Episodes

3d ago

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In today’s episode, we’re joined by an incredible guest—Liz Booker, also known as The Literary Aviatrix. Liz’s story is one of true grit, service, and inspiration. She dropped out of high school and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, beginning her journey as a deck hand before moving on to become a navigator, and later earning her commission through Officer Candidate School. Liz went on to serve as a Coast Guard pilot flying the H-65 Dolphin and completed an extraordinary 28-year career, retiring at the rank of Commander (O-6). Along the way, she earned her bachelor’s degree and not one but two master’s degrees—one of them from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of Government. What began as a hobby—the Aviatrix Book Club—has since grown into a thriving community that celebrates women in aviation and storytelling. Liz’s mission to connect, inspire, and empower through literature has resonated across the aviation world. We’re thrilled to have Liz with us to share her remarkable journey and the evolution of The Literary Aviatrix project. Thank you to our sponsors HelliLadder , Metro Aviation and Night Flight Concepts .

6d ago

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In today’s episode, we’re joined by an incredible guest—Liz Booker, also known as The Literary Aviatrix. Liz’s story is one of true grit, service, and inspiration. She dropped out of high school and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, beginning her journey as a deck hand before moving on to become a navigator, and later earning her commission through Officer Candidate School. Liz went on to serve as a Coast Guard pilot flying the H-65 Dolphin and completed an extraordinary 28-year career, retiring at the rank of Commander (O-6). Along the way, she earned her bachelor’s degree and not one but two master’s degrees—one of them from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of Government. What began as a hobby—the Aviatrix Book Club—has since grown into a thriving community that celebrates women in aviation and storytelling. Liz’s mission to connect, inspire, and empower through literature has resonated across the aviation world. We’re thrilled to have Liz with us to share her remarkable journey and the evolution of The Literary Aviatrix project. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , Robinson Helicopter and Summit Aviation .

Dec 11

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This two-part series was recorded on location in San Diego at the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Air Support Hangar, as part of the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour. The 2025 Blades of Valor Tour took us to four agencies across four states, showcasing their exceptional work through print, video, and right here on the podcast. The Blades of Valor tour wouldn’t be possible without the support of Airbus and Massif Flight Suits. The San Diego Police Department Air Support Unit has an outstanding program supporting airborne law enforcement operations throughout the city and county of San Diego. During this conversation, we are privileged to speak with Matt Zdunich, sergeant of the San Diego Police Department Air Support Unit. Sgt Zdunich comes from a family of dedicated San Diego police officers. A graduate of Marine Corps Officer Candidates School and University of California San Diego, Sgt Zdunich was hired by SDPD right after college and started the police academy the same week as his finals. He earned a master’s degree in public administration from National University after five years on the force. Sgt Zdunich has been with SDPD for 24 years. His first 10 years were at Central Division, where he gained experience in patrol, SWAT, FTO, crime suppression, undercover narcotics, and acting sergeant roles. He’s been part of the Air Support Unit for over 13 years, progressing from tactical flight officer (TFO) to pilot, then to TFO trainer, flight instructor, and now chief pilot. In February 2025, he was promoted to sergeant and will soon oversee maintenance and safety, while continuing his duties as a TFO, pilot-in-command, and trainer. These conversations highlight the importance of solid leadership, a great unit culture, and utilizing emerging technology to make your unit more effective and efficient. Want more from our time with the SDPD Air Support Unit? A full profile is landing soon on verticalmag.com. Until then, dive into Jack Schonely’s look at how San Diego is applying FLIR tech to elevate aerial policing , and relive our 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour through the incredible video captured by Lloyd Horgan. Stay tuned — we’re gearing up for another year as the Blades of Valor Road Tour continues in 2026. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Metro Aviation and Quantum Helicopters .

Dec 8

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This two-part series was recorded on location in San Diego at the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Air Support Hangar, as part of the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour. The 2025 Blades of Valor Tour took us to four agencies across four states, showcasing their exceptional work through print, video, and right here on the podcast. The Blades of Valor tour wouldn’t be possible without the support of Airbus and Massif Flight Suits. The San Diego Police Department Air Support Unit has an outstanding program supporting airborne law enforcement operations throughout the city and county of San Diego. During this conversation, we are privileged to speak with Matt Zdunich, sergeant of the San Diego Police Department Air Support Unit. Sgt Zdunich comes from a family of dedicated San Diego police officers. A graduate of Marine Corps Officer Candidates School and University of California San Diego, Sgt Zdunich was hired by SDPD right after college and started the police academy the same week as his finals. He earned a master’s degree in public administration from National University after five years on the force. Sgt Zdunich has been with SDPD for 24 years. His first 10 years were at Central Division, where he gained experience in patrol, SWAT, FTO, crime suppression, undercover narcotics, and acting sergeant roles. He’s been part of the Air Support Unit for over 13 years, progressing from tactical flight officer (TFO) to pilot, then to TFO trainer, flight instructor, and now chief pilot. In February 2025, he was promoted to sergeant and will soon oversee maintenance and safety, while continuing his duties as a TFO, pilot-in-command, and trainer. These conversations highlight the importance of solid leadership, a great unit culture, and utilizing emerging technology to make your unit more effective and efficient. Want more from our time with the SDPD Air Support Unit? A full profile is landing soon on verticalmag.com. Until then, dive into Jack Schonely’s look at how San Diego is applying FLIR tech to elevate aerial policing , and relive our 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour through the incredible video captured by Lloyd Horgan. Stay tuned — we’re gearing up for another year as the Blades of Valor Road Tour continues in 2026. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , CNC Technologies and SHOTOVER .

Dec 4

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This special episode was originally recorded for the Vertical MRO Podcast. The information in the recording was so valuable, I felt the Hangar Z community needed to hear it. Ronnie Ries, a co-host of the Vertical MRO Podcast, and I, sit down with Jamie Wood, CEO and founder of the bio-technology platform Autonomic . Jamie is changing the way people think and learn about their brains. Through neuroscience-based products and cutting edge technologies, her mission is to elevate human potential by bringing personalized brain health solutions to the masses. Jamie’s work focuses on supporting driven individuals in high-demand environments that rely heavily on their cognitive abilities. This includes helicopter pilots, tactical flight officers, maintenance engineers, executives, leaders, employees, athletes, and students. Jamie is a speaker, mentor, brain performance expert, and researcher. Having bootstrapped her brain performance technology company and brought a scientifically proven cognitive enhancement solution to market, Jamie understands the unique demands placed upon the brains of highly driven individuals in high-performance environments. Jamie has worked with some of the most exciting up-and-coming leaders in tech, gaming, extraction, marketing, student organizations, and big data. Jamie has led groundbreaking research studies looking at brain health in high-stress environments using Mobile EEG, and sits on the cutting edge of brain health technology working alongside world leading neuroscientists. She has worked with over 100 founders and is a sought after speaker for Fortune 500 companies and top tech conferences including the Vertical MRO Conference. During the conversation we explore the critical role of cognitive performance in aviation maintenance and operations. Jamie shares her work with aviation maintenance colleges and organizations, where she has built effective programs to help address burnout and improve focus and mental sharpness. Together, we unpack how fatigue, hydration, nutrition, and sleep, directly affect safety and high performance in the hangar and beyond. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about human performance, aviation safety, and creating an environment that empowers teams to thrive. Thank you to our sponsors Canyon AeroConnect , Precision Aviation Group and Summit Aviation .

Dec 1

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This special episode was recorded on location at the Vertical MRO Conference in Irving, Texas, where we had the opportunity to talk with Emmy Award winner Clint Pulver. Clint is an author, keynote speaker, professional drummer, helicopter pilot and partner in the helicopter apparel company HeliLife. Clint was previously on The Hangar Z Podcast in episodes 230 and 231 , where we explored the vital role of effective leadership in the realms of public safety and aviation. In this conversation we talk about Clint’s apparel company HeliLife . HeliLife is brand born from a love of aviation and a dedication to quality. Founded by helicopter pilots and enthusiasts, HeliLife creates premium outdoor gear designed specifically for pilots. Their mission is to deliver high-performance gear. We also get an opportunity to talk about Clint's nonprofit organization called Dream Machines . Dream Machines is committed to giving children with disabilities the magic of flight. Through unforgettable experiences on the ground and in the air, Dream Machines creates moments of wonder and hope for these young dreamers, working closely with partners like Make-A-Wish and local disability services to turn dreams into reality. Join us as we explore how HeliLife’s passion for quality and Clint’s creation of community initiatives like Dream Machines is helping elevate the aviation community for pilots and for those who need a little extra magic in their lives. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , HeliLadder and Quantum Helicopters .

Nov 27

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! Today’s episode was recorded on the floor of APSCON 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Vertical Valor/Hangar Z booth. Each year the Airborne Public Safety Association presents awards in a wide variety of categories. We were lucky enough this year to record with a couple of those recipients, including our guest today. Deputy Nicholas Romano is a 25-year veteran of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, and recipient of this year’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Award. Nicholas serves as the UAS coordinator for his department and has firmly established himself as a subject matter expert throughout Florida. We discuss his tech background as an investigator, what drew him to the UAS world, the value of the UAS unit working under manned air support, how UAS units are evolving, manned and unmanned integration, and what the future of UAS looks like in law enforcement. Thank you again for your support of the Hangar Z Podcast. Check out the other podcasts on the Vertical Helicasts platform which includes The Real Rescue Podcast , The Helicopter Podcast , The Valor Flight Crew Podcast , and the Vertical MRO Podcast . Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics , Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch and Wysong Enterprises .

Nov 24

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! Today’s episode was recorded on the floor of APSCON 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Vertical Valor/Hangar Z booth. Each year the Airborne Public Safety Association presents awards in a wide variety of categories. We were lucky enough this year to record with a couple of those recipients, including our guest today. Deputy Nicholas Romano is a 25-year veteran of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, and recipient of this year’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Award. Nicholas serves as the UAS coordinator for his department and has firmly established himself as a subject matter expert throughout Florida. We discuss his tech background as an investigator, what drew him to the UAS world, the value of the UAS unit working under manned air support, how UAS units are evolving, manned and unmanned integration, and what the future of UAS looks like in law enforcement. Thank you again for your support of the Hangar Z Podcast. Check out the other podcasts on the Vertical Helicasts platform which includes The Real Rescue Podcast , The Helicopter Podcast , The Valor Flight Crew Podcast , and the Vertical MRO Podcast . Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America , Robinson Helicopter and Spectrolab .

Nov 20

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast and The Helicopter Podcast mashup, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine. Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This two-part series is unique, in that we have an opportunity to talk to the president and CEO of MD Helicopters, co-hosted with my friends and co-workers Halsey Schider (host of The Helicopter Podcast ) and Brent Bundy, a retired Phoenix Police Department pilot and a senior correspondent at Vertical magazine. In this engaging conversation, we talk with MD Helicopters president and CEO Ryan Weeks. Weeks has a diverse background that began with a passion for cars and motorcycles, leading him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. He started his career with Textron's automotive division, where he gained valuable experience. Over time, he transitioned into product line management and earned an M.B.A. to enhance his strategic skills. Weeks' career path took him through various roles at Textron, including a significant stint at Bell Helicopter, where he contributed to product development and aftermarket business improvements. In 2019, he joined Honeywell Aerospace, and by 2022 he was recruited to help MD Helicopters improve its aftermarket operations. His leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping MD's path. During our conversation, we discuss the challenges MD faces in the aftermarket and supply chain. The discussion also delves into leadership insights, and the importance of regular product updates to maintain competitiveness in the helicopter industry. We talk about the exciting developments at MD Helicopters, a company with nearly 80 years of history. We’ll discuss the revitalization of the legendary MD 530N, now equipped with the powerful Rolls-Royce C30 engine, as well as the new MD Super D20B upgrade that boosts performance and payload for legacy MD 500 models. We'll explore how these advancements are delivering more power, greater payloads, and improved safety, even in the toughest environments, ensuring the fleet remains mission-ready for years to come. Stay tuned as we break down what these upgrades mean for operators, maintenance crews, and the future of helicopter aviation. This podcast was recorded on Tuesday, Oct. 21. At the time of recording, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had yet to approve the first of the supplemental type certificates (STCs) associated with the fielded fleet upgrades discussed in this recording. Three days later, the FAA approved the STC for the Super D20B, and the first Super D20B went into service on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Thank you to our sponsors Garmin , Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch and Precision Aviation Group .

Nov 17

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast and The Helicopter Podcast mashup, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine. Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This two-part series is unique, in that we have an opportunity to talk to the president and CEO of MD Helicopters, co-hosted with my friends and co-workers Halsey Schider (host of The Helicopter Podcast ) and Brent Bundy, a retired Phoenix Police Department pilot and a senior correspondent at Vertical magazine. In this engaging conversation, we talk with MD Helicopters president and CEO Ryan Weeks. Weeks has a diverse background that began with a passion for cars and motorcycles, leading him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. He started his career with Textron's automotive division, where he gained valuable experience. Over time, he transitioned into product line management and earned an M.B.A. to enhance his strategic skills. Weeks' career path took him through various roles at Textron, including a significant stint at Bell Helicopter, where he contributed to product development and aftermarket business improvements. In 2019, he joined Honeywell Aerospace, and by 2022 he was recruited to help MD Helicopters improve its aftermarket operations. His leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping MD's path. During our conversation, we discuss the challenges MD faces in the aftermarket and supply chain. The discussion also delves into leadership insights, and the importance of regular product updates to maintain competitiveness in the helicopter industry. We talk about the exciting developments at MD Helicopters, a company with nearly 80 years of history. We’ll discuss the revitalization of the legendary MD 530N, now equipped with the powerful Rolls-Royce C30 engine, as well as the new MD Super D20B upgrade that boosts performance and payload for legacy MD 500 models. We'll explore how these advancements are delivering more power, greater payloads, and improved safety, even in the toughest environments, ensuring the fleet remains mission-ready for years to come. Stay tuned as we break down what these upgrades mean for operators, maintenance crews, and the future of helicopter aviation. This podcast was recorded on Tuesday, Oct. 21. At the time of recording, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had yet to approve the first of the supplemental type certificates (STCs) associated with the fielded fleet upgrades discussed in this recording. Three days later, the FAA approved the STC for the Super D20B, and the first Super D20B went into service on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America , BLR Aerospace and Precision Aviation Group .

Nov 13

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! The 2025 Blades of Valor Tour continues in Las Vegas, Nevada, visiting the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD) Air Support Unit. LVMPD has an incredible hangar located on North Las Vegas Airport. This unit covers 8,000 square miles of Clark County, Nevada, with a population of 2.3 million. Seventy percent of Nevada’s population resides inside Clark County. Add 40 million visitors a year and this unit has a great deal of responsibility in both patrol functions and search-and-rescue. With only five aircraft, they flew over 4,000 patrol hours and responded to 91 rescue calls in 2024. It is not unusual to complete a rescue in the snow-covered mountains, respond to a rescue in Lake Mead, and then handle a pursuit, all in the same shift. Our conversation with pilot Blake Farris and tactical flight officer Brad Bear was fascinating. We discuss training, unit dynamics, the mixed fleet of aircraft, mission profiles, and the full time search-and-rescue team located inside the hanger facility. Brad shares an impactful story of working as a patrol officer, where having skilled air crew overhead kept him safe. He knew exactly where he wanted to work someday and now, he is living that dream. Be sure to watch for the article by Brent Bundy about Las Vegas Metro’s air support unit in Vertical Valor magazine. Special thanks to Airbus and Massif for the incredible support of this year’s Blades of Valor Tour. We could not do this tour without them. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Becker Avionics USA and BLR Aerospace .

Nov 10

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! The 2025 Blades of Valor Tour continues in Las Vegas, Nevada, visiting the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD) Air Support Unit. LVMPD has an incredible hangar located on North Las Vegas Airport. This unit covers 8,000 square miles of Clark County, Nevada, with a population of 2.3 million. Seventy percent of Nevada’s population resides inside Clark County. Add 40 million visitors a year and this unit has a great deal of responsibility in both patrol functions and search-and-rescue. With only five aircraft, they flew over 4,000 patrol hours and responded to 91 rescue calls in 2024. It is not unusual to complete a rescue in the snow-covered mountains, respond to a rescue in Lake Mead, and then handle a pursuit, all in the same shift. Our conversation with pilot Blake Farris and tactical flight officer Brad Bear was fascinating. We discuss training, unit dynamics, the mixed fleet of aircraft, mission profiles, and the full time search-and-rescue team located inside the hanger facility. Brad shares an impactful story of working as a patrol officer, where having skilled air crew overhead kept him safe. He knew exactly where he wanted to work someday and now, he is living that dream. Be sure to watch for the article by Brent Bundy about Las Vegas Metro’s air support unit in Vertical Valor magazine . Special thanks to Airbus and Massif for the incredible support of this year’s Blades of Valor Tour. We could not do this tour without them. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , CNC Technologies and Metro Aviation .

Nov 6

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . This episode was recorded on location at the ECHO 2025 Public Safety Aviation Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This discussion features: Andrew Baity, law enforcement co-director at Every Coast Helicopter Operations (ECHO) and Virginia State Police pilot; Jeff Ratkovich, Hangar Z co-host and pilot for the Tennessee Highway Patrol; and Jack Schonely, instructor of the Tactical Solutions course and retired Los Angeles Police Department officer, helicopter pilot, and Hangar Z host. Here, we debrief the conference by highlighting the training, education, and connections that made ECHO 2025 so exceptional. The cornerstone of the training was the two-day Airborne Tactical Solutions course, taught by Clay Lacy and Jack Schonely and attended by nearly 70 motivated public safety aviation professionals. The "Airborne Tactical Solutions" course provided over 16 hours of comprehensive training for public safety personnel, including patrol officers, tactical flight officers, K-9 handlers, SWAT team members, and aircrew. Through multimedia presentations with real-life video examples, participants learned about contemporary suspect tactics, perimeter containment strategies, and criminal evasion techniques. The course emphasizes officer safety, systematic search techniques, and practical airborne skills like crew coordination, managing vehicle pursuits, and thermal imagery searches. Real-life scenarios and debriefs help reinforce critical incident preparedness and effective communication, ultimately enhancing tactical decision-making and the overall effectiveness of law enforcement operations. Thanks to Bell and Metro Aviation for sponsoring the Tactical Solutions course, as well as Airbus , Axnes , and Dallas Avionics for supporting the generous lunch provided to the students of the Tactical Solutions course. In addition to the two-day Tactical Solutions course, the conference featured a variety of one-hour breakout courses led by a wide range of experts, including Andrew Nicoletti. Thank you to everyone who took the time to prepare for and teach at ECHO 2025. Make sure to look for announcements regarding ECHO’s 2026 conference location and law enforcement educational track in the months to follow. Last, but not least, we extend a heartfelt thank you to ECHO and their leadership team — a group of highly motivated public safety aviation professionals who volunteer their time to provide high-quality, high-fidelity training that is accessible and affordable. Thank you to our sponsors Garmin , Robinson Helicopter and Wysong Enterprises .

Nov 3

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this special episode, we recorded from the floor of APSCON 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Vertical Valor / Hangar Z booth. Joining us today are Deputy Pilot Mike Sill and Deputy Pilot Johnny Reyes from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit. Sill is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Robert L. Cormier Memorial Award, recognizing outstanding achievement in the advancement of aircraft in public service. A charter member of the Fresno County Air Support Unit, Sill recently retired after 25 years of flying—a career defined by dedication, skill, and humility. He often describes himself as “blessed, lucky, and fortunate,” but his success is a direct result of years of hard work and flying challenging, high-risk missions across some of California’s most unforgiving terrain—from just 337 feet at the valley floor to 14,000-foot peaks in the Sierra Nevada. In this conversation, Sill and Reyes share incredible insights from their careers, discussing the power of mentorship, the value of developing personnel from within, the importance of experienced pilots in shaping a new aviation unit, and the critical role of an exceptional maintenance program. They also recount some remarkable high-altitude, life-saving rescues that truly highlight the skill and heart behind their unit’s work. Hangar Z Podcast subscriber numbers have been climbing rapidly and we appreciate your support. If you have not yet subscribed on your favorite podcast platform and on the Vertical HeliCASTS YouTube page, please take a second and do that. That small action makes a big difference for the podcast. Enjoy these episodes from APSCON 2025. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Metro Aviation and Spectrolab, Inc .

Oct 27

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this special episode, we recorded from the floor of APSCON 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Vertical Valor / Hangar Z booth. Joining us today are Deputy Pilot Mike Sill and Deputy Pilot Johnny Reyes from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit. Sill is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Robert L. Cormier Memorial Award, recognizing outstanding achievement in the advancement of aircraft in public service. A charter member of the Fresno County Air Support Unit, Sill recently retired after 25 years of flying—a career defined by dedication, skill, and humility. He often describes himself as “blessed, lucky, and fortunate,” but his success is a direct result of years of hard work and flying challenging, high-risk missions across some of California’s most unforgiving terrain—from just 337 feet at the valley floor to 14,000-foot peaks in the Sierra Nevada. In this conversation, Sill and Reyes share incredible insights from their careers, discussing the power of mentorship, the value of developing personnel from within, the importance of experienced pilots in shaping a new aviation unit, and the critical role of an exceptional maintenance program. They also recount some remarkable high-altitude, life-saving rescues that truly highlight the skill and heart behind their unit’s work. Hangar Z Podcast subscriber numbers have been climbing rapidly and we appreciate your support. If you have not yet subscribed on your favorite podcast platform and on the Vertical HeliCASTS YouTube page, please take a second and do that. That small action makes a big difference for the podcast. Enjoy these episodes from APSCON 2025. Thank you to our sponsors Night Flight Concepts , Spectrolab, Inc and Trakka Systems .

Oct 23

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com/ to enter! In this episode, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely speak with the owner and CEO of Quantum Helicopters, Terry Blakemore. Terry’s story of how he ended up owning Quantum Helicopters in Chandler, Arizona, is unique—starting with a fixed-wing flight at age nine. That flight with his dad resulted in a focus on aviation and the goal of flying fighter jets. Terry’s hard work paid off with an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy and eventually flying F-16s. Terry tells us about his interest in helicopters that lead to him taking lessons at, you guessed it, Quantum Helicopters. His aviation and business experience led to eventually owning the business. We discuss flying an F-16, risk management, leadership, flight instruction, and the important safety culture while training students. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z Podcast. We also appreciate you taking a minute to write a review. These little things make a big difference for us to bring you a quality podcast with incredible guests. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics , CNC Technologies and Robinson Helicopter .

Oct 20

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com/ to enter! In this episode, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely speak with the owner and CEO of Quantum Helicopters, Terry Blakemore. Terry’s story of how he ended up owning Quantum Helicopters in Chandler, Arizona, is unique—starting with a fixed-wing flight at age nine. That flight with his dad resulted in a focus on aviation and the goal of flying fighter jets. Terry’s hard work paid off with an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy and eventually flying F-16s. Terry tells us about his interest in helicopters that lead to him taking lessons at, you guessed it, Quantum Helicopters. His aviation and business experience led to eventually owning the business. We discuss flying an F-16, risk management, leadership, flight instruction, and the important safety culture while training students. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z Podcast. We also appreciate you taking a minute to write a review. These little things make a big difference for us to bring you a quality podcast with incredible guests. Thank you to our sponsors SHOTOVER , Summit Aviation and Spectrolab .

Oct 16

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com/ to enter! In this episode, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely speak with the owner and CEO of Quantum Helicopters, Terry Blakemore. Terry’s story of how he ended up owning Quantum Helicopters in Chandler, Arizona, is unique—starting with a fixed-wing flight at age nine. That flight with his dad resulted in a focus on aviation and the goal of flying fighter jets. Terry’s hard work paid off with an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy and eventually flying F-16s. Terry tells us about his interest in helicopters that lead to him taking lessons at, you guessed it, Quantum Helicopters. His aviation and business experience led to eventually owning the business. We discuss flying an F-16, risk management, leadership, flight instruction, and the important safety culture while training students. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z Podcast. We also appreciate you taking a minute to write a review. These little things make a big difference for us to bring you a quality podcast with incredible guests. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics , CNC Technologies and Robinson Helicopter .

Oct 13

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this three-episode series, we’re honored to sit down with retired Los Angeles Police Department SWAT veteran Sgt Chuck Buttitta. Over the course of four decades, Chuck was a true “customer” of law enforcement aviation units—working alongside aircrews in countless ways. His career path spanned patrol, narcotics, SWAT operator, sniper, SWAT supervisor, and even search-and-rescue in retirement. Chuck’s distinguished service is marked by numerous accolades, including the Medal of Valor, two Police Stars, the Police Commission Unit Citation, the Police Meritorious Unit Citation, two Bureau Commendations, more than 150 minor commendations, the 2009 Top Cop Award, and in retirement, the Ventura County Citizen Medal of Merit for a rescue. Chuck joins us to share the customer’s perspective on aviation support—particularly during SWAT and K9 operations. It’s a critical conversation because aviation units exist to serve and protect those on the ground: Our officers, deputies, troopers, agents, and ultimately, the communities we all safeguard. In episode three, we shift to a topic deeply important to both Chuck and this podcast—remembering our fallen officers. Chuck reflects on how remembrance must go beyond words and into action. One powerful example is the Police Unity Tour, which both Chuck and Jack participated in many times. We’ll talk about how this life-changing experience honors those we’ve lost, how you can get involved, and why carrying their memory forward is one of the most meaningful things we can do. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Thank you again to all our sponsors and followers. We appreciate you very much. Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and leave us a review. Thank you to our sponsors Night Flight Concepts , Precision Aviation Group and Trakka Systems .

Oct 9

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this three-episode series, we’re honored to sit down with retired Los Angeles Police Department SWAT veteran Sgt Chuck Buttitta. Over the course of four decades, Chuck was a true “customer” of law enforcement aviation units—working alongside aircrews in countless ways. His career path spanned patrol, narcotics, SWAT operator, sniper, SWAT supervisor, and even search-and-rescue in retirement. Chuck’s distinguished service is marked by numerous accolades, including the Medal of Valor, two Police Stars, the Police Commission Unit Citation, the Police Meritorious Unit Citation, two Bureau Commendations, more than 150 minor commendations, the 2009 Top Cop Award, and in retirement, the Ventura County Citizen Medal of Merit for a rescue. Chuck joins us to share the customer’s perspective on aviation support—particularly during SWAT and K9 operations. It’s a critical conversation because aviation units exist to serve and protect those on the ground: Our officers, deputies, troopers, agents, and ultimately, the communities we all safeguard. In episode three, we shift to a topic deeply important to both Chuck and this podcast—remembering our fallen officers. Chuck reflects on how remembrance must go beyond words and into action. One powerful example is the Police Unity Tour, which both Chuck and Jack participated in many times. We’ll talk about how this life-changing experience honors those we’ve lost, how you can get involved, and why carrying their memory forward is one of the most meaningful things we can do. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Thank you again to all our sponsors and followers. We appreciate you very much. Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and leave us a review. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Canyon AeroConnect and Metro Aviation .

Oct 6

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this three-episode series, we’re honored to sit down with retired Los Angeles Police Department SWAT veteran Sgt Chuck Buttitta. Over the course of four decades, Chuck was a true “customer” of law enforcement aviation units—working alongside aircrews in countless ways. His career path spanned patrol, narcotics, SWAT operator, sniper, SWAT supervisor, and even search-and-rescue in retirement. Chuck’s distinguished service is marked by numerous accolades, including the Medal of Valor, two Police Stars, the Police Commission Unit Citation, the Police Meritorious Unit Citation, two Bureau Commendations, more than 150 minor commendations, the 2009 Top Cop Award, and in retirement, the Ventura County Citizen Medal of Merit for a rescue. Chuck joins us to share the customer’s perspective on aviation support—particularly during SWAT and K9 operations. It’s a critical conversation because aviation units exist to serve and protect those on the ground: Our officers, deputies, troopers, agents, and ultimately, the communities we all safeguard. In episode three, we shift to a topic deeply important to both Chuck and this podcast—remembering our fallen officers. Chuck reflects on how remembrance must go beyond words and into action. One powerful example is the Police Unity Tour, which both Chuck and Jack participated in many times. We’ll talk about how this life-changing experience honors those we’ve lost, how you can get involved, and why carrying their memory forward is one of the most meaningful things we can do. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Thank you again to all our sponsors and followers. We appreciate you very much. Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and leave us a review. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Canyon AeroConnect and Metro Aviation .

Oct 2

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this episode, all of us at Vertical Valor Magazine and The Hangar Z Podcast congratulate the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit on receiving the Blades of Valor award for Service, Courage, and Flight. From a meeting with the sheriff in 2021 to launching a fully operational unit just three years later, their journey has been one of vision, dedication, and collaboration. The team carefully selected the right people and the right airframe for their mission, drawing valuable insight from neighboring aviation units, the Airborne Public Safety Association, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. The result: 22 rescues in their very first year of operation. Representing the unit are its three full-time members—Sergeant Jesse Decanay, Pilot Joe Brown, and TFO/Mechanic Patrick Becker. Together, we discuss the challenges of building a law enforcement aviation program from the ground up, choosing the right airframe and personnel, and establishing a strong safety culture from day one. Thank you to all our followers and our sponsors. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z Podcast. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group , SHOTOVER and Summit Aviation .

Sep 25

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this episode, all of us at Vertical Valor Magazine and The Hangar Z Podcast congratulate the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit on receiving the Blades of Valor award for Service, Courage, and Flight. From a meeting with the sheriff in 2021 to launching a fully operational unit just three years later, their journey has been one of vision, dedication, and collaboration. The team carefully selected the right people and the right airframe for their mission, drawing valuable insight from neighboring aviation units, the Airborne Public Safety Association, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. The result: 22 rescues in their very first year of operation. Representing the unit are its three full-time members—Sergeant Jesse Decanay, Pilot Joe Brown, and TFO/Mechanic Patrick Becker. Together, we discuss the challenges of building a law enforcement aviation program from the ground up, choosing the right airframe and personnel, and establishing a strong safety culture from day one. Thank you to all our followers and our sponsors. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z Podcast. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics , Garmin and SHOTOVER .

Sep 22

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this episode, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down with Brandon Rose, chief pilot with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department . The conversation highlights the critical response to the devastating floods that swept through Hill Country in Central Texas, with Brandon sharing valuable insights into the numerous challenges faced during rescue operations amid severe weather conditions. In July 2025, the Hill Country region of Texas experienced catastrophic flooding, overwhelming communities and complicating rescue efforts. This intense flooding resulted in at least 136 fatalities, with at least 119 occurring in Kerr County. Brandon’s insights highlight the resilience, adaptability, and skill required by rescue teams to effectively navigate extreme weather conditions. He emphasizes the importance of thorough training and mission proficiency, alongside the crucial role that advanced technology plays in enhancing emergency response capabilities. The importance of accurate forecasting and the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technology in emergency response are highlighted. Brandon also reflects on his journey to becoming a game warden and pilot. Brandon discusses the evolution of aircraft used in public safety, the training and operations for rescue missions, and the challenges faced in adopting new mission profiles. He highlights the importance of technology, particularly drones and artificial intelligence, in enhancing operational efficiency. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring public safety aviators, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of training. Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , BLR Aerospace and Precision Aviation Group .

Sep 18

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this episode, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down with Brandon Rose, chief pilot with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department . The conversation highlights the critical response to the devastating floods that swept through Hill Country in Central Texas, with Brandon sharing valuable insights into the numerous challenges faced during rescue operations amid severe weather conditions. In July 2025, the Hill Country region of Texas experienced catastrophic flooding, overwhelming communities and complicating rescue efforts. This intense flooding resulted in at least 136 fatalities, with at least 119 occurring in Kerr County. Brandon’s insights highlight the resilience, adaptability, and skill required by rescue teams to effectively navigate extreme weather conditions. He emphasizes the importance of thorough training and mission proficiency, alongside the crucial role that advanced technology plays in enhancing emergency response capabilities. The importance of accurate forecasting and the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technology in emergency response are highlighted. Brandon also reflects on his journey to becoming a game warden and pilot. Brandon discusses the evolution of aircraft used in public safety, the training and operations for rescue missions, and the challenges faced in adopting new mission profiles. He highlights the importance of technology, particularly drones and artificial intelligence, in enhancing operational efficiency. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring public safety aviators, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of training. Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopter , Dallas Avionics and Precision Aviation Group .

Sep 15

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! Today’s episode comes to you from the floor of VAI Verticon 2025 in Dallas, Texas, where we recorded live at the Vertical magazine booth. Host Jack Schonely is joined by three outstanding guests: Pilot Natalie Hernandez of the San Antonio Police Department, Sgt Pilot Yvette Tuning of the Los Angeles Police Department, and Kodey Bogart, pilot and CEO of KB Aviation Solutions. Each of these accomplished women followed a unique path into law enforcement aviation, and together they share valuable insights on a wide range of topics, including technology, budget considerations, safety and training best practices, SMS, and the challenges ahead for our industry. We also discuss the panel they were preparing to present at the Airbus booth the following day. This was an engaging and inspiring conversation, and we’re honored to have had all three aviators join us. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z Podcast—we truly appreciate your support. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Airbus and Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing .

Sep 11

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! Today’s episode comes to you from the floor of VAI Verticon 2025 in Dallas, Texas, where we recorded live at the Vertical magazine booth. Host Jack Schonely is joined by three outstanding guests: Pilot Natalie Hernandez of the San Antonio Police Department, Sgt Pilot Yvette Tuning of the Los Angeles Police Department, and Kodey Bogart, pilot and CEO of KB Aviation Solutions. Each of these accomplished women followed a unique path into law enforcement aviation, and together they share valuable insights on a wide range of topics, including technology, budget considerations, safety and training best practices, SMS, and the challenges ahead for our industry. We also discuss the panel they were preparing to present at the Airbus booth the following day. This was an engaging and inspiring conversation, and we’re honored to have had all three aviators join us. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z Podcast—we truly appreciate your support. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Airbus and Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing .

