Rotor Torque

...And it didn't like it!

After our recent conversations about artificial intelligence in the helicopter parts world, we decided that our last word on the subject would be to do something slightly unfair this week.

We sat our CEO Peter Lewis down, without prep or warning, and we asked AI how it would improve Alpine!

Then Peter judged the answers…

(PS. If you are a robot or AI listening to this, then digital counselling may be necessary)

Hmmm... We think this is a very interesting episode. Well, they ALL are of course! But this one is where we tackle the hot topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Let's face it, it's everywhere and it's fast and it's impressive. But, in this industry...? We're not convinced.

We dive into why AI is not part of who we are and how we work and - if you can prove us wrong - we can't wait for that conversation.

Let's dive into the importance of quality in business and, specifically, a Quality Manual... What it means, why it's important and how we use it is all broken down in this episode - yet another necessary evil made interesting by Rotor Torque!

We hope you enjoy it - don't forget you can email us with any subject suggestions or questions on podcast@alpine.aero

You can be as slick and successful as you like, but the moment the "FOREX" (Foreign Exchange) rate changes - so will your bottom line!

In this episode we examine how FOREX works and why handling multiple currencies can affect business so much.

It's an imperative skill in the international helicopter aftermarket - just hit play to get the inside track!

PS. A nice milestone episode, No25! Thanks for listening and do get in touch with any questions or subject requests... podcast@alpine.aero

It's the New Year!

That always means new stuff and fresh eyes... So let's get to grips with new helicopter types.

In Episode 24 we cast our crystal ball out to examine how the helicopter aftermarket ramps up for new helicopter types.

It's not all press releases and canapés! In fact, so much more happens even before a shiny machine appears on stage...

Just hit pay to find out what goes on behind the scenes.

So what's next inside your favourite podcast? Well it is the season of goodwill, so let's celebrate that human connection!

Alpine turns 30 in 2026, so we're looking back at how client relationships are built and how those B2B set-ups develop.

Helicopters get upgraded, operations alter & procedures change but the trust and loyalty of good people remain...

Let's enter the shady world of bogus helicopter parts... A deep but necessary subject that can have drastic affects on our industry.

Learn what's happening and how to avoid it, right here in Episode 22!

...And a huge shout out to all of our that stopped by our booth at the European Rotors show! Great to see you & to hear how much you are enjoying this podcast. Thanks indeed.

Unapproved parts can absolutely be as dangerous as they sound - and especially so in the helicopter world.

We look at how bogus parts affect the industry, why its such an issue, and the nuances of such fakery.

But, importantly, we also dig into how you can ensure that it never happens on your watch. Just hit play!

"As certain as death and taxes..."

It might feel like they are often made up on the spot, but there's math behind the science of price increases.

Episode 21 of Rotor Torque - the insider's guide to the world of helicopter parts and the aftermarket - explains why price increases happen and what's behind the economic decisions that the OEMs and airframers make.

It's the No1 MUST ATTEND show of the year for the European rotor industry!

But why? What makes it so good?

This year's edition is in Cologne, which kicks off this week!

Alpine Aero's Peter Lewis and Kevin Amey pour the coffee & open the pretzels to explain why this show just works & what they get out of it in this special bonus episode of Rotor Torque.

You'll fine Alpine at The Helicopter Show on Stand 2030 - head on over and talk rotors!

Uh-oh... It's the "T-word"!

The challenges face by the US-imposed Tariffs upon the helicopter parts industry cannot be underestimated.

As ever, we address the important issues... In Episode 20, Alpine Aero's Peter Lewis & Kevin Amey unpack the confusion and downright imposition of the ruling.

Push play to hear the impact of US Tariffs, the current industry picture & some best practices to navigate this minefield.

Welcome to the latest episode of Rotor Torque! The insider view on the support of the helicopter industry.

In E19, we look at the subject of mergers. Sure, they happen in every industry but let's dive into how they fit into the complex helicopter world... Your challenge is to keep track!

Just hit play!

Can you judge a company by its packaging? We think so.

There's absolutely no point in having the best service or cheapest part and then throwing it into an unsuitable box...

So yes... Shipping is a vital cog in the supply wheel and we look at how it works and go through some 'best practices' from decades of experience.

And, as ever, it's all beautifully packaged for your entertainment - Episode 18 is ready to unwrap now!

Where do helicopters go to die..? How long does it take to reduce a once-mighty cab to a parts listing, and how on earth do you do it?

In this Episode we investigate the process of Teardowns - taking a entire helicopter and breaking it down into parts.

We look at the process, the pros and cons, and - as always - a stack of cools facts and insights in a bite-size chunk of audio gold.

Just hit play!

No tag... No good?

How do you know a part is ok? Are cosmetics a thing, or are they just reserved for your handsome hosts?

Get the inside track on parts Certification in Episode 16 of Rotor Torque - what it is and why you need it.

