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Michael Benton

@tri2hover.bsky.social
313 followers 398 following 38 posts

Highlands Ranch | Colorado 🏔️ Sunriver | Oregon 🌲 HEMS/HAA Helicopter Pilot 🚁 Army Veteran 🇺🇸 📷 Fuji X / Pixel 🔗 www.linkedIn.com/in/MichaelDBenton President & CEO, VyClimb Consulting LLC 🦋 @VyClimb.com 🌎 www.VyClimb.com

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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
We define the Rush Matrix, where time pressure and personal connection override deliberate risk assessment, and propose a four-gate Deliberate Response Framework meant to live in a program's SMS and ERP before it is needed. We dedicate it to the crews and responders lost in this field. #AirMedical
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
When an air medical program has an accident, what guides the decision to launch another of its own crews to the scene? No regulation or standard answers that. Russell Griffin and I just published our answer in @sjtrem.bsky.social and it is open access. #MedSky #PHARM #PHEM #HEMS #FOAMed #HAA #AMT
link.springer.com
When tragedy strikes: from the rush matrix to the deliberate response framework – a narrative review of self-response decision-making in helicopter emergency medical services - Scandinavian Journal of...
Background Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) have a documented history of serious and fatal accidents. When a HEMS program’s aircraft is involved in an accident, the decision to launch anot...
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Link to Full Issue: content.yudu.com/web/1umli/0A...
content.yudu.com
Rotorcraft Pro Jul-Aug 2026
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
When did your safety program last tell you no? The gap between safety infrastructure and function, is the subject of recent column in Rotor Pro July/August issue. What your organization tolerates today is more relevant than your best intentions after an accident. #Safety #SMS #HEMS #HAA #🚁
Page from Rotor Pro magazine, July/August 2026, page 18. Red Safety Sitrep banner from the Vertical Aviation Safety Team, with the headline "When Did Your Safety Program Last Tell You No?" The two-column article by Michael Benton, MAS, MBA, argues that having a safety management system is not the same as using one. It asks whether safety findings ever change leadership decisions, warns that long accident-free records breed complacency, and closes: "A safety program that never creates tension does not function as a control." Author bio notes his board roles with CAMTS and NEMSPA.
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Extreme and tragic but a good example of what can happen. Thanks for sharing this.
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Have you been in this situation? Check out my article in Vertical Plus about agitated patients from a pilot perspective. This has been getting more attention the last few years and if you haven't talked about it or made a plan you should. 🚑🚁🛫🦺 #HEMS #HAA #AirMedical #AviationSafety #SMS #AMT #SAR
verticalmag.com
Agitated patients in HEMS: Why it’s more than a clinical challenge
Violent and unpredictable patient encounters can create operational risks that few HEMS programs have openly addressed or prepared crews to manage.
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
We started UPLIFT to fill a gap we kept seeing across the industry...talented people promoted into leadership and safety roles without the support they need to succeed. We spent the first year setting everything up and now we are working to find the right partners to join us. #Nonprofit #Aviation
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Proud to have been there! ⚽
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VyClimb Consulting @vyclimb.com · 24/03/2026
We are so excited to be the founding donor to launch @theupliftcollective.org If you are a leader in the #Aviation or #AirMedical industry you should watch this and learn more and get involved at: www.TheUPLIFTCollective.org #HEMS #HAA #Safety #Leadership
theupliftcollective.org
The UPLIFT Collective
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The UPLIFT Collective @theupliftcollective.org · 11/03/2026
The goal isn't just to train leaders. It is to create a ripple effect across the aviation and air medical industries. Better leaders, stronger teams, and safer operations. That is UPLIFT's vision. Learn more at www.TheUPLIFTCollective.org #Leadership #Aviation #UPLIFT #Safety #AirMedical
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The UPLIFT Collective @theupliftcollective.org · 10/03/2026
This is The UPLIFT Collective. Unlocking Potential. Elevating Safety. Inspiring Leaders. Learn more at: www.TheUPLIFTCollective.org #UPLIFT #Aviation #Leadership #Safety #nonprofit #AirMedical #Verticon2026
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Are you at Verticon in Atlanta? If so, be sure to come by the Verticon Main Stage Monday for the VAI Safety IAC's SMS Workshop followed by the NTSB Safety Symposium. #Verticon2026 #safety #aviation
Large three-dimensional "VERTICON" letters in dark navy blue mounted above a navy stage facade with "MAIN STAGE" in bold white text, displayed in the Thomas B. Murphy Ballroom at the Atlanta Convention Center. The foreground shows a colorful geometric patterned carpet in orange, green, blue, and gold.
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
We have been building @theupliftcollective.org for the past year and today it goes public. Raising funds for scholarships for leadership and safety training in the aviation and air medical industry. Learn more at www.TheUPLIFTCollective.org
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Excited to attend the Pre-Hospital Retrieval Medicine Conference in Vancouver BC this morning. Thanks to Med Response BC for putting together this inaugural event to support equality of care for rural and indigenous people of BC Canada. #BCPHRM2026 #airmedical #PHRM @vyclimb.com #HEMS #HAA
A banner sits in the corner of a room with the Med Response BC stylized mountain logo. Below is a mock up of an Airbus H145 helicopter flying above a lake with a mountain backdrop.
