After decades of working in helicopter maintenance, Mike Broderick still gets a thrill when talking about engines, troubleshooting techniques and the vital role of aviation mechanics.
Although he has stepped away from turning wrenches, Mike found new purpose by passing his knowledge on to the next generation. It’s a mission that gives his life rich meaning after turning 50.
“I’ve always enjoyed the instruction side of it,” Mike said. “I felt that’s part of what I should do to give back to the industry that’s done so well for me.”
Known affectionately in the helicopter world as the “Rotor Doc,” Mike’s career has taken him from the San Fernando Valley in California to the deserts of Arizona.
He didn’t set out to become a mechanic, much less an instructor or writer. Like many good stories, his journey began by chance.
From drag racing to aviation
Mike’s introduction to aviation came while he was drag racing near Van Nuys Airport.
“I would see the Learjets taking off and I loved the noise and the speed,” he said. “It was intoxicating.”
That curiosity led him to join the Navy in 1965, where he hoped to pursue a career in aircraft maintenance. Although the military had different plans for him — initially assigning him to be a weatherman — Mike never lost sight of his goal.
“I studied at Glendale College in California, tested for my airframe and power plant license, and eventually went to work for a major engine overhaul company in Burbank,” he recalled.
From there, Mike’s career in helicopter maintenance began to ascend. Over the years, he built a reputation as a trusted technician, eventually launching his own business. At one point, he had 50 people working for him.
“I was responsible for their livelihoods,” he said. “That weighed on me, but it also motivated me to do my best every single day.”
Learning through listening
Mike’s success as a mechanic wasn’t just about technical knowledge. It was about listening, problem-solving and collaboration — all values he now tries to instill in others.
“One of the best tools you can have is the pilot,” Mike said. “He’s the guy that flies it every day. So, when he knows when something’s off, you need to listen to him.”
He’s also a big believer in the KISS method: Keep It Simple, Stupid.
“Everybody wants to start with the hardest thing first to show off their knowledge,” Mike said. “But most of the time, the problem is something small and simple.”
This practical, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving made Mike a sought-after instructor. When he began hosting seminars, he found that mechanics were hungry for opportunities to share experiences and troubleshoot together.
“I’d get a group of guys in a room, and before long, we’d have a new way to solve problems based on real-world experience,” he said. “I learned from them as much as they learned from me.”
A life beyond the toolbox
By his 50s, Mike had built a strong business and an even stronger reputation. But he began to feel the tug of change.
“I started my own business in my late 40s and ran it through my 50s,” he explained. “But owning your own company, especially in aviation, means you’re always on call.”
That required many sacrifices along the way. Mike recalled one Thanksgiving when he was troubleshooting a helicopter in Hawaii. A calling service tracked him through three different locations just to get help.
“It was an all-consuming thing, which caused me to miss some family events” he said. “If I could change anything, maybe I would have been a little less wrapped up in work.”
Eventually, Mike stepped away from hands-on maintenance. But his passion for aviation never cooled. Today, he continues to serve the industry through writing and mentoring.
“I write three articles for Helicopter Maintenance magazine,” he said. “One’s a blog called ‘The Doc Is In,’ another focuses on drones, and the third is about maintenance and troubleshooting.”
In his writing, Mike synthesizes technical updates, FAA bulletins, and field interviews to provide a comprehensive picture of the rapidly evolving aviation landscape.
“One of the most exciting stories I’ve covered was about a company that turned a full-size helicopter into a drone,” he said. “They removed the pilot and flew it with a computer from the side of the road. The FAA didn’t even know how to classify it.”
Promoting the trades
In addition to writing, Mike is a strong advocate for getting more young people into the trades.
“We’re not getting enough hands-on workers anymore,” he said. “High schools used to have auto shops, wood shops and electric shops. That’s all gone now.”
He worries that a generation is being steered away from practical careers and into expensive four-year college degrees that may not provide marketable skills.
“We need plumbers. We need electricians. We need people who can actually fix things,” Mike said. “And we need mechanics who can keep helicopters safe.”
Mike doesn’t like hearing anyone say, “I’m just a mechanic.”
“I always ask people if their first name is ‘Justa,’” he said with a smile. “Because nobody is just a mechanic. You’re a technician. You keep pilots alive. That’s not a small thing.”
A prestigious honor
Mike’s impact on the aviation world was formally recognized when he received the FAA’s Charles E. Taylor Master Mechanic Award.
Named after the Wright brothers’ mechanic, the award is given to aviation professionals with 50 years of maintenance experience and a clean safety record.
“It was a huge honor,” Mike said. “You have to be nominated, and then the FAA checks your record. It felt good to be acknowledged like that.”
Despite retiring from full-time work, Mike continues to find joy in teaching and mentoring. He believes mechanics, pilots and tradespeople deserve more respect — and he’s committed to helping elevate the profession.
“The auto industry now requires ongoing training and certification,” he said. “But in aviation, once you get your license, that’s it. There’s no mandatory follow-up.”
Mike has been vocal in pushing for changes to ensure aircraft mechanics receive ongoing education.
“Pilots are tested annually. Mechanics should be, too,” he said.
Finding balance on two wheels
Outside of aviation, Mike finds fulfillment in a surprising way through long-distance bike riding. He still rides 20 to 25 miles a few times a week, often with a group of fellow “old farts,” as he calls them.
“I enjoy the camaraderie and the exercise,” he said. “It keeps the heart going.”
His most memorable adventure was participating in the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI).
“You start by dipping your back tire in the Missouri River and finish by dipping your front tire in the Mississippi,” Mike explained. “It was just under 600 miles in six days, and I lost 15 pounds while eating like a horse.”
Reflecting on legacy and faith
Now in his 70s, Mike still has goals to chase. He hopes to travel to Ireland and Scotland to trace his family roots. His grandfather immigrated from Northern Ireland, and Mike dreams of visiting the land that shaped his ancestry.
As for advice to others over 50 who are feeling adrift, Mike has this to offer: “If you’re not satisfied with where you are, change. You’re not a tree. You can move.”
He encourages people to explore their spiritual lives as well.
“Whether or not religion is your thing, there is a higher power out there,” Mike said. “Just look at how we’re made, how the human body works, how we can communicate and think and create. That doesn’t happen by chance.”
Even something as simple as a family pet can offer profound insight.
“I tell people to think about their dog. Who’s more loyal? Who loves you unconditionally?” he asked. “It’s like God put that animal in our lives as a reminder of His presence. That’s why He spelled it backward — to get our attention.”
Moving forward with purpose
Although he’s no longer climbing into helicopters or chasing clients across time zones, Mike Broderick is still flying high through his writing, mentoring and unwavering dedication to the aviation field. His journey is proof that life after 50 can be not just meaningful, but transformative.
“You’re never too old to make a change,” he said. “And there’s nothing worse than sitting in your later years wondering what might have been. Don’t be afraid to roll the dice.”
For more information
People can connect with Mike via email at rotordoc1223 @ icloud.com.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.