Sep 8

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This three-part series was recorded on location in Texas at the McKinney Air Center, as part of the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour. This year, our journey takes us to four agencies across four states, showcasing their exceptional work through print, video, and right here on the podcast. The Blades of Valor tour wouldn’t be possible without the support of Airbus and Massif Flight Suits . The Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Operations Division has an outstanding program supporting multimission public safety aviation operations throughout the great state of Texas. During this conversation, we are privileged to speak with Texas DPS assistant chief Marcus Tomerlin, Captain Saben Emery, and Lieutenant Clay Lacey. These conversations highlight the importance of solid leadership and a great unit culture, the value of internal and external training, and the crucial role of internal marketing—such as detailed activity reports and video documentation—which showcase the agency’s achievements, justify operations, and secure funding for the aircraft division. For more about our visit to Texas DPS, be sure to check out the article written by Brent Bundy in Vertical Valor magazine and check out the incredible video footage captured by Lloyd Horgan on the Vertical Magazine YouTube channel . Thank you to our sponsors Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch , Robinson Helicopter and Wysong Enterprises .

Sep 4

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This three-part series was recorded on location in Texas at the McKinney Air Center, as part of the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour. This year, our journey takes us to four agencies across four states, showcasing their exceptional work through print, video, and right here on the podcast. The Blades of Valor tour wouldn’t be possible without the support of Airbus and Massif Flight Suits . The Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Operations Division has an outstanding program supporting multimission public safety aviation operations throughout the great state of Texas. During this conversation, we are privileged to speak with Texas DPS assistant chief Marcus Tomerlin, Captain Saben Emery, and Lieutenant Clay Lacey. These conversations highlight the importance of solid leadership and a great unit culture, the value of internal and external training, and the crucial role of internal marketing—such as detailed activity reports and video documentation—which showcase the agency’s achievements, justify operations, and secure funding for the aircraft division. For more about our visit to Texas DPS, be sure to check out the article written by Brent Bundy in Vertical Valor magazine and check out the incredible video footage captured by Lloyd Horgan on the Vertical Magazine YouTube channel . Thank you to our sponsors BLR Aerospace , Garmin and Wysong Enterprises .

Sep 1

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This three-part series was recorded on location in Texas at the McKinney Air Center, as part of the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour. This year, our journey takes us to four agencies across four states, showcasing their exceptional work through print, video, and right here on the podcast. The Blades of Valor tour wouldn’t be possible without the support of Airbus and Massif Flight Suits . The Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Operations Division has an outstanding program supporting multimission public safety aviation operations throughout the great state of Texas. During this conversation, we are privileged to speak with Texas DPS assistant chief Marcus Tomerlin, Captain Saben Emery, and Lieutenant Clay Lacey. These conversations highlight the importance of solid leadership and a great unit culture, the value of internal and external training, and the crucial role of internal marketing—such as detailed activity reports and video documentation—which showcase the agency’s achievements, justify operations, and secure funding for the aircraft division. For more about our visit to Texas DPS, be sure to check out the article written by Brent Bundy in Vertical Valor magazine and check out the incredible video footage captured by Lloyd Horgan on the Vertical Magazine YouTube channel . Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch and SHOTOVER .

Aug 28

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this episode, host Jack Schonely sits down for an in-depth conversation with Manny Dickerson of the LAPD and Lee Owen from Canyon AeroConnect to discuss tactical communications. In this conversation, Manny and Lee share their personal journeys in the field of aviation communication. They explore the importance of effective communication for Tactical Flight Officers (TFOs), the challenges they face, and the impact of technology on their operations. Plus, they discuss the evolution of radio technology for TFOs, the significance of maintenance in communication systems, and the training necessary to manage workload effectively. The discussion emphasizes the need for preparedness and the impact of reliable communication systems in ensuring officer safety and operational success. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Canyon AeroConnect and Quantum Helicopters .

Aug 25

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this episode, host Jack Schonely sits down for an in-depth conversation with Manny Dickerson of the LAPD and Lee Owen from Canyon AeroConnect to discuss tactical communications. In this conversation, Manny and Lee share their personal journeys in the field of aviation communication. They explore the importance of effective communication for Tactical Flight Officers (TFOs), the challenges they face, and the impact of technology on their operations. Plus, they discuss the evolution of radio technology for TFOs, the significance of maintenance in communication systems, and the training necessary to manage workload effectively. The discussion emphasizes the need for preparedness and the impact of reliable communication systems in ensuring officer safety and operational success. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Canyon AeroConnect and Summit Aviation .

Aug 21

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! On today’s episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, Jack Schonely and guest host Bryan Smith are honored to welcome Tony Lumpkin, call sign “Lumpy,” for a compelling conversation. Tony has a truly unique aviation background, having flown multiple airframes across military and civilian sectors. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Tony was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps where he piloted the CH-46 and completed three tours in Iraq. He shares some of his incredible experiences and lessons learned from flying in the sandbox. But his story doesn’t end there. He later transferred into the U.S. Coast Guard where he piloted a Black Hawk, conducting high-risk rescues. After his military service, Tony invited Bryan to join him on a one-of-a-kind flying assignment: piloting a helicopter off a luxury cruise ship in one of the most stunning and unforgiving places on earth, Antarctica. A big thank you to Bryan Smith for leading this insightful conversation with his friend “Lumpy.” Please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the Hangar Z Podcast. We appreciate your support. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group , Spectrolab and Robinson Helicopter .

Aug 18

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! On today’s episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, Jack Schonely and guest host Bryan Smith are honored to welcome Tony Lumpkin, call sign “Lumpy,” for a compelling conversation. Tony has a truly unique aviation background, having flown multiple airframes across military and civilian sectors. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Tony was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps where he piloted the CH-46 and completed three tours in Iraq. He shares some of his incredible experiences and lessons learned from flying in the sandbox. But his story doesn’t end there. He later transferred into the U.S. Coast Guard where he piloted a Black Hawk, conducting high-risk rescues. After his military service, Tony invited Bryan to join him on a one-of-a-kind flying assignment: piloting a helicopter off a luxury cruise ship in one of the most stunning and unforgiving places on earth, Antarctica. A big thank you to Bryan Smith for leading this insightful conversation with his friend “Lumpy.” Please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the Hangar Z Podcast. We appreciate your support. Thank you to our sponsors Night Flight Concepts , Summit Aviation and Robinson Helicopter .

Aug 14

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This special two-part series is five years in the making, due to the fact we are celebrating the fifth anniversary of The Hangar Z Podcast. Hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely reflect on the journey of the podcast, its impact on the aviation community, and the inspiration drawn from guests like Jell-O, the host of The Fighter Pilot Podcast. Each year, a special guest is selected to help celebrate the anniversary of The Hangar Z Podcast. A guest is sought after that has uniquely shaped the public safety aviation community or directly inspired the creation or direction of The Hangar Z Podcast. Today’s guest directly inspired the creation of The Hangar Z Podcast, as The Fighter Pilot Podcast was the first aviation podcast that the creator of the Hangar Z listened to and enjoyed. Today, The Hangar Z Podcast welcomes an accomplished naval aviator with over 8,964 days of active duty, 3,807 flight hours, and 705 carrier landings—263 at night. His combat missions include 78 flights over Iraq, 25 countries across four continents, and 187 days in Afghanistan. He’s experienced 12 moves, participated in three carrier deployments with no ejections, shoot downs, or D.C. tours. His career is filled with remarkable memories. Please join us in welcoming Vincent Aiello to The Hangar Z Podcast! Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technology , Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER .

Aug 11

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This special two-part series is five years in the making, due to the fact we are celebrating the fifth anniversary of The Hangar Z Podcast. Hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely reflect on the journey of the podcast, its impact on the aviation community, and the inspiration drawn from guests like Jell-O, the host of The Fighter Pilot Podcast. Each year, a special guest is selected to help celebrate the anniversary of The Hangar Z Podcast. A guest is sought after that has uniquely shaped the public safety aviation community or directly inspired the creation or direction of The Hangar Z Podcast. Today’s guest directly inspired the creation of The Hangar Z Podcast, as The Fighter Pilot Podcast was the first aviation podcast that the creator of the Hangar Z listened to and enjoyed. Today, The Hangar Z Podcast welcomes an accomplished naval aviator with over 8,964 days of active duty, 3,807 flight hours, and 705 carrier landings—263 at night. His combat missions include 78 flights over Iraq, 25 countries across four continents, and 187 days in Afghanistan. He’s experienced 12 moves, participated in three carrier deployments with no ejections, shoot downs, or D.C. tours. His career is filled with remarkable memories. Please join us in welcoming Vincent Aiello to The Hangar Z Podcast! Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technology , Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER .

Aug 7

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this episode, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely have a conversation with Chief Pilot Frank Peck of the Omaha Police Department. Frank brings a unique and well-rounded perspective to law enforcement aviation, having spent many years with the Nebraska State Patrol, including time as a K9 handler where he experienced firsthand the value of air support. He eventually shifted his focus to aviation, advancing from a part-time Tactical Flight Officer to Captain and Chief Pilot of the Aviation Support Division. During his tenure, Frank led significant expansions in aircraft capabilities, mission equipment, and aviation facilities, all while actively supporting troopers from the air. He now brings that wealth of experience to the Omaha Police Department, where he continues as Chief Pilot. Known for his hands-on leadership style, Frank is committed to continually improving every aspect of the unit he leads. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z Podcast. We truly appreciate the support so we can bring these important conversations to you. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , Quantum Helicopter and Precision Aviation Group .

Aug 4

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this episode, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely have a conversation with Chief Pilot Frank Peck of the Omaha Police Department. Frank brings a unique and well-rounded perspective to law enforcement aviation, having spent many years with the Nebraska State Patrol, including time as a K9 handler where he experienced firsthand the value of air support. He eventually shifted his focus to aviation, advancing from a part-time Tactical Flight Officer to Captain and Chief Pilot of the Aviation Support Division. During his tenure, Frank led significant expansions in aircraft capabilities, mission equipment, and aviation facilities, all while actively supporting troopers from the air. He now brings that wealth of experience to the Omaha Police Department, where he continues as Chief Pilot. Known for his hands-on leadership style, Frank is committed to continually improving every aspect of the unit he leads. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z Podcast. We truly appreciate the support so we can bring these important conversations to you. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , Night Flight Concepts and Spectrum Aeromed .

Jul 31

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this episode, host Jon Gray, along with co-hosts Jack Schonely and Bryan Smith, sit down for an in-depth conversation with Tactical Flying’s Ryan Welch. Ryan, a seasoned law enforcement officer turned Major League Baseball authenticator, shares his remarkable journey from serving 16 years with the San Diego Police Department to becoming a senior tactical flight officer, specializing in airborne thermal imaging and airborne law enforcement tactics. In the conversation we discuss the vital role of training, mentorship, and community involvement, as well as the evolution of technology in law enforcement operations. From scenario-based training to the integration of unmanned systems, Ryan, a tactics instructor for Tactical Flying, provides invaluable insights into ensuring operational safety and effectiveness, highlighting the critical importance of ongoing, continuous training. Whether you’re interested in aviation, law enforcement, or leadership, this episode delivers expert knowledge and inspiring stories from a truly accomplished professional. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Garmin and Metro Aviation .

Jul 28

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this episode, host Jon Gray, along with co-hosts Jack Schonely and Bryan Smith, sit down for an in-depth conversation with Tactical Flying’s Ryan Welch. Ryan, a seasoned law enforcement officer turned Major League Baseball authenticator, shares his remarkable journey from serving 16 years with the San Diego Police Department to becoming a senior tactical flight officer, specializing in airborne thermal imaging and airborne law enforcement tactics. In the conversation we discuss the vital role of training, mentorship, and community involvement, as well as the evolution of technology in law enforcement operations. From scenario-based training to the integration of unmanned systems, Ryan, a tactics instructor for Tactical Flying, provides invaluable insights into ensuring operational safety and effectiveness, highlighting the critical importance of ongoing, continuous training. Whether you’re interested in aviation, law enforcement, or leadership, this episode delivers expert knowledge and inspiring stories from a truly accomplished professional. Thank you to our sponsors BLR Aerospace , Robinson Helicopter and SHOTOVER .

Jul 24

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and guest co-host Terry Miyauchi speak with prior Japanese Coast Guard Pilot Hajime "Jimmy" Sagane. Jimmy speaks excellent English, but for the best experience, we recommend watching this episode on our HeliCASTS YouTube page to enjoy the benefits of closed captioning. During our conversation, Jimmy recounts the historic and tragic events that unfolded after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan on March 11, 2011. This devastating quake triggered a massive tsunami that claimed over 20,000 lives and critically damaged the Fukushima nuclear power plant's cooling system. Jimmy shares gripping firsthand accounts of the heroic efforts during Japan's 2011 earthquake and tsunami, including the challenges of search-and-rescue missions, the use of helicopters in cooling efforts, and the emotional weight of recovery work. Join us as we dive into a compelling conversation about resilience, preparedness, and the dedication of those who serve in public safety aviation. Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopter , Spectrolab and Wysong Enterprises .

Jul 21

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and guest co-host Terry Miyauchi speak with prior Japanese Coast Guard Pilot Hajime "Jimmy" Sagane. Jimmy speaks excellent English, but for the best experience, we recommend watching this episode on our HeliCASTS YouTube page to enjoy the benefits of closed captioning. During our conversation, Jimmy recounts the historic and tragic events that unfolded after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan on March 11, 2011. This devastating quake triggered a massive tsunami that claimed over 20,000 lives and critically damaged the Fukushima nuclear power plant's cooling system. Jimmy shares gripping firsthand accounts of the heroic efforts during Japan's 2011 earthquake and tsunami, including the challenges of search-and-rescue missions, the use of helicopters in cooling efforts, and the emotional weight of recovery work. Join us as we dive into a compelling conversation about resilience, preparedness, and the dedication of those who serve in public safety aviation. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics , Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch and Spectrolab .

Jul 17

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series Jack Schonely and Jon Gray are extremely honored to be joined by retired United States Navy Commander Scott “Scooter” Moyer. Scott served 21 distinguished years as a naval aviator, flying the iconic F-14 Tomcat. His impressive list of decorations includes the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Meritorious Service Medal, seven Combat Air Medals, and various other personal and unit awards. Over the course of his career, he logged more than 4,600 hours, 725 carrier landings, and flew over 80 combat missions. Among his many achievements, Scott was also selected to join the Navy’s elite Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron, an honor reserved for the very best. Join us as we explore his incredible journey from aspiring pilot to college student, to Naval aviator, to Blue Angel, and eventually, a career in commercial aviation. Please like, subscribe, and leave us a review so we can continue to bring great conversations like this to you. Thank you to our sponsors BLR Aerospace , Precision Aviation Group and SHOTOVER Systems .

Jul 14

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series Jack Schonely and Jon Gray are extremely honored to be joined by retired United States Navy Commander Scott “Scooter” Moyer. Scott served 21 distinguished years as a naval aviator, flying the iconic F-14 Tomcat. His impressive list of decorations includes the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Meritorious Service Medal, seven Combat Air Medals, and various other personal and unit awards. Over the course of his career, he logged more than 4,600 hours, 725 carrier landings, and flew over 80 combat missions. Among his many achievements, Scott was also selected to join the Navy’s elite Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron, an honor reserved for the very best. Join us as we explore his incredible journey from aspiring pilot to college student, to Naval aviator, to Blue Angel, and eventually, a career in commercial aviation. Please like, subscribe, and leave us a review so we can continue to bring great conversations like this to you. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Dallas Avionics and Wysong Enterprises .

Jul 10

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely were joined by Johnny Gray III and David Baumann, two remarkable crew chiefs from L.A. County Fire Department's air operations. They take us on a compelling journey—from their athletic backgrounds to their vital roles in emergency services—highlighting the importance of teamwork, leadership, and mental resilience. Through personal stories, they share lessons learned from overcoming failure, navigating high-stakes situations, and the critical impact of mentorship and community involvement. Whether it's tackling devastating wildfires, honoring fallen heroes, or working alongside family, their experiences shed light on the enduring spirit of dedication and service that drives them. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Garmin and Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch .

Jul 7

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely were joined by Johnny Gray III and David Baumann, two remarkable crew chiefs from L.A. County Fire Department's air operations. They take us on a compelling journey—from their athletic backgrounds to their vital roles in emergency services—highlighting the importance of teamwork, leadership, and mental resilience. Through personal stories, they share lessons learned from overcoming failure, navigating high-stakes situations, and the critical impact of mentorship and community involvement. Whether it's tackling devastating wildfires, honoring fallen heroes, or working alongside family, their experiences shed light on the enduring spirit of dedication and service that drives them. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group .

Jun 26

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this engaging two-part series focusing on leadership, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Jim McDonnell, a respected law enforcement officer and newly appointed chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). During this engaging conversation, we explore Jim’s journey from his roots in Boston to a distinguished career in law enforcement, emphasizing the vital role of leadership and the profound impact of small acts of kindness on both officers and the communities they serve. As they discuss the often-overlooked topics of mental health and trauma within the profession, Jim underscores the need for a supportive culture and better resources for first responders. He shares invaluable lessons learned during his internship with former LAPD Chief William (Bill) Bratton, as well as reflections on his career—from the Harbor Division to the 77th Street Homicide Division—and the challenges departments face in today’s policing landscape. Join us as we examine the importance of community policing, the value of air support in law enforcement, and the pressing need for innovative solutions to enhance officer well-being. Jim also addresses the critical issues of recruitment and retention in policing, providing a realistic perspective on the future of the profession. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Quantum Helicopters and Summit Aviation .

Jun 23

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this engaging two-part series focusing on leadership, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Jim McDonnell, a respected law enforcement officer and newly appointed chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). During this engaging conversation, we explore Jim’s journey from his roots in Boston to a distinguished career in law enforcement, emphasizing the vital role of leadership and the profound impact of small acts of kindness on both officers and the communities they serve. As they discuss the often-overlooked topics of mental health and trauma within the profession, Jim underscores the need for a supportive culture and better resources for first responders. He shares invaluable lessons learned during his internship with former LAPD Chief William (Bill) Bratton, as well as reflections on his career—from the Harbor Division to the 77th Street Homicide Division—and the challenges departments face in today’s policing landscape. Join us as we examine the importance of community policing, the value of air support in law enforcement, and the pressing need for innovative solutions to enhance officer well-being. Jim also addresses the critical issues of recruitment and retention in policing, providing a realistic perspective on the future of the profession. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Canyon AeroConnect and Precision Aviation Group .

Jun 19

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series, Jack Schonely and Jon Gray are on location inside the hanger of the Burbank Glendale Joint Air Support Unit. Pilot Pat Hamblin from the Glendale Police Department and Pilot Steve Conaway from the Burbank Police Department provide insight into inner workings of this unique unit. Both of our guests have very interesting journeys into law enforcement and aviation. We discuss, training, the benefits of a combined unit, airspace, cooperation with other surrounding air units, and the delivery of a brand-new Airbus H125 later this year. The background soundtrack is brought to you by Southwest Airlines departing Runway 15 at the Bob Hope Burbank Airport. We really enjoy these hangar podcasts. Special thanks to Massif Flight Suits for the support. Thanks you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , Robinson Helicopter and Quantum Helicopters .

Jun 16

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series, Jack Schonely and Jon Gray are on location inside the hanger of the Burbank Glendale Joint Air Support Unit. Pilot Pat Hamblin from the Glendale Police Department and Pilot Steve Conaway from the Burbank Police Department provide insight into inner workings of this unique unit. Both of our guests have very interesting journeys into law enforcement and aviation. We discuss, training, the benefits of a combined unit, airspace, cooperation with other surrounding air units, and the delivery of a brand-new Airbus H125 later this year. The background soundtrack is brought to you by Southwest Airlines departing Runway 15 at the Bob Hope Burbank Airport. We really enjoy these hangar podcasts. Special thanks to Massif Flight Suits for the support. Thanks you to our sponsors Night Flight Concepts , Canyon AeroConnect and Trakka Systems .

Jun 12

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine. Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This inaugural three-part series of the Hangar Z Podcast was recorded on location at the Phoenix Police Department’s Aviation Unit at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, as part of the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour. This year, our journey will take us to four agencies across four states, showcasing their exceptional work through print, video, and right here on the podcast. Events like this tour wouldn’t be possible without incredible support. A special thank you to Airbus and Massif Flight Suits — your support made the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour a reality. The Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support Unit has a unique structure comprising of two distinctive details: Fixed wing and rotorcraft. We were fortunate to sit down with a representative from each detail to get a comprehensive look at the entire operation. Today’s guests are Glenn Ellefritz, Chief Pilot for fixed wing operations and Scott Hopkins, Instructor Pilot for rotorcraft. As you might guess from this being a three-part series, you can expect a deep dive into a wide range of topics including Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) selection and training, pilot development, the recent addition of a second Pilatus PC-12, and the challenges of recruitment and retention. You’ll also hear about the fascinating career paths of both guests. Stay tuned as we explore the Phoenix Air Support Unit’s guiding philosophy of “Culture over Technology.” For more about our visit to Phoenix PD Air Support, be sure to check out the Brent Bundy articles in the Vertical Valor ASPCON edition and then watch the incredible videos by Lloyd Horgan on the Vertical Magazine YouTube channel. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics , Robinson Helicopter and Summit Aviation .

Jun 9

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine. Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This inaugural three-part series of the Hangar Z Podcast was recorded on location at the Phoenix Police Department’s Aviation Unit at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, as part of the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour. This year, our journey will take us to four agencies across four states, showcasing their exceptional work through print, video, and right here on the podcast. Events like this tour wouldn’t be possible without incredible support. A special thank you to Airbus and Massif Flight Suits — your support made the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour a reality. The Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support Unit has a unique structure comprising of two distinctive details: Fixed wing and rotorcraft. We were fortunate to sit down with a representative from each detail to get a comprehensive look at the entire operation. Today’s guests are Glenn Ellefritz, Chief Pilot for fixed wing operations and Scott Hopkins, Instructor Pilot for rotorcraft. As you might guess from this being a three-part series, you can expect a deep dive into a wide range of topics including Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) selection and training, pilot development, the recent addition of a second Pilatus PC-12, and the challenges of recruitment and retention. You’ll also hear about the fascinating career paths of both guests. Stay tuned as we explore the Phoenix Air Support Unit’s guiding philosophy of “Culture over Technology.” For more about our visit to Phoenix PD Air Support, be sure to check out the Brent Bundy articles in the Vertical Valor ASPCON edition and then watch the incredible videos by Lloyd Horgan on the Vertical Magazine YouTube channel. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics , Night Flight Concepts and Trakka Systems .

Jun 5

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine. Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This inaugural three-part series of the Hangar Z Podcast was recorded on location at the Phoenix Police Department’s Aviation Unit at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, as part of the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour. This year, our journey will take us to four agencies across four states, showcasing their exceptional work through print, video, and right here on the podcast. Events like this tour wouldn’t be possible without incredible support. A special thank you to Airbus and Massif Flight Suits — your support made the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour a reality. The Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support Unit has a unique structure comprising of two distinctive details: Fixed wing and rotorcraft. We were fortunate to sit down with a representative from each detail to get a comprehensive look at the entire operation. Today’s guests are Glenn Ellefritz, Chief Pilot for fixed wing operations and Scott Hopkins, Instructor Pilot for rotorcraft. As you might guess from this being a three-part series, you can expect a deep dive into a wide range of topics including Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) selection and training, pilot development, the recent addition of a second Pilatus PC-12, and the challenges of recruitment and retention. You’ll also hear about the fascinating career paths of both guests. Stay tuned as we explore the Phoenix Air Support Unit’s guiding philosophy of “Culture over Technology.” For more about our visit to Phoenix PD Air Support, be sure to check out the Brent Bundy articles in the Vertical Valor ASPCON edition and then watch the incredible videos by Lloyd Horgan on the Vertical Magazine YouTube channel. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER Systems .

Jun 2

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this episode, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Dan Schwarzbach, executive director and CEO of the Airborne Public Safety Association, for an exclusive preview of APSCON 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. We’ll cover training opportunities for both manned and unmanned aircraft and give you a sneak peek at what to expect on the convention floor. Plus, we’ll talk about the host city of Phoenix and the many experiences it has to offer visiting attendees. After our conversation with Dan, we shift gears and welcome two candidates vying for the central regional director position at APSA—the only contested race this year. Jon and Jack give each candidate a platform to introduce themselves to the voting members of the central region. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of the Hangar Z Podcast—we truly appreciate your support. APSCON Phoenix is just around the corner! Be sure to stop by the Vertical Magazine booth on the convention floor. We hope to see you there. For more information, visit publicsafetyaviation.org. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Precision Aviation Group and SHOTOVER Systems .

May 26

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this episode, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely talk with retired Ontario Police Sergeant Eric Weidner to explore the vital role of canine units in law enforcement. Eric retired from the Ontario Police Department, where he served as the aviation unit supervisor. He is currently the chief operations officer at CNC Technologies. Before his time in air support, Sgt Weidner was a dedicated K9 handler for Ontario PD. The conversation highlights Eric’s journey as a K9 handler, sharing the challenges he faced and the memorable moments from his career. We also explore how canine operations are evolving, particularly in relation to air support. Additionally, we emphasize the critical importance of training, trust, and collaboration between K9 units and air support units. The discussion also tackles and dispels common myths surrounding these operations, while offering practical guidance for effectively collaborating with K9 units to enhance overall mission success. Notably, Sgt Weidner was our very first guest on The Hangar Z Podcast. Be sure to check out Episode 1 to hear more about his career and experiences. If you enjoy this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, please leave us a review on the platform you use to listen to The Hangar Z Podcast—your support helps grow our community and showcases inspiring folks like Eric Weidner. Your feedback truly makes a difference! Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Garmin and Metro Aviation .

May 22

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray, and Jack Schonely recorded in person at Verticon 2025 in Dallas, Texas. The conversation explores the incredible operations of Two Bear Air Rescue as they interview Rob Cherot, a Two Bear Air Rescue pilot. In addition to Rob's work with Two Bear Air Rescue, he also flies for the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks agency. Two Bear Air Rescue, based near Whitefish, Montana, is dedicated to saving lives by providing top-tier aviation search-and-rescue capabilities across the Northwestern U.S. The program is fully funded by philanthropist Michael Goguen, ensuring it operates at no cost to taxpayers. Rob is a seasoned helicopter pilot whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Rob’s story begins with a passion for flight sparked at UND. Rob worked as a firefighter paramedic in Montana before becoming a skilled professional pilot in the rugged mountain terrain of Montana and its surrounding states. Over the years, he’s flown everything from animal surveys and fish stocking to rescue operations, all while balancing multiple roles and building invaluable skills along the way. Whether it's navigating extreme weather or managing traumatic incidents, these stories showcase the resilience and dedication of these skilled pilots. Join us as we explore the profound impact of aviation in preserving communities, protecting wildlife, and serving the public—all set against the stunning backdrop of Montana’s rugged terrain. If you enjoy this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, please leave us a review on the platform you use to listen to The Hangar Z Podcast—your support helps grow our community and showcases inspiring people like Rob. Your feedback truly makes a difference! Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics , Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch and Robinson Helicopter .

May 19

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray, and Jack Schonely recorded in person at Verticon 2025 in Dallas, Texas. The conversation explores the incredible operations of Two Bear Air Rescue as they interview Rob Cherot, a Two Bear Air Rescue pilot. In addition to Rob's work with Two Bear Air Rescue, he also flies for the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks agency. Two Bear Air Rescue, based near Whitefish, Montana, is dedicated to saving lives by providing top-tier aviation search-and-rescue capabilities across the Northwestern U.S. The program is fully funded by philanthropist Michael Goguen, ensuring it operates at no cost to taxpayers. Rob is a seasoned helicopter pilot whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Rob’s story begins with a passion for flight sparked at UND. Rob worked as a firefighter paramedic in Montana before becoming a skilled professional pilot in the rugged mountain terrain of Montana and its surrounding states. Over the years, he’s flown everything from animal surveys and fish stocking to rescue operations, all while balancing multiple roles and building invaluable skills along the way. Whether it's navigating extreme weather or managing traumatic incidents, these stories showcase the resilience and dedication of these skilled pilots. Join us as we explore the profound impact of aviation in preserving communities, protecting wildlife, and serving the public—all set against the stunning backdrop of Montana’s rugged terrain. If you enjoy this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, please leave us a review on the platform you use to listen to The Hangar Z Podcast—your support helps grow our community and showcases inspiring people like Rob. Your feedback truly makes a difference! Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , BLR Aerospace and CNC Technologies .

May 15

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In today’s episode, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are honored to welcome one of the most influential voices in American law enforcement retired Lieutenant Randy Sutton of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. With a law enforcement career spanning more than 34 years, Randy’s impact has extended far beyond the streets of Princeton, New Jersey, and Las Vegas, Nevada. He became a familiar face to many through his appearances on the TV show COPS , which opened the door to acting roles in both television and film, including a part in the iconic movie Casino . Randy is also a prolific author, having written A Cop’s Life , True Blue , The Power of Legacy , and his most recent book, Rescuing 911: The Fight for America’s Safety . A respected and in-demand public speaker, he represented the law enforcement community at the Republican National Convention last year. Perhaps Randy’s most enduring contribution is as the founder and chairman of the board of The Wounded Blue, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting injured and disabled law enforcement officers through support, education, assistance, and legislative advocacy. This is a powerful and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss. Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics , Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER Systems .

May 12

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In today’s episode, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are honored to welcome one of the most influential voices in American law enforcement retired Lieutenant Randy Sutton of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. With a law enforcement career spanning more than 34 years, Randy’s impact has extended far beyond the streets of Princeton, New Jersey, and Las Vegas, Nevada. He became a familiar face to many through his appearances on the TV show COPS , which opened the door to acting roles in both television and film, including a part in the iconic movie Casino . Randy is also a prolific author, having written A Cop’s Life , True Blue , The Power of Legacy , and his most recent book, Rescuing 911: The Fight for America’s Safety . A respected and in-demand public speaker, he represented the law enforcement community at the Republican National Convention last year. Perhaps Randy’s most enduring contribution is as the founder and chairman of the board of The Wounded Blue, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting injured and disabled law enforcement officers through support, education, assistance, and legislative advocacy. This is a powerful and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , BLR Aerospace , and Robinson Helicopter .

May 8

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray, and Jack Schonely talk with Sean Marston, who takes us through his incredible journey from military service to law enforcement, and ultimately into the helicopter air ambulance segment. Sean reflects on his early aspirations and the impactful experiences that shaped his career—as a deputy sheriff, and beyond. We’ll discuss a new unit establishment he was a part of within the Harford County Sheriff's Office in Maryland. Sean offers a firsthand account of the challenges, including political opposition and the eventual shutdown of the unit, alongside valuable lessons about proving the worth of such programs. Sean talks about becoming the chief pilot at the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, and the challenges and experiences as the chief pilot, and his insight on leadership development. We also have an opportunity to discuss the transition from law enforcement aviation to the helicopter air ambulance industry, as Sean was able to successfully make the transition after retiring from law enforcement in 2021 after over 27 years of service. Before we jump into the conversation, we’d like to ask for your support! If you enjoy The Hangar Z Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a rating and review. Your feedback not only helps us improve the show, but also helps others discover our podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER Systems .

May 5

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray, and Jack Schonely talk with Sean Marston, who takes us through his incredible journey from military service to law enforcement, and ultimately into the helicopter air ambulance segment. Sean reflects on his early aspirations and the impactful experiences that shaped his career—as a deputy sheriff, and beyond. We’ll discuss a new unit establishment he was a part of within the Harford County Sheriff's Office in Maryland. Sean offers a firsthand account of the challenges, including political opposition and the eventual shutdown of the unit, alongside valuable lessons about proving the worth of such programs. Sean talks about becoming the chief pilot at the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, and the challenges and experiences as the chief pilot, and his insight on leadership development. We also have an opportunity to discuss the transition from law enforcement aviation to the helicopter air ambulance industry, as Sean was able to successfully make the transition after retiring from law enforcement in 2021 after over 27 years of service. Before we jump into the conversation, we’d like to ask for your support! If you enjoy The Hangar Z Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a rating and review. Your feedback not only helps us improve the show, but also helps others discover our podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch and Precision Aviation Group .

May 1

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! The Hangar Z Podcast has extensively talked about the two primary challenges facing public safety aviation: Politics, and funding. We have dedicated considerable time to discussing the political aspects of this equation. In this two-part series, host Jon Gray discusses the challenges and solutions related to funding aircraft and mission equipment for law enforcement agencies. Joined by experts Ed Van Winkle and D.C. Greer, the conversation delves into the intricacies of aircraft financing, the importance of education for new aviation leaders, and creative solutions for acquiring necessary equipment D.C. Greer is a senior vice president of Government Capital Corporation, a nationwide public finance company, headquartered in Southlake, Texas. With over 30 years in public finance, his efforts have been focused largely in the public safety sector. D.C. served three years in the U.S. Army and is a graduate of Northwestern State University, in Natchitoches, Louisiana. During our conversation, Ed Vanwinkle reflects on his over 20 years of service at the Gainesville Police Department in Florida, where he retired as captain. His diverse roles included aviation, narcotics, detectives, patrol, S.W.A.T., and training. He served as the Narcotics Unit commander, S.W.A.T. commander, and unit commander of the Joint Aviation Unit with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office. After retiring, Ed spent nine years as the law enforcement sales manager at Airbus Helicopters and is now the vice president of law enforcement and OEM projects for CNC Technologies. He is also an active commercial helicopter pilot, flight instructor (CFII), and fixed-wing pilot. This conversation also delves into the advancements in aviation technology, particularly focusing on the integration of CNC live systems and the bi-directional flow of information that enhances operational efficiency for air crews. This is an important episode for anyone in public safety aviation, but especially for those in a position seeking funding solutions to purchase new aircraft or mission equipment. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Garmin and Precision Aviation Group .

