Episode 45: The Merge: Changes to the podcast, air-to-air photography, and aviation publishing Part 2 - Mike Reyno
Mar 18, 2025
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Mike Reyno is a renowned air-to-air photographer and publisher who shares thrilling stories from his aviation career. He recounts surviving a mid-air collision with the Snowbirds and his time with the Aurora crew for Op Sharp Guard. Reyno discusses the evolution of aviation journalism, moving from magazines to launching an aviation podcast network. He emphasizes the unique versatility of helicopters in various operations and reflects on the importance of teamwork and storytelling in the Canadian aviation landscape.
Mike Reyno shares a gripping account of surviving a mid-air collision during a training mission with the Snowbirds.
He highlights the vital role of the RCAF in international missions, particularly during Operation Sharp Guard's intelligence operations in the Adriatic Sea.
Reyno discusses his transition from aviation photographer to publisher, driven by a desire to enhance helicopter coverage and storytelling in aviation.
Deep dives
Memorable Flights in the RCAF
The discussion highlights significant flights from Mike Reno's career in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), with a focus on a memorable mission celebrating NORAD's 60th anniversary. This mission involved various aircraft, including T-Birds and F-18s, engaged in training exercises that simulated cruise missile scenarios, showcasing the collaborative efforts between Canadian and American forces. A notable aspect was Mike's experience flying in a T-Bird, where he lost communication with the pilot, resulting in a dramatic maneuver that almost led to a crash. Unfortunately, he missed capturing what could have been a historic photographic opportunity of aircraft formations due to this communication failure.
Operational Missions and Unique Experiences
Mike shares his involvement in operational missions, particularly Operation Sharp Guard, where he covered RCAF Aurora activities over the Adriatic Sea. The Auroras were tasked with monitoring illegal weapons shipments, contributing to critical intelligence operations while highlighting the challenges faced during night flights. A thrilling recounting of tracking a go-fast boat with a flash illumination system demonstrates the unique capabilities of the Aurora in operational scenarios. These experiences underline the integral role of RCAF personnel in international missions and the importance of the stories behind their efforts.
Involvement in the Helicopter Community
The conversation delves into Mike's passion for the helicopter community, which began with his early flights and has evolved into a dedicated focus in his publishing efforts. He emphasizes the versatility of helicopters, which serve numerous roles including emergency medical services, aerial firefighting, and mineral exploration. Mike mentions witnessing heli-logging operations, which piqued his interest in showcasing the lesser-known, yet vital, missions that helicopters undertake. This interest has translated into comprehensive coverage through MHM Publishing that highlights the engineering marvels and diverse applications of rotorcraft.
Transition to Publishing and Family Involvement
Mike explains the transition from aviation photographer to publisher, sparked by a desire to fill a gap in helicopter coverage and dissatisfaction with previous employers. Launching MHM Publishing, he aimed to create a platform that catered specifically to the helicopter and aviation sectors, which were underrepresented. Surprisingly, the publication grew rapidly, aided by a strong team and Mike's dedication to quality. The successful integration of family members into the business further fueled its growth, creating a unique family-owned approach in aviation media.
The Emergence of Podcasting in Aviation Media
The shift in information consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Mike to explore podcasting as a new avenue for sharing aviation stories. Recognizing a growing demand for podcasts, he initially collaborated with existing podcasts before launching the Vertical Helicast Network, which focuses on aviation-related content. This strategic move has allowed for a diverse range of stories to reach audiences, emphasizing the emotional connection that voice can convey in storytelling. By partnering with other podcasts and expanding content offerings, the goal is to enhance exposure for the stories of RCAF and broader aviation communities.
What is it like to survive a mid-air collision with the Snowbirds? What does it feel like to join an Aurora crew on operations in the Mediterranean Sea for Op Sharp Guard? What does it take to make the jump from publisher to having an aviation podcast network? Today, we sit down with renowned air-to-air photographer and publisher Mike Reyno to discuss his many adventures and experiences in air-to-air photography and beyond.
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