramatic rescues, like locating a man stranded on a sandbar after his friend swam off—and later finding that friend safe on another island.Ken currently flies both a Bell 407 and an Augusta 109 for corporate clients and continues to teach and speak for the FAA and EAA. His legacy and continued contribution to aviation safety and training are evident throughout the episode. The interview is both a sobering reflection on 9/11 and a celebration of how aviation supports public safety in today’s complex world.Mentioned on the Show:Ken Solosky's "Solo Sky" YouTube Channel
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  • Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Other OTC medicine Wait Time Rules for Pilots
    This episode originally ran on the Aviation News Talk podcast. In it, Max Trescott interviews Dr. John Trowbridge, a physician and former senior Aviation Medical Examiner, to tackle a hidden yet critical safety topic: how over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications contribute to general aviation accidents. Studies have found that up to 40% of fatal accidents involve pilots with impairing substances in their system—ranging from allergy medications to sleep aids to alcohol. The problem? Many of these substances are legal and even commonplace, yet can significantly degrade judgment, memory, attention, and coordination.Dr. Trowbridge emphasizes that many pilots—and even their doctors—are unaware of FAA wait-time guidelines. He explains the FAA’s “5x rule,” which states that a pilot must wait five times the recommended dosage interval before flying. So if a medication is taken every six hours, the pilot should wait 30 hours after the last dose. For 24-hour medications like Zyrtec, the wait time stretches to five full days.The discussion highlights the particular dangers of first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), which are highly sedating and frequently found in sleep aids like Tylenol PM, NyQuil, and Unisom. These medications, even when taken the night before, can impair cognitive function well into the next day. Alarmingly, Benadryl is the most commonly detected OTC drug in fatal GA accidents.Dr. Trowbridge also warns about second-generation antihistamines like Zyrtec and Xyzal. While marketed as “non-drowsy,” these can still cause subtle sedation, especially in combination with alcohol or other medications. Alternatives like Allegra and Claritin are usually safer and FAA-approved—but only after personal ground-testing and AME consultation.Beyond antihistamines, they explore other drug categories. For pain relief, medications like aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen, and Aleve are generally safe, but anything with “PM” on the label likely contains sedating ingredients. Prescription painkillers like codeine are outright disqualifying. Dr. Trowbridge shares unconventional options too, like topical lidocaine, coconut oil, and even horse liniment—though with cautions about application and legality.Sleep aids are another minefield. Melatonin is the only one on the FAA’s “go list,” and even it should be ground-tested first. Nasal decongestants such as Afrin and Sudafed can raise blood pressure and cause jitteriness, making natural remedies like saline rinses or cool vapor inhalation preferable.Cough medications also pose risks. Products with dextromethorphan (like DayQuil or Delsym) can sedate, as can multi-symptom formulas marked “PM” or “nighttime.” Gastrointestinal issues are more straightforward: most antacids like Tums and Maalox are safe, but anti-diarrheals like Imodium are not, due to sedation risks. UTIs are covered with non-sedating options like AZO and D-Mannose, but Dr. Trowbridge cautions pilots never to fly if symptomatic or on unfamiliar antibiotics.The conversation then turns to alcohol. The FAA’s limit is 0.04%, but even lower levels can impair judgment, night vision, and reaction time—especially when combined with other medications or altitude-related hypoxia. Max cites an older FAA study showing that alcohol above 0.04% was found in 7% of fatal pilot crashes, with 3% involving both alcohol and drugs.Finally, Dr. Trowbridge emphasizes the importance of pilot self-awareness and due diligence. Most doctors are not trained in FAA regulations and may prescribe disqualifying medications unless reminded. He urges pilots to always research their medications, consult their AME, and even speak with pharmacists about interactions and cognitive side effects.Dr. Trowbridge’s website, ClearedForTakeoff.info, offers in-depth presentations on pilot health concerns like sleep, sinus issues, inflammation, and safe alternatives to...