Apr 28

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! The Hangar Z Podcast has extensively talked about the two primary challenges facing public safety aviation: Politics, and funding. We have dedicated considerable time to discussing the political aspects of this equation. In this two-part series, host Jon Gray discusses the challenges and solutions related to funding aircraft and mission equipment for law enforcement agencies. Joined by experts Ed Van Winkle and D.C. Greer, the conversation delves into the intricacies of aircraft financing, the importance of education for new aviation leaders, and creative solutions for acquiring necessary equipment D.C. Greer is a senior vice president of Government Capital Corporation, a nationwide public finance company, headquartered in Southlake, Texas. With over 30 years in public finance, his efforts have been focused largely in the public safety sector. D.C. served three years in the U.S. Army and is a graduate of Northwestern State University, in Natchitoches, Louisiana. During our conversation, Ed Vanwinkle reflects on his over 20 years of service at the Gainesville Police Department in Florida, where he retired as captain. His diverse roles included aviation, narcotics, detectives, patrol, S.W.A.T., and training. He served as the Narcotics Unit commander, S.W.A.T. commander, and unit commander of the Joint Aviation Unit with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office. After retiring, Ed spent nine years as the law enforcement sales manager at Airbus Helicopters and is now the vice president of law enforcement and OEM projects for CNC Technologies. He is also an active commercial helicopter pilot, flight instructor (CFII), and fixed-wing pilot. This conversation also delves into the advancements in aviation technology, particularly focusing on the integration of CNC live systems and the bi-directional flow of information that enhances operational efficiency for air crews. This is an important episode for anyone in public safety aviation, but especially for those in a position seeking funding solutions to purchase new aircraft or mission equipment. Thank you to our sponsors, CNC Technologies , Vertical Valor and Vertical MRO .

Apr 24

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down in the recording booth of Vertical Magazine at VAI Verticon in Dallas, Texas, with one of our favorite people in law enforcement aviation. Pilot Tony Weber has 42 years of experience on the job with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, 32 of which were spent working air support. Tony has been a guest and co-host on The Hangar Z Podcast, but this time, there is a fantastic bonus. Tony’s wife Wendy joins us to discuss the journey of a spouse in law enforcement. You do not want to miss Wendy’s perspective on the good times, the bad times, the loss of friends, the SWAT call-outs, the wildfires, the celebrations, and even the retirement. Wendy’s insight provides a great path to a successful marriage in a law enforcement family. Tony will discuss his amazing career from the academy as a 20-year-old, to his jail tour, patrol duty, SWAT, and his 32 years in aviation. He has seen firsthand a great deal of change over those years in a variety of airframes, technology, safety, CRM, and unit culture. This was a wonderful conversation with two amazing people and there might even be a few surprises, including a first on The Hangar Z — a “Game Show.” Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group , SHOTOVER and Summit Aviation .

Apr 21

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Helicopter Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! In this two-part series, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down in the recording booth of Vertical Magazine at VAI Verticon in Dallas, Texas, with one of our favorite people in law enforcement aviation. Pilot Tony Weber has 42 years of experience on the job with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, 32 of which were spent working air support. Tony has been a guest and co-host on The Hangar Z Podcast, but this time, there is a fantastic bonus. Tony’s wife Wendy joins us to discuss the journey of a spouse in law enforcement. You do not want to miss Wendy’s perspective on the good times, the bad times, the loss of friends, the SWAT call-outs, the wildfires, the celebrations, and even the retirement. Wendy’s insight provides a great path to a successful marriage in a law enforcement family. Tony will discuss his amazing career from the academy as a 20-year-old, to his jail tour, patrol duty, SWAT, and his 32 years in aviation. He has seen firsthand a great deal of change over those years in a variety of airframes, technology, safety, CRM, and unit culture. This was a wonderful conversation with two amazing people and there might even be a few surprises, including a first on The Hangar Z — a “Game Show.” Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Metro Aviation and Trakka Systems .

Apr 17

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! This episode was recorded at European Rotors in Amsterdam in November 2024. In this episode I was able to sit down with Jon Duke. Jon is a contributing writer for Vertical Magazine and has an extensive background in aviation, including his flying career in the United Kingdom's military. Jon was an air traffic controller in the Royal Air Force and a helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy. During the conversation, Jon shares his remarkable journey from a young aviation enthusiast to air traffic controller and, ultimately, a helicopter pilot. We'll explore the unique challenges faced during search-and-rescue missions, and the invaluable lessons learned throughout his career. This discussion will emphasize the significance of managing confidence in aviation, transitioning from search-and-rescue operations to broader military roles, and the essentials of effective communication in air traffic control. Jon also spent time as a flight instructor. In this conversation, he reflects on his experiences with students and highlights the importance of mentoring the next generation of aviators. We also have an opportunity to touch on his contributions to aviation journalism through Vertical Magazine and the vital role it plays in promoting careers in this dynamic field. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group , CNC Technologies and Airbus .

Apr 14

Welcome to another episode of the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter! On today’s episode, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are thrilled to welcome Dave Ellis. Dave is a pivotal figure in the development of Spokane County Sheriff’s aviation program. Dave takes us through the journey of building the program from the ground up, sharing insights into the political and financial challenges, the role of data tracking, and the power of community engagement. He opens up about his background and his diverse career. We discuss law enforcement and coaching, including his recent incredible success coaching a high school soccer team. We dive into the vital role of communication and education in ensuring the aviation program’s growth and sustainability. The conversation also explores how youth sports teach life lessons, the unique perspective of referees, and the challenges of law enforcement in Spokane County. You’ll hear about the evolution of Spokane County’s aviation unit, including decisions around aircraft selection, advancements in aviation technology, and how real-time situational awareness is enhancing public safety. Dave shares his insights on UAS technology, drone integration, and the growing role of AI in emergency response. Throughout the episode, we touch on Dave’s journey toward agency accreditation, innovations in training, his roles with the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), and his involvement in shaping active shooter response curricula. We truly appreciate our followers. If you are enjoying Hangar Z, please help us spread the word—and don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share. Thank you to our sponsors Night Flight Concepts , Robinson Helicopter and Trakka Systems USA .

Apr 10

Welcome to another episode of the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine . On today’s episode, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are thrilled to welcome Dave Ellis. Dave is a pivotal figure in the development of Spokane County Sheriff’s aviation program. Dave takes us through the journey of building the program from the ground up, sharing insights into the political and financial challenges, the role of data tracking, and the power of community engagement. He opens up about his background and his diverse career. We discuss law enforcement and coaching, including his recent incredible success coaching a high school soccer team. We dive into the vital role of communication and education in ensuring the aviation program’s growth and sustainability. The conversation also explores how youth sports teach life lessons, the unique perspective of referees, and the challenges of law enforcement in Spokane County. You’ll hear about the evolution of Spokane County’s aviation unit, including decisions around aircraft selection, advancements in aviation technology, and how real-time situational awareness is enhancing public safety. Dave shares his insights on UAS technology, drone integration, and the growing role of AI in emergency response. Throughout the episode, we touch on Dave’s journey toward agency accreditation, innovations in training, his roles with the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), and his involvement in shaping active shooter response curricula. We truly appreciate our followers. If you are enjoying Hangar Z, please help us spread the word—and don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share. Thank you to our sponsors Canyon AeroConnect , SHOTOVER and Summit Aviation .

Apr 7

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . This two-part series was recorded at APSCON 2024 In Houston, Texas. In this series, hosts Jon Gray, and Jack Schonely sit down with Sgt Cody Robinson and CFI Jeff Serpas from the Houston Police Department Air Support Unit. In this episode, we engage with Houston PD’s finest, who share their insights, experiences, and challenges in the field. We’ll explore the critical role of mentorship and how training methods have evolved over time, alongside the significance of in-house training programs in preparing personnel for the demands of their roles. Join us as we explore our guests' personal journeys through aviation and law enforcement, revealing the vital importance of safety, preparedness, and integrity within flight operations. They emphasize the significance of saying no in aviation, especially under pressure. We’ll also discuss the operational dynamics of air support units, effective training, and the crucial selection process for tactical flight officers (TFOs). Our guests discuss Houston PD’s unit's structure, aircraft fleet, and the significance of maintenance and reliability in operations. The conversation also covers the challenges of navigating Houston's airspace, the impact of weather on operations, particularly during hurricane season, and the importance of community and teamwork in addressing these challenges. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this year's APSCON, which will take place July 14-18 in Phoenix, Arizona. Another conference to get ready for is the ECHO or Every Coast Helicopter Operations Public Safety Aviation Conference is Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 28 through Oct. 1, 2025. This year at the ECHO conference, Jack Schonely and Clay Lacey will join forces to present their renowned and impactful course together on the same stage for the very first time. This unique collaboration and course will be titled "Airborne Tactical Solutions." This is a course you won’t want to miss! For more details, visit the ECHO webpage at ECHOflightCrew.org. Thank you to our sponsors Night Flight Concepts , Precision Aviation Group and Robinson Helicopter .

Apr 3

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . This two-part series was recorded at APSCON 2024 In Houston, Texas. In this series, hosts Jon Gray, and Jack Schonely sit down with Sgt Cody Robinson and CFI Jeff Serpas from the Houston Police Department Air Support Unit. In this episode, we engage with Houston PD’s finest, who share their insights, experiences, and challenges in the field. We’ll explore the critical role of mentorship and how training methods have evolved over time, alongside the significance of in-house training programs in preparing personnel for the demands of their roles. Join us as we explore our guests' personal journeys through aviation and law enforcement, revealing the vital importance of safety, preparedness, and integrity within flight operations. They emphasize the significance of saying no in aviation, especially under pressure. We’ll also discuss the operational dynamics of air support units, effective training, and the crucial selection process for tactical flight officers (TFOs). Our guests discuss Houston PD’s unit's structure, aircraft fleet, and the significance of maintenance and reliability in operations. The conversation also covers the challenges of navigating Houston's airspace, the impact of weather on operations, particularly during hurricane season, and the importance of community and teamwork in addressing these challenges. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this year's APSCON, which will take place July 14-18 in Phoenix, Arizona. Another conference to get ready for is the ECHO or Every Coast Helicopter Operations Public Safety Aviation Conference is Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 28 through Oct. 1, 2025. This year at the ECHO conference, Jack Schonely and Clay Lacey will join forces to present their renowned and impactful course together on the same stage for the very first time. This unique collaboration and course will be titled "Airborne Tactical Solutions." This is a course you won’t want to miss! For more details, visit the ECHO webpage at ECHOflightCrew.org. Thank you to our sponsors Canyon AeroConnect , CNC Technologies and Metro Aviation .

Mar 27

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . In this two-part series, host Jon Gray welcomes members of the Maryland State Police at the 2024 ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference in Richmond, Virginia. During the conversation, we discuss the importance of networking and education in public safety, and personal journeys into aviation and law enforcement. The guests share insights into their roles as trooper paramedics, the challenges of maintaining proficiency in a large unit, and the unique considerations involved in transporting and caring for K-9s. The discussion highlights the significance of collaboration among agencies during emergencies and the value of training and experience in the field. This conversation explores the various aspects of public safety enforcement aviation, focusing on canine transportation missions, recruitment and retention challenges, paramedic training, multi-agency responses, and DUI enforcement experiences. The speakers also share insights from their military backgrounds and discuss the complexities of operations involving the Coast Guard and other agencies. Thank you to our sponsors BLR Aerospace , Metro Aviation and Robinson Helicopter .

Mar 24

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . In this two-part series, host Jon Gray welcomes members of the Maryland State Police at the 2024 ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference in Richmond, Virginia. During the conversation, we discuss the importance of networking and education in public safety, and personal journeys into aviation and law enforcement. The guests share insights into their roles as trooper paramedics, the challenges of maintaining proficiency in a large unit, and the unique considerations involved in transporting and caring for K-9s. The discussion highlights the significance of collaboration among agencies during emergencies and the value of training and experience in the field. This conversation explores the various aspects of public safety enforcement aviation, focusing on canine transportation missions, recruitment and retention challenges, paramedic training, multi-agency responses, and DUI enforcement experiences. The speakers also share insights from their military backgrounds and discuss the complexities of operations involving the Coast Guard and other agencies. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group , Robinson Helicopter and Wysong Enterprises .

Mar 20

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 Tony Webber host a conversation on the urgent need for mission-specific training for pilots and aircrews in public safety aviation. Join us as we discuss the critical gaps between factory training and the specialized skills required for various mission sets, such as aerial firefighting and hoist rescue operations. Our guests, who are all Hangar Z alumni, include SR3’s Dave Callen and Rob Munday, and Riverside County Sheriff Aviation’s Mike Calhoun. The conversation shares personal insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing knowledge and resources to enhance training programs that ensure safety and efficiency in the field. We will navigate the intricate world of helicopter training, covering everything from cost-effective solutions and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) training to the challenges of securing approval for specialized instruction. As we explore the complexities of multi-mission agencies and special operations, we’ll discuss the balance between utilizing autopilot systems and maintaining essential hand-flying skills, all while highlighting the significance of preparation and sound decision-making in high-pressure situations. This conversation is a call to action for professionals in the field to embrace continuous learning and collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or hoist operator or new to public safety aviation, you won’t want to miss the invaluable insights shared in this episode. Thank you to our sponsors BLR Aerospace , Precision Aviation Group and SHOTOVER .

Mar 17

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 Tony Webber host a conversation on the urgent need for mission-specific training for pilots and aircrews in public safety aviation. Join us as we discuss the critical gaps between factory training and the specialized skills required for various mission sets, such as aerial firefighting and hoist rescue operations. Our guests, who are all Hangar Z alumni, include SR3’s Dave Callen and Rob Munday, and Riverside County Sheriff Aviation’s Mike Calhoun. The conversation shares personal insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing knowledge and resources to enhance training programs that ensure safety and efficiency in the field. We will navigate the intricate world of helicopter training, covering everything from cost-effective solutions and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) training to the challenges of securing approval for specialized instruction. As we explore the complexities of multi-mission agencies and special operations, we’ll discuss the balance between utilizing autopilot systems and maintaining essential hand-flying skills, all while highlighting the significance of preparation and sound decision-making in high-pressure situations. This conversation is a call to action for professionals in the field to embrace continuous learning and collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or hoist operator or new to public safety aviation, you won’t want to miss the invaluable insights shared in this episode. Thank you to our sponsors Aerodyne Electronics Manufacturing , CNC Technologies and Metro Aviation .

Mar 13

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Thank you to our special sponsor Airbus for making this recording possible. In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray highlight how the Airbus AS350 series helicopters make LAPD’s mission sets possible through a conversation with LAPD’s Air Support Division chief pilot, Kevin Gallagher. In this series, Kevin shares how his early interest in law enforcement propelled him into the world of air support, providing valuable insights into his training experiences and the challenges faced in this demanding role. We talk about the critical skills that contribute to success in air support, discussing the transition from tactical flight officer (TFO) to pilot, the significance of higher education in aviation, and the evolving nature of crew resource management. Kevin will also shed light on the pressing challenges the LAPD faces, particularly in staffing and recruitment, while emphasizing the vital role of the Air Support division in ensuring effective law enforcement operations. We explore topics such as aviation safety, training protocols, and the collaboration between air support units and other emergency services. We also discuss how the Loft Dynamics H125 simulator will transform training and safety at LAPD and beyond. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Garmin and Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch .

Mar 10

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . Thank you to our special sponsor Airbus for making this recording possible. In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray highlight how the Airbus AS350 series helicopters make LAPD’s mission sets possible through a conversation with LAPD’s Air Support Division chief pilot, Kevin Gallagher. In this series, Kevin shares how his early interest in law enforcement propelled him into the world of air support, providing valuable insights into his training experiences and the challenges faced in this demanding role. We talk about the critical skills that contribute to success in air support, discussing the transition from tactical flight officer (TFO) to pilot, the significance of higher education in aviation, and the evolving nature of crew resource management. Kevin will also shed light on the pressing challenges the LAPD faces, particularly in staffing and recruitment, while emphasizing the vital role of the Air Support division in ensuring effective law enforcement operations. We explore topics such as aviation safety, training protocols, and the collaboration between air support units and other emergency services. We also discuss how the Loft Dynamics H125 simulator will transform training and safety at LAPD and beyond. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Dallas Avionics and Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch .

Mar 6

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 Kodey Bogart. During this series we explore Kodey’s career and impact within the aviation industry, highlighting her remarkable path from military service as a Black Hawk pilot to her current role as an industry safety expert and author. During the conversation, Kodey shares her insights on the critical importance of safety practices in aviation, the vital role helicopters play in emergency response, and the growing collaboration between drones and helicopters in disaster situations. We discuss the significance of community service, particularly in the context of hurricane responses. Kodey reflects on her time in flight school and her military deployments, emphasizing peer support and the evolution of crew responsibilities. She recounts memorable missions, the unique camaraderie formed during high-stress situations, and the challenges faced during the transition to civilian life from the military. We also dive into the pressing issues within law enforcement aviation, such as recruitment and retention, and explore advocacy for women in aviation. Kodey also discusses her children's book series, Helo Girls, which aims to educate and inspire children. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Garmin and SHOTOVER .

Mar 3

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 Kodey Bogart. During this series we explore Kodey’s career and impact within the aviation industry, highlighting her remarkable path from military service as a Black Hawk pilot to her current role as an industry safety expert and author. During the conversation, Kodey shares her insights on the critical importance of safety practices in aviation, the vital role helicopters play in emergency response, and the growing collaboration between drones and helicopters in disaster situations. We discuss the significance of community service, particularly in the context of hurricane responses. Kodey reflects on her time in flight school and her military deployments, emphasizing peer support and the evolution of crew responsibilities. She recounts memorable missions, the unique camaraderie formed during high-stress situations, and the challenges faced during the transition to civilian life from the military. We also dive into the pressing issues within law enforcement aviation, such as recruitment and retention, and explore advocacy for women in aviation. Kodey also discusses her children's book series, Helo Girls, which aims to educate and inspire children. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , Metro Aviation and Wysong Enterprises .

Feb 27

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 .

Feb 24

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 .

Feb 20

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray are thrilled to welcome Tim Tucker, a seasoned aviator with an extraordinary 54-year career in aviation. Tim shares compelling stories from his time flying the Bell Huey helicopter during the Vietnam War, detailing the unique missions of the 57th Assault Helicopter Company, famously known as the Gladiators. This episode offers a deep exploration of military aviation and the personal experiences that shape a pilot's career. As the conversation unfolds, Tim discusses the complexities of inserting and extracting recon teams in hostile situations, the vital role of fast movers in support missions, and the importance of crew trust during combat. He also reflects on his transition to flight instruction, his contributions to the Robinson R22 helicopter's development, and his impactful collaboration with Frank Robinson. We'll hear about the evolution of helicopter training and safety courses that have significantly reduced instructional accidents, his experiences with foreign pilot licensing, and the key lessons learned throughout his extensive career. Tim talks about his role as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designated pilot examiner, highlighting common mistakes pilots make during check rides and the necessity of understanding airspace regulations. With memorable anecdotes and practical safety tips, this episode is packed with insights for every helicopter enthusiast. Join us in celebrating Tim's achievements, including his recent induction into the Flight Instructor's Hall of Fame, and learn about the innovative techniques he's championed throughout his remarkable journey. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group , SHOTOVER and Vertical Magazine .

Feb 17

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray are thrilled to welcome Tim Tucker, a seasoned aviator with an extraordinary 54-year career in aviation. Tim shares compelling stories from his time flying the Bell Huey helicopter during the Vietnam War, detailing the unique missions of the 57th Assault Helicopter Company, famously known as the Gladiators. This episode offers a deep exploration of military aviation and the personal experiences that shape a pilot's career. As the conversation unfolds, Tim discusses the complexities of inserting and extracting recon teams in hostile situations, the vital role of fast movers in support missions, and the importance of crew trust during combat. He also reflects on his transition to flight instruction, his contributions to the Robinson R22 helicopter's development, and his impactful collaboration with Frank Robinson. We'll hear about the evolution of helicopter training and safety courses that have significantly reduced instructional accidents, his experiences with foreign pilot licensing, and the key lessons learned throughout his extensive career. Tim talks about his role as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designated pilot examiner, highlighting common mistakes pilots make during check rides and the necessity of understanding airspace regulations. With memorable anecdotes and practical safety tips, this episode is packed with insights for every helicopter enthusiast. Join us in celebrating Tim's achievements, including his recent induction into the Flight Instructor's Hall of Fame, and learn about the innovative techniques he's championed throughout his remarkable journey. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Night Flight Concepts and Precision Aviation Group .

Feb 13

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray talk with members of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department's Henry One, including unit supervisor Chris Haas, pilot Nigel Cooper, and tactical flight officer Lawrence Matelli. This is a unique project in conjunction with Vertical Valor, The Real ResQ Podcast, and Hangar Z. The article from Vertical Valor is available now at Verticalmag.com. Our conversation with the crew of Henry One explores their impactful work and provides insight into the world of the multi-mission airborne law enforcement unit. We get an opportunity to discuss Henry One’s history, mission profiles, crew dynamics, aircraft performance, long-lining operations, and the importance of training documentation. They emphasize the significance of smooth operations, the evolution of their training programs, and the critical nature of competency and currency in high-stakes environments. We talk about the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, focusing on the operational dynamics of the Sonoma County Sheriff's aviation unit. This conversation focuses on teamwork, communication, and personal stories from significant events like the Tubbs fire, where Henry One emphasizes the dedication of law enforcement officers in the face of disaster. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Dallas Avionics and SHOTOVER .

Feb 10

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray talk with members of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department's Henry One, including unit supervisor Chris Haas, pilot Nigel Cooper, and tactical flight officer Lawrence Matelli. This is a unique project in conjunction with Vertical Valor, The Real ResQ Podcast, and Hangar Z. The article from Vertical Valor is available now at Verticalmag.com. Our conversation with the crew of Henry One explores their impactful work and provides insight into the world of the multi-mission airborne law enforcement unit. We get an opportunity to discuss Henry One’s history, mission profiles, crew dynamics, aircraft performance, long-lining operations, and the importance of training documentation. They emphasize the significance of smooth operations, the evolution of their training programs, and the critical nature of competency and currency in high-stakes environments. We talk about the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, focusing on the operational dynamics of the Sonoma County Sheriff's aviation unit. This conversation focuses on teamwork, communication, and personal stories from significant events like the Tubbs fire, where Henry One emphasizes the dedication of law enforcement officers in the face of disaster. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics , Night Flight Concepts , and Bell .

Feb 6

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . In this two-part leadership series episode, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Clint Pulver, an Emmy Award winner, author, keynote speaker, pro drummer, helicopter pilot, and partner in the helicopter apparel company Heli Life. During our conversation, we explore the vital role of effective leadership in the realms of public safety and aviation. Clint shares his inspiring journey from aspiring helicopter pilot to professional speaker and author, shedding light on the urgent need for transformative leadership training and its profound effect on organizational culture and employee retention. Drawing from his insightful Undercover Millennial research, highlighted in the book he wrote titled “I Love it Here,” Clint reveals a truth we know too well: Employees often leave their bosses, not their jobs. During the conversation, they discuss the importance of mentorship over mere management and the power of genuine connection in leadership. Throughout this enlightening conversation, Clint tackles the common disconnect in leadership and the significance of "time affluence" in fostering meaningful relationships. With a focus on positivity, recognition, and personal connection, Clint advocates for a leadership approach that enriches employees' lives and cultivates a culture of mentorship and engagement. We mentioned that Clint is a partner at Heli Life, which is the apparel brand designed for helicopter pilots, operators, maintenance crews, aviation enthusiasts, and everything in-between. Heli Life is pilot-owned-and-operated, with a design team that has worked incredibly hard to engineer and create the perfect gear and apparel that enhances the flying experience and love of aviation while also providing comfort, style, and durability that lasts. All Hangar Z listeners can visit helilife.shop today and use the promo code “hangarz” (all one word) to receive 15% off their first order. Enjoy, and live life airborne! Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , CNC Technologies and Robinson Helicopter .

Feb 3

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . In this two-part leadership series episode, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Clint Pulver, an Emmy Award winner, author, keynote speaker, pro drummer, helicopter pilot, and partner in the helicopter apparel company Heli Life. During our conversation, we explore the vital role of effective leadership in the realms of public safety and aviation. Clint shares his inspiring journey from aspiring helicopter pilot to professional speaker and author, shedding light on the urgent need for transformative leadership training and its profound effect on organizational culture and employee retention. Drawing from his insightful Undercover Millennial research, highlighted in the book he wrote titled “I Love it Here,” Clint reveals a truth we know too well: Employees often leave their bosses, not their jobs. During the conversation, they discuss the importance of mentorship over mere management and the power of genuine connection in leadership. Throughout this enlightening conversation, Clint tackles the common disconnect in leadership and the significance of "time affluence" in fostering meaningful relationships. With a focus on positivity, recognition, and personal connection, Clint advocates for a leadership approach that enriches employees' lives and cultivates a culture of mentorship and engagement. We mentioned that Clint is a partner at Heli Life, which is the apparel brand designed for helicopter pilots, operators, maintenance crews, aviation enthusiasts, and everything in-between. Heli Life is pilot-owned-and-operated, with a design team that has worked incredibly hard to engineer and create the perfect gear and apparel that enhances the flying experience and love of aviation while also providing comfort, style, and durability that lasts. All Hangar Z listeners can visit helilife.shop today and use the promo code “hangarz” (all one word) to receive 15% off their first order. Enjoy, and live life airborne! Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , Precision Aviation Group and Robinson Helicopter .

Jan 30

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with V ertical Valor Magazine . In this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Lt. Clay Lacey from Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to discuss the integration of drones with manned aircraft in law enforcement operations. They discuss how collaboration between drone and aviation programs plays a crucial role in enhancing effectiveness and safety in airborne law enforcement. Lt. Lacey shares valuable insights on the importance of proper training, communication, and structure within these units, emphasizing how effective teamwork between drone operators and ground teams is essential. Through real-world examples, they illustrate the challenges faced during operations and underscore the significance of integrating drone programs within traditional aviation units. The conversation also covers tactical insights gained from training, the enhancement of airborne intelligence through drones, and the evolving landscape of aviation technology. As they explore the future of collaboration between manned and unmanned aviation, they highlight the importance of professional training, mental health awareness, and leadership within law enforcement agencies. Additionally, they address the challenges posed by unauthorized drone flights and the critical need for cohesive operations between different aerial platforms. Thank you to our sponsors BLR Aerospace , Garmin and Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch

Jan 27

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with V ertical Valor Magazine . In this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Lt. Clay Lacey from Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to discuss the integration of drones with manned aircraft in law enforcement operations. They discuss how collaboration between drone and aviation programs plays a crucial role in enhancing effectiveness and safety in airborne law enforcement. Lt. Lacey shares valuable insights on the importance of proper training, communication, and structure within these units, emphasizing how effective teamwork between drone operators and ground teams is essential. Through real-world examples, they illustrate the challenges faced during operations and underscore the significance of integrating drone programs within traditional aviation units. The conversation also covers tactical insights gained from training, the enhancement of airborne intelligence through drones, and the evolving landscape of aviation technology. As they explore the future of collaboration between manned and unmanned aviation, they highlight the importance of professional training, mental health awareness, and leadership within law enforcement agencies. Additionally, they address the challenges posed by unauthorized drone flights and the critical need for cohesive operations between different aerial platforms. Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America , Robinson Helicopter and Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch

Jan 23

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . In this two-part series, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down with Lieutenant Commander Scott Kellerman, U.S. Coast Guard pilot. Join us as Scott shares his remarkable journey from a Southern California upbringing to the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy, detailing the challenges and traditions that shaped his career in aviation. We'll explore how Scott's experiences at air shows ignited his passion for flight and led him to serve during critical moments, including responses to many natural disasters including hurricanes, earthquakes, and the Fukushima tsunami and nuclear disaster in 2011. Scott brings us his insights on leadership, crisis management, and the significance of networking in emergency response. Scott's compelling anecdotes will take you behind the scenes of search-and-rescue missions, and highlight the importance of preparation and decision-making in the face of adversity. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group , Bell , and Vertical MRO .

Jan 20

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . In this two-part series, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down with Lieutenant Commander Scott Kellerman, U.S. Coast Guard pilot. Join us as Scott shares his remarkable journey from a Southern California upbringing to the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy, detailing the challenges and traditions that shaped his career in aviation. We'll explore how Scott's experiences at air shows ignited his passion for flight and led him to serve during critical moments, including responses to many natural disasters including hurricanes, earthquakes, and the Fukushima tsunami and nuclear disaster in 2011. Scott brings us his insights on leadership, crisis management, and the significance of networking in emergency response. Scott's compelling anecdotes will take you behind the scenes of search-and-rescue missions, and highlight the importance of preparation and decision-making in the face of adversity. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group , BLR Aerospace , and Garmin .

Jan 16

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . We get a ton of questions from people asking how they can break into the public safety aviation career field, so in this episode, we’re thrilled to explore the diverse pathways into public safety aviation careers like airborne law enforcement, aerial firefighting, airborne search-and-rescue technicians, and emergency medical services. Join Rob Munday, Stef Maier, Mike Calhoun, and Dave Callen, who share valuable insights on breaking into the public safety aviation community. We’ll uncover the essential skills, personal attributes, and relevant experiences that can set you apart in these high-stakes fields. From the significance of training and volunteering to the impact of mentorship and networking, this conversation offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities that await aspiring public safety aviators. Whether you’re exploring a new career path or looking to deepen your understanding of these critical roles, you won’t want to miss this enlightening episode of Hangar Z! Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America , Robinson Helicopters and SHOTOVER .

Jan 14

Welcome to this special episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, covering the 2025 Los Angeles firestorm. This podcast is brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . In this special episode, we talk with Hangar Z alumnus and L.A. County fire pilot Mike Sagely about the recent wildfire disaster that has swept through Los Angeles. Mike is a dedicated L.A. County fire pilot on the front lines, who will shed light on this urgent and devastating situation. Over this past week, the Palisades Fire erupted in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, growing rapidly to over 23,700 acres. Tragically, that fire has damaged or destroyed nearly 1,500 structures. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire ignited near a canyon north of downtown Los Angeles, escalating to 14,117 acres and damaging or destroying more than 3,000 structures. The fires have reportedly claimed the lives of at least 24 people. Join us as we unpack the aviation response to this devastating event and explore the incredible challenges firefighters face battling wind- and terrain-driven wildland fire. Mike will share invaluable insights on managing air operations under extreme weather conditions, from the critical forecasting and staffing adjustments made in anticipation of the fires to the complexities encountered during the initial attack and ongoing efforts. We’ll discuss the emotional toll on firefighters, the vital role of mutual aid resources, and the strategic decision-making required to combat these wildfires effectively. Plus, hear about the impacts of drones on firefighting operations and the importance of community support and public awareness in promoting safety. Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , Robinson Helicopter and Astronautics Corporation of America.

Jan 13

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine. In this two-part series, host Jack Schonely and co-host Harald Brink go international and speak to Joseba Mendizabal, a Lieutenant Pilot from the Basque Police in Spain. Joseba is an inspiring and funny fixture in our industry. His journey spans from aspiring pilot to military service and now a dedicated helicopter pilot for the Basque Country’s police force. Join us as Joseba shares his experiences, including a memorable flight over New York City that sparked his decision to pursue his pilot assignment. During the conversation, we explore the transformation of Bilbao, and the intricacies of modern policing. From personal anecdotes about military training to discussions on resilience and teamwork, this conversation highlights the critical role of helicopter pilots in law enforcement and the significance of industry training and networking events like PavCon. Our goal with these international conversations is to connect and engage with our international brothers and sisters in public safety aviation. Sharing insights, experiences, and best practices across international borders strengthens our collective efforts. Together, we can learn from one another, celebrate our shared passion for aviation, and enhance our commitment to protecting and serving the public. Join us in this vital conversation as we bridge gaps and foster collaboration in the world of public safety aviation! Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , Precision Aviation Group and CNC Technologies .

Jan 9

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine. In this two-part series, host Jack Schonely and co-host Harald Brink go international and speak to Joseba Mendizabal, a Lieutenant Pilot from the Basque Police in Spain. Joseba is an inspiring and funny fixture in our industry. His journey spans from aspiring pilot to military service and now a dedicated helicopter pilot for the Basque Country’s police force. Join us as Joseba shares his experiences, including a memorable flight over New York City that sparked his decision to pursue his pilot assignment. During the conversation, we explore the transformation of Bilbao, and the intricacies of modern policing. From personal anecdotes about military training to discussions on resilience and teamwork, this conversation highlights the critical role of helicopter pilots in law enforcement and the significance of industry training and networking events like PavCon. Our goal with these international conversations is to connect and engage with our international brothers and sisters in public safety aviation. Sharing insights, experiences, and best practices across international borders strengthens our collective efforts. Together, we can learn from one another, celebrate our shared passion for aviation, and enhance our commitment to protecting and serving the public. Join us in this vital conversation as we bridge gaps and foster collaboration in the world of public safety aviation! Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , Precision Aviation Group and CNC Technologies .