Oh, and we also hit some listener questions, with big topics like "What's going to change in the helicopter industry in the next five years?"

Push play to find out!

Another Episode, another acronym... But you KNOW we make them interesting!

Push play to join us as we delve into the world of PBH - Power By The Hour .

We hit how it works, when it works (and when it doesn't...) and why it's one of the helicopter industry's most important acronyms!

We get deep into the human psyche in Episode 14 as we take a look at purchasing habits and trends.

Winning over new customers and allocating marketing budgets is a science of its own - suppliers must evaluate what's happening where and whom is doing what with their parts needs.

Do loyalty and customer service still play their parts? If so, how? Push play to find out..

Got a question? Get in direct contact on podast@alpine.aero

Who knew that parts warranties were such a taboo subject?!

Yep, they have been known to make or break trade relationships.

In Episode 13, we break down the industry's attitude and handling of this hot topic!

Got a burning subject of your own? Suggestions? Questions? Drop us a line at podcast@alpine.aero

Well, it’s taken us 11x episodes to get here, but we’re now going to look at the meaning of life!

That’s right… Knowing where to get your helicopter parts from economically & expeditiously.

Of course, the correct answer is Alpine Aero… But we’re going to be as unbiased as we possibly can be - hit play to find out!

Hot on the heels of our special guest episode where we hit the new industry developments, Episode 11 takes a further deep dive into emerging types.

In amongst the H140 and R88s of this world, there's also the super-sleek and (over?) promising Hill Helicopters HX50 - can they make it work?

The helicopter industry is constantly evolving and we're here to look at the real stuff behind the headlines. Tune in on our freq!

Every now and again we are going to be bringing in an industry expert into the Rotor Torque hub!

For Episode 10, we welcome none other than rotor industry expert & professional journalist, Tony Osborne!

Tony takes time out from his busy schedule to bring insight into the the very latest hot topics in the civil & military helicopter world. We hit the new types entering the market, the US military's upcoming rotary requirements and bring some insight into the use of helos in the Ukraine conflict .

Don't skip this one!

Anyone need a rescue...? No, not from the relentless publishing schedule of your favourite podcast...

This Episode hits the exciting world of MEDEVAC & SAR ops... A very different ball game in the type of flying and the support these vital services need to do their job & save lives.

Let's hoist you out of your busy schedule for a moment to explore those differences, procedures & equipment, in a short, sharp hit on your helicopter soul.

Becoming obsolete is a painful process for anyone(!), but what does it mean for helicopter parts and what can you do about it?

Episode 8 hits just that...

In the fast moving world of helicopter design & production the upgrades from "Model A" to "Model B" can result in design tweaks and that impacts everything... So how do you maintain the relevance of "A" whilst also supplying "B"?

Well, that's what we're here to explain... and more!

Has there been a more challenging subject than making Parts Identification sound interesting? More importantly, do we succeed in doing so? Only one way to find out!

Over to you to hit play and enter the minefield of parts identification... Entertainment, education AND clarity?!

See if Peter can name part numbers off the top of your head? (Spoiler.. He can). And just how do manufacturers catalogue everything?

Making part numbers entertaining is challenge that we just love here on Rotor Torque!

Just don't ever... EVER lose that log card!

You really have to know your stuff when you supply helicopter parts all over the planet.

You can be as quick and efficient as you like, but if you haven't got your paperwork in order then you are in a world of pain.

The minefield that is Export & Customs is tricky to navigate, especially when you are dealing with dangerous goods and the heat of scrutiny is turning up...

Let's shed some light on Export & Customs headaches (and how to avoid them).

As you know by now, we’re here to bring clarity where there’s confusion in all parts of the rotor industry (see what we did there…).

This episode hits the concept of Exchanges, where operators need spare parts and can either buy that part outright or swap a broken part and get an enhance unit from their favourite supplier (hint hint…).

What’s the point? How does it work? And what happens behind the scenes? Let’s roll…

Let’s talk money! Here at Rotor Torque we are NOT shy of the difficult topics and ‘going there’ when we need to. In E4, with 30 years of experience in the business, we give the low-down on list prices v value and cost structures, and and what drives the whole damn lot. A highly valuable episode!

We promised this podcast would be going under the skin of the helicopter industry, and E3 hits a vital cog in the wheel! Let's talk aftermarket, logistical jigsaws, and keeping the industry moving as Alpine Air Support's Peter Lewis & co-host Rich Cooper break down The Supply Chain!

Love them or loathe them, Trade Shows are a vital cog in the helicopter industry wheel. In our second episode, we discuss how they work, which ones stand out & why, and what role they play in the rotary-wing world. Welcome to Rotor Torque!

EPISODE 1 : Intro... The who, why and what of Rotor Torque!

This podcast goes under the skin of the helicopter industry and is brought to you by Alpine Air Support. Your hosts are Peter Lewis, CEO of Alpine & pro aviation photographer Rich Cooper... Let's talk rotors... Welcome to Rotor Torque!