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
I have respect for the people that dress like this daily to get back and forth to work. This is from one of several trips to the UK on projects flying offshore from Aberdeen and the Shetland Islands. Part 2 is live from my time on The Helicopter Podcast. 🎧: verticalhelicasts.com/helipodcast/...
A man in a bright yellow and orange aviation dry suit wearing an emergency flotation vest and compressed air breathing system. He is in a flight planning room. There are logos for The Helicopter Podcast, Hillsboro Heli Academy, Robinson Helicopter Company, and Quantum Helicopters around the edges.
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
I don't feel old until I see photos of myself from my Army days and think, "that looks like an old photo from Vietnam and that aircraft has been retired." 👀 Hear about my path from Army Interrogator to Combat Pilot on a recent podcast. 🚁 🎧: verticalhelicasts.com/helipodcast/... #helicopter
A man in sunglasses and a green US Army flight suit wearing a survival vest stands next to an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter on a flight line in Bosnia circa 1997. An Army HMMWV drives by in the background.
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The UPLIFT Collective @theupliftcollective.org · 09/02/2026
We are investing in the people who will raise the bar on safety, culture, and leadership across this industry. More coming soon. 🚁✈️ #Aviation #AirMedical #Leadership #Safety #Helicopter #HEMS #HAA
A man and woman are walking away from the camera in between two buildings. A stylized bird logo is in the air in front of them. It has a dark blue bird in flight surrounded by a dark blue and golden circle that symbolizes a rising sun.
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Brighton & Hove Albion @officialbha.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
WHAT A WIN FOR THE ALBION! 🤩
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
As we begin 2026, I wrote an open letter reflecting on how survivable accidents are interpreted within the air medical community. Survivability alone is not a measure of safety, and the language we use after these events matters. This is about accountability and learning. #HEMS #HAA #Helicopter
vyclimb.com
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Brighton & Hove Albion @officialbha.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Our #WHUBHA starting XI… 👊
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Brighton & Hove Albion @officialbha.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Our #ARSBHA starting XI... 👊
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Myron Giannakakis @myrongian.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
Anti-collision lights of a OH-58D Kiowa Warrior from 1st AAHB of the Hellenic Army, visilble against the dark mountainside #Καϊόβα #1ΤΕΑΣ #ΑΣ #αεροποριαστρατου #ελικόπτερο #πτήση #Αναχαίτιση #πλαγιά #OH58D #kiowawarrior #oh58dkiowawarrior #1stAAHB #armyaviation #HAA #hellenicarmy
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VyClimb Consulting @vyclimb.com · 08/12/2025
We are excited to be in Boise for the VAI Aerial Work Safety Conference this week. Happy to see a nearly full room listening to VAI staff speak about the importance of safety in aviation. 🚁 #helicopter #UPAC #firefighting #AerialWork #aviation #safety #VAI
A large conference center ballroom filled with rows of tables and chairs full of people listening to a speaker with slides on two screens.
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VyClimb Consulting @vyclimb.com · 07/12/2025
So, who should be part of your own "Go-Team" and who should request party status? Another from our "After the Accident" series of accident investigation best practices. 🚁 ✈️ 🦺 Read more on our blog archives: #HEMS #safety #VyClimb #NTSB #ProduceProtectPromote #blog #AirMedical #HAA #AMT #aviation
vyclimb.com
After the Accident: Operator Go-Teams — VyClimb Consulting
Who should be a part of your go-team and who should request party status? First and foremost, anyone that participates in the investigation process must have organizational experience and be able to c...
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Vancouver Whitecaps FC @whitecapsfc.com · 06/12/2025
The final ascent 🏔️ 🆚 Inter Miami CF ⏰ 11:30 AM PT 🖥️ AppleTV & TSN 📻 730 CKNW | CKNW.com #VWFC | #OwnTheSummit
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Brighton & Hove Albion @officialbha.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Our starting XI to face Villa... 👊
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Brighton & Hove Albion @officialbha.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
THREE MORE MASSIVE POINTS! 😍
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Mike Hirschberg @vstol.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
Today and every day, give thanks for the lifesaving role of vertical flight. Millions of people around the world are here today because of the incredible capabilities of #helicopters, #rotorcraft and #VTOL #drones. 2025 was a busy year for helicopter rescues. Check out my latest article on Forbes.
forbes.com
Helicopters Save Lives During Natural Disasters And Every Day
Every day, helicopters provide vital services to communities, including saving and protecting lives. Recent massive natural disasters showcased helicopters saving lives.