Jan 6

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine . This episode of The Hangar Z Podcast was recorded in Amsterdam on the floor of European Rotors, at the MHM Publishing podcast booth. In this episode, I get to sit down with Cal Meeker, founder of Meeker Aviation. Just about every public safety aviation mission would not be possible without the external payload mounts produced by Meeker Aviation that secure mission equipment to our aircraft. During the conversation, Cal shares his journey in the aviation industry, particularly in public safety. The conversation covers Cal's early experiences with helicopters, the challenges of starting a business, the importance of commitment and sacrifice, and the evolution of public safety mission equipment. Cal also discusses his passion for racing and how it intersects with his work in aviation, as well as the complexities of product development and the significance of quality in public safety aviation. In this conversation, Cal discusses his innovative design practices, some of the challenges faced in his projects, and the importance of engaging the next generation of aviators. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER .

Dec 26, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS . This two-part series of Hangar Z was recorded on location in Richmond, Virginia, at the ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference. Host Jon Gray has a roundtable discussion with Terry Miyauchi, Bell’s public safety segment manager; Dave Callen, SR3 Rescue Concepts owner; and Andrew Baity, a Virginia State Police helicopter pilot. They share insights on the importance of networking, training, and collaboration among agencies, especially during emergencies. The conversation highlights the value of fly-ins for fostering relationships and the need for continuous training to ensure safety and efficiency in operations. This conversation delves into the importance of teamwork and leadership in aviation, emphasizing the need to set aside ego for collective success. It explores how technological advancements are reshaping the industry while highlighting the necessity of maintaining human skills and training. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group , Spectrolab , and SHOTOVER .

Dec 23, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS . This two-part series of Hangar Z was recorded on location in Richmond, Virginia, at the ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference. Host Jon Gray has a roundtable discussion with Terry Miyauchi, Bell’s public safety segment manager; Dave Callen, SR3 Rescue Concepts owner; and Andrew Baity, a Virginia State Police helicopter pilot. They share insights on the importance of networking, training, and collaboration among agencies, especially during emergencies. The conversation highlights the value of fly-ins for fostering relationships and the need for continuous training to ensure safety and efficiency in operations. This conversation delves into the importance of teamwork and leadership in aviation, emphasizing the need to set aside ego for collective success. It explores how technological advancements are reshaping the industry while highlighting the necessity of maintaining human skills and training. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Precision Aviation Group , and Summit Aviation .

Dec 19, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS . In This two-part series of the Hanger Z podcast Jack Schonely and Jon Gray welcome Randy Rowles onto the podcast. Randy shares his inspiring journey from dropping out of high school to becoming the owner and president of the Helicopter Institute. He discusses the pivotal moments in his life that shaped his passion for flying, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges he faced along the way. Randy's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community in achieving one's dreams. In this conversation, Randy Rowles shares his journey through the helicopter industry, emphasizing the importance of networking, career transitions, and the impact of relationships on professional growth. He discusses his experiences at Bell Helicopter, the challenges faced during his time at Silver State, and the founding of the Helicopter Institute, which has become a family business dedicated to high-quality training. Randy's story highlights determination, grit, and the significance of mentorship in shaping one's career. Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , Robinson Helicopters and Spectrolab .

Dec 16, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS . In This two-part series of the Hanger Z podcast Jack Schonely and Jon Gray welcome Randy Rowles onto the podcast. Randy shares his inspiring journey from dropping out of high school to becoming the owner and president of the Helicopter Institute. He discusses the pivotal moments in his life that shaped his passion for flying, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges he faced along the way. Randy's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community in achieving one's dreams. In this conversation, Randy Rowles shares his journey through the helicopter industry, emphasizing the importance of networking, career transitions, and the impact of relationships on professional growth. He discusses his experiences at Bell Helicopter, the challenges faced during his time at Silver State, and the founding of the Helicopter Institute, which has become a family business dedicated to high-quality training. Randy's story highlights determination, grit, and the significance of mentorship in shaping one's career. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Summit Aviation and Spectrum Aeromed .

Dec 12, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS . This episode of the Hanger Z podcast was recorded on location in Houston Texas at the Airborne Public Safety Aviation Conference known as APSCON. Hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray have a discussion with the Airborne Public Safety Association Executive Director and CEO Dan Schwarzbach and APSA President Richard Bray. The conversation at APSCON 2024 highlights the evolution of law enforcement aviation, focusing on technological advancements, the importance of networking, and the role of training and partnerships in enhancing operational effectiveness. The guests discuss the significant changes in aviation technology, the growth of the APSCON conference, and the value of community connections in the industry. The conversation covers various aspects of APSA member support and benefits. provided by the organization, including scholarships, webinars, and networking opportunities. It also discusses future plans for expansion into Europe and the importance of media in promoting the aviation industry and recruitment efforts. The closing remarks highlight the dedication of the members and the ongoing efforts to build a strong community. Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America , Robinson Helicopters and SHOTOVER .

Dec 9, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with the 2024 Airborne Public Safety Aviation Association's Tactical Flight Officer of the Year award recipient, Senior Deputy Eric Johnson, and Sergeant Jerry Hunter, from the Kings County (California) Sheriff’s Office. Eric and Jerry discuss the award, their backgrounds in law enforcement, the establishment of their air support unit, and the critical role of aviation in enhancing canine operations and overall public safety within Kings County. The conversation highlights the importance of the ongoing development of operational strategies for effective air support. Eric and Jerry emphasize the significance of transparency, the commitment to excellence and hard work, and the impact of their operations on public safety. They also discuss the pride taken in maintaining aircraft and facilities and the role of leadership in fostering a positive culture within their program. The Hangar Z would like to congratulate Eric for earning the APSA TFO of the Year Award and acknowledge him for his dedication to public safety aviation and the example he sets as a tactical flight officer. Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America , Bell , and Spectrum Aeromed .

Dec 5, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with the 2024 Airborne Public Safety Aviation Association's Tactical Flight Officer of the Year award recipient, Senior Deputy Eric Johnson, and Sergeant Jerry Hunter, from the Kings County (California) Sheriff’s Office. Eric and Jerry discuss the award, their backgrounds in law enforcement, the establishment of their air support unit, and the critical role of aviation in enhancing canine operations and overall public safety within Kings County. The conversation highlights the importance of the ongoing development of operational strategies for effective air support. Eric and Jerry emphasize the significance of transparency, the commitment to excellence and hard work, and the impact of their operations on public safety. They also discuss the pride taken in maintaining aircraft and facilities and the role of leadership in fostering a positive culture within their program. The Hangar Z would like to congratulate Eric for earning the APSA TFO of the Year Award and acknowledge him for his dedication to public safety aviation and the example he sets as a tactical flight officer. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Precision Aviation Group and Spectrolab .

Dec 2, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS . This episode of the Hanger Z Podcast was recorded on location in Washington, D.C., at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall. Jack Schonely has a very impactful and enlightening conversation with Craig Floyd, founding CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. During the conversation, Craig shares insights about the wall, the Police Unity Tour, and his new initiative, Citizens Behind the Badge. He reflects on the importance of honoring fallen officers, the impact of the memorial on survivors, and the need for public support for law enforcement, especially in light of recent challenges faced by police officers. The discussion emphasizes the significance of remembrance and appreciation for those who serve and protect. This conversation explores the profound impact of sacrifice within the law enforcement community, focusing on personal stories of loss, remembrance, and empowerment. The conversation highlights the importance of memorials, the emotional weight of visiting the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial, and the need to support the families of fallen officers. Through shared experiences and reflections, the speakers emphasize the significance of keeping memories alive and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Precision Aviation Group and Metro Aviation .

Nov 28, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this powerful two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down with Jim Moss, a retired member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, to discuss the invaluable lessons learned throughout his remarkable career. Join us as Jim shares his journey from growing up in a single-parent household to becoming a deputy sheriff, emphasizing the importance of humility in leadership and the role of cognitive diversity in building effective teams. With his experience as a SWAT team member and tactical medic on Air Rescue 5, Jim offers a unique perspective on high-risk missions and the critical nature of debriefing for performance improvement. This episode highlights Jim's reflections on the relationship between officers and inmates, and the varied opportunities within the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. We’ll delve into the vital role of training, the intricacies of aviation operations, and the essential skills required for crew chiefs in the field. Jim recounts a memorable and challenging experience responding to an active shooter incident and discusses the extensive training necessary to excel in roles within the Special Enforcement Bureau and Emergency Services Detail. With accolades like the Medal of Valor and the NBC Hero of the Week award, Jim remains grounded and humble about his accomplishments. Whether you’re interested in law enforcement, aviation, or leadership development, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and advice for those aspiring to make a difference. Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER and Robinson Helicopters .

Nov 25, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this powerful two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down with Jim Moss, a retired member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, to discuss the invaluable lessons learned throughout his remarkable career. Join us as Jim shares his journey from growing up in a single-parent household to becoming a deputy sheriff, emphasizing the importance of humility in leadership and the role of cognitive diversity in building effective teams. With his experience as a SWAT team member and tactical medic on Air Rescue 5, Jim offers a unique perspective on high-risk missions and the critical nature of debriefing for performance improvement. This episode highlights Jim's reflections on the relationship between officers and inmates, and the varied opportunities within the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. We’ll delve into the vital role of training, the intricacies of aviation operations, and the essential skills required for crew chiefs in the field. Jim recounts a memorable and challenging experience responding to an active shooter incident and discusses the extensive training necessary to excel in roles within the Special Enforcement Bureau and Emergency Services Detail. With accolades like the Medal of Valor and the NBC Hero of the Week award, Jim remains grounded and humble about his accomplishments. Whether you’re interested in law enforcement, aviation, or leadership development, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and advice for those aspiring to make a difference. Thank you to our sponsors Onboard Systems , SHOTOVER and Spectrolab .

Nov 21, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this inspiring episode, co-hosts Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with Dave Salem, a legendary figure in the law enforcement aviation community. Together, they explore Dave's remarkable journey from police officer to pilot in the Mesa Police Department's air unit, influenced greatly by his father, an Air Force pilot. The conversation delves into captivating locations like Sycamore Creek and Alpine, Wyoming, and reflects on pivotal moments in aviation history, including the space program and the Challenger explosion. Dave shares invaluable insights on the critical role of air support in law enforcement, emphasizing how it acts as a force multiplier in various operations. He recounts a tense traffic stop where the presence of a helicopter transformed a potentially dangerous situation. Dave talks about the early challenges of establishing the Mesa air support unit, the importance of maintaining detailed performance statistics, and the value of partnerships with other departments. As the episode progresses, Dave discusses his transition to MD Helicopters and shares advice from his experience as a senior demonstration pilot at Bell. His passion for helicopter flight training shines through, particularly regarding auto rotations and emergency procedure, with a vision to mentor the next generation of helicopter pilots through his company Eagle West Helicopters. Join us for this engaging conversation that highlights the importance of collaboration, training, and the passion that drives the law enforcement aviation industry. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , Garmin and Robinson Helicopters .

Nov 18, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this inspiring episode, co-hosts Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with Dave Salem, a legendary figure in the law enforcement aviation community. Together, they explore Dave's remarkable journey from police officer to pilot in the Mesa Police Department's air unit, influenced greatly by his father, an Air Force pilot. The conversation delves into captivating locations like Sycamore Creek and Alpine, Wyoming, and reflects on pivotal moments in aviation history, including the space program and the Challenger explosion. Dave shares invaluable insights on the critical role of air support in law enforcement, emphasizing how it acts as a force multiplier in various operations. He recounts a tense traffic stop where the presence of a helicopter transformed a potentially dangerous situation. Dave talks about the early challenges of establishing the Mesa air support unit, the importance of maintaining detailed performance statistics, and the value of partnerships with other departments. As the episode progresses, Dave discusses his transition to MD Helicopters and shares advice from his experience as a senior demonstration pilot at Bell. His passion for helicopter flight training shines through, particularly regarding auto rotations and emergency procedure, with a vision to mentor the next generation of helicopter pilots through his company Eagle West Helicopters. Join us for this engaging conversation that highlights the importance of collaboration, training, and the passion that drives the law enforcement aviation industry. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Precision Aviation Group and Wysong Enterprises .

Nov 14, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two-part series, co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Andrew Nicoletti, a sergeant and pilot from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Get ready for an engaging conversation as we explore Andrew's unique journey into aviation, from his early experiences to his operational responsibilities in a busy county. Andrew discusses the intricacies of the Huntsman mission, particularly the challenges and nuances involved in dignitary details. The episode also highlights the critical importance of precautionary landings and the role of succession planning in law enforcement. Andrew shares how his experiences with the Civil Air Patrol and his education at The Citadel have shaped his career and outlook. As the conversation unfolds, themes of leadership, continuous training, and the challenges faced in aviation for law enforcement emerge. Andrew reflects on his military deployments and current aviation operations in Palm Beach County, emphasizing the necessity of mentorship, relationship building, and the meticulous planning involved in high-stakes scenarios. Whether you’re interested in aviation, law enforcement, or leadership development, this episode is packed with valuable insights and lessons that are sure to resonate. Join us as we learn from the experiences and expertise of Andrew Nicoletti! Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Metro Aviation and Spectrolab .

Nov 11, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two-part series, co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Andrew Nicoletti, a sergeant and pilot from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Get ready for an engaging conversation as we explore Andrew's unique journey into aviation, from his early experiences to his operational responsibilities in a busy county. Andrew discusses the intricacies of the Huntsman mission, particularly the challenges and nuances involved in dignitary details. The episode also highlights the critical importance of precautionary landings and the role of succession planning in law enforcement. Andrew shares how his experiences with the Civil Air Patrol and his education at The Citadel have shaped his career and outlook. As the conversation unfolds, themes of leadership, continuous training, and the challenges faced in aviation for law enforcement emerge. Andrew reflects on his military deployments and current aviation operations in Palm Beach County, emphasizing the necessity of mentorship, relationship building, and the meticulous planning involved in high-stakes scenarios. Whether you’re interested in aviation, law enforcement, or leadership development, this episode is packed with valuable insights and lessons that are sure to resonate. Join us as we learn from the experiences and expertise of Andrew Nicoletti! Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group , Technisonic and Wysong Enterprises .

Nov 7, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This is a special two-part series Hangar Z co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray recorded with Virginia State Police pilots Jeff Bush and Brian Canada. This conversation highlights their heroic rescue mission that successfully saved 54 individuals from a hospital engulfed by floodwaters during Hurricane Helene. Hurricane Helene impacted the entire southeastern portion of the United States. In this series, we talk about the brave efforts of first responders during the storm and the role helicopter aviation is playing in the response to natural disasters. This candid conversation explores the critical role of public safety aviation in disaster response, highlighting the personal experiences of rescuers as they navigated challenging weather conditions. Learn about the intricate decision-making process for launching the mission, the vital importance of communication and crew co-ordination, and the impressive integration of civil and military assets during the operation. We'll reflect on the challenges faced, the invaluable lessons learned, and the crucial support provided by aviation programs in life-saving scenarios. Additionally, we’ll discuss community involvement and the contributions of private helicopters during disaster responses. Be sure to catch Lisa Gordon's captivating article that highlights this remarkable mission at www.verticalmag.com . Get ready for an insightful episode that honors the dedication of our first responders and emphasizes the transformative power of aviation in saving lives. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , Bell and Garmin .

Nov 4, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This is a special two-part series Hangar Z co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray recorded with Virginia State Police pilots Jeff Bush and Brian Canada. This conversation highlights their heroic rescue mission that successfully saved 54 individuals from a hospital engulfed by floodwaters during Hurricane Helene. Hurricane Helene impacted the entire southeastern portion of the United States. In this series, we talk about the brave efforts of first responders during the storm and the role helicopter aviation is playing in the response to natural disasters. This candid conversation explores the critical role of public safety aviation in disaster response, highlighting the personal experiences of rescuers as they navigated challenging weather conditions. Learn about the intricate decision-making process for launching the mission, the vital importance of communication and crew co-ordination, and the impressive integration of civil and military assets during the operation. We'll reflect on the challenges faced, the invaluable lessons learned, and the crucial support provided by aviation programs in life-saving scenarios. Additionally, we’ll discuss community involvement and the contributions of private helicopters during disaster responses. Be sure to catch Lisa Gordon's captivating article that highlights this remarkable mission at www.verticalmag.com . Get ready for an insightful episode that honors the dedication of our first responders and emphasizes the transformative power of aviation in saving lives. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Collins Aerospace and Technisonic .

Oct 31, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of the Hangar Z Podcast, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Lt Steve Farris from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Aviation Section. Lt Farris shares his unique journey, tracing his early interest in law enforcement and aviation, alongside his family history that shaped his career path. Lt Farris discusses his progression from patrol officer to helicopter pilot and eventually earning the title of chief pilot, as he highlights critical moments that influenced his ambition and guided his leadership strategies within the aviation section. We examine the growth of Seminole County and the unique challenges of living in an area with a significant alligator population, providing an interesting backdrop to his experiences. Lt Farris discusses the structure of the aviation unit and the integration of drones into their operations. Lt Farris shares valuable insights on the challenges and successes of the aviation program, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, fostering a strong culture, and the need for strategic succession planning within the air support unit. We also get an opportunity to discuss aircraft replacement cycles, the financial justifications behind them, and considerations necessary for operating in diverse weather conditions. With a strong emphasis on leadership principles, Lt Farris articulates how common sense plays a role in enhancing operational efficiency and safety. Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America , Bell and Robinson Helicopters .

Oct 28, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of the Hangar Z Podcast, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Lt Steve Farris from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Aviation Section. Lt Farris shares his unique journey, tracing his early interest in law enforcement and aviation, alongside his family history that shaped his career path. Lt Farris discusses his progression from patrol officer to helicopter pilot and eventually earning the title of chief pilot, as he highlights critical moments that influenced his ambition and guided his leadership strategies within the aviation section. We examine the growth of Seminole County and the unique challenges of living in an area with a significant alligator population, providing an interesting backdrop to his experiences. Lt Farris discusses the structure of the aviation unit and the integration of drones into their operations. Lt Farris shares valuable insights on the challenges and successes of the aviation program, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, fostering a strong culture, and the need for strategic succession planning within the air support unit. We also get an opportunity to discuss aircraft replacement cycles, the financial justifications behind them, and considerations necessary for operating in diverse weather conditions. With a strong emphasis on leadership principles, Lt Farris articulates how common sense plays a role in enhancing operational efficiency and safety. Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics , Precision Aviation Group and Summit Aviation .

Oct 24, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this engaging two-part series of the Hangar Z Podcast, Tony Webber and Jon Gray welcome Dale Head, a seasoned expert in aerial firefighting. With a rich background in both the fire service and aviation, Dale shares his journey and insights into the high-stakes world of aerial firefighting. The conversation kicks off with Dale’s experiences in the field, highlighting the vital role of air attack in initial fire responses and the challenges that come with managing aerial operations. Listeners will hear about the controlled chaos of firefighting missions, where constant deconfliction is essential for safety and efficiency. Dale discusses the various aircraft employed in these missions, along with specialized equipment like infrared cameras that enhance firefighting efforts. Dale’s passion for music also comes to light as he shares anecdotes from his unique band projects, infusing humor and camaraderie into the discussion. Alongside funny stories from their firefighting careers, the group emphasizes the importance of safety gear and the critical nature of mentorship within the fire service and aviation industry. As the owner of a company that provides aerial firefighting services, Dale reflects on memorable fires and the complexities of maintaining and managing a fleet of aircraft. Finally, he offers valuable advice for those aspiring to enter the field of public safety aviation, inspiring newcomers to embrace the challenges and rewards of this vital career path. Join us for a compelling conversation that combines expertise, humor, and heartfelt messages about community and mentorship in the world of aerial firefighting! Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics , Spectrolab and Summit Aviation .

Oct 21, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this engaging two-part series of the Hangar Z Podcast, Tony Webber and Jon Gray welcome Dale Head, a seasoned expert in aerial firefighting. With a rich background in both the fire service and aviation, Dale shares his journey and insights into the high-stakes world of aerial firefighting. The conversation kicks off with Dale’s experiences in the field, highlighting the vital role of air attack in initial fire responses and the challenges that come with managing aerial operations. Listeners will hear about the controlled chaos of firefighting missions, where constant deconfliction is essential for safety and efficiency. Dale discusses the various aircraft employed in these missions, along with specialized equipment like infrared cameras that enhance firefighting efforts. Dale’s passion for music also comes to light as he shares anecdotes from his unique band projects, infusing humor and camaraderie into the discussion. Alongside funny stories from their firefighting careers, the group emphasizes the importance of safety gear and the critical nature of mentorship within the fire service and aviation industry. As the owner of a company that provides aerial firefighting services, Dale reflects on memorable fires and the complexities of maintaining and managing a fleet of aircraft. Finally, he offers valuable advice for those aspiring to enter the field of public safety aviation, inspiring newcomers to embrace the challenges and rewards of this vital career path. Join us for a compelling conversation that combines expertise, humor, and heartfelt messages about community and mentorship in the world of aerial firefighting! Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America , Precision Aviation Group and Spectrum Aeromed .

Oct 17, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this landmark two-part series celebrating our 200th episode, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray have the honor of welcoming Kevin Means, a legendary figure in law enforcement aviation, and the familiar voice you hear at the beginning of every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast. This special series dives deep into Kevin's unforgettable, “Don't go over that fence,”incident, illuminating its significant impact on public safety. Join us as we explore the evolution of tactical flight officer (TFO) training and the remarkable journey that led Kevin from a curious childhood to becoming a respected police officer. Together, they discuss the unique dynamics of the San Diego Police Department, addressing the challenges faced by law enforcement in the region, including the infamous San Diego tank chase and the transformative advancements in air support and technology in policing. Kevin talks about the early part of his career where he reflects on working patrol, and the infamous Border Crime Suppression Team written about in the book Lines and Shadows by Joseph Wambaugh. We discuss the importance of crew resource management in aviation. Kevin shares his perspectives on the media’s portrayals of law enforcement and the changing public perceptions of police work. With his extensive experience, Kevin highlights the critical importance of communication, training, and leadership in the field. He discusses the founding of the company Tactical Flying, as well as his role in mentoring the next generation of aviators. As we approach the conclusion, Kevin reflects on his retirement and his ongoing commitment to education and mentorship within aviation. Join us for this monumental series as we look back on the journey of law enforcement aviation and forward to the future our industry. Tune in and help us celebrate 200 episodes of the Hangar Z Podcast! Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics , Robinson Helicopter Company and Spectrum Aeromed .

Oct 14, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this landmark two-part series celebrating our 200th episode, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray have the honor of welcoming Kevin Means, a legendary figure in law enforcement aviation, and the familiar voice you hear at the beginning of every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast. This special series dives deep into Kevin's unforgettable, “Don't go over that fence,”incident, illuminating its significant impact on public safety. Join us as we explore the evolution of tactical flight officer (TFO) training and the remarkable journey that led Kevin from a curious childhood to becoming a respected police officer. Together, they discuss the unique dynamics of the San Diego Police Department, addressing the challenges faced by law enforcement in the region, including the infamous San Diego tank chase and the transformative advancements in air support and technology in policing. Kevin talks about the early part of his career where he reflects on working patrol, and the infamous Border Crime Suppression Team written about in the book Lines and Shadows by Joseph Wambaugh. We discuss the importance of crew resource management in aviation. Kevin shares his perspectives on the media’s portrayals of law enforcement and the changing public perceptions of police work. With his extensive experience, Kevin highlights the critical importance of communication, training, and leadership in the field. He discusses the founding of the company Tactical Flying, as well as his role in mentoring the next generation of aviators. As we approach the conclusion, Kevin reflects on his retirement and his ongoing commitment to education and mentorship within aviation. Join us for this monumental series as we look back on the journey of law enforcement aviation and forward to the future our industry. Tune in and help us celebrate 200 episodes of the Hangar Z Podcast! Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER.

Oct 10, 2024

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 , SHOTOVER and Spectrolab .

Oct 7, 2024

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 .

Sep 26, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, Vertical Valor ’s Scott Dworkin and Jon Gray visit the Kern County Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit at their hangar in Bakersfield, California. While there, we witnessed the operation of their impressive aviation program. During the podcast, we discuss the evolution of their aviation program, the aircraft they fly, the missions they support, and the challenges they face in operations. We talk about the importance of oil and agriculture in the local economy, the legacy of country music in Bakersfield, and the assignments available at the Kern County Sheriff's Department. The conversation touches on mental health in law enforcement and ends with some lighthearted stories from the field. We get an opportunity to talk about the advantages we gain from new and developing technology in law enforcement aviation, the importance of partnerships, and the role of debriefs in improving operations. They also touch on the challenges faced by air support programs and the importance of tracking and reporting data. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the operations and advancements in law enforcement aviation. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Collins Aerospace and Metro Aviation .

Sep 23, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, Vertical Valor ’s Scott Dworkin and Jon Gray visit the Kern County Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit at their hangar in Bakersfield, California. While there, we witnessed the operation of their impressive aviation program. During the podcast, we discuss the evolution of their aviation program, the aircraft they fly, the missions they support, and the challenges they face in operations. We talk about the importance of oil and agriculture in the local economy, the legacy of country music in Bakersfield, and the assignments available at the Kern County Sheriff's Department. The conversation touches on mental health in law enforcement and ends with some lighthearted stories from the field. We get an opportunity to talk about the advantages we gain from new and developing technology in law enforcement aviation, the importance of partnerships, and the role of debriefs in improving operations. They also touch on the challenges faced by air support programs and the importance of tracking and reporting data. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the operations and advancements in law enforcement aviation. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , Precision Aviation Group and Robinson Helicopters .

Sep 19, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two part panel style conversation, Jack Schonely and Jon Gray bring you a unique conversation featuring a Canadian panel of public safety aviation experts. Together, they share their diverse backgrounds and experiences, shedding light on the vital roles they play within the public safety aviation community. Our discussion revolves around the importance of training and skill development, particularly for tactical flight officers (TFOs), as they navigate the complexities of their responsibilities during critical incidents. We’ll explore how technology is transforming the landscape of law enforcement aviation, and discuss the collaborative efforts that enhance operational effectiveness across various aviation platforms. The panel addresses pressing topics, including the impact of the mass shooting in Portapique, Nova Scotia; the vital role of the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) in situational awareness; and the challenges posed by weather conditions in public safety operations. They’ll also share best practices for survival kits designed for extreme weather scenarios and the importance of ongoing education through diverse training environments. Join us as we dive deep into the challenges, experiences, and insights from our panelists, providing you with a comprehensive look at the growth and evolution of public safety aviation in Canada. Thank you to our sponsors Garmin , Dallas Avionics , and Wysong Enterprises .

Sep 16, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two part panel style conversation, Jack Schonely and Jon Gray bring you a unique conversation featuring a Canadian panel of public safety aviation experts. Together, they share their diverse backgrounds and experiences, shedding light on the vital roles they play within the public safety aviation community. Our discussion revolves around the importance of training and skill development, particularly for tactical flight officers (TFOs), as they navigate the complexities of their responsibilities during critical incidents. We’ll explore how technology is transforming the landscape of law enforcement aviation, and discuss the collaborative efforts that enhance operational effectiveness across various aviation platforms. The panel addresses pressing topics, including the impact of the mass shooting in Portapique, Nova Scotia; the vital role of the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) in situational awareness; and the challenges posed by weather conditions in public safety operations. They’ll also share best practices for survival kits designed for extreme weather scenarios and the importance of ongoing education through diverse training environments. Join us as we dive deep into the challenges, experiences, and insights from our panelists, providing you with a comprehensive look at the growth and evolution of public safety aviation in Canada. Thank you to our sponsors SHOTOVER , Robinson Helicopters , Metro Aviation .

Sep 12, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this two-part series, Jack Schonely, Tony Webber and Jon Gray sit back down for a full-length interview with L.A. County Fire Pilot and 2024 HAI Pilot of the Year award recipient Mike Sagely. We cover a wide range of topics, from the profound impact a career in aviation can have on family life and mental health to the importance of mentorship and preparation for success. Join us as Mike shares his journey from serving as a U.S. Army pilot during a pivotal time in history to navigating the challenges of modern aviation. He reflects on the transition from the Vietnam War era to flying iconic helicopters like the Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk and Boeing AH-64 Apache, and discusses his selection process for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) along with the rigorous training and deployments that defined his military career. We also delve into the realities faced by military and public safety personnel in maintaining strong family units amidst the demands of their roles and the stresses of the job. Mike provides invaluable insights on transitioning from service to civilian life and working as a pilot for the L.A. County Fire Department, detailing the diverse missions they undertake, including rescues and firefighting operations. We wrap up with a compelling discussion on the critical importance of aircraft maintenance in firefighting and the strategic role of heli-tac crews. Mike concludes with advice for aspiring aviators, emphasizing the values of integrity, reputation, and professional training. Thanks to our sponsors Garmin , Dallas Avionics and Technisonic.

Sep 9, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this two-part series, Jack Schonely, Tony Webber and Jon Gray sit back down for a full-length interview with L.A. County Fire Pilot and 2024 HAI Pilot of the Year award recipient Mike Sagely. We cover a wide range of topics, from the profound impact a career in aviation can have on family life and mental health to the importance of mentorship and preparation for success. Join us as Mike shares his journey from serving as a U.S. Army pilot during a pivotal time in history to navigating the challenges of modern aviation. He reflects on the transition from the Vietnam War era to flying iconic helicopters like the Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk and Boeing AH-64 Apache, and discusses his selection process for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) along with the rigorous training and deployments that defined his military career. We also delve into the realities faced by military and public safety personnel in maintaining strong family units amidst the demands of their roles and the stresses of the job. Mike provides invaluable insights on transitioning from service to civilian life and working as a pilot for the L.A. County Fire Department, detailing the diverse missions they undertake, including rescues and firefighting operations. We wrap up with a compelling discussion on the critical importance of aircraft maintenance in firefighting and the strategic role of heli-tac crews. Mike concludes with advice for aspiring aviators, emphasizing the values of integrity, reputation, and professional training. Thanks to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , Collins Aerospace and Wysong Enterprises .

Sep 5, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This two-part series was recorded at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department hangar at San Bernardino International Airport in California. The conversation unfolds as we talk about their recent acquisition of the new Bell 412 EPX helicopter. Our guests, Sgt Jon Anderson, Deputy Doug Brimmer, and recently retired Lt now Reserve Deputy Pilot Danny Futscher, share their rich backgrounds in law enforcement and aviation, drawing inspiration from family legacies that have shaped their careers. Together, they discuss the process of transitioning to the new helicopter, highlighting its benefits for their mission sets. Doug Brimmer shines a light on the department's historical society, emphasizing the importance of preserving law enforcement artifacts that tell the story of their dedicated service. The size and diversity of San Bernardino County come into focus, revealing how these factors uniquely impact their operations and response strategies. Insights from this conversation highlight their aviation program's logistics, from fueling helicopters to building essential partnerships with other agencies. They share the value of having sworn pilots and the challenges faced in their recruitment efforts, all while navigating the varied geographic landscapes and extreme weather conditions of the region. This episode is a captivating blend of adventure, professionalism, and the personal stories that make up the fabric of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Aviation Unit. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Technisonic and Precision Aviation Group

Sep 2, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This two-part series was recorded at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department hangar at San Bernardino International Airport in California. The conversation unfolds as we talk about their recent acquisition of the new Bell 412 EPX helicopter. Our guests, Sgt Jon Anderson, Deputy Doug Brimmer, and recently retired Lt now Reserve Deputy Pilot Danny Futscher, share their rich backgrounds in law enforcement and aviation, drawing inspiration from family legacies that have shaped their careers. Together, they discuss the process of transitioning to the new helicopter, highlighting its benefits for their mission sets. Doug Brimmer shines a light on the department's historical society, emphasizing the importance of preserving law enforcement artifacts that tell the story of their dedicated service. The size and diversity of San Bernardino County come into focus, revealing how these factors uniquely impact their operations and response strategies. Insights from this conversation highlight their aviation program's logistics, from fueling helicopters to building essential partnerships with other agencies. They share the value of having sworn pilots and the challenges faced in their recruitment efforts, all while navigating the varied geographic landscapes and extreme weather conditions of the region. This episode is a captivating blend of adventure, professionalism, and the personal stories that make up the fabric of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Aviation Unit. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , SHOTOVER and Metro Aviation .

