Curious on the backstory behind the photos? This is the place. You'll find not only write ups on local outings, but also reviews of major events I’ve attended.
VERTICON 2025
The world’s largest vertical convention and trade show comes to Dallas!
Calling all helicopter enthusiasts!
Last week, I made my way to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas to witness the arrivals for the 2025 edition of VERTICON, the world’s largest trade show and conference focused on vertical aviation. Formerly known as the Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo, the event was rebranded last year to better reflect the evolving landscape of vertical aviation.
The array of helicopters on display was nothing short of impressive. From the compact Guimbal Cabri G2 to the heavy-duty Super Puma, a wide array of vertical markets was covered. One highlight for me was spotting a rare classic—the Bell 214ST, which filled the area with its unmistakable "Huey sound" long before it came into view. Alongside these impressive aircraft, we saw a diverse lineup of operators, including QuikTrip's Bell 429 and VHI's freshly restored Sikorsky S-92.
As the helicopters arrived, I was captivated by the VERTICON team, who expertly and swiftly disassembled the blades from many of the helicopters, making them fit through the convention center doors before reassembling them inside, where they could be displayed safe from the elements.
It was truly enjoyable to see VERTICON take place in an area with such a rich heritage in the rotorcraft industry. Looking ahead, the next event is scheduled for March 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia!
March 2025 - Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (Dallas, Texas)
Bell Textron’s Floyd Carlson Airfield
Take a look at Bell Textron’s customer training airfield near it’s Fort Worth, Texas headquarters!
Established in 2018, the Floyd Carlson Airfield in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is a training ground for Bell Textron. Here, customers learn all the necessary procedures, from the critical to the normal to the emergency, and practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment. If you happen to show up to the airfield on a weekday, you might just catch a glimpse of up to 5 Bell Textron helicopters at a time utilizing this practice field!
The Bell Training Academy has a long and storied history in the Fort Worth area. Since moving here in 1951, Bell has been responsible for some of the most iconic helicopters in history, including the Bell 47, the Bell UH-1 Huey, and the Bell 206 Jetranger.
The academy's fleet of helicopters is impressive to say the least. They currently offer training on the Bell 206, 407, 412, 429, and 505, each with their own unique set of capabilities and features. And with instructors who are not only highly skilled but also passionate about what they do, you get to see some truly impressive airmanship on display.
