About this episode
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely talk with Eric Hannum, who is not only a law enforcement pilot but also a chase pilot for a professional off-road truck team racing in the SCORE Baja series in Mexico. Eric shares his journey with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, emphasizing the critical importance of personal connections in recruitment and the need for aviation units to collaborate with patrol officers. Our conversation explores the concept of cognitive diversity within the field, as Eric and Jack share their personal experiences and insights—from the lessons learned in jail facilities to impactful incidents that have shaped their careers. We’ll also touch on the innovative training approaches being implemented in aviation programs. Eric talks about off-road racing in Baja, California, which highlights the importance of teamwork and preparation. We discuss the complexities of tactical flight officer (TFO) training and what it takes to select the right candidates for this critical role. Thank you to our sponsors Canyon AeroConnect , Summit Aviation and Trakka Systems .