Aug 29, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This episode was recorded on location in Nashville from the Nashville 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 top public safety aviation units, showcasing heroes who exemplify courage, dedication and selflessness in the line of duty every day. Jack Schoney, Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor Magazine and Jon Gray were invited into the Nashville Metro Police aviation hangar to see first hand the good work they are doing to protect the citizens and visitors of Music City. In this episode, we sit down with Sergeant Nate Dungum from the Nashville Metro Aviation Unit to explore the dynamic world of airborne law enforcement. Nate shares the unit's ongoing transformation and the significant strides they've made in enhancing mission capabilities. We dive into their K9 unit’s collaboration with Spike’s Canine Fund and discuss how social media plays a crucial role in recruitment and community engagement. Nate also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships within the department, the power of mentorship, and the value of networking in law enforcement. Nate opens up about his extensive background in both law enforcement and the military, including his deployment to Iraq and his experiences with the Civil Air Patrol. He shares some lighter moments with tales of shenanigans during deployments and the critical role of artillery crews. As the conversation progresses, we explore the impact of new aircraft on their operations and the importance of prioritizing safety, especially in light of recent maintenance issues. Nate wraps up by offering a set of rules for successful unit operations, highlighting the significance of clear goals, humility, and a culture of trust. We also get a sneak peek into the upcoming construction of a new hangar for Nashville Metro Aviation and the vital role of maintaining a positive culture within the unit. This episode is packed with insight, experiences, and actionable advice for anyone involved in aviation or law enforcement. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , Summit Aviation and Robinson Helicopters

Aug 26, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This episode was recorded on location in Nashville from the Nashville 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 top public safety aviation units, showcasing heroes who exemplify courage, dedication and selflessness in the line of duty every day. Jack Schoney, Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor Magazine and Jon Gray were invited into the Nashville Metro Police aviation hangar to see first hand the good work they are doing to protect the citizens and visitors of Music City. In this episode, we sit down with Sergeant Nate Dungum from the Nashville Metro Aviation Unit to explore the dynamic world of airborne law enforcement. Nate shares the unit's ongoing transformation and the significant strides they've made in enhancing mission capabilities. We dive into their K9 unit’s collaboration with Spike’s Canine Fund and discuss how social media plays a crucial role in recruitment and community engagement. Nate also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships within the department, the power of mentorship, and the value of networking in law enforcement. Nate opens up about his extensive background in both law enforcement and the military, including his deployment to Iraq and his experiences with the Civil Air Patrol. He shares some lighter moments with tales of shenanigans during deployments and the critical role of artillery crews. As the conversation progresses, we explore the impact of new aircraft on their operations and the importance of prioritizing safety, especially in light of recent maintenance issues. Nate wraps up by offering a set of rules for successful unit operations, highlighting the significance of clear goals, humility, and a culture of trust. We also get a sneak peek into the upcoming construction of a new hangar for Nashville Metro Aviation and the vital role of maintaining a positive culture within the unit. This episode is packed with insight, experiences, and actionable advice for anyone involved in aviation or law enforcement. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Trakka Systems and Astronautics Corporation of America

Aug 22, 2024

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! We are excited to bring an exciting and insightful two-part series on The Hangar Z Podcast as we explore the with Lieutenant Patrick Lawrence and Sergeant Nick Olivo. Lieutenant Patrick Lawrence is a distinguished aviation professional with a rich background in both military and civilian aviation. Lt. Lawrence holds a bachelor of science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has completed prestigious leadership programs with the Michigan State Police. His military career boasts accolades such as the Master Army Aviator Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal, among others. With extensive training and flight certifications including airline transport helicopter pilot and certified flight instructor, Patrick's expertise and commitment to aviation excellence shine through in every aspect of his career. Sergeant Nick Olivo is a seasoned law enforcement professional whose career spans multiple departments and roles. Since joining the Michigan State Police in 2013, Sgt. Olivo has made significant contributions as a trooper, tactical flight officer, and pilot. His journey from having zero flight experience to becoming a skilled rotary-wing pilot and unit safety officer is nothing short of remarkable. Prior to his time with the Michigan State Police, Sgt. Olivo served with the Saginaw Police Department as a major case detective and field training officer and started his career at the Flint Police Department. His dedication to the role of tactical flight officer and his passion for developing top-notch candidates are central to his approach in airborne law enforcement. Join us for these compelling episodes as we explore Michigan State Police Aviation with Lt. Patrick and Sgt. Nick Olivo. Their stories highlight the dedication, challenges, and triumphs of public safety aviation. Thank you to our sponsors Spectrum Aeromed , Robinson Helicopters , and Astronautics Corporation of America .

Aug 19, 2024

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! We are excited to bring an exciting and insightful two-part series on The Hangar Z Podcast as we explore the with Lieutenant Patrick Lawrence and Sergeant Nick Olivo. Lieutenant Patrick Lawrence is a distinguished aviation professional with a rich background in both military and civilian aviation. Lt. Lawrence holds a bachelor of science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has completed prestigious leadership programs with the Michigan State Police. His military career boasts accolades such as the Master Army Aviator Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal, among others. With extensive training and flight certifications including airline transport helicopter pilot and certified flight instructor, Patrick's expertise and commitment to aviation excellence shine through in every aspect of his career. Sergeant Nick Olivo is a seasoned law enforcement professional whose career spans multiple departments and roles. Since joining the Michigan State Police in 2013, Sgt. Olivo has made significant contributions as a trooper, tactical flight officer, and pilot. His journey from having zero flight experience to becoming a skilled rotary-wing pilot and unit safety officer is nothing short of remarkable. Prior to his time with the Michigan State Police, Sgt. Olivo served with the Saginaw Police Department as a major case detective and field training officer and started his career at the Flint Police Department. His dedication to the role of tactical flight officer and his passion for developing top-notch candidates are central to his approach in airborne law enforcement. Join us for these compelling episodes as we explore Michigan State Police Aviation with Lt. Patrick and Sgt. Nick Olivo. Their stories highlight the dedication, challenges, and triumphs of public safety aviation. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Precision Aviation Group , and Spectrum Aeromed .

Aug 15, 2024

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! We are beyond excited to celebrate the fourth anniversary of The Hangar Z Podcast with a truly powerful two-part series! This milestone wouldn't be complete without bringing you two exceptional guests: James Hatch and Alan Mack. James Hatch, a retired Navy SEAL, best-selling author of the book Touching the Dragon , founder of Spike's K9 Fund and recent Yale graduate, joins us to share his incredible journey. From daring missions to the creation of a nonprofit that supports working dogs, James' story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering courage. Alan Mack, a retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 in the U.S. Army and author of " Razor 03: A Night Stalker's Wars ," brings his wealth of experience in aviation to the conversation. Alan's tales from the cockpit, leadership insights, and experiences in some of the most intense combat scenarios offer a captivating glimpse into the life of a true aviation hero. In this special anniversary episode, we dive deep into the important topics of mental health and leadership, discuss the importance of service and sacrifice, and explore the lessons learned from their remarkable experiences. James’ and Alan's stories of bravery and perseverance are sure to inspire and motivate. Join us as we celebrate four years of The Hangar Z Podcast, reflecting on the past while looking forward to the future. This episode is packed with powerful stories, valuable insights, and a few surprises you won't want to miss. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation with James Hatch and Alan Mack as we commemorate this milestone together! Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Precision Aviation Group and Trakka Systems .

Aug 12, 2024

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! We are beyond excited to celebrate the fourth anniversary of The Hangar Z Podcast with a truly powerful two-part series! This milestone wouldn't be complete without bringing you two exceptional guests: James Hatch and Alan Mack. James Hatch, a retired Navy SEAL, best-selling author of the book Touching the Dragon , founder of Spike's K9 Fund and recent Yale graduate, joins us to share his incredible journey. From daring missions to the creation of a nonprofit that supports working dogs, James' story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering courage. Alan Mack, a retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 in the U.S. Army and author of " Razor 03: A Night Stalker's Wars ," brings his wealth of experience in aviation to the conversation. Alan's tales from the cockpit, leadership insights, and experiences in some of the most intense combat scenarios offer a captivating glimpse into the life of a true aviation hero. In this special anniversary episode, we dive deep into the important topics of mental health and leadership, discuss the importance of service and sacrifice, and explore the lessons learned from their remarkable experiences. James’ and Alan's stories of bravery and perseverance are sure to inspire and motivate. Join us as we celebrate four years of The Hangar Z Podcast, reflecting on the past while looking forward to the future. This episode is packed with powerful stories, valuable insights, and a few surprises you won't want to miss. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation with James Hatch and Alan Mack as we commemorate this milestone together! Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Metro Aviation , and SHOTOVER .

Aug 5, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In today's episode, we're honored to feature Hans Almaraz, a distinguished law enforcement officer with a career spanning more than three decades. Hans was raised in San Dimas, California, and after high school he worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT). It was during this time, while working rescues with L.A. County Sheriff Air 5, that he first developed an interest in law enforcement. Hans's journey with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) began in 1990, when he started the academy. Over the years, he worked across LAPD before being selected as a K9 handler in Metro. 1990-1991: Probation at Hollywood Division Patrol 1991-1993: Foothill Division Patrol 1993-1995: Hollywood Division in the Uniform Prostitution Enforcement Detail 1995-1997: Hollywood Division Patrol Field Training Officer 1997-1998: Metro B Platoon 1998-2024: Metro K9 Throughout his career, Hans has received numerous accolades for his bravery and dedication, including: 2003 Police Star. Award for an officer involved shooting during a K9 search with a suspect who allegedly attempted to murder a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer. 2013 Medal of Valor for an officer-involved shooting at the end of a pursuit that Hans joined in with patrol units. During this pursuit the suspect exited his vehicle with an AK-47 and began to fire at Hans, striking his police vehicle seven times. Suspect was down, but refused to let go of the rifle. Hans deployed his K9 to distract the suspect. Hans moved up with SWAT and took the suspect into custody. 2013 National Association of Police Organizations Top Cop award for the above incident. 2018 Medal of Valor award for hostage rescue in Long Beach. 2024 National Association of Police Organizations Top Cop for an officer involved shooting in which three K9 handlers were shot. Hans has been an integral part of over 1,480 K9 suspect searches, with more than 1,400 assists, and locating 455 suspects with his K9 partner. Hans has gained extensive experience working with aviation assets, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of the operations he participated in. Join us as we explore Hans's extraordinary career, his experiences, and the insights he's gained from his years of service. This episode is a testament to the courage and commitment of those who dedicate their lives to public safety. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and Metro Aviation

Aug 1, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In today's episode, we're honored to feature Hans Almaraz, a distinguished law enforcement officer with a career spanning more than three decades. Hans was raised in San Dimas, California, and after high school he worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT). It was during this time, while working rescues with L.A. County Sheriff Air 5, that he first developed an interest in law enforcement. Hans's journey with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) began in 1990, when he started the academy. Over the years, he worked across LAPD before being selected as a K9 handler in Metro. 1990-1991: Probation at Hollywood Division Patrol 1991-1993: Foothill Division Patrol 1993-1995: Hollywood Division in the Uniform Prostitution Enforcement Detail 1995-1997: Hollywood Division Patrol Field Training Officer 1997-1998: Metro B Platoon 1998-2024: Metro K9 Throughout his career, Hans has received numerous accolades for his bravery and dedication, including: 2003 Police Star. Award for an officer involved shooting during a K9 search with a suspect who allegedly attempted to murder a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer. 2013 Medal of Valor for an officer-involved shooting at the end of a pursuit that Hans joined in with patrol units. During this pursuit the suspect exited his vehicle with an AK-47 and began to fire at Hans, striking his police vehicle seven times. Suspect was down, but refused to let go of the rifle. Hans deployed his K9 to distract the suspect. Hans moved up with SWAT and took the suspect into custody. 2013 National Association of Police Organizations Top Cop award for the above incident. 2018 Medal of Valor award for hostage rescue in Long Beach. 2024 National Association of Police Organizations Top Cop for an officer involved shooting in which three K9 handlers were shot. Hans has been an integral part of over 1,480 K9 suspect searches, with more than 1,400 assists, and locating 455 suspects with his K9 partner. Hans has gained extensive experience working with aviation assets, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of the operations he participated in. Join us as we explore Hans's extraordinary career, his experiences, and the insights he's gained from his years of service. This episode is a testament to the courage and commitment of those who dedicate their lives to public safety. Thank you to our sponsors SHOTOVER , CNC Technologies , and Summit Aviation

Jul 25, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! Thank you to CNC Technologies for sponsoring this special in-person interview that was recorded just prior to the Heli Expo 2024. The expo was held in Anaheim California, this recording took place in beautiful Beverly Hills California at the famous Lou Mar Restaurant. CNC Technologies has assembled an impressive team of distinguished public safety aviators. During this two part series I got the opportunity to talk to their team in a panel style conversation that covers a wide variety of important topics pertaining to public safety aviation. CNC Technologies, a company renowned for its deep relationships with major equipment vendors, aircraft OEMs, and completion and integration facilities worldwide. These connections enable CNC to develop customized solutions tailored to each client’s unique mission profiles. They excel in creating long-range, HD video and data transmission networks, encrypted mobile communications tools for real-time surveillance, and robust systems designed for continuous operation in challenging environments. CNC Technologies brings decades of experience in deploying local, national, and global communications networks, providing custom aerial surveillance, data transmission, and counterterrorism solutions. With extensive expertise in supporting Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) projects funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, CNC delivers tailored mission suite solutions for the world's most demanding operators, backed by unparalleled 24/7 service and support. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge world of CNC Technologies and their commitment to delivering your mission. Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , Robinson Helicopters , and Wysong Enterprises .

Jul 22, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! Thank you to CNC Technologies for sponsoring this special in-person interview, recorded just prior to HAI Heli-Expo 2024. This recording took place in beautiful Beverly Hills, California, at the famous Lou’Mar restaurant. CNC Technologies has assembled an impressive team of distinguished public safety aviators. In this two-part series, host Jon Gray had the opportunity to speak with their team in a panel-style conversation that covers a wide variety of important topics pertaining to public safety aviation. CNC Technologies is a company renowned for its deep relationships with major equipment vendors, aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and completion and integration facilities worldwide. These connections enable CNC to develop customized solutions tailored to each client’s unique mission profiles. They excel in creating long-range HD video and data transmission networks, encrypted mobile communications tools for real-time surveillance, and robust systems designed for continuous operation in challenging environments. CNC Technologies brings decades of experience in deploying local, national, and global communications networks, providing custom aerial surveillance, data transmission, and counterterrorism solutions. With extensive expertise in supporting Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) projects funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, CNC delivers tailored mission suite solutions for the world's most demanding operators, backed by unparalleled 24/7 service and support. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge world of CNC Technologies and their commitment to delivering your mission. Thank you to our special sponsor CNC Technologies , as well as Collins Aerospace , and Dallas Avionics

Jul 18, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! Thank you to MD Helicopters for sponsoring this special in-person interview with Jake Durham and Drew Muench from the Oxford Police Department Aviation Unit. The Oxford Police Department chose the MD Helicopters 530F model as its primary airborne mission platform due to its exceptional versatility and performance characteristics, tailored to their operational needs. The MD530F's agility and maneuverability make it ideal for various law enforcement tasks, including surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, and aerial patrols. Its powerful Rolls-Royce 250-C30 engine provides reliable performance in both urban and rural environments, crucial for the department's diverse operational landscape. The helicopter's compact size allows for efficient deployment and maneuvering in tight spaces, enhancing operational flexibility during critical missions. Equipped with advanced avionics and mission-specific equipment, the MD530F ensures enhanced situational awareness and operational effectiveness, enabling the Oxford Police Department to uphold public safety and respond swiftly to emergencies across their jurisdiction. To discuss the Oxford Police Department Aviation Unit, Jack Schonely speaks with Lt Jake Durham, the mastermind and commander behind Oxford’s aviation unit, and Drew Muench, the chief maintenance pilot inside Oxford’s beautifully purpose-built hangar. Jake Durham has deep roots in law enforcement and public safety that shaped his aspirations. Inspired by his family's legacy and an influential flight with the Alabama State Troopers Aviation Unit in 1997, Jake pursued a career in law enforcement. Starting as a patrolman with the Piedmont Police Department in 2003, he later joined the Oxford Police Department, where he climbed the ranks to lieutenant. Jake's visionary leadership led to the creation of the Oxford Police Department’s Aviation Support Unit in 2011, despite initial setbacks. He meticulously developed the administrative components and overcame challenges in acquiring suitable aircraft. From a motor-glider in 2013 to an OH-6, and later a TH-67, Jake's persistence paid off. In 2016, he designed and managed the construction of the department’s Special Operations Facility, housing the Emergency Services Unit, Technical Services Unit, and Aviation Support Unit. Jake's dedication continued with the refurbishment of an OH-6A helicopter in 2020 and the procurement of an MD530F in 2021, enhancing the unit's capabilities. Chief maintenance pilot Drew Muench’s aviation career spans over three decades. Starting his flying career in 1983 as a line boy at a small airport, he earned his flight time through dedication and passion. His journey took a pivotal turn in 1988, when he began his path to become a Marine Aviator, only to pivot to the Army due to an injury at OCS. Serving 10 years as an Army Pilot, he mastered multiple aircraft including the AH-1, UH-1, OH-58, and CH-47, and became an esteemed instructor pilot. Transitioning to civilian life as an airline pilot, he faced challenges such as furloughs but found his place at NetJets, where he thrived as a Citation X captain and international training instructor. His dedication to aviation extended to helping establish the Oxford Air Support Unit in 2015, where he continues to guide the unit as chief pilot. Thank you to our special Sponsor MD Helicopters as well as Garmin and Wysong Enterprises.

Jul 15, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! Thank you to MD Helicopters for sponsoring this special in-person interview with Jake Durham and Drew Muench from the Oxford Police Department Aviation Unit. The Oxford Police Department chose the MD Helicopters 530F model as its primary airborne mission platform due to its exceptional versatility and performance characteristics, tailored to their operational needs. The MD530F's agility and maneuverability make it ideal for various law enforcement tasks, including surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, and aerial patrols. Its powerful Rolls-Royce 250-C30 engine provides reliable performance in both urban and rural environments, crucial for the department's diverse operational landscape. The helicopter's compact size allows for efficient deployment and maneuvering in tight spaces, enhancing operational flexibility during critical missions. Equipped with advanced avionics and mission-specific equipment, the MD530F ensures enhanced situational awareness and operational effectiveness, enabling the Oxford Police Department to uphold public safety and respond swiftly to emergencies across their jurisdiction. To discuss the Oxford Police Department Aviation Unit, Jack Schonely speaks with Lt Jake Durham, the mastermind and commander behind Oxford’s aviation unit, and Drew Muench, the chief maintenance pilot inside Oxford’s beautifully purpose-built hangar. Jake Durham has deep roots in law enforcement and public safety that shaped his aspirations. Inspired by his family's legacy and an influential flight with the Alabama State Troopers Aviation Unit in 1997, Jake pursued a career in law enforcement. Starting as a patrolman with the Piedmont Police Department in 2003, he later joined the Oxford Police Department, where he climbed the ranks to lieutenant. Jake's visionary leadership led to the creation of the Oxford Police Department’s Aviation Support Unit in 2011, despite initial setbacks. He meticulously developed the administrative components and overcame challenges in acquiring suitable aircraft. From a motor-glider in 2013 to an OH-6, and later a TH-67, Jake's persistence paid off. In 2016, he designed and managed the construction of the department’s Special Operations Facility, housing the Emergency Services Unit, Technical Services Unit, and Aviation Support Unit. Jake's dedication continued with the refurbishment of an OH-6A helicopter in 2020 and the procurement of an MD530F in 2021, enhancing the unit's capabilities. Chief maintenance pilot Drew Muench’s aviation career spans over three decades. Starting his flying career in 1983 as a line boy at a small airport, he earned his flight time through dedication and passion. His journey took a pivotal turn in 1988, when he began his path to become a Marine Aviator, only to pivot to the Army due to an injury at OCS. Serving 10 years as an Army Pilot, he mastered multiple aircraft including the AH-1, UH-1, OH-58, and CH-47, and became an esteemed instructor pilot. Transitioning to civilian life as an airline pilot, he faced challenges such as furloughs but found his place at NetJets, where he thrived as a Citation X captain and international training instructor. His dedication to aviation extended to helping establish the Oxford Air Support Unit in 2015, where he continues to guide the unit as chief pilot. Thank you to our special Sponsor MD Helicopters as well as SHOTOVER and Technisonic .

Jul 11, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two-part series, Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down Dr. Tania Glenn, to discuss the importance of mental health for first responders. Dr. Tania Glenn is the president of Tania Glenn and Associates, a clinical practice in Central Texas that is focused on promoting resilience and providing critical care to first responders and veterans. As a leading national clinician in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Dr. Glenn specializes in creating effective programs designed to mitigate traumatic stress and to assist patients with their return to normalcy as quickly as possible. As a licensed clinician with 30 years of experience, Dr. Glenn deployed to the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, New York City in 2001, New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Dallas in 2016 for the aftermath of the attack on the Dallas Police Department, and to Uvalde for the school shooter in 2022. Recognized nationally, Dr. Glenn’s clients include a host of Texas and Arizona police, fire and EMS departments, federal law enforcement agencies, commercial aviation, and air medical programs. She is the clinical director for several peer support teams with her unique perspective on special operations competencies. Dr. Glenn is a noted author with numerous books dealing with mental health, PTSD, first responders, military, and family. Additionally, she has been involved in several documentaries dealing directly with mental health trauma. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Garmin , and Metro Aviation .

Jul 8, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two-part series, Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down Dr. Tania Glenn, to discuss the importance of mental health for first responders. Dr. Tania Glenn is the president of Tania Glenn and Associates, a clinical practice in Central Texas that is focused on promoting resilience and providing critical care to first responders and veterans. As a leading national clinician in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Dr. Glenn specializes in creating effective programs designed to mitigate traumatic stress and to assist patients with their return to normalcy as quickly as possible. As a licensed clinician with 30 years of experience, Dr. Glenn deployed to the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, New York City in 2001, New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Dallas in 2016 for the aftermath of the attack on the Dallas Police Department, and to Uvalde for the school shooter in 2022. Recognized nationally, Dr. Glenn’s clients include a host of Texas and Arizona police, fire and EMS departments, federal law enforcement agencies, commercial aviation, and air medical programs. She is the clinical director for several peer support teams with her unique perspective on special operations competencies. Dr. Glenn is a noted author with numerous books dealing with mental health, PTSD, first responders, military, and family. Additionally, she has been involved in several documentaries dealing directly with mental health trauma. Thank you to our sponsors SHOTOVER , Dallas Avionics , and Robinson Helicopters .

Jul 4, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This episode was recorded on location in Washington, D.C., from the U.S. Park Police aviation hangar, as part of The Hangar Z Vertical Valor Road tour. We felt this was a great episode to release on Independence Day, the Fourth of July, 2024, which is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. Jack Schonely and Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor Magazine were invited into the U.S. Park Police Aviation hangar to see firsthand the good work they are doing as they protect the U.S. capital and its surrounding areas. We had the privilege of talking to and flying with the assistant commander of the aviation Unit, Sgt Tim Ryan, and chief pilot Sgt Ryan Evasick. Sgt Ryan began his career with the United States Park Police in 2004. After three years as a patrol officer, he transitioned to the Aviation Unit in 2008. Sgt Ryan has held multiple roles within the unit, including rescue technician, chief rescue technician, and currently, assistant commander. His extensive training includes qualifications as a National Registry paramedic, tactical medic, and expertise in swiftwater rescue and high and low angle technical rescue. Originally from New Hampshire, Sgt Ryan now resides in Maryland with his family. Sgt Evasick is the chief pilot for the U.S. Park Police. With 21 years of law enforcement experience and flying for the U.S. Park Police since 2013, Sgt Evasick holds commercial helicopter, certified flight instructor (CFI), and certified flight instructor instrument (CFII) ratings. His family includes his wife, a mental health clinician for the Virginia Department of Corrections; his son, a former U.S. Marine; and two beloved grandchildren. Look out for photos, videos, and an article by Brent Bundy highlighting the U.S. Park Police on Verticalmag.com and the Vertical YouTube page . We're excited to dive into their experiences, insights, and the incredible work they do with the U.S. Park Police Aviation Unit. So, let's get started and welcome Sgt Tim Ryan and Sgt Ryan Evasick to the Hangar Z Podcast! Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Collins Aerospace and Precision Aviation Group .

Jul 1, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This episode was recorded from the Vertical HeliCASTS studio at HAI Heli-Expo in March. Co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray had the opportunity to talk with Lieutenant Clay Lacey from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) about the Axnes wireless intercom system and how it has helped Texas DPS improve communications and situational awareness during flight operations. Lt Lacey, a distinguished member of the Texas DPS, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the podcast. Since his special assignment to the Texas DPS Aviation Operations Division in 2000, Lt Lacey has logged thousands of hours in the air, supporting critical missions such as criminal manhunts, surveillance operations, search-and-rescue missions, vehicle and foot pursuits, and airborne use of force. His dedication and skill have not only been pivotal in the field but also in the classroom. Lt Lacey developed the Texas DPS tactical flight officer (TFO) training program from scratch and currently serves as a TFO instructor, sharing his knowledge worldwide on behalf of the Airborne Public Safety Association and various law enforcement units. In addition to his instructional roles, Lt Lacey plays a vital part in the procurement and specification of equipment for the Texas DPS and acts as a consultant for emergency management and preparedness planning across the United States. During this episode, we discuss the Axnes wireless intercom system. This digital, full-mission wireless intercom system is designed to enhance secure communications and situational awareness. The Axnes system is transforming the way airborne teams operate. Its advanced integration into aircraft radios, mission maps, and intercom systems, along with its waterproof handsets and extensive battery life, make it an indispensable tool for aviation crews. Thank you to our sponsors, CNC Technologies , Technisonic , and Precision Aviation Group .

Jun 27, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts! In this episode, Jack Schonely and I preview APSCON 2024, happening in Houston, Texas, from July 29th to August 3rd. We are joined by the Airborne Public Safety Association's Executive Director and CEO, Dan Schwarzbach, and Training Program Manager, Dan Knight. APSCON 2024 is the annual conference for public safety aviation professionals worldwide, offering educational programs, hands-on training, networking opportunities, and the latest in technology and equipment. Dan Schwarzbach brings 38 years of experience with the Houston Police Department, including 30 years in the Air Support Division. Since 2014, he has served as the Executive Director and CEO of the Airborne Public Safety Association. Dan Knight began his law enforcement career in 1990, later joining the Federal Air Marshal Service and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. He now serves as the Training Program Manager for the Airborne Public Safety Association. Tune in for insights on APSCON 2024 and the expertise of these industry leaders. Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopters , Spectrum Aeromed , and Precision Aviation Group.

Jun 24, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode, we talk about the ongoing battle against wildfires in Southern California, a region where the threat of wildfires persists year-round. For this conversation, we have the privilege of welcoming Desiree Horton and co-host Tony Webber to uncover the tireless efforts and evolving strategies employed by SoCal agencies to combat wildfires in a region where the fire season never truly ends. First, we have Desiree Horton, a trailblazer in public safety aviation with over three decades of experience and more than 10,000 flight hours to her name. From her early days navigating the busy airspace of Southern California to becoming the first female pilot on an exclusive use contract for Region 5 with the U.S. Forest Service, Desiree's journey is one of perseverance and ground-breaking achievements. Currently serving as a fire/rescue pilot for the Kern County Fire Department, she continues to inspire and pave the way for women in the industry. Joining Desiree on the podcast is Tony Webber, a seasoned helicopter pilot with a distinguished background in law enforcement and firefighting. With over 9,000 flight hours, extensive experience in mountainous terrain, and a strong dedication to safety demonstrated through his certifications and training, Tony's expertise is truly exceptional. His decorated career with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, where he rose to the position of corporal/fire-rescue pilot, showcases his commitment to public service and his invaluable contributions to search and rescue missions. Together, Desiree and Tony bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for aviation to The Hangar Z Podcast, offering listeners a unique insight into the world of public safety aviation and firefighting. This podcast recording is in conjunction with an article in the summer issue of Vertical Valor Magazine. Go to Vertical Valor online to check out the fantastic writing and content in the summer issue. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Metro Aviation and Bell .

Jun 20, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two-part series, co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Helene Balmir, a pilot from the Phoenix Police Department. Born to a French-Canadian mother and a Haitian father who immigrated to New York in the 1960s, Helen grew up in Montreal, Canada. She is the youngest of three sisters. From a young age, Helen was an avid skier, hitting the slopes before she could walk and competing in downhill skiing until she was 17. She attended a Catholic high school but took a brief detour from her academic pursuits for a few years. Despite this, her passion for sports led her to earn a scholarship for soccer and track, eventually pursuing a degree in criminal justice at a university in Missouri. After graduating, Helen returned to Montreal for a summer before traveling to Arizona to visit her sister. Although she originally planned to continue to Hawaii, she fell in love with Phoenix and decided to stay, eventually applying to the Phoenix Police Department. Helen's career with the Phoenix Police Department began in 2004, patrolling the busy Maryvale precinct. From 2008 to 2015, she served as a detective in the Robbery-Kidnapping-Extortion unit before joining the ATF Violent Crimes Task Force, where she worked undercover until 2018. She then returned to Maryvale patrol until 2020, when she transitioned to the Air Support Unit. In 2021, Helen attended flight school, earning her commercial pilot's certificate by March 2022. Her extensive training includes three phases of TFO training, each lasting three months. In addition to her professional achievements, Helen is passionate about dog sports and training, working part-time for K9 Defense, a company specializing in raising and training police and other working dogs. Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America , Summit Aviation , and Precision Aviation Group .

Jun 18, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two-part series, co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Helene Balmir, a pilot from the Phoenix Police Department. Born to a French-Canadian mother and a Haitian father who immigrated to New York in the 1960s, Helen grew up in Montreal, Canada. She is the youngest of three sisters. From a young age, Helen was an avid skier, hitting the slopes before she could walk and competing in downhill skiing until she was 17. She attended a Catholic high school but took a brief detour from her academic pursuits for a few years. Despite this, her passion for sports led her to earn a scholarship for soccer and track, eventually pursuing a degree in criminal justice at a university in Missouri. After graduating, Helen returned to Montreal for a summer before traveling to Arizona to visit her sister. Although she originally planned to continue to Hawaii, she fell in love with Phoenix and decided to stay, eventually applying to the Phoenix Police Department. Helen's career with the Phoenix Police Department began in 2004, patrolling the busy Maryvale precinct. From 2008 to 2015, she served as a detective in the Robbery-Kidnapping-Extortion unit before joining the ATF Violent Crimes Task Force, where she worked undercover until 2018. She then returned to Maryvale patrol until 2020, when she transitioned to the Air Support Unit. In 2021, Helen attended flight school, earning her commercial pilot's certificate by March 2022. Her extensive training includes three phases of TFO training, each lasting three months. In addition to her professional achievements, Helen is passionate about dog sports and training, working part-time for K9 Defense, a company specializing in raising and training police and other working dogs. Thank you to our sponsors SHOTOVER , Spectrum Aeromed , and Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing .

Jun 13, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this two-part series, co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Andre Schabron. Andre is an accomplished helicopter pilot holding an Airline Transport Pilot certificate (ATPL) with experience across varied environments. With a professional demeanor and a proactive approach, he excels in team settings and thrives under pressure. His aviation experience encompasses flying in controlled airspaces and remote regions, including the Arctic. Andre is currently serving as a police helicopter pilot with the York Regional Police Department in Ontario, Canada. Andre contributes to the Air Support Unit, executing missions with precision and safety. His previous roles include supporting operations in the Arctic and remote oil-and-gas sites, demonstrating adaptability and resilience in challenging environments. Before his aviation career, Andre served as a police officer and detective with the Zurich Cantonal Police in Switzerland, honing his investigative and leadership skills over nearly two decades. Additionally, his experience in the Swiss Armed Forces further enriched his teamwork and communication abilities. Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America , Dallas Avionics and Robinson Helicopters .

Jun 11, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this two-part series, co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Andre Schabron. Andre is an accomplished helicopter pilot holding an Airline Transport Pilot certificate (ATPL) with experience across varied environments. With a professional demeanor and a proactive approach, he excels in team settings and thrives under pressure. His aviation experience encompasses flying in controlled airspaces and remote regions, including the Arctic. Andre is currently serving as a police helicopter pilot with the York Regional Police Department in Ontario, Canada. Andre contributes to the Air Support Unit, executing missions with precision and safety. His previous roles include supporting operations in the Arctic and remote oil-and-gas sites, demonstrating adaptability and resilience in challenging environments. Before his aviation career, Andre served as a police officer and detective with the Zurich Cantonal Police in Switzerland, honing his investigative and leadership skills over nearly two decades. Additionally, his experience in the Swiss Armed Forces further enriched his teamwork and communication abilities. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , Summit Aviation and SHOTOVER .

Jun 6, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Kris Stone, owner and handler of K9 Torque and the Huey Vets crew from EMU Inc. In this conversation, the EMU Crew discusses their work with K9 Torque, a detection dog trained to find electronic storage devices. Torque specializes in finding flash drives and SD cards to help investigators gather evidence against child sexual predators and traffickers. Torque is also a therapy dog, providing comfort and support to veterans and children in hospitals and schools. The EMU Crew also shares their work with Huey Vets, an organization that uses helicopters to raise awareness about the forgotten heroes of the Vietnam War. We discuss the challenges and maintenance considerations of operating and restoring the Huey helicopter. EMU 309 Geoff Carr, a Vietnam vet, and his team, discuss the battle damage and life expectancy of the aircraft during the Vietnam War. They also discuss the nonprofit nature of their organization and their mission to support veterans and raise awareness about PTSD. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Dallas Avionics and Metro Aviation .

Jun 4, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Kris Stone, owner and handler of K9 Torque and the Huey Vets crew from EMU Inc. In this conversation, the EMU Crew discusses their work with K9 Torque, a detection dog trained to find electronic storage devices. Torque specializes in finding flash drives and SD cards to help investigators gather evidence against child sexual predators and traffickers. Torque is also a therapy dog, providing comfort and support to veterans and children in hospitals and schools. The EMU Crew also shares their work with Huey Vets, an organization that uses helicopters to raise awareness about the forgotten heroes of the Vietnam War. We discuss the challenges and maintenance considerations of operating and restoring the Huey helicopter. EMU 309 Geoff Carr, a Vietnam vet, and his team, discuss the battle damage and life expectancy of the aircraft during the Vietnam War. They also discuss the nonprofit nature of their organization and their mission to support veterans and raise awareness about PTSD. Thank you to our Sponsors Bell , Precision Aviation Group and CNC Technologies .