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Brighton & Hove Albion @officialbha.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
WHAT A WIN FOR THE ALBION! 🔥
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NWSL @nwslsoccer.com · 16/11/2025
Both XIs ready to write the next chapter. #NWSLPlayoffs
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Washington Spirit @washingtonspirit.com · 15/11/2025
Rowdy Audi time😤 🆚 Portland Thorns ⏰ 12pm ET 🏟️ Audi Field 📺 CBS
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Portland Thorns FC @thornsfc.com · 15/11/2025
all in 🌹 📺 CBS
18 MACKENZIE ARNOLD
2 REYNA REYES
5 ISABELLA OBAZE
16 SAM HIATT
20 KAITLYN TORPEY
17 SAM COFFEY ®
21 JESSIE FLEMING
13 OLIVIA MOULTRIE
77 ALEXA SPAANSTRA +
10 DEYNA CASTELLANOS
66 REILYN TURNER
SUBSTITUTES
1 BELLA BIXBY, 35 MORGAN MESSNER,
29 MALLIE MCKENZIE, 24 JAYDEN PERRY,
34 DAIANE, 4 LAILA HARBERT, 88 VALERIN LOBOA,
33 NAOMI POWELL, 19 PIETRA TORDIN
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Brighton & Hove Albion @officialbha.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
We will remember them. 💛💙
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NWSL @nwslsoccer.com · 03/11/2025
New altitude. New attitude. The journey begins at Empower Field, Welcome to the league, Denver. 🏔️
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Brighton & Hove Albion @officialbha.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
THREE BIG POINTS AT THE AMEX! 🙌
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Brighton & Hove Albion @officialbha.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
The sun is shining in Sussex! 😍☀️
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
If you missed my brief article in the VAI Daily email a couple of days ago you can catch it here. Some quick takeaways about working with the NTSB in the accident investigation process. 🚁 #safety #accidentinvestigation #aviation #VAI @vyclimb.com
verticalavi.org
After the accident – Working with the NTSB - Vertical Aviation International
How you prepare before an accident, and how you show up afterward, will define not only a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation but your company’s credibility, culture, and future. ...
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Colorado Rapids @coloradorapidssc.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
Darren Yapi takes home tonight's HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's Man of the Match honors 👏
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Brighton & Hove Albion @officialbha.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
WHAT A WIN FOR THE ALBION! 💙🤍
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Brighton & Hove Albion @officialbha.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Our starting XI to take on Newcastle this afternoon. 👀
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Brighton & Hove Albion @officialbha.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
WHAT A WIN FOR THE ALBION! 💛💙
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
Awesome game.... congrats @officialbha.bsky.social for the 3 to 1 victory! #CHEBHA 🎉⚽
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Honored to be published in @ameracadpeds.bsky.social Transport Dispatch (Vol 1, Issue 3): "Complacency and the Toxic Trinity: Hidden Risks in Transport." How ego, denial & "we know best" fuel drift-and how fresh eyes, assessments & training keep teams sharp. Learn More About Transport Dispatch
aap.org
Transport Dispatch
Transport Dispatch's mission is to support the safe transport of patients by serving as the premier source of peer-reviewed publications on transport medicine.
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VyClimb Consulting @vyclimb.com · 11/09/2025
"Why do we spend all the resources to investigate these accidents in the first place?" Next from my "After the Accident" series of investigation best practices... 🚁✈️🦺 Read more on our blog archives: #safety #aviation #VyClimb #NTSB #ProduceProtectPromote #blog #HEMS #HAA #AirMedical #helicopter
vyclimb.com
After the Accident: Why Bother and the Importance of Cooperation — VyClimb Consulting
Transparency and cooperation are critical. As an operator, you do not want to lose party status and sit on the sidelines watching the investigation take place without your input.
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NWSL @nwslsoccer.com · 10/09/2025
Raising the Bar 🙌 Denver Summit announces their new state-of-the-art performance center ahead of their 2026 debut into the league.
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Have some good memories in these. 🚁 #aircav #OH58D #KiowaWarrior
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Paul Sandars🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 @paulsandars.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
BBC News - Scotland's new air ambulance is 'most advanced' in UK www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Scotland's new air ambulance is 'most advanced' in UK
It will replace Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance current helicopter at its base in Aberdeen.
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David Marshall @illdave.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Font size and contrast affect readability more than stacking order. #graphicdesign #typography
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Michael Benton @tri2hover.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
I’m proud of this VyClimb Consulting milestone, but even more proud of the accomplishments of the teams we’ve had the privilege of working alongside! @vyclimb.com 🚁⚕️🚑✈️📈 #VyClimb #consulting #HEMS #HAA #HMT #SAR #AirMedical #Safety #ProduceProtectPromote #helicopter
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VyClimb Consulting @vyclimb.com · 25/08/2025
This was the first in my series about what to expect in an accident investigation while working with the NTSB...an important and often misunderstood topic. Read more on our blog archives! #safety #aviation #VyClimb #NTSB #ProduceProtectPromote #blog #HEMS #HAA #AMT #SAR #AirMedical #helicopter 🚁
vyclimb.com
After the Accident: The Story Behind the Story — VyClimb Consulting
Through the course of the on-scene investigation and following months of interactions with the NTSB and FAA I shaped my approach to future accident investigations…
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