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  • Helicopter Private Pilot Mock Oral: Max Trescott’s Checkride with Matt Johnson
    Max Trescott is joined by DPE Matt Johnson for a comprehensive and engaging mock oral checkride focused on the private helicopter pilot certification. This episode, one of the most popular styles in the Rotary Wing Show and Aviation News Talk history, simulates the real-world experience of sitting for an FAA practical test, complete with detailed discussions of eligibility, regulations, systems knowledge, and scenario-based questions.Matt begins by describing his pre-checkride procedures, including document verification, aircraft records review, and setting a comfortable environment for the applicant. He emphasizes the three-legged stool concept: the examiner must be qualified, the aircraft must be airworthy, and the applicant must meet all regulatory requirements. To build rapport, Matt asks Max who his first passenger would be, which Matt then cleverly weaves into multiple checkride scenarios.The mock oral kicks off with pilot certification and recency requirements under FAR 61.57, followed by an in-depth discussion of Robinson-specific endorsements under SFAR 73. Max correctly explains the need for an additional PIC endorsement after passing the checkride and describes the required flight reviews based on time-in-type.The two then explore aircraft documents using the AROW mnemonic and systems such as weight and balance. Max demonstrates knowledge of performance planning, Vne adjustments, retreating blade stall, and preflight procedures. He uses both the PAVE and I'M SAFE checklists to explain how he assesses his personal readiness before a flight.Matt tests Max's cross-country planning, asking about checkpoint selection, altitude choice, and airspace compliance. Max describes navigating around Hayward, California, and into the Central Valley, carefully avoiding Class B and C airspace. The discussion extends into weather analysis, interpretation of AIRMETs and SIGMETs, and use of EFB tools for inflight awareness.In the systems and emergencies portion, Max explains operation of the electrical system, what to do in case of alternator or battery failure, and how the engine continues to operate using magnetos. They also dive into clutch actuator warnings, rotor system dynamics (free-teetering under-slung system), and the hazards of low-G mast bumping, vortex ring state, and forward CG conditions.For add-on ratings, Matt details how the helicopter ACS matrix minimizes the oral scope for already-rated pilots. They compare traffic pattern procedures for helicopters versus airplanes, discuss airport lighting for heliports, and reinforce unique requirements like helipad rotating beacon colors (green-yellow-white).Throughout the oral, Matt guides the conversation in a scenario-based manner to simulate a real checkride. He weaves in questions on regulations, performance charts, and even cross-references student answers to determine when to revisit topics like weight and balance, systems, or weather.The episode wraps just before the preflight inspection begins, with Matt outlining the structure of the flight portion, which would include autorotations, hover maneuvers, and a post-flight debrief.This detailed, realistic mock checkride offers exceptional value for both helicopter students and fixed-wing pilots considering a rotorcraft add-on. It brings listeners inside the mind of a DPE and prepares them for what to expect on test day—covering not just the “what” but the “why” behind FAA testing standards.If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo,
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  • Top 10 Helicopter Stories + Helicopter News
    In this special episode of The Rotary Wing Show, titled Top 10 Helicopter Stories + Helicopter News, aviation podcaster Max Trescott officially takes the reins from longtime host Mick Cullen. The episode celebrates the legacy of the podcast while looking forward to its new direction—with Max blending classic storytelling and timely helicopter news.Mick kicks things off by sharing how he created the show in Australia to connect helicopter pilots working in isolated environments. With a passion for online marketing and storytelling, he built a platform where rotorcraft professionals could share their experiences with a global audience.Together, Mick and Max count down 10 of the most impactful helicopter stories from past episodes:Mike Durant (Ep. 34) – The Black Hawk Down pilot shares powerful war stories and lessons from special operations aviation.Rob Mason (Ep. 46) – Vietnam veteran and Chickenhawk author delivers raw insight into helicopter combat.Harry Benson (Ep. 67) – British pilot recounts helicopter operations in the Falklands War.Peter Gillies (Ep. 41) – “Cyclic back” technique for emergency response—a must-hear safety episode.Matt Barker (Ep. 56) – The infamous “chicken bone story” that listeners can’t forget.Richard Morningstar Sanford (Eps. 93, 103) – Offers deep technical dives into governor systems and carburetor icing in Robinson helicopters.Dan Parsons (Ep. 109) – Analyzes a Pasadena Police Department accident and the systemic causes behind it.Kevin Humphreys (
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  • 2020 Creek Fire California Rescues with California National Guard
    The flying you will get to hear about in this episode is a reminder about the difference your helicopter skillset can make to people that are in harms way, and that there is nothing quite like these machines. It also earnt those involved distinguished flying crosses. In September 2020, the California National Guard rescued nearly … Continue reading "RWS 113 – 2020 Creek Fire California Rescues w/ US National Guard"The post RWS 113 – 2020 Creek Fire California Rescues w/ US National Guard appeared first on The Rotary Wing Show Podcast.
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About Rotary Wing Show – Helicopter News, Safety, Training & Pilot Stories

Stay current on the world of helicopters with The Rotary Wing Show—your go-to podcast for helicopter news, pilot stories, and aircrew insights. Each episode brings you the latest helicopter industry news, real-world experiences from pilots and crew, and practical advice for those flying—or aspiring to fly—rotorcraft professionally or recreationally. From air medical and firefighting to military, utility, and offshore operations, we cover the full spectrum of helicopter missions and career paths. You'll hear firsthand accounts from experienced aviators around the globe, plus in-depth coverage of new technologies, safety issues, and aircraft developments. Whether you're in flight school, flying EMS, running sling ops, or just passionate about helicopters, The Rotary Wing Show delivers valuable insight from those who live and breathe rotary aviation. Hosted by aviation author and helicopter pilot Max Trescott, the show is part of the Aviation News Talk Network. 📡 Visit https://rotarywingshow.com for show notes, photos, and more. ✈️ Follow us for updates, behind-the-scenes extras, and links to the latest helicopter news stories. Keywords: Helicopter podcast, helicopter news, helicopter pilot stories, rotary aviation, helicopter aircrew, rotorcraft careers, aviation podcast, helicopter safety
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