May 30, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Airbox , a trailblazing company reshaping the landscape of situational awareness technology. During this episode, hosts Richard Brandon and Jon Gray sit down with Airbox Systems co-founder and CEO, William Moore and director, Gerry Hill, for an exclusive insider's look at their groundbreaking journey. Airbox isn't just a software company; it's a lifeline for those on the frontlines of emergency response. Moore and Hill illuminate the genesis of Airbox, tracing its roots from a navigation solution for private pilots to becoming the go-to provider of situational awareness tools for law enforcement, military and emergency services worldwide. With over 400 maps available and the ability to operate offline, Airbox's software ensures seamless coordination and decision-making in the most challenging environments. Moore's entrepreneurial acumen, coupled with Hill's extensive military background, has fueled Airbox's mission to connect air and ground responders, creating a unified operational picture to save lives. Hear firsthand how Airbox's passion for protecting life drives the company’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. Moore's visionary leadership and Hill's wealth of experience from 34 years with 22 SAS, the active regiment of the U.K. Special Air Service, converge to deliver software solutions that empower responders with critical information when it matters most. But Airbox isn't just about technology; it's about people. Learn how Hill's dedication to supporting service personnel led him to establish Hire A Hero, a military charity aiding in the transition from service to civilian life. His decorated military career underscores the commitment to service that permeates Airbox's DNA. Join us as we explore the intersection of technology, service and humanity with two remarkable individuals at the helm of Airbox Systems. Whether you're fascinated by cutting-edge tech or inspired by stories of courage and compassion, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the future of emergency response. Thank you to our sponsors Technisonic , Metro Aviation and Robinson Helicopters

May 28, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Airbox , a trailblazing company reshaping the landscape of situational awareness technology. During this episode, hosts Richard Brandon and Jon Gray sit down with Airbox Systems co-founder and CEO, William Moore and director, Gerry Hill, for an exclusive insider's look at their groundbreaking journey. Airbox isn't just a software company; it's a lifeline for those on the frontlines of emergency response. Moore and Hill illuminate the genesis of Airbox, tracing its roots from a navigation solution for private pilots to becoming the go-to provider of situational awareness tools for law enforcement, military and emergency services worldwide. With over 400 maps available and the ability to operate offline, Airbox's software ensures seamless coordination and decision-making in the most challenging environments. Moore's entrepreneurial acumen, coupled with Hill's extensive military background, has fueled Airbox's mission to connect air and ground responders, creating a unified operational picture to save lives. Hear firsthand how Airbox's passion for protecting life drives the company’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. Moore's visionary leadership and Hill's wealth of experience from 34 years with 22 SAS, the active regiment of the U.K. Special Air Service, converge to deliver software solutions that empower responders with critical information when it matters most. But Airbox isn't just about technology; it's about people. Learn how Hill's dedication to supporting service personnel led him to establish Hire A Hero, a military charity aiding in the transition from service to civilian life. His decorated military career underscores the commitment to service that permeates Airbox's DNA. Join us as we explore the intersection of technology, service and humanity with two remarkable individuals at the helm of Airbox Systems. Whether you're fascinated by cutting-edge tech or inspired by stories of courage and compassion, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the future of emergency response. Thank you to our sponsors Collins Aerospace Goodrich hoist and winch , Garmin and Airbus Helicopters .

May 23, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this two-part series, Mike Calhoun and Jon Gray sit down with Andrew Edgerton, chief pilot of the Fairfax County Police Department. The Fairfax County Police Department is the largest law enforcement agency in Virginia, serving a population of over 1.1 million residents. Fairfax County borders the Potomac River, with Washington, D.C., directly across on the northern and eastern banks. Edgerton discusses his experiences flying in and around Washington, D.C., which is arguably the world's most restrictive airspace. He also talks about his journey into aviation and law enforcement, as well as the role of certified flight instructors (CFIs) and training in the industry. The group also discusses the use of civilian pilots in law enforcement aviation, and recruitment and retention issues in the field. They discuss the importance of crew coordination and the transition from being an electronic newsgathering (ENG) pilot to a law enforcement pilot. Lastly, Edgerton provides an overview of the Fairfax County Police Department and the opportunities available within the agency. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Metro Aviation , and SHOTOVER .

May 21, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this two-part series, Mike Calhoun and Jon Gray sit down with Andrew Edgerton, chief pilot of the Fairfax County Police Department. The Fairfax County Police Department is the largest law enforcement agency in Virginia, serving a population of over 1.1 million residents. Fairfax County borders the Potomac River, with Washington, D.C., directly across on the northern and eastern banks. Edgerton discusses his experiences flying in and around Washington, D.C., which is arguably the world's most restrictive airspace. He also talks about his journey into aviation and law enforcement, as well as the role of certified flight instructors (CFIs) and training in the industry. The group also discusses the use of civilian pilots in law enforcement aviation, and recruitment and retention issues in the field. They discuss the importance of crew coordination and the transition from being an electronic newsgathering (ENG) pilot to a law enforcement pilot. Lastly, Edgerton provides an overview of the Fairfax County Police Department and the opportunities available within the agency. Thank you to our sponsors Garmin , MD Helicopters and Robinson Helicopters .

May 14, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this two-part series Bryan Smith and Jon Gray sit down with Dr. Daphne “Pole” Ryan, or “Doc” as she is known in naval aviation. Ryan is a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and an aviation specialist physical therapist. She has over two decades of experience and over 42,000 direct care patient hours. Ryan has spent the last seven years working directly with aviators to mitigate their spinal pain. Ryan has used her passion and experience to keep pilots and aircrew in the aircraft. Owner of Smart BacX Labs in Denver, Ryan has developed treatments for military, law enforcement and commercial pilots including aircrew to find solutions that help mitigate their neck and back pain. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Precision Aviation Group , and CNC Technologies .

May 9, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this two-part series Bryan Smith and Jon Gray sit down with Dr. Daphne “Pole” Ryan, or “Doc” as she is known in naval aviation. Ryan is a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and an aviation specialist physical therapist. She has over two decades of experience and over 42,000 direct care patient hours. Ryan has spent the last seven years working directly with aviators to mitigate their spinal pain. Ryan has used her passion and experience to keep pilots and aircrew in the aircraft. Owner of Smart BacX Labs in Denver, Ryan has developed treatments for military, law enforcement and commercial pilots including aircrew to find solutions that help mitigate their neck and back pain. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , SHOTOVER , and Airbus .

May 7, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, Mike Calhoun and Jason Quinn from the Real ResQ Podcast speak with James Hickman, the chief pilot at Two Bear Air Rescue. Join us as we unravel the story of Hickman’s aviation career, from his humble beginnings in Oregon to the peaks of Montana. The ultimate mission of Two Bear Air Rescue is saving lives. Based near Whitefish, Montana, Two Bear Air Rescue provides world-class aviation support for search-and-rescue operations across the northwest United States. ​Whitefish philanthropist Michael Goguen supports all costs of this program, leaving zero cost to the taxpayers. Hickman’s path to becoming a seasoned pilot wasn't without its twists and turns. After honing his skills as a helicopter and fixed-wing flight instructor in Kalispell, Montana, he immersed himself in the world of backcountry charter flying, where every flight presented its own unique challenges. But it was during his time as an instructor that fate intervened, as Hickman found himself collaborating with the visionaries behind Two Bear Air Rescue, a burgeoning search-and-rescue outfit. As Hickman accumulated flight hours and experience, he seized the opportunity to join Era Helicopters in Alaska, where he had the opportunity to fly above the breathtaking landscapes of Denali National Park. His time in Alaska proved to be not only exhilarating but also transformative, laying the groundwork for his eventual return to Two Bear Air Rescue as a pilot. For eight years now, Hickman has been an integral part of the team, leveraging his expertise to save lives and navigate the rugged terrain of Montana's backcountry. Beyond the cockpit, Hickman embraces the mountain lifestyle, indulging in his passions for skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. His love for adventure knows no bounds. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Collins Aerospace Goodrich hoist and winch and Precision Aviation Group .

May 2, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS. In this long-anticipated two-part series, we sit down with U.S. Army pilot CW5 Allen C. Mack, who authored the riveting book Razor 03 . In Razor 03 , Mack shares his behind the scenes perspective of The Horse Soldiers in the war in Afghanistan. Mack discusses the hunt for Osama bin Laden, and his shoot-down during Operation Anaconda. Years later, he chased Bowe Bergdahl, rescued hostages in Iraq and a survivor from the Kunar Valley. He lived by his unit’s motto: “Night Stalkers don’t quit.” Ten years of deployments brought Mack monumental success and crushing sadness. Both provide intriguing accounts of war, love, determination and emotional resilience. Join us as we discuss Mack’s life and experiences as a special operations pilot for the U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers. Thank you to our sponsors, CNC Technologies, MD Helicopters and Technisonic.

Apr 30, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS. In this long-anticipated two-part series, we sit down with U.S. Army pilot CW5 Allen C. Mack, who authored the riveting book Razor 03 . In Razor 03 , Mack shares his behind the scenes perspective of The Horse Soldiers in the war in Afghanistan. Mack discusses the hunt for Osama bin Laden, and his shoot-down during Operation Anaconda. Years later, he chased Bowe Bergdahl, rescued hostages in Iraq and a survivor from the Kunar Valley. He lived by his unit’s motto: “Night Stalkers don’t quit.” Ten years of deployments brought Mack monumental success and crushing sadness. Both provide intriguing accounts of war, love, determination and emotional resilience. Join us as we discuss Mack’s life and experiences as a special operations pilot for the U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers. Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics, Metro Aviation, and Trakka Systems.

Apr 25, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this two-part series, we sit down to talk with Capt Lee Majors from the Leon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) in Florida. The LCSO has operated helicopters in support of law enforcement and public safety efforts in Tallahassee, Leon County, and the surrounding area since 1974. For the first 25 or so years, LCSO operated the only law enforcement helicopter in the Florida panhandle. Today, the LCSO Aviation Bureau is often modeled by other agencies, and is the primary Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force aviation response unit for the region. Majors is a lifelong resident of Tallahassee, with a rich history of service in law enforcement aviation and community involvement. His journey with the LCSO began as a volunteer in 1985 when he joined the LCSO C.B. Posse, steadily rising through the ranks to the position of lieutenant. In 1989, while still serving in the posse, he volunteered at aviation as a reserve tactical flight officer, showcasing his dedication to public safety aviation. In January 2000, his commitment was recognized when he was hired as a full-time employee into the aviation unit. Over the years, Majors has played pivotal roles within the LCSO, including being promoted to sergeant in 2014 and assuming command of the aviation unit. Throughout his tenure, Majors has spearheaded numerous initiatives and achievements within the LCSO. He was instrumental in procuring and outfitting the new Bell 505 helicopter, marking the first new aircraft purchased for the unit since its inception in 1974. Additionally, he played a key role in establishing the LCSO/Tallahassee PD Aviation Task Force, expanding the reach and effectiveness of airborne law enforcement operations in Tallahassee/Leon County and beyond. Majors' expertise extends beyond the LCSO, as he is recognized as a subject matter expert in airborne law enforcement operations nationally. He has lent his technical and safety guidance to numerous agencies, assisting them with aviation unit start-ups and equipment procurement. Majors is a pilot with over 5,600 hours of logged pilot-in-command time. He holds Federal Aviation Administration certifications as an airline transport pilot, flight instructor for helicopters and single-engine land and sea airplanes, instrument flight instructor, and advanced ground school instructor, among others. Outside of his professional endeavors, Majors is actively involved in various organizations and community initiatives. He serves on the board of directors for the Airborne Public Safety Association, where he currently holds the position of treasurer. He also volunteers with organizations such as the Experimental Aircraft Association, Lively Technical College Airframe and Powerplant School Occupational Advisory Council, and the Boy Scouts of America. Majors' dedication to aviation safety, law enforcement, and community service has made a lasting impact on the public safety aviation community worldwide. Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America , Trakka Systems and Greenwich AeroGroup

Apr 23, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this two-part series, we sit down to talk with Capt Lee Majors from the Leon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) in Florida. The LCSO has operated helicopters in support of law enforcement and public safety efforts in Tallahassee, Leon County, and the surrounding area since 1974. For the first 25 or so years, LCSO operated the only law enforcement helicopter in the Florida panhandle. Today, the LCSO Aviation Bureau is often modeled by other agencies, and is the primary Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force aviation response unit for the region. Majors is a lifelong resident of Tallahassee, with a rich history of service in law enforcement aviation and community involvement. His journey with the LCSO began as a volunteer in 1985 when he joined the LCSO C.B. Posse, steadily rising through the ranks to the position of lieutenant. In 1989, while still serving in the posse, he volunteered at aviation as a reserve tactical flight officer, showcasing his dedication to public safety aviation. In January 2000, his commitment was recognized when he was hired as a full-time employee into the aviation unit. Over the years, Majors has played pivotal roles within the LCSO, including being promoted to sergeant in 2014 and assuming command of the aviation unit. Throughout his tenure, Majors has spearheaded numerous initiatives and achievements within the LCSO. He was instrumental in procuring and outfitting the new Bell 505 helicopter, marking the first new aircraft purchased for the unit since its inception in 1974. Additionally, he played a key role in establishing the LCSO/Tallahassee PD Aviation Task Force, expanding the reach and effectiveness of airborne law enforcement operations in Tallahassee/Leon County and beyond. Majors' expertise extends beyond the LCSO, as he is recognized as a subject matter expert in airborne law enforcement operations nationally. He has lent his technical and safety guidance to numerous agencies, assisting them with aviation unit start-ups and equipment procurement. Majors is a pilot with over 5,600 hours of logged pilot-in-command time. He holds Federal Aviation Administration certifications as an airline transport pilot, flight instructor for helicopters and single-engine land and sea airplanes, instrument flight instructor, and advanced ground school instructor, among others. Outside of his professional endeavors, Majors is actively involved in various organizations and community initiatives. He serves on the board of directors for the Airborne Public Safety Association, where he currently holds the position of treasurer. He also volunteers with organizations such as the Experimental Aircraft Association, Lively Technical College Airframe and Powerplant School Occupational Advisory Council, and the Boy Scouts of America. Majors' dedication to aviation safety, law enforcement, and community service has made a lasting impact on the public safety aviation community worldwide. Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics , SHOTOVER and Bell

Apr 18, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! This will be another one of our Vertical Helicasts Mash-Up episodes with Halsey Schider from The Helicopter Podcast and Jason Quinn from the Real ResQ Podcast. In this episode we introduce our newest Vertical host, Val Medved, who will be hosting the new Vertical MRO Podcast—the first episode drops today. The Vertical MRO Podcast explores the world of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The episodes feature helicopter technicians, mechanics engineers, and MRO experts who will share valuable industry insight, knowledge and stories that will inspire current and aspiring industry maintainers. This podcast will be available on all the major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. To find out more about the Vertical MRO Podcast go to VerticalHelicasts.com . Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America , Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group .

Apr 16, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this three-part series, Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with the industry's best airborne tactical instructors to discuss the importance of training and collaboration in the industry. This series has an all-star lineup up including Jack Schonely, Clay Lacey and Nick Minx. Schonely spent over 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department. He is a nationally recognized expert in suspect tactics and perimeter containment and is a sought-after tactical trainer. As you will quickly learn from his experience, he is uniquely qualified to instruct and write on perimeter containment, search techniques, tactics used by suspects, use of force, and a wide variety of aircrew topics. Schonely has participated in over 2,000 perimeter containments during his career, and he has seen many successes and failures. He has shared his experience with thousands of law enforcement officers across the world instructing on this topic. He is author of the book Apprehending Fleeing Suspects; Suspect Tactics and Perimeter Containment and has been published in numerous publications relating to this topic. We also get to hear from Lt Clay Lacey, who is currently employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). In 2000, Lacey was specially assigned to the Texas DPS Aviation Operations Division as a task force tactical flight officer where he has worked hundreds of flights and thousands of hours in support of criminal manhunts, surveillance, search-and-rescue, vehicle pursuits, foot pursuits, and airborne use of force. Lacey developed the Texas DPS technical flight officer (TFO) training program from the ground up and currently serves as a TFO instructor within the unit. Lacey teaches around the world on behalf of the Airborne Public Safety Association and individual law enforcement units seeking additional specialized instruction, authors equipment procurement and bid specifications for the Texas DPS, and serves as a consultant for companies conducting large-scale emergency management and preparedness planning throughout the United States. Last but not least is Minx, the owner of Tactical Flying. Minx manages day-to-day operations while playing an active role in training and development. A sworn officer for nearly 20 years with San Diego Police Department, Minx was assigned to SDPD’s Air Support Unit as a TFO in 2012, and has since become certified as a helicopter pilot. He has over 3,000 combined hours working both seats in an aircraft, and continues to hone his skills as a tactical operator and a cooperative member of an aircrew. In particular, Minx has always been fascinated by the study of suspect behavior. Using incident videos and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) finds, he compiles data to track patterns of movement in fleeing suspects, and applies this information toward the continuous improvement of techniques and training in suspect searches. As part of Tactical Flying, Minx has provided instruction to tactical flight operators in both domestic and international settings, with clients ranging from military and law enforcement officers to federal agencies. Thank you to our sponsors Summit Aviation , Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , and Robinson Helicopters .

Apr 11, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this three-part series, Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with the industry's best airborne tactical instructors to discuss the importance of training and collaboration in the industry. This series has an all-star lineup up including Jack Schonely, Clay Lacey and Nick Minx. Schonely spent over 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department. He is a nationally recognized expert in suspect tactics and perimeter containment and is a sought-after tactical trainer. As you will quickly learn from his experience, he is uniquely qualified to instruct and write on perimeter containment, search techniques, tactics used by suspects, use of force, and a wide variety of aircrew topics. Schonely has participated in over 2,000 perimeter containments during his career, and he has seen many successes and failures. He has shared his experience with thousands of law enforcement officers across the world instructing on this topic. He is author of the book Apprehending Fleeing Suspects; Suspect Tactics and Perimeter Containment and has been published in numerous publications relating to this topic. We also get to hear from Lt Clay Lacey, who is currently employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). In 2000, Lacey was specially assigned to the Texas DPS Aviation Operations Division as a task force tactical flight officer where he has worked hundreds of flights and thousands of hours in support of criminal manhunts, surveillance, search-and-rescue, vehicle pursuits, foot pursuits, and airborne use of force. Lacey developed the Texas DPS technical flight officer (TFO) training program from the ground up and currently serves as a TFO instructor within the unit. Lacey teaches around the world on behalf of the Airborne Public Safety Association and individual law enforcement units seeking additional specialized instruction, authors equipment procurement and bid specifications for the Texas DPS, and serves as a consultant for companies conducting large-scale emergency management and preparedness planning throughout the United States. Last but not least is Minx, the owner of Tactical Flying. Minx manages day-to-day operations while playing an active role in training and development. A sworn officer for nearly 20 years with San Diego Police Department, Minx was assigned to SDPD’s Air Support Unit as a TFO in 2012, and has since become certified as a helicopter pilot. He has over 3,000 combined hours working both seats in an aircraft, and continues to hone his skills as a tactical operator and a cooperative member of an aircrew. In particular, Minx has always been fascinated by the study of suspect behavior. Using incident videos and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) finds, he compiles data to track patterns of movement in fleeing suspects, and applies this information toward the continuous improvement of techniques and training in suspect searches. As part of Tactical Flying, Minx has provided instruction to tactical flight operators in both domestic and international settings, with clients ranging from military and law enforcement officers to federal agencies. These great gentlemen are all also co-hosts on The Hangar Z Podcast, so look out for episodes where they share their knowledge and passion for the industry. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics , SHOTOVER and Robinson Helicopters

Apr 9, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this three-part series, Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with the industry's best airborne tactical instructors to discuss the importance of training and collaboration in the industry. This series has an all-star lineup up including Jack Schonely, Clay Lacey and Nick Minx. Schonely spent over 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department. He is a nationally recognized expert in suspect tactics and perimeter containment and is a sought-after tactical trainer. As you will quickly learn from his experience, he is uniquely qualified to instruct and write on perimeter containment, search techniques, tactics used by suspects, use of force, and a wide variety of aircrew topics. Schonely has participated in over 2,000 perimeter containments during his career, and he has seen many successes and failures. He has shared his experience with thousands of law enforcement officers across the world instructing on this topic. He is author of the book Apprehending Fleeing Suspects; Suspect Tactics and Perimeter Containment and has been published in numerous publications relating to this topic. We also get to hear from Lt Clay Lacey, who is currently employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). In 2000, Lacey was specially assigned to the Texas DPS Aviation Operations Division as a task force tactical flight officer where he has worked hundreds of flights and thousands of hours in support of criminal manhunts, surveillance, search-and-rescue, vehicle pursuits, foot pursuits, and airborne use of force. Lacey developed the Texas DPS technical flight officer (TFO) training program from the ground up and currently serves as a TFO instructor within the unit. Lacey teaches around the world on behalf of the Airborne Public Safety Association and individual law enforcement units seeking additional specialized instruction, authors equipment procurement and bid specifications for the Texas DPS, and serves as a consultant for companies conducting large-scale emergency management and preparedness planning throughout the United States. Last but not least is Minx, the owner of Tactical Flying. Minx manages day-to-day operations while playing an active role in training and development. A sworn officer for nearly 20 years with San Diego Police Department, Minx was assigned to SDPD’s Air Support Unit as a TFO in 2012, and has since become certified as a helicopter pilot. He has over 3,000 combined hours working both seats in an aircraft, and continues to hone his skills as a tactical operator and a cooperative member of an aircrew. In particular, Minx has always been fascinated by the study of suspect behavior. Using incident videos and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) finds, he compiles data to track patterns of movement in fleeing suspects, and applies this information toward the continuous improvement of techniques and training in suspect searches. As part of Tactical Flying, Minx has provided instruction to tactical flight operators in both domestic and international settings, with clients ranging from military and law enforcement officers to federal agencies. These great gentlemen are all also co-hosts on The Hangar Z Podcast, so look out for episodes where they share their knowledge and passion for the industry. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , CNC Technologies and Dallas Avionics .

Apr 3, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! This episode was recorded live from the floor of HAI Heli-Expo in Anaheim in March 2024, where we were able to interview the HAI Salute to Excellence Pilot of the Year Award recipient Mike Sagely. Sagely's path to becoming a decorated pilot isn’t typical. After a successful college volleyball career that even included a stint on the U.S. Olympic volleyball team, Sagely enlisted in the U.S. Army in his mid-20s. His talent and dedication shone through immediately. He excelled in flight school, becoming a distinguished graduate, where he began flying the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Sagely's impressive military career spanned 22 years. He served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, later joining the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment where he flew special combat missions. His bravery earned him seven Air Medals, a Bronze Star, and countless valuable experiences. After retiring from the Army, Sagely continued his service by becoming a contract fire pilot and later joining the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. In 2009, he joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD), where his leadership and abilities led to a swift promotion to senior pilot. His heroism during rescues and lifesaving missions has been recognized at LA County Fire with two valor awards and three separate rescue awards from Sikorsky. Sagely's dedication extends beyond flying. He credits his success to strong mentors throughout his career and actively mentors others, pushing them to grow and excel. His leadership and mentorship are invaluable assets to the LA County Fire and the public safety aviation community as a whole. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group , Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and CNC Technologies.

Mar 27, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this three part series, we sit down to talk with Deb Dickerson. A decorated former LAPD officer, Tactical Flight Officer and pilot. Deb Dickerson thrives on a life filled with challenge and passion. Born and raised in the tight-knit community of Guttenberg, Iowa (population 1,500), Deb developed a competitive spirit through sports like softball, basketball, and track. A pivotal moment came in 1984 during a vacation to Los Angeles for the Olympic Trials. Setting eyes on the city and experiencing her first airplane ride, Deb fell in love with flying. With unwavering determination, she traded her Midwestern roots for the California sunshine, starting a career in retail while harboring dreams of becoming a pilot. Driven by a desire for service, Deb's path took her to law enforcement. She joined the ranks of the LAPD in the late 1980s, where she become a respected officer. Her diverse career encompassed roles in Hollywood patrol, Vice, and the MTA Task Force, she even had an opportunity to ghostwrite for the Mayor and Chief of Police. A natural leader, Deb broke barriers as the first female Chief TFO (Tactical Flight Officer) in LAPD Air Support. For eight years Deb served as a tactical flight officer, she was then the chief TFO for two years before being selected as a pilot. Witnessing the aftermath of 9/11 firsthand, Deb actively participated in peer counseling efforts. Retirement in 2017 proved short-lived. Missing the thrill of flight, Deb returned to aviation in the Los Angeles basin as a news helicopter pilot. Thank you to our sponsors Collins Aerospace Goodrich Hoist and Winch , Garmin and Precision Aviation Group .

Mar 22, 2024

Welcome to T he Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this three-part series, we sit down to talk with Deb Dickerson. A decorated former LAPD officer, Tactical Flight Officer and pilot. Deb Dickerson thrives on a life filled with challenge and passion. Born and raised in the tight-knit community of Guttenberg, Iowa (population 1,500), Deb developed a competitive spirit through sports like softball, basketball, and track. A pivotal moment came in 1984 during a vacation to Los Angeles for the Olympic Trials. Setting eyes on the city and experiencing her first airplane ride, Deb fell in love with flying. With unwavering determination, she traded her Midwestern roots for the California sunshine, starting a career in retail while harboring dreams of becoming a pilot. Driven by a desire for service, Deb's path took her to law enforcement. She joined the ranks of the LAPD in the late 1980s, where she become a respected officer. Her diverse career encompassed roles in Hollywood patrol, Vice, and the MTA Task Force, she even had an opportunity to ghostwrite for the Mayor and Chief of Police. A natural leader, Deb broke barriers as the first female Chief TFO (Tactical Flight Officer) in LAPD Air Support. For eight years Deb served as a tactical flight officer, she was then the chief TFO for two years before being selected as a pilot. Witnessing the aftermath of 9/11 firsthand, Deb actively participated in peer counseling efforts. Retirement in 2017 proved short-lived. Missing the thrill of flight, Deb returned to aviation in the Los Angeles basin as a news helicopter pilot. Thank you to our sponsors Wysong , Technisonic and Robinson Helicopters .

Mar 20, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this three-part series, we sit down to talk with Deb Dickerson. Dickerson is a decorated former Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer, tactical flight officer (TFO) and pilot who thrives in a life filled with challenge and passion. Born and raised in the tight-knit community of Guttenberg, Iowa (population 1,500), Deb developed a competitive spirit through sports like softball, basketball and track. A pivotal moment came in 1984 during a vacation to Los Angeles for the Olympic Trials. Setting eyes on the city and experiencing her first airplane ride, Dickerson fell in love with flying. With unwavering determination, she traded her Midwestern roots for the California sunshine, starting a career in retail while harboring dreams of becoming a pilot. Driven by a desire for service, Dickerson’s path took her to law enforcement. She joined the ranks of the LAPD in the late 1980s, where she become a respected officer. Her diverse career encompassed roles in Hollywood patrol, Vice, and the MTA Task Force; she even had an opportunity to ghostwrite for the mayor and chief of police. A natural leader, Dickerson broke barriers as the first female Chief TFO in LAPD Air Support. For eight years, Dickerson served as a tactical flight officer; she was then the chief TFO for two years before being selected as a pilot. Witnessing the aftermath of 9/11 firsthand, Dickerson actively participated in peer counseling efforts. Retirement in 2017 proved short-lived. Missing the thrill of flight, Dickerson returned to aviation in the Los Angeles basin as a news helicopter pilot. Thank you to our sponsors Technisonic , MD Helicopters and CNC Technologies

Mar 16, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this two-part series, host Jon Gray sits down to talk with Harald Brink. Brink is based with the Dutch National Police, National Expertise and Operations, Air Support Unit, based at Amsterdam Airport since 2009. Brink has been a police officer since the early 1990s. Since its inception in 1953, the Dutch Police Aviation Service has relentlessly served as the nation’s eyes in the sky. The unit operates two satellite offices, one at Rotterdam-The Hague Airport and one at Volkel AFB. Operating around the clock with a fleet of aircraft that includes nine helicopters, the Air Support Unit serves as watchful guardians, covering a vast expanse of 16,000 square miles on a mission to protect and serve. Brink started to work for the police 32 years ago, first in patrol in the city of The Hague. Later, he transferred to the National Police Force. Since 2009 he has been a tactical flight officer in the Air Support Unit. Progressing to be a technical flight officer (TFO) instructor and examiner since 2012. The Dutch Police Aviation Service is not merely an airborne patrol; it actively upholds aviation law by ensuring compliance with regulations and guaranteeing a high standard of safety and efficacy in every mission — from search-and-rescue tactics to safeguarding national borders through aerial surveillance. Thank you to our sponsors Collins Aerospace Goodrich Hoist and Winch , Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and MD Helicopters .

Mar 14, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this two-part series, host Jon Gray sits down with Harald Brink. Brink is based with the Dutch National Police, National Expertise and Operations, Air Support Unit, based at Amsterdam Airport since 2009. Brink has been a police officer since the early 1990s. Since its inception in 1953, the Dutch Police Aviation Service has relentlessly served as the nation’s eyes in the sky. The unit operates two satellite offices, one at Rotterdam-The Hague Airport and one at Volkel AFB. Operating around the clock with a fleet of aircraft that includes nine helicopters, the Air Support Unit serves as watchful guardians, covering a vast expanse of 16,000 square miles on a mission to protect and serve. Brink started to work for the police 32 years ago, first in patrol in the city of The Hague. Later, he transferred to the National Police Force. Since 2009 he has been a tactical flight officer in the Air Support Unit. Progressing to be a technical flight officer (TFO) instructor and examiner since 2012. The Dutch Police Aviation Service is not merely an airborne patrol. It actively upholds aviation law by ensuring compliance with regulations and guaranteeing a high standard of safety and efficacy in every mission — from search-and-rescue tactics to safeguarding national borders through aerial surveillance. Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopters , SHOTOVER and Wysong .

Mar 10, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this engaging two-part series, Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down for a conversation with a close friend, former colleague, and Gray’s certified flight instructor (CFI) at Ontario Police Department, Kevin Hart Hart is a seasoned professional in aviation and law enforcement. With a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from UC Santa Barbara, he brings a solid academic foundation to his multifaceted career. Hart's journey began as a fixed-wing certified flight instructor (CFI) before transitioning to law enforcement, where he served as a deputy Sheriff for the Orange County Sheriff's Department. His subsequent move to the Ontario Police Department marked over 14 years of dedicated service, during which he ascended from patrol to aviation. Hart’s roles included serving as a tactical flight officer before earning the coveted position of pilot. Notably, he also assumed the pivotal role of the aviation unit's primary certified flight instructor. Relocating to Nashville in 2021, Hart continued his contributions to aviation, working as a helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) pilot for Air Evac. Hart and Ratkovich are now both pilots for the Tennessee Highway Patrol, with Hart based out of Nashville and Ratkovich in West Tennessee. Hart is enjoying life outside of California living in the country and working around his property tending to the chickens, fishing, and fantasizing about surf trips. Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , Precision Aviation Group and Bell .

Mar 8, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this engaging two-part series, Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down for a conversation with a close friend, former colleague, and Gray’s certified flight instructor (CFI) at Ontario Police Department, Kevin Hart Hart is a seasoned professional in aviation and law enforcement. With a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from UC Santa Barbara, he brings a solid academic foundation to his multifaceted career. Hart's journey began as a fixed-wing certified flight instructor (CFI) before transitioning to law enforcement, where he served as a deputy Sheriff for the Orange County Sheriff's Department. His subsequent move to the Ontario Police Department marked over 14 years of dedicated service, during which he ascended from patrol to aviation. Hart’s roles included serving as a tactical flight officer before earning the coveted position of pilot. Notably, he also assumed the pivotal role of the aviation unit's primary certified flight instructor. Relocating to Nashville in 2021, Hart continued his contributions to aviation, working as a helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) pilot for Air Evac. Hart and Ratkovich are now both pilots for the Tennessee Highway Patrol, with Hart based out of Nashville and Ratkovich in West Tennessee. Hart is enjoying life outside of California living in the country and working around his property tending to the chickens, fishing, and fantasizing about surf trips. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , SHOTOVER and Garmin .

Mar 6, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this two-part series, we sit down to talk with Desiree Horton. With 33 years of aviation expertise and over 10,000 flight hours under her belt, Horton brings a wealth of experience to the world of public safety aviation. Currently serving as a fire/rescue pilot for Kern County Fire Department, she has dedicated her career to protecting lives and property from the skies. Horton embarked on her aviation journey in 1990 in Southern California, navigating some of the busiest airspace and operating out of the Van Nuys Airport, one of the busiest airports. Her diverse background includes flying tours, charter flights, news coverage, traffic watch, and movie production work. For almost half of her career, she honed her skills in various aviation roles before realizing her dream of becoming a fire pilot. The path to becoming a fire pilot was challenging in the early days, with limited opportunities for those without prior experience. Undeterred, Horton financed her own training for long line and mountain courses, securing a position with a company willing to give her a chance. She made history by becoming the first female pilot on an exclusive use contract for Region 5 with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). After years of serving as a contract pilot for the USFS, Horton achieved her goal of working for a fire department in Southern California. In 2013, she joined Cal Fire as a full-time female fire helicopter pilot, dedicating almost seven years to the organization. Continuing her trailblazing career, she moved on to the Orange County Fire Department in her hometown, where she became the first woman to work in air operations and as a pilot for the department. Currently, Horton is breaking new ground with the Kern County Fire Department as their first-ever female fire/rescue pilot. Driven by a desire to encourage women to explore opportunities in public safety aviation, she aspires to overcome obstacles and promote a positive culture within the industry. Thank you to our Sponsors CNC Technologies , Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and Metro Aviation .

