Episode 198 - Capital Watch: Inside the DC Metro Police Aviation Operations Part I

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This episode was recorded on location in Washington, D.C., from the D.C. Metro Police aviation hangar, as part of The Hangar Z Vertical Valor Blades of Valor Tour. The road tour included visits to some of North America’s public safety aviation units, showcasing some of the heroes who exemplify courage, dedication, and selflessness in the line of duty every day. Jack Schonley, Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor magazine and Jon Gray were invited to see firsthand the good work they are doing to protect the capital of the United States. In this episode, we sit down with Sgt Danny Thaw and pilot Kevin Chittick from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit. The conversation delves into the critical role of aviation during civil disturbance situations in providing valuable information to ground units. Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of operating within the tightly controlled airspace of Washington, D.C. We discuss and emphasize the importance of crew resource management (CRM) and the strong relationship between law enforcement pilots and air traffic controllers, highlighting the significance of fostering trust and communication. We discuss the impact of new technologies on law enforcement aviation, along with stories from impactful missions, including the response to the January 6 incident. Tune in to discover the essential value of aviation in enhancing situational awareness and supporting officers on the ground in their ongoing commitment to public safety. Look out for an article, photos, and videos, by Brent Bundy highlighting the DC Metro Aviation Unit at Verticalmag.com and the Vertical YouTube page . Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Dallas Avionics and Metro Aviation .