Feb 29, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this two-part series, we sit down to talk with Desiree Horton. With 33 years of aviation expertise and over 10,000 flight hours under her belt, Horton brings a wealth of experience to the world of public safety aviation. Currently serving as a fire/rescue pilot for Kern County Fire Department, she has dedicated her career to protecting lives and property from the skies. Horton embarked on her aviation journey in 1990 in Southern California, navigating some of the busiest airspace and operating out of the Van Nuys Airport, one of the busiest airports. Her diverse background includes flying tours, charter flights, news coverage, traffic watch, and movie production work. For almost half of her career, she honed her skills in various aviation roles before realizing her dream of becoming a fire pilot. The path to becoming a fire pilot was challenging in the early days, with limited opportunities for those without prior experience. Undeterred, Horton financed her own training for long line and mountain courses, securing a position with a company willing to give her a chance. She made history by becoming the first female pilot on an exclusive use contract for Region 5 with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). After years of serving as a contract pilot for the USFS, Horton achieved her goal of working for a fire department in Southern California. In 2013, she joined Cal Fire as a full-time female fire helicopter pilot, dedicating almost seven years to the organization. Continuing her trailblazing career, she moved on to the Orange County Fire Department in her hometown, where she became the first woman to work in air operations and as a pilot for the department. Currently, Horton breaking new ground with the Kern County Fire Department as their first-ever female fire/rescue pilot. Driven by a desire to encourage women to explore opportunities in public safety aviation, she aspires to overcome obstacles and promote a positive culture within the industry. Thank you to our Sponsors Robinson Helicopters , SHOTOVER and Metro Aviation .

Feb 25, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this two-part series, we are honored to sit down with Bobby Swartz to discuss his remarkable aviation career. Swartz’s military aviation story began with Naval Aviation Flight training from 2009 to 2011. In 2012, he completed the MV-22B Initial Pilot Qualification and underwent rigorous flight training, laying the foundation for a career filled with notable achievements. Swartz’s career trajectory led him through various impactful roles within the Marine Corps, showcasing expertise and flight leadership at every step. He initially served as a Ground Safety Officer in VMM-561 in Miramar and VMM-265 in Okinawa, Japan while continuing to learn the Osprey. His dedication to safety and excellence has been a consistent thread throughout his career. The majority of Swartz’s career was spent at VMM-161, in San Diego at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, where he held key positions such as Director of Safety & Standardization and Aviation Safety Officer while attaining Night Systems Instructor and Flight Lead designations in the Osprey. Swartz’s dedication and excellence led him to Washington, D.C., where he was assigned to the prestigious Marine Helicopter Squadron One a.k.a. HMX 1, which is in charge of transportation of the U.S. President, Presidential Staff, and dignitaries worldwide. Since leaving active duty in 2021 Swartz has earned the title of first officer at a major U.S. airline flying the 737 and continues to serve the United States as a Marine Corps reservist flying the Osprey out of Miramar. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group , Metro Aviation , and Astronautics Corporation of America

Feb 23, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this two-part series, we are honored to sit down with Bobby Swartz to discuss his remarkable aviation career. Swartz’s military aviation story began with Naval Aviation Flight training from 2009 to 2011. In 2012, he completed the MV-22B Initial Pilot Qualification and underwent rigorous flight training, laying the foundation for a career filled with notable achievements. Swartz’s career trajectory led him through various impactful roles within the Marine Corps, showcasing expertise and flight leadership at every step. He initially served as a Ground Safety Officer in VMM-561 in Miramar and VMM-265 in Okinawa, Japan while continuing to learn the Osprey. His dedication to safety and excellence has been a consistent thread throughout his career. The majority of Swartz’s career was spent at VMM-161, in San Diego at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, where he held key positions such as Director of Safety & Standardization and Aviation Safety Officer while attaining Night Systems Instructor and Flight Lead designations in the Osprey. Swartz’s dedication and excellence led him to Washington, D.C., where he was assigned to the prestigious Marine Helicopter Squadron One a.k.a. HMX 1, which is in charge of transportation of the U.S. President, Presidential Staff, and dignitaries worldwide. Since leaving active duty in 2021 Swartz has earned the title of first officer at a major U.S. airline flying the 737 and continues to serve the United States as a Marine Corps reservist flying the Osprey out of Miramar. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Dallas Avionics , and SHOTOVER

Feb 22, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this two-part series, we sit down to talk about Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and how they are helping to improve the public safety aviation industry. Joining us for this conversation is Tony Weller the Director of sales and marketing for AEM and Sean Rickards the chief pilot and Director of Operations for Yellowhead Helicopters. Tony Weller has been with AEM for over 7 years. Tony also spent many years working in the education field as a teacher and Head of Department, with positions in Australia, the UK, and Canada. Sean Rickards is a professional pilot with over 30 years of experience with over 10,000+ flight hours. In 2001, Sean joined Yellowhead Helicopters as a Base Manager and, within a few years, earned the position of Regional Manager for Yellowhead Helicopters' northern operations. In 2014, Sean was appointed as the Director of Operations for Yellowhead Helicopters. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in guiding the company through a significant period of growth as the company expanded to over 40 aircraft. His passion for aviation, dedication to safety, and ability to navigate complex operations have firmly established him as a respected figure in the helicopter industry." Yellowhead Helicopters is a privately held Canadian company that has been providing commercial helicopter solutions to the public, industry and government since 1975. From helicopter bases strategically located throughout British Columbia and Alberta they have a wide mission set that includes aerial firefighting, utility work and tourism which includes heliskiing for over 45 years. For more than a decade, Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing (AEM) has provided customer-driven solutions to the aviation industry with the design, development, and manufacture of avionics. They are an approved OEM supplier of aircraft components to several helicopter OEMs such as Bell, Boeing, Leonardo, Airbus Helicopters, and Sikorsky. This is a very interesting conversation that highlights AEM’s commitment to developing outstanding mission equipment with the input of the end user. Thank you again to AEM for sponsoring this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast.

Feb 20, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this two-part series, we sit down to talk about Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and how they are helping to improve the public safety aviation industry. Joining us for this conversation is Tony Weller the Director of sales and marketing for AEM and Sean Rickards the chief pilot and Director of Operations for Yellowhead Helicopters. Tony Weller has been with AEM for over 7 years. Tony also spent many years working in the education field as a teacher and Head of Department, with positions in Australia, the UK, and Canada. Sean Rickards is a professional pilot with over 30 years of experience with over 10,000+ flight hours. In 2001, Sean joined Yellowhead Helicopters as a Base Manager and, within a few years, earned the position of Regional Manager for Yellowhead Helicopters' northern operations. In 2014, Sean was appointed as the Director of Operations for Yellowhead Helicopters. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in guiding the company through a significant period of growth as the company expanded to over 40 aircraft. His passion for aviation, dedication to safety, and ability to navigate complex operations have firmly established him as a respected figure in the helicopter industry." Yellowhead Helicopters is a privately held Canadian company that has been providing commercial helicopter solutions to the public, industry and government since 1975. From helicopter bases strategically located throughout British Columbia and Alberta they have a wide mission set that includes aerial firefighting, utility work and tourism which includes heliskiing for over 45 years. For more than a decade, Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing (AEM) has provided customer-driven solutions to the aviation industry with the design, development, and manufacture of avionics. They are an approved OEM supplier of aircraft components to several helicopter OEMs such as Bell, Boeing, Leonardo, Airbus Helicopters, and Sikorsky. This is a very interesting conversation that highlights AEM’s commitment to developing outstanding mission equipment with the input of the end user.

Feb 17, 2024

In this episode, the three Vertical Helicasts Hosts, Halsey Schider of The Helicopter Podcast, Jon Gray of The Hangar Z Podcast, and Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ discuss their excitement for the upcoming HAI event and the podcast lineups they have planned. They also talk about the networking opportunities and the chance to reconnect with industry colleagues and professionals. Make sure to come visit the trio at HAI Heli Expo this year! They are at booth 5716, with a 'Meet and Greet' scheduled for Wednesday February 28th from 3-5pm. And if you see any of the hosts walking around the expo, don't hesitate to say hi!

Feb 16, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this two-part series, we sit down to talk about a multi-agency public interaction event designed to bring positive law enforcement interaction to ill children and their families at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. To discuss the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital Cops for Kids Fly-In we speak with Doug Brimmer from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and Ian Crocker from the Riverside Police Department in California. Deputy Doug Brimmer has served the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for over 28 years. His passion for law enforcement began early on as he was raised in a military, law enforcement, and aviation family. Following the heroic footsteps of his father, Vic Brimmer, Doug passionately pursued the same law enforcement and aviation career as his father. After serving two years in the jail system and eight years on patrol he was assigned to Sheriff's Aviation in 2011. While in aviation, he flew for two years as a tactical flight officer, eight years as a patrol helicopter pilot, and two years as a rescue helicopter pilot. He has conducted well over 70 live hoist rescue missions throughout San Bernardino County. While at aviation, he also serves as a recruitment team member for the department, a coordinator for the Aero Squadron and volunteers on the boards for both the Sheriff's Historical Society and the California Law Enforcement Historical Society. Ian Crocker was born and raised in Redlands, California. In 2008 he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Cal State San Bernardino. While in college, Crocker also began working in mental health programs for at-risk youth. In 2012, he took the first step in pursuing his dream job. He entered the Extended Academy at San Bernardino Valley College while working full time during the day. The extended academy took a year to complete. He received his basic POST in August of 2013 and was hired by Riverside Police Department in October of 2013. Crocker worked patrol. He was selected as a School Resource Officer. and was also selected to be a collateral member of their SWAT Sniper Team. In 2020, Crocker was selected as a tactical flight officer briefly before testing, interviewing, and being selected as pilot. Thank you to sponsors CNC Technologies , Summit Aviation , and Astronautics Corporation of America .

Feb 14, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this two-part series, we sit down to talk about a multi-agency public interaction event designed to bring positive law enforcement interaction to ill children and their families at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. To discuss the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital Cops for Kids Fly-In, we speak with Doug Brimmer from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and Ian Crocker from the Riverside Police Department in California. Deputy Doug Brimmer has served the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for over 28 years. His passion for law enforcement began early on as he was raised in a military, law enforcement and aviation family. Following the heroic footsteps of his father, Vic Brimmer, Doug passionately pursued the same law enforcement and aviation career as his father. After serving two years in the jail system and eight years on patrol he was assigned to Sheriff's Aviation in 2011. While in aviation, he flew for two years as a tactical flight officer, eight years as a patrol helicopter pilot and two years as a rescue helicopter pilot. He has conducted well over 70 live hoist rescue missions throughout San Bernardino County. While at aviation, he also serves as a recruitment team member for the department, a coordinator for the Aero Squadron and volunteers on the boards for both the Sheriff's Historical Society and the California Law Enforcement Historical Society. Ian Crocker was born and raised in Redlands, California. In 2008, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Cal State San Bernardino. While in college, Crocker also began working in mental health programs for at-risk youth. In 2012, Crocker took the first step in pursuing his dream job. He entered the Extended Academy at San Bernardino Valley College while working full time during the day. The extended academy took a year to complete. He received his basic POST in August of 2013 and was hired by Riverside Police Department in October of 2013. Crocker worked patrol. He was selected as a School Resource Officer. and was also selected to be a collateral member of their SWAT Sniper Team. In 2020, Crocker was selected as a tactical flight officer briefly before testing, interviewing, and being selected as pilot. Thank you to sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing , Summit Aviation , and Precision Aviation Group .

Feb 9, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this two-part series, host Jon Gray sits down with Bryan Santy, the sergeant in charge of Anaheim Police Department's aviation unit. Santy has had a wildly successful law enforcement career. He worked his way to aviation becoming a pilot after working patrol and as a gang investigator. Santy was later promoted to sergeant and went back to field operations working as a patrol sergeant and supervised the Homeland Security detail. Santy worked his way back to air support and has been the sergeant of the unit since August 2010. Anaheim PD’s aviation program dates to 1970, when they began the program flying two Hughes 300 helicopters. Today they go by the call sign Angel and are flying H125 (AStar) helicopters as well as a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan to assist in surveillance missions. With its humble beginnings in 1970 to the current multi-category aircraft fleet, the Anaheim Police Department Air Support unit's primary mission remains to provide support to patrol officers. As the technology, aircraft performance and fleet diversification have advanced with crew training and professionalism, the unit has expanded its capabilities to support virtually any public safety aviation mission. Thank you to sponsors AeroBrigham , Metro Aviation and Robinson Helicopters

Feb 7, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS . In this two-part series, host Jon Gray sits down with Bryan Santy, the sergeant in charge of Anaheim Police Department's aviation unit. Santy has had a wildly successful law enforcement career. He worked his way to aviation becoming a pilot after working patrol and as a gang investigator. Santy was later promoted to sergeant and went back to field operations working as a patrol sergeant and supervised the Homeland Security detail. Santy worked his way back to air support and has been the sergeant of the unit since August 2010. Anaheim PD’s aviation program dates to 1970, when they began the program flying two Hughes 300 helicopters. Today they go by the call sign Angel and are flying H125 (AStar) helicopters as well as a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan to assist in surveillance missions. With its humble beginnings in 1970 to the current multi-category aircraft fleet, the Anaheim Police Department Air Support unit's primary mission remains to provide support to patrol officers. As the technology, aircraft performance and fleet diversification have advanced with crew training and professionalism, the unit has expanded its capabilities to support virtually any public safety aviation mission. Thank you to sponsors Bell , AEM and Dallas Avionics .

Jan 31, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . This is a two-part series where we honor the memory and legacy of flight nurse Stacie Morse in partnership with ECHO Heliops, The First Responder Whiskey Society, Morse’s aunt Susan Morse deLucia, and her best friend Cindy Pratt, to honor and discuss the legacy of flight nurse Stacie Morse. Flight nurse Stacie Morse, flight paramedic Margaret Langston, and pilot Patrick Coyle perished on Jan. 29, 2019, while responding to a call for fixed-wing patient transport. As ECHO's second member from Alaska, she was known as "Alaska 2," and had a strong passion for learning. In addition, Morse had a vast love for the outdoors and volunteered to better the community in which she lived. Morse worked in various settings between emergency room and intensive care unit nursing before beginning her career as a flight nurse in Juneau, Alaska. Thank you to our sponsors Aero Brigham , Metro Aviation , and Robinson Helicopters. About the Stacie Morse Education Scholarship https://www.echoflightcrew.org/staciemorse

Jan 29, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . This is a two-part series where we honor the memory and legacy of flight nurse Stacie Morse in partnership with ECHO Heliops, The First Responder Whiskey Society, Morse’s aunt Susan Morse deLucia, and her best friend Cindy Pratt, to honor and discuss the legacy of flight nurse Stacie Morse. Flight nurse Stacie Morse, flight paramedic Margaret Langston, and pilot Patrick Coyle perished on Jan. 29, 2019, while responding to a call for fixed-wing patient transport. As ECHO's second member from Alaska, she was known as "Alaska 2," and had a strong passion for learning. In addition, Morse had a vast love for the outdoors and volunteered to better the community in which she lived. Morse worked in various settings between emergency room and intensive care unit nursing before beginning her career as a flight nurse in Juneau, Alaska. Thank you to our sponsors Collins Aerospace’s Goodrich , Metro Aviation , and Robinson Helicopters About the Stacie Morse Education Scholarship https://www.echoflightcrew.org/staciemorse

Jan 25, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts. This is Part Two of a two-part series with Tyler Boeddeker and Sean MacHale from Massif, an apparel company that creates and produces some of the world’s finest flame-resistant (FR) gear. Massif was founded in 1999 by two passionate visionaries who set the bar high for quality and excellence in everything they do. Randy Benham, one of Massif’s founders, was a Jenny Lake search-and-rescue (SAR) crewmember in Grand Teton National Park who understood the demands of rugged, unpredictable and hazardous work conditions. On a mission to fill the gap and solve the problem, Massif partnered with the specialized Los Angeles based knitting mill Antex, and a core group of extraordinarily dedicated people. Together, they invented never-before-seen FR fabrics and applied them to innovative clothing designs for numerous climates and contexts. Boeddeker is a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in the Navy for six years as a Naval Aircrewman, with three deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. He has multiple certifications as a rescue swimmer, SAR Petty Officer, SERE graduate, and more. He’s now worked as a government sales manager for nearly 4 years. He is also a certified civilian rescue swimmer, EMT-B, and Wilderness EMT, and a licensed skydiver! MacHale is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served 10 years as a Marine Corps tiltrotor crew chief on the MV-22 Osprey. MacHale is in-tune with the aviation world. He has deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and the 15th MEU in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and Operation Inherent Resolve in 2015. MacHale is a licensed private pilot, skydiver, and scuba diver, but will also indulge in sailing, surfing and any other outdoor activity! In this episode, Boeddeker talks about a rescue operation he was a part of involving two pilots who ejected from their stricken fighter jet. Hangar Z host Jon Gray and his guests also spend time talking about FR gear, which includes flight suits, and get into some of the tech behind FR materials. Lastly, they talk about some of the safety considerations that go along with the proper use of flame-resistant flight suits and apparel. Thank you to sponsors MD Helicopters , Collins Aerospace’s Goodrich , and Robinson Helicopters .

Jan 23, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . This is Part One of a two-part series with Tyler Boeddeker and Sean MacHale from Massif, and aviation apparel company that creates and produces some of the world’s finest flame-resistant (FR) gear. Massif was founded in 1999 by two passionate visionaries who set the bar high for quality and excellence in everything they do. Randy Benham, one of Massif’s founders, was a Jenny Lake search-and-rescue (SAR) crew member in Grand Teton National Park who understood the demands of rugged, unpredictable and hazardous work conditions. On a mission to fill the gap and solve the problem, Massif partnered with the specialized Los Angeles based knitting mill Antex, and a core group of extraordinarily dedicated people. Together, they invented never-before-seen FR fabrics and applied them to innovative clothing designs for numerous climates and contexts. Boeddeker is a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in the Navy for six years as a Naval Aircrewman, with three deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. He has multiple certifications as a rescue swimmer, SAR Petty Officer, SERE graduate, and more. He’s now worked as a government sales manager for nearly four years. He is also a certified civilian rescue swimmer, EMT-B, and Wilderness EMT, and a licensed skydiver! MacHale is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served 10 years as a Marine Corps tiltrotor crew chief on the MV-22 Osprey. MacHale is in-tune with the aviation world. He has deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and the 15th MEU in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and Operation Inherent Resolve in 2015. MacHale is a licensed private pilot, skydiver and scuba diver, but will also indulge in sailing, surfing, and any outdoor activity! In this episode, Boeddeker and MacHale talk about their military careers and their path to Massif. They also talk about some funny experiences during their active duty time. Thank you to sponsors Metro Aviation , Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and MD Helicopters .

Jan 18, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . This is part three of a three-part series. This series is important for all public safety aviation units, because we discuss the audit released by the LA City Controller’s office on the LAPD Air Support Division. The LAPD Air Support Division is well equipped to deal with and respond to the report to justify its program based on the stats it keeps and the details of its program. We many times have discussed how air support programs are the low-hanging fruit when it comes to politicians and bean counters. This three-part series will talk about LAPD’s air support program and how what they do will help shape the way your agency keeps track of stats and program information. To discuss the audit we brought in Mike Daly, who retired from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) after nearly 34 years of service. If you ever went to LAPD’s Air Crew course, you most likely heard Daly’s course and his legendary one liners. Daly grew up in Latham, New York, enlisting in the military immediately after graduating high school in 1976. After his discharge from active duty, he returned to New York and attended college. In May 1983, he was hired by the LAPD and completed nearly 34 years of service with the below listed assignments. Daly worked his way to Air Support, having worked assignments in patrol, including 77th. He was a metro K9 handler, worked rampart as Gang Unit OIC sergeant and watch commander before he was selected to the air support division as a watch commander and command pilot. Daly also completed 24 years of military service with the U. S. Army in both the active and reserve components. SSG Daly served over seven years on active duty including an 18-month combat tour in Iraq. In this episode, we discuss using stats to prove your aviation program is essential and not a luxury. We discuss some of the academic studies that document, through empirical evidence, that air support units reduce crime. Lastly, we discuss the use of social media to promote aviation programs. Thank you to our sponsors Bell , Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and SHOTOVER .

Jan 16, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . This is part two of a three-part series. This series is important for all public safety aviation units, because we discuss the audit released by the LA City Controller’s office on the LAPD Air Support Division. The LAPD Air Support Division is well equipped to deal with and respond to the report to justify its program based on the stats it keeps and the details of its program. We many times have discussed how air support programs are the low-hanging fruit when it comes to politicians and bean counters. This three-part series will talk about LAPD’s air support program and how what they do will help shape the way your agency keeps track of stats and program information. To discuss the audit we brought in Mike Daly, who retired from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) after nearly 34 years of service. If you ever went to LAPD’s Air Crew course, you most likely heard Daly’s course and his legendary one liners. Daly grew up in Latham, New York, enlisting in the military immediately after graduating high school in 1976. After his discharge from active duty, he returned to New York and attended college. In May 1983, he was hired by the LAPD and completed nearly 34 years of service with the below listed assignments. Daly worked his way to Air Support, having worked assignments in patrol, including 77th. He was a metro K9 handler, worked rampart as Gang Unit OIC sergeant and watch commander before he was selected to the air support division as a watch commander and command pilot. Daly also completed 24 years of military service with the U. S. Army in both the active and reserve components. SSG Daly served over seven years on active duty including an 18-month combat tour in Iraq. In this episode, we finish talking about the LAPD Air Support Division’s Regional Disaster Preparedness Training exercise, which is also known as the LAPD Chili Fly-In, by talking about the importance of the administrative portion of the training exercise. We get into discussing other concerns with the controller’s audit. Lastly, we talk about the importance of keeping accurate and detailed logs so that when you are called on to defend the costs associated with your program you can do so. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group , Technisonic , and CNC Technologies .

Jan 11, 2024

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . This is part one of a three-part series. This series is important for all public safety aviation units, because we discuss the audit released by the LA City Controller’s office on the LAPD Air Support Division. The LAPD Air Support Division is well equipped to deal with and respond to the report to justify its program based on the stats it keeps and the details of its program. We many times have discussed how air support programs are the low-hanging fruit when it comes to politicians and bean counters. This three-part series will talk about LAPD’s air support program and how what they do will help shape the way your agency keeps track of stats and program information. To discuss the audit we brought in Mike Daly, who retired from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) after nearly 34 years of service. If you ever went to LAPD’s Air Crew course, you most likely heard Daly’s course and his legendary one liners. Daly grew up in Latham, New York, enlisting in the military immediately after graduating high school in 1976. After his discharge from active duty, he returned to New York and attended college. In May 1983, he was hired by the LAPD and completed nearly 34 years of service with the below listed assignments. Daly worked his way to Air Support, having worked assignments in patrol, including 77th. He was a metro K9 handler, worked rampart as Gang Unit OIC sergeant and watch commander before he was selected to the air support division as a watch commander and command pilot. Daly also completed 24 years of military service with the U. S. Army in both the active and reserve components. SSG Daly served over seven years on active duty including an 18-month combat tour in Iraq. The L.A. City Controller’s audit questions the time and resources dedicated to the LAPD Air Support Division’s Regional Disaster Preparedness Training exercise, which is also known as the LAPD Chili Fly In. In this episode we talk about the importance of the exercise and how the documentation of the exercise more than justifies its existence. Thank you to our sponsors Garmin , Precision Aviation Group and Technisonic.

Jan 9, 2024

Welcome to episode 125 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . Get ready for the first-ever Vertical HeliCASTS mashup! Halsey Schider from The Helicopter Podcast is joined by Jason “Quinny” Quinn from The Real ResQ and Jon Gray from The Hangar Z Podcast . In this captivating episode, the trio delves deep into crew resource management, sharing personal experiences and invaluable insights that offer a unique perspective on this critical aspect of the industry. With their diverse backgrounds, they provide wonderfully broad viewpoints on the subject, with excellent tips for new and experienced pilots alike. With plenty of laughs and great chemistry throughout the show, don’t miss out on this special episode of The Helicopter Podcast. The Hangar Z Podcast would like to thank sponsors Bell , Garmin , and Precision Aviation Group .

Jan 2, 2024

Welcome to episode 124 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this two-part series, we sit down with Dr. Keith Roxo and Dr. Dan Monlux, who founded Wingman Med . They are both F/A-18 pilots turned board-certified aerospace medicine physicians. Roxo is a Top Gun-trained adversary pilot turned aerospace medicine physician with over 2,000 hours in high-performance aircraft including the F/A-18, F-16, and F-5. He holds multiple military flight instructor qualifications, an airline transport pilot certificate and CFII. He is board-certified in aerospace and occupational medicine and is an FAA senior HIMS AME. Roxo provides aviation medical consulting with Wingman Med. Monlux is an FAA senior HIMS AME who is board-certified in family medicine and aerospace medicine. He has helped thousands to maintain their flight medicine certifications. He started his career in the U.S. Navy and has more than 2500 flight hours including combat service in the F/A-18. A commercial pilot for more than 20 years, he is also a certified flight instructor for single-engine, multi-engine and instrument flight. During our conversation, we profile their careers and talk about Wingman Med and how they keep you flying. After years of helping friends and colleagues keep their medical certificates and stay in the air, they founded Wingman Med so they can do the same thing for you. One thing we know as career pilots is that our medical certificate is critical to our careers. As pilots, they understand the imperative of maintaining your FAA medical certificate and the urgency of getting it back when you lose it. This is a fun and informative conversation with Dr. Keith Roxo and Dr. Dan Monlux. After you finish the podcast check out their website for more information at www.wingmanmed.com The Hangar Z Podcast would like to thank sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies .

Dec 28, 2023

Welcome to episode 123 of The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicast . This episode was recorded from the floor of the ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference in San Diego. Host Jon Gray had the opportunity to speak with a good friend, Ken Fox. Fox is a flight paramedic from the Big Bear Fire Department. Big Bear Fire has a unique relationship with Mercy Air to provide advanced life support to people in need in and around the Big Bear area, in the mountains of Southern California. In this episode, Fox talks about the career path to becoming a flight medic and the unique area in which he operates. They also talk about utilizing different methods to get weather information for areas that do not have many official weather reporting stations. The conversation also touches on an in-flight medical emergency Fox was involved in, and how it could be avoided. The Hangar Z Podcast would like to thank sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies .

Dec 26, 2023

Welcome to episode 122 of The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicast . In Part Three of this three-part series, host Jon Gray resumes his conversation with Calvin Dockery and Dave Ritchie. Both Dockery and Ritchie are U.S. Army veterans who flew MH-47 helicopters in the world-renowned 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment’s mission is to organize, equip, train, resource and employ Army special operations aviation forces worldwide in support of contingency missions and combatant commanders. Known as “Night Stalkers,” these soldiers are recognized for their proficiency in nighttime operations. They are highly trained and ready to accomplish the very toughest missions in all environments, anywhere in the world, day or night, with unparalleled precision. They employ highly modified MH-47 Chinook and MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, and the assault and attack configurations of A/MH-6 Little Bird helicopters. In this episode, Dockery and Ritchie speak about their mission deployment tempo when they were with the Night Stalkers. They speak about the impact their service had on their families, and talk about the transition to civilian life and their current jobs. We also get to discuss what they are currently doing. This podcast is complemented by an outstanding article Jen Boyer wrote for Vertical Magazine titled " Washington State Department of Natural Resources: First line of defense, " with photos and video by Shawn Adams. The Hangar Z Podcast would like to thank sponsors Garmin , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies .

Dec 21, 2023

Welcome to Episode 121 of The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In Part Two of this three-part series, host Jon Gray resumes his conversation with Calvin Dockery and Dave Ritchie. Both Dockery and Ritchie are U.S. Army veterans who flew MH-47 helicopters in the world-renowned 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment’s mission is to organize, equip, train, resource and employ Army special operations aviation forces worldwide in support of contingency missions and combatant commanders. Known as “Night Stalkers,” these soldiers are recognized for their proficiency in nighttime operations. They are highly trained and ready to accomplish the very toughest missions in all environments, anywhere in the world, day or night, with unparalleled precision. They employ highly modified MH-47 Chinook and MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, and the assault and attack configurations of A/MH-6 Little Bird helicopters. In this episode, Dockery and Ritchie debrief a mission they were a part of in the Korengal Valley, also known as the Valley of Death. They talk about how the 160th trains with cities within the U.S. like they did in Los Angeles, and discuss what makes the 160th different from other Army aviation units. They also talk about a mission when they flew in to rescue Jimmy Hatch after he was shot and critically injured on a mission searching for Bowe Bergdahl. Jimmy Hatch was a guest from episode 100, titled Touching the Dragon . If you haven’t heard that episode the recording, go back and listen to it, The Hangar Z Podcast would like to sincerely thank sponsors Garmin, Metro Aviation and CNC Technologies.

Dec 19, 2023

Welcome to Episode 120 of The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this three-part series, host Jon Gray sits down with two outstanding Americans, Calvin Dockery and Dave Ritchie. Both Dockery and Ritchie are U.S. Army veterans who flew MH-47 helicopters in the world-renowned 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment’s mission is to organize, equip, train, resource and employ Army special operations aviation forces worldwide in support of contingency missions and combatant commanders. Known as “Night Stalkers,” these soldiers are recognized for their proficiency in nighttime operations. They are highly trained and ready to accomplish the very toughest missions in all environments, anywhere in the world, day or night, with unparalleled precision. They employ highly modified MH-47 Chinook and MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, and the assault and attack configurations of A/MH-6 Little Bird helicopters. Soldiers of the 160th have been actively and continuously engaged in combat operations since October 2001. Today, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment continues a sustained and active forward presence in the U.S. Central Command area of operations at multiple locations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 160th also provides support to U.S. Southern, Pacific, Africa, and European commands. Dockery is a now a pilot for Alaska Airlines, flying the Boeing 737 as a first officer. Ritchie is now the chief of air operations for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. In this episode, Ritchie recounts his involvement as an Army Ranger in Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia. Many know of this operation from the movie Black Hawk Down. Ritchie and Dockery both speak about the 160th selection process and provide some detail on the ship they flew, the MH-47 Chinook. The Hangar Z Podcast would like to thank sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER, and CNC Technologies .

Dec 14, 2023

Welcome to episode 119 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . This episode is brought to you from the floor of the ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference in San Diego, courtesy of conference sponsor Airbus Helicopters. In this episode, host Jon Gray sits down with Mike Calhoun from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, as well as Matt Zdunich, chief pilot for the San Diego Police Department. Both guests are experts and advocates in training tactical flight officers (TFOs) to train additional TFO candidates. During the conversation, they discuss training philosophies for this task. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies .

Dec 12, 2023

Welcome to episode 118 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In Part Three of this three-part series, host Jon Gray resumes his conversation with Matt Szluka. Szluka is a state trooper and fixed-wing aircraft pilot with the Illinois State Police (ISP) in the Chicagoland area, with extensive aviation and law enforcement experience. He currently focuses on supporting his fellow brothers and sisters on the ground utilizing aircraft and other technologies for criminal enforcement, especially in the city of Chicago, a place he has proudly called home for 42 years. In this episode, Szluka continues the discussion about the importance of stats to maintain and grow an air support unit. He speaks about the benefits of developing and maintaining positive relationships with the tower controllers that work in this area of operation. He also discusses drone operations as a supplement and in conjunction with manned aviation programs. Szluka and co-host Jack Schonely both have backgrounds in K-9 operations, and they speak about the benefits of training with K-9 teams. Lastly, they discuss some of the technologies employed both airborne and ground-based law enforcement that increase officer safety. The Hangar Z Podcast wishes to thank sponsors Garmin , SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies.

Dec 7, 2023

Welcome to episode 117 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this three part series, we sit down with Matt Szluka. Matt is currently employed as a State Trooper and Fixed-Wing Aircraft Pilot with the Illinois State Police in the Chicagoland area. Matt was born and raised in the Chicago area, and has lived in the city his entire life. Prior to joining the ISP Air Operations Bureau as a pilot, Matt was assigned as a K-9 Handler to the ISP Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement Team and the District 15 Criminal Patrol Team. Outside his law enforcement duties, Matt works part-time as an instructor at a local college teaching aviation classes to aspiring pilots. Matt has 12 years of law enforcement experience at three different police departments in Chicago. Outside of being a Pilot and K-9 Handler, Matt has experience as a member of the ISP Chicago Region Crowd Control Team, K-9 Instructor, K-9 Crowd Control Instructor, Field Training Officer and Evidence Technician. Before Matt entered law enforcement he was an Airline Captain at a large regional airline that served cities across North America and the Bahamas. During his time in the airlines, Matt was a Human Factors Facilitator and Crew Resource Management instructor. Matt received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Illinois in Aviation Human Factors, which spurred his passion for human interaction with advanced technologies, particularly as it relates to aviation. Matt now focuses his efforts on supporting his fellow brothers and sisters on the ground utilizing aircraft and other technologies for criminal enforcement, especially in the City of Chicago, a place he has proudly called home for 42 years. In part two of this three part series Matt talks about his time working as an interdiction trooper with his K9 partner and how that helped to shape the tactics he is employing in aviation. Matt talks about how LPR technology helped him and the regional troopers recover a kidnapped 15 year old girl. Matt talks at length about some of the technology his agency is utalizing which includes license plate reading technology to make their aviation program a proactive airborne interdiction type unit. We also talk about the importance of stat keeping in your aviation programs. Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies.

Dec 5, 2023

Welcome to episode 116 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this three-part series, host Jon Gray sits down with Matt Szluka. Szluka is a state trooper and fixed-wing aircraft pilot with the Illinois State Police in the Chicagoland area. Born and raised in Chicago, Szluka has lived in the city his entire life. Prior to joining the ISP Air Operations Bureau as a pilot, he was assigned as a K-9 handler to the ISP Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement Team and the District 15 Criminal Patrol Team. Outside his law enforcement duties, Szluka works part-time as an instructor at a local college, teaching aviation classes to aspiring pilots. Szluka has 12 years of law enforcement experience at three different police departments in the Chicago, Illinois, area. Outside of being a pilot and K-9 handler, Szluka also has experience as a member of the ISP Chicago Region Crowd Control Team, K-9 instructor, K-9 crowd control instructor, field training officer and evidence technician. Before Szluka entered law enforcement, he was an airline captain at a large regional airline that served cities across North America and the Bahamas. During his time in the airlines, Szluka was a human factors facilitator and crew resource management instructor. He received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Illinois in Aviation Human Factors, which spurred his passion for human interaction with advanced technologies, particularly as it relates to aviation. Szluka now focuses his efforts on supporting his fellow brothers and sisters on the ground utilizing aircraft and other technologies for criminal enforcement, especially in the City of Chicago, a place he has proudly called home for 42 years. The Hangar Z Podcast wishes to thank its sponsors Metro Aviation , Garmin and CNC Technologies.

Nov 30, 2023

Welcome to episode 115 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this episode, host Jon Gray sits down with a few of the men from SR3, Stef Maier Rob Munday and Tony Webber — although Webber steps into the co-host shoes for this episode, recorded on location in San Diego Bay from the ECHO conference. This episode is modeled after Flight Suit Fridays, a podcast about U.S. Coast Guard aviation. Flight Suit Fridays has “patio beer episodes,” where they freestyle content as they sit on a patio and drink amazing beer. This perfectly describes how Hangar Z approached this episode. The Hangar Z Podcast wishes to thank sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies . All these companies are huge contributors to the overall growth and success of our industry.

Nov 28, 2023

Welcome to Episode 114 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . This is Part Two of a series with Derek, Kyle and Tanya from the Calgary Police Service aviation unit, referred to as the HAWCS program. HAWCS stands for Helicopter Air Watch for Community Safety. In this episode, Hangar Z host Jon Gray and his guests continue their conversation about Calgary’s aviation program. They speak about the process for testing and selecting tactical flight officers in Calgary, and the history of the HAWCS program. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Constable Rick Sonnenberg and his partner, who attempted to stop a reportedly stolen vehicle by laying down a spike belt. Sadly, Constable Sonnenberg was struck by the speeding car and died instantly. Constable Sonnenberg was with the Calgary Police Service for just under four years, and was about to announce his engagement to be married. He was also survived by his mother, his sister and his niece. Following Constable Sonnenberg‘s death, his sister Lisa Stinson led a campaign to raise funds for a police helicopter. Because of her efforts, the Calgary Police Service acquired an MD 520N, known as HAWC1, in July 1995, and HAWC2 in April 2005. The Hangar Z Podcast wishes to thank sponsors Garmin , SHOTOVER , and Metro Aviation .

Nov 21, 2023

Welcome to episode 113 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this two-part series, host Jon Gray sits down with Derek, Kyle and Tanya from the Calgary Police Service aviation unit, referred to as the HAWCS program. HAWCS stands for helicopter air watch for community safety. During this episode we have an opportunity to profile their careers, talk about the Calgary Police Service broadly and get into some of the technology that makes their program successful and efficient. This episode piggybacks off an article written by Jen Nevans in June 2023 and published in Vertical Valor magazine . Within the article, you will find lots of multimedia content, including photos and video. The Hangar Z Podcast encourages everyone to familiarize themselves with sponsors who have made this episode possible. Thank you to Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and Garmin . We appreciate all you have done for The Hangar Z Podcast and public safety.

Nov 16, 2023

Welcome to episode 112 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this two-part series, we sit down with Dr. Keith Roxo and Dr. Dan Monlux, who founded Wingman Med . They are both F/A-18 pilots turned board-certified aerospace medicine physicians. Roxo is a Top Gun-trained adversary pilot turned aerospace medicine physician with over 2,000 hours in high-performance aircraft including the F/A-18, F-16, and F-5. He holds multiple military flight instructor qualifications, an airline transport pilot certificate and CFII. He is board-certified in aerospace and occupational medicine and is an FAA senior HIMS AME. Roxo provides aviation medical consulting with Wingman Med. Monlux is an FAA senior HIMS AME who is board-certified in family medicine and aerospace medicine. He has helped thousands to maintain their flight medicine certifications. He started his career in the U.S. Navy and has more than 2500 flight hours including combat service in the F/A-18. A commercial pilot for more than 20 years, he is also a certified flight instructor for single-engine, multi-engine and instrument flight. During our conversation, we profile their careers and talk about Wingman Med and how they keep you flying. After years of helping friends and colleagues keep their medical certificates and stay in the air, they founded Wingman Med so they can do the same thing for you. One thing we know as career pilots is that our medical certificate is critical to our careers. As pilots, they understand the imperative of maintaining your FAA medical certificate and the urgency of getting it back when you lose it. This is a fun and informative conversation with Dr. Keith Roxo and Dr. Dan Monlux. After you finish the podcast check out their website for more information at www.wingmanmed.com Thank you to our sponsors SHOTOVER , Metro Aviation , and Garmin .

Nov 14, 2023

Welcome to episode 111 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this episode, host Jon Gray celebrates the 50th episode of The Helicopter Podcast with Halsey Schider. To mark the occasion, Gray takes over The Helicopter Podcast to interview Schider. Gray has been working behind the scenes and on the mic to help build MHM Publishing’s new Vertical Helicasts podcast network . Like Hangar Z, The Helicopter Podcast is also a proud member of the Vertical Helicasts family. The Helicopter Podcast features guests from every segment from within helicopter aviation. Schider is an engaging host who delivers casual conversations, answers questions, gives sound advice and talks shop with his guests. The Helicopter Podcast is produced by helicopter professionals for all types of helicopter people. Schider started his aviation journey at age 14, when he joined the Civil Air Patrol. Eighteen years later, after having had the opportunity to fly in all kinds of different helicopter operations, including emergency medical services, his passion for aviation (specifically helicopters) is stronger than ever. Schider has also always had an entrepreneurial spirit, starting his first business at age 12 by mowing lawns. You will enjoy getting to know him during this interview. To listen to The Helicopter Podcast, visit the show page on the Vertical Helicasts website . The Hangar Z Podcast is proud to thank its sponsors, who have made this episode possible. Thank you to sponsors Garmin, SHOTOVER and Metro Aviation.

Nov 9, 2023

Welcome to episode 110 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . This is an episode recorded from the floor at the ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference in San Diego. Host Jon Gray had another opportunity to sit down with Bell’s Terry Miyauchi to discuss what it takes to establish a new public safety aviation unit. Miyauchi’s aviation career spans more than 30 years, where he served both as an Army aviator and as a law enforcement pilot. Miyauchi's public safety career culminated as commander of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Aviation Unit, where he led a unit of over 65 personnel and a fleet of 14 aircraft. Currently, Miyauchi works for Bell as the company’s public safety segment manager, which takes him all over the world talking to various agencies in different states of development. His experience in this role gives him the unique ability to speak to the subject of new unit start-ups. To find more information on Bell and the resources they have available visit www.bell.co/publicsafety The Hangar Z Podcast would like to thank sponsors Garmin , SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies .

Nov 7, 2023

Welcome to episode 109 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . Thanks for joining us for part three of our conversation with Lt Cody Klaehn from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). In this episode, we talk about the equipment Texas DPS is using for its airborne use of force program as we continue the conversation on airborne use of force. Lt Klaehn is a Texas native who joined the Marine Corp before joining Texas DPS. He worked the highway as a patrol officer for 10 years, before he was selected to the Driver License Fraud Unit, stationed in Austin. He was later promoted to the Criminal Investigation Division as a sergeant in Narcotics and stationed in Laredo with the Drug Intelligence Unit. Lt Klaehn served on and off the SWAT team for approximately 12 years, during which time he advanced through various positions within the SWAT Team. From there, Lt Klaehn transferred to the Texas DPS Training Academy in Austin as a recruit school instructor in Austin. He was selected as one of two lieutenant team leaders for the Texas Ranger SWAT team. In 2011, Lt Klaehn transferred from the SWAT team to DPS Aircraft in 2011 and presently works as a training lieutenant for tactical flight officers (TFOs). He is one of two Special Mission instructors for the DPS Aircraft Division and is the lead instructor for Airborne Use of Force for Texas DPS. As you will find out, Lt Klaehn continues to develop and adapt the Airborne Use of Force Program for the current situations facing law enforcement today. If you get a chance to talk to CNC Technologies , and go through their social media, you will see they have a hand in developing the mission suites for Texas DPS’s new aircraft, so it’s awesome that they are sponsoring this episode of the Hangar Z podcast, along with our friends and sponsors Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER.

Nov 2, 2023

Welcome to episode 108 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . Thanks for joining us to continue this conversation with Lt Cody Klaehn from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). In this episode, Lt Klaehn debriefs an inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC) incident he was a part of as a tactical flight officer (TFO). We also continue the conversation on airborne use of force. Lt Klaehn is a Texas native who joined the Marine Corp before joining Texas DPS. He worked the highway as a patrol officer for 10 years, before he was selected to the Driver License Fraud Unit, stationed in Austin. He was later promoted to the Criminal Investigation Division as a sergeant in Narcotics and stationed in Laredo with the Drug Intelligence Unit. Lt Klaehn served on and off the SWAT team for approximately 12 years, during which time he advanced through various positions within the SWAT Team. From there, Lt Klaehn transferred to the Texas DPS Training Academy in Austin as a recruit school instructor in Austin. He was selected as one of two lieutenant team leaders for the Texas Ranger SWAT team. In 2011, Lt Klaehn transferred from the SWAT team to DPS Aircraft in 2011 and presently works as a training lieutenant for TFOs. He is one of two Special Mission instructors for the DPS Aircraft Division and is the lead instructor for Airborne Use of Force for Texas DPS. As you will find out, Lt Klaehn continues to develop and adapt the Airborne Use of Force Program for the current situations facing law enforcement today. We have a new sponsor that we are excited to announce. Thank you, Garmin for your support and for becoming a sponsor of The Hangar Z Podcast. “I have been a big fan of Garmin products for a long time so this is exciting,” said host Jon Gray. Without your support, and the support of our friends at Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies this podcast would not be possible.

Oct 31, 2023

Welcome to episode 107 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this three-part series, we sit down with Lt. Cody Klaehn, from the Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Division. Cody is a Texas native who joined the Marine Corp before joining Texas DPS Cody worked the highway as a patrol officer for ten years, before he was selected to the Driver License Fraud Unit stationed in Austin. He was later promoted to the Criminal Investigation Division as a Sgt in Narcotics and stationed in Laredo with the Drug Intelligence Unit. Welcome to episode 107 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this three-part series, we sit down with Lieutenant Cody Klaehn from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Aircraft Division. Lt Klaehn is a Texas native who joined the Marine Corps before beginning his work with Texas DPS. He worked the highway as a patrol officer for 10 years before he was selected to the Driver License Fraud Unit, stationed in Austin. He was later promoted to the Criminal Investigation Division as a sergeant in narcotics and was stationed in Laredo with the Drug Intelligence Unit. Lt Klaehn served on and off the SWAT team for approximately 12 years, during which time he advanced through various positions within the SWAT Team. From there he transferred to the Texas DPS Training Academy in Austin as a recruit school instructor. Lt Klaehn was selected as one of the two lieutenant team leaders for the Texas Ranger SWAT team. In 2011, he transferred from the SWAT team to DPS Aircraft and presently works as a training lieutenant for tactical flight officers. Lt Klaehn is one of two special mission instructors for the DPS Aircraft Division. He is also the lead instructor for Airborne Use of Force for Texas DPS. As you will find out, Lt Klaehn continues to develop and adapt the Airborne Use of Force Program for situations facing law enforcement today. A very big thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies .

Oct 26, 2023

Welcome to episode 106 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . This is part two of our conversation with Manny Dickerson, chief tactical flight officer (TFO) in the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Air Support Division. Dickerson grew up in Southern California and joined the Marine Corps before becoming an LAPD officer. Throughout Dickerson’s distinguished career, he has had a dramatic and positive impact on the program he was assigned to, as well as the people assigned to work with him. That is evident in the LAPD Air Support Division, where Dickerson developed the training and standards for TFOs assigned to this legendary organization. In this episode, we talk about LAPD’s TFO selection and training process, their formation flight cadre, and several other very interesting topics. Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies .

Oct 24, 2023

Welcome to episode 105 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . In this episode, we sit down with Manny Dickerson, chief tactical flight officer (TFO) at the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Dickerson is a Southern California native who joined the Marine Corps before becoming an LAPD officer. Throughout Dickerson’s distinguished career, he has had a dramatic positive impact on the program he was assigned to, as well as the folks assigned to work with him. That is evident in LAPD’s Air Support Division, where Dickerson has developed the training and standards for TFOs assigned to this legendary organization. This is part one of a two-part series. In part one we profile Dickerson’s career and talk about how he made his way to the air support division. We also talk about how LAPD recruits and trains their tactical flight officers amongst a bunch of other topics. Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies .

Oct 12, 2023

Welcome to episode 104 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts . This episode is a rollercoaster of celebration, revelation and inspiration! We're excited to announce some groundbreaking milestones on our journey and welcome a new member to our podcast family. We raise a toast for joining forces with the MHM Publishing family, marking our third glorious year on air, launching our 100th episode, and stepping into the visual world of YouTube to share our entire podcast episodes. We're also thrilled to introduce an industry stalwart as our new co-host. In addition to all of this, Jeff has some exciting news to share during the episode. Buckle up as we embark on uncharted territories together! The Hangar Z Podcast would like to thank its sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies .

Oct 10, 2023

Welcome to episode 103 of the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS Ever wished you could be a fly on the wall at a top-tier public safety aviation conference? Strap in and join us for an engaging rearview reflection on the enriching experience we had at the Echo Public Safety Aviation Conference in San Diego. Mrs. Z and I share how this unique gathering enabled us to collaborate and learn, strengthening bonds within the public safety aviation community. The Hangar Z Podcast was asked to moderate the live ECHO Public Safety Aviation Safety Panel which was sponsored by Airbus. We were humbled to have been asked and honored to share the stage with RJ Garwood (retired Huntington Beach Police Aviation), Tony Webber (search and rescue/fire pilot with San Diego County Sheriff's), Jack Fulmer (Mercy Air flight paramedic), Dave Callen (retired Las Vegas Metro pilot and owner of SR3 Rescue Concepts), Rob Monday (SAR hoist operator Cougar Helicopters and SR3 hoist operations trainer) Dan Gillis (US Coast Guard Pilot), and Joe Lebrecque (ECHO Safety Team). During the safety panel conversation we discussed over water flight operation considerations, Issues surrounding crew rest, and the pressure to respond. This is the live recording of the safety panel so please excuse the audio interference that pops up from time to time. If you would like to hear more from our panel guests you can find their individual episodes on the Hangar Z Podcast here: RJ Garwood, episode 78 Tony Webber, episode 12 Dave Callen, episode 25 Rob Munday, episode 63 Dan Gillis, episode 56 The Hangar Z Podcast would like to thank its sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies .

Oct 2, 2023

Welcome to episode 102 of the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS Yes, Vertical HeliCASTS . You may wondering: What the heck is Vertical HeliCASTS ? It's an exciting new podcast network from Vertical and Vertical Valor magazines, the helicopter industry's leading publications. The Hangar Z podcast is proud to be part of the new Vertical HeliCASTS family. When Hangar Z host Jon Gray discovered podcasts, he loved them. He listened to them every day on his commute to the hangar. One problem he had was finding helicopter-related podcasts, so he spent time navigating podcast libraries looking for quality helicopter industry shows. That problem has been solved with the creation of Vertical HeliCASTS , the go-to helicopter podcast network. In this episode, Gray speaks with Mike Reyno, the creator of Vertical HeliCASTS and the owner of MHM Publishing (which produces Vertical and Vertical Valor magazines), along with Jason Quinn, the host of the Real ResQ Podcast; and Halsey Schider of The Helicopter Podcast. All three shows are now part of the Vertical HeliCASTS network. This discussion focuses on what Vertical HeliCASTS is and what they aim to do with it. After you are done with the episode, check out the Vertical HeliCASTS webpage at verticalhelicasts.com . While there, you can check out the awesome content being created by Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ Podcast and Halsey Schider of The Helicopter Podcast. The Hangar Z Podcast would like to thank its sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies , as well as its supporters on Patreon .

Sep 26, 2023

Welcome to episode 101 of The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . This is part two of two with Jimmy Hatch a former Navy Seal, founder of Spikes K9 Fund, and author of Touching the Dragon. Jimmy’s story is truly inspiring, Jimmy is a former Navy Seal, master naval parachutist, he was involved in over 150 missions between Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Africa. Jimmy was also an expert K9 trainer and handler as a NAVY SEAL. Jimmy writes about the battles he fought overseas as well as the battles he fought on the home front after being critically wounded while attempting to rescue ARMY deserter Pvt. Bowe Bergdahl. In Jimmy Hatch’s book Touching the Dragon as well as in our conversation, Hatch courageously discusses the ever-important topic of PTSD by opening up about his own battle as he worked to heal from the career-ending gunshot wound that exploded through his femur, requiring eighteen surgeries and twelve months of recovery in which he had to relearn how to walk. Jimmy talks about the nonprofit K9 organization he developed to protect our nation's working dogs called Spikes K9 Fund. As a K9 handler on several deployments, James’ life was regularly spared by the work of K9s – one of the most memorable was Spike. And on James’ final deployment, the night he was critically wounded, a K9 Remco spared James’ life while losing his own. From that evening on, James oriented his life around the training, care and preservation of working dogs. In addition to working as the founder and president of the fund, he works with local law enforcement to fine-tune their work. As I mentioned in part one if you are like me and listen to podcasts in the car oftentimes with kids present this may be one of the episodes you excuse the kids from. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies .

Sep 19, 2023

Welcome to episode 100 of The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . One thing that has been constant for The Hangar Z Podcast as we have grown over the last three years and 100 episodes is change. We have constantly worked to bring new and different types of interviews to our aviation community. Our hope in doing so is that the guest's stories will challenge you, motivate you, and work to strengthen our global public safety aviation community. The guest we have in store for our 100th episode will definitely challenge and motivate you. This is part one of a two-part series. During the Hangar Z Leadership Summit 2023, Jack Schonely introduced me to the book titled Touching the Dragon by Jimmy Hatch. After the leadership summit, I bought the book and found I could not put it down. Jimmy’s story is truly inspiring, Jimmy is a former Navy Seal, master naval parachutist, he was involved in over 150 missions between Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Africa. Jimmy was also an expert K9 trainer and handler as a NAVY SEAL. Jimmy writes about the battles he fought overseas as well as the battles he fought on the home front after being critically wounded while attempting to rescue ARMY deserter Pvt. Bowe Bergdahl. In Jimmy Hatch’s book Touching the Dragon as well as in our conversation, Hatch courageously discusses the ever-important topic of PTSD by opening up about his own battle as he worked to heal from the career-ending gunshot wound that exploded through his femur, requiring eighteen surgeries and twelve months of recovery in which he had to relearn how to walk. Jimmy talks about the nonprofit K9 organization he developed to protect our nation's working dogs called Spikes K9 Fund . As a K9 handler on several deployments, James’ life was regularly spared by the work of K9s – one of the most memorable was Spike. And on James’ final deployment, the night he was critically wounded, a K9 Remco spared James’ life while losing his own. From that evening on, James oriented his life around the training, care, and preservation of working dogs. In addition to working as the founder and president of the fund, he works with local law enforcement to fine-tune their work. Thank you for joining us over the last 100 episodes we look forward to continuing to bring inspiring stories and conversations like the one you will hear here with Jack Schonely and Jimmy Hatch. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies .

Sep 12, 2023

Welcome to episode 99 of The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . In this episode, we are privileged to host Sergeant Jon Hess from the Kansas City Police Department Aviation Unit. During the conversation, Jon Hess talks about the Kansas City Police Department and their aviation unit. Jon is a Purdue University Aviation program graduate, so we spend time talking about his education, and the road to the Kansas City Police Aviation Unit. Kansas City being the home of the Kansas City Chiefs NFL Football team, we talked about how their operations are impacted by the crowds of the football season. We also spend time talking about today's recruitment and retention issues and look at ways to work around the current problem. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies .

Sep 1, 2023

Welcome to episode 98 of The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . In this episode, we piggyback off Vertical Magazine’s article on ECHO’s Public Safety Aviation Conference in San Diego. We got to sit down with ECHO HEMS Director Travis Mason and ECHO Marketing Director Ashley Chitty. During the conversation, we talk about what ECHO is as an organization and most importantly we preview their annual conference that is going to be held in my favorite city San Diego October 2nd through 4th. This year they have added a law enforcement track to the training curriculum in addition to all the other courses being offered that benefit anyone in public safety aviation regardless of segment. In addition to the world-class training, the networking that takes place at the ECHO conference is something you do not want to miss. To register for the conference go to ECHO’s webpage ECHOFlightcrew.org where you will find a registration link as well as other info on the conference. The final day to book a room with the ECHO room rate is Friday, September 8th. Looking forward to catching you all at ECHO in San Diego I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies .

Aug 29, 2023

Welcome to episode 97 of The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . In this episode, we continue the conversation with Bell legends Terry Miyauchi and Steve Soliz and discuss the differences in the HEMS and Law Enforcement mission sets. Thank you to Bell for sponsoring these special episodes of The Hangar Z Podcast. Terry's aviation career spans more than 30 years, where he served both as an Army Aviator and as a law enforcement pilot. Terry's public safety career culminated as commander of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Aviation Unit, where he lead a unit of over 65 personnel and a fleet of 14 aircraft. Steve Soliz has over twenty-five years of experience in military and civilian air medical. He is a retired air force commander and experienced senior business development executive. Commander of the largest aeromedical evacuation squadron in the US Air Force. leading over 200 personnel during multiple global wartime deployments as well as domestic disaster response. This is a fun and informative battle between HEMS and Law Enforcement so sit back with a nice beverage and enjoy. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies .

Aug 22, 2023

Welcome to episode 96 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . In this episode, we sit down with Bell legends Terry Miyauchi and Steve Soliz and discuss the differences in the HEMS and Law Enforcement mission sets. Terry's aviation career spans more than 30 years, where he served both as an Army Aviator and as a law enforcement pilot. Terry's public safety career culminated as commander of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Aviation Unit, where he lead a unit of over 65 personnel and a fleet of 14 aircraft. Steve Soliz has over twenty-five years of experience in military and civilian air medical. He is a retired air force commander and experienced senior business development executive. Commander of the largest aeromedical evacuation squadron in the US Air Force. leading over 200 personnel during multiple global wartime deployments as well as domestic disaster response. This is a fun and informative battle between HEMS and Law Enforcement so sit back with a nice beverage and enjoy. Thank you to Bell for sponsoring this special episode of The Hangar Z Podcast. For more information about Bell go to www.bell.co/publicsafety I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies .

Aug 13, 2023

Welcome to episode 95 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . Can you imagine building a podcast from scratch with a 15-year-old laptop and a borrowed microphone? That's how our journey started three years ago. In this special anniversary episode, we're bringing you into our family circle with my wife, Shawna and dad, Mike Gray. We'll take you through our humble beginnings, sharing laughs over hot seat questions - and recounting some of the most memorable moments from our time in the helicopter industry. Did you ever think your career might involve encounters with alien invasion believers, or bringing joy to children at Loma Linda Children's Hospital through annual 'Toys for Tots' events? That’s the crazy world of law enforcement we’ve lived and loved, and we're excited to share all the laughs, adrenaline rushes, and heartwarming moments with you. Alongside this, we'll talk about the incredible relationships we've built, including becoming a part of the Vertical Valor family, we talk about the inspiring legacy of Skip Robinson and the immense support from mentors and friends. But it’s not all laughter and nostalgia, we'll also discuss the challenges faced, the losses mourned, and the resilience built over the years. We'll delve into the bittersweet memories of our last flight in October 2021, and the subsequent challenging year. Yet, amidst all of this, the podcast remained a beacon of positivity, inspiring us to seize opportunities in 2023. We get an opportunity to express gratitude to our friends and sponsors, who've walked with us on this journey. So get ready as we toast to three years of the HangarZ Podcast and look forward to many more! I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Aug 8, 2023

Welcome to episode 94 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . This is the most unique episode that we have done to date. As we visited MD Helicopters in Mesa Arizona, Ashley Sanchez MD Helicopters Director of Marketing and Communications, had the genius idea for their CEO Brad Pedersen and North American Director of Sales Jack Harris to take over The Hangar Z Podcast booth at APSCON in Orlando Florida. Jeff and I began the conversation and were promptly booted from the podcast where they interviewed Roger Howard and Greg Kellough from the Columbus Police Aviation Unit. With their wealth of experience merging air and ground, they take us from the reality of an engine warning going off mid-flight, to the satisfaction of coaching new pilots and leaving a legacy. You'll hear how they propelled from the Air Force to the police force while honoring the legacy of great pilots that came before them, all underscored by the importance of preparation, support, and mentorship in aviation. These law enforcement veterans unveil the selection process for TFO’s and shine a light on the evaluation process for trainee TFOs. Packed with anecdotes that reveal the unique assistance they offer from the sky, they highlight the value of their airborne perspective. Rodger and Greg talk about their favorite calls, from adrenaline-fueled pursuits to the heartwarming success of finding missing kids and Alzheimer's patients. Our guests also discuss the significance of never quitting on your dreams, their personal struggles and triumphs, and the importance of continual learning in this high-stakes field. As we wrap up our flight, we dive into the evolution of police aviation, from the days of searchlights to today's utilization of camera systems. We survey the benefits of investing in technology, the importance of educational programs for helicopter awareness, and consider the potential of a user conference. Join us for this exciting journey that blends inspiring stories, insightful reflections, and a hint of nostalgia. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Aug 1, 2023

Welcome to episode 93 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . Join us from the floor of APSCON 2023 in Orlando Florida as we sit down and talk to Kris Kubasta, Christian Smith, and Nick Byrd from the San Jose Police Department's Air Support Unit. The San Jose Police Department Air Support Unit has an impressive program that has changed from an old-school flying club to a professional progressive and motivated Air Support Unit that is finding innovative ways to improve their program, their department, and most importantly put bad guys in jail while increasing safety margins for the folks on the ground. As we talk with them they give us some insight into how they changed their unit and the importance they place on relentless training. During the episode we profile their air support unit, revealing its size, operational scope, and the challenges they face. They talk about how they devise innovative strategies to combat local issues like side shows, street racing, and other criminal activity. The episode concludes with a discussion on the role of collaboration, adaptability, and team building within the police department, as well as a briefing on their TFO who won TFO of the year at this year's APSCON. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Jul 24, 2023

Welcome to episode 92 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . We made it into Orlando a bit early for APSCON 2023 so we could swing by and talk to Sergeant Shawn McCook and Chief Tactical Flight Deputy Jason Sams from the Orange County Sheriff's Department. We had the opportunity to record on location at their hangar in Orlando, Florida which was really nice. McCook and Sams share their personal journeys into public safety aviation. They talk about the role of the Orlando Police Department in their staffing strategy and the positive impact they make on the community. We’ll delve into the crucial aspects of drone integration with aviation programs, the challenges brought about by Florida's weather, and the process for technology upgrades in the aviation field. During the episode, McCook and Sams offer insights into the benefits of airplane surveillance and integration with their helicopter program. We also talk about what they have done to improve their TFO selection and training process. Check out the article written by Jen Nevans with photos by Mike Reyno on the Orange County Sheriffs Office titled Future Ready. The article was just released in the APSCON 2023 Special Issue . I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Jul 18, 2023

Welcome to episode 91 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . The Hangar Z Podcast was honored to be asked by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) to join them at their national conference (APSCON) to Podcast from the convention floor in Orlando, Florida. In this episode, we chat with the APSA CEO & Executive Director Dan Schwarzbach and APSA President Richard Bray. Dan Schwarzbach was a police officer and pilot for Houston PD for 39 years. He is now the CEO and Executive Director of APSA. Richard Bray is the Chief Pilot for Alachua County Sheriff’s Office where he has served for over 25 years. During the conversation, We talk about APSCON 2023. We get a preview of what is to come for APSCON 2024 & 2025. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Jul 17, 2023

Welcome to episode 90 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . Join us for part two of this two-part series with Erik Sabiston. During the episode, he recounts a combat medevac mission under gunfire that results in a heavily damaged hydraulic system, Erik talks about the training they had recently done that ultimately saved the crew's life. Erik talks about a mission that put himself and his crew into IIMC conditions and how that led to his involvement with the ICARUS view-limiting training device. During the episode we talk about the transition from military to civilian life, we'll reflect on the importance of mentorship, debt management, and maintaining good relationships. We'll also reflect on the wisdom of Dale Carnegie's 'How to Win Friends and Influence People', and the value of an emergency fund to prepare you to chase your dream job. Lastly, Erik shares his experiences across marketing, the music industry, running a charity, and aviation, which has put him in a unique position to offer consulting services for vets and civilians offering advice to veterans eager to take flight in the airline industry. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Jul 6, 2023

Welcome to episode 89 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . Our guest, Erik Sabiston, developed a lifelong fascination with aviation as a young man. A former US Army Blackhawk pilot, author of the best-selling book " Dustoff 7-3 Saving Lives Under Fire in Afghanistan ", the founder of RTAG , co-founder of the ICARUS device, current airline pilot, and owner of Sabiston Consulting. Erik takes us on his unique journey, from his early days in the music industry to living off the grid, then to the military as a pilot, and ultimately to becoming a legacy airline pilot. Erik’s dedication to the aviation industry extends beyond the cockpit. His experiences transitioning from military to civilian life inspired him to create RTAG, a charity focused on veteran hiring within the aviation industry. We explore the ups and downs of this transition period, and how Erik’s organization strives to support veterans in their journey. We also dive into discussing the process of becoming an airline pilot and the benefits of transition programs for military personnel. Erik talks about his exit from RTAG and what he is doing now with his consulting business where he is still helping veterans and civilians achieve their dream of a career in aviation. The episode concludes with Erik sharing his personal encounters from his military service, including an unforgettable military medevac incident. We reflect on the significance of rigorous training and the role it plays in life-threatening scenarios. This episode is part one of a two-part series. Stand by to hear part two. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Jul 3, 2023

Welcome to episode 88 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . In this episode, we chat with Nick Sinopoli, the inventor of ICARUS, and Matt Johnson, a seasoned pilot and check airman from Metro Aviation. With them, we traverse a landscape of groundbreaking safety enhancements in aviation, discussing everything from their impacts on training and operations to the potential legacies they leave behind. We then transition to explore Matt's aviation career. Matt flew as a full time law enforcement pilot before leaving to fly HEMS missions. Matt is a Designated Pilot Examiner for the FAA and Check Airman for Metro Aviation. His story provides a unique lens through which we discuss the extraordinary safety programs at Metro Aviation, the integral role of weather in flight operations, and the ways in which these experiences have shaped his career. As we move through the episode, the conversation circles back to Nick's innovative device, shedding light on its conception, benefits, and potential improvements. As we wind down, we delve into the weighty topics of mentorship in aviation and the significance of leaving a positive footprint in the industry. We touch upon the life-saving potential of the ICARUS device, as the future of instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) training for aviation. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Jun 27, 2023

Welcome to episode 87 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . This is an exciting episode as it is the first episode done in collaboration with Vertical Valor Magazine for the APSCON Valor Issue. Join us as we discuss the incredible training being provided by SR3 as they spend a week with the Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit Our guests, Dave Callen and Rob Munday from SR3, along with Rescue 9 pilot Mike Calhoun and rescue tech Cory Allen from Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit as they offer valuable insights into their training courses, real-life missions, and the importance of constant learning and evolution. During the conversation, we dive into the various training courses offered by SR3, their collaboration with the Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit in rescue operations, as well as their innovative safety audit program, and gear evaluation process. Get ready to be inspired by the dedication and passion of these professionals, who always strive to stay at the top of their game. As we wrap up this thrilling episode, we reflect on the significance of passing on knowledge and experiences to others, being receptive to change, and seizing every training opportunity with enthusiasm. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Jun 26, 2023

Welcome to episode 86 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance in such a high-stress industry like aviation and public safety? Join us as we unpack this crucial topic with flight medic and ECHO affiliate, Jonathan Carolla. He shares insights from his survey on stress and mental health in the workplace, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues, particularly in light of recent tragic events. Grab a beverage and settle in for an engaging conversation with Jonathan as we explore the challenges faced by professionals in our industry. We also discuss Jonathan's journey to becoming a Flight Crew Assistance Support Team (FAST) member and his passion for mental health in EMS. Discover the success of Camp Echo in encompassing all facets of public safety aviation, and the resources provided by the FAST Team for post-accidents and other difficult calls. Jonathan shares his experiences with volunteer fire departments in West Virginia, and how they shaped his career path. In this timely and informative episode, we explore the challenges and rewards of working in public safety aviation with Jonathan Carolla. We chat about how the work-life balance in our industry affects medics, nurses, and other responders. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an expert in the field who is dedicated to advancing mental health and addressing the issues of PTSD head-on. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Jun 19, 2023

Welcome to episode 85 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . In this episode, we chat with Marc Foreman a Helicopter Technician A&P and IA from the Oklahoma City Police Department aviation unit, about an exhilarating mix of topics: tornadoes, wildfires, aviation advancements, and public safety. Discover the warning systems in place to protect residents from these natural disasters and how following evacuation orders during events like California wildfires can save lives. Marc shares his firsthand experience witnessing a tornado and the destructive power of these natural forces. As a helicopter mechanic, Marc gives us an insider's look into the world of aviation, covering everything from the differences between fixed-wing and helicopter maintenance to the challenges and rewards of working on various aircraft. He also sheds light on the impact of technology on aviation, and the critical role mechanics play in maintaining safety and efficiency in the field. Plus, we discuss the benefits of having a supportive stepfather in the industry who passed down valuable knowledge and skills. Finally, we delve into the public safety aspects of aviation as we explore the challenges faced by law enforcement aviation units and the importance of aircraft maintenance in firefighting operations. Marc shares some fascinating stories from his career and reflects on the passion and dedication that mechanics bring to their work. So grab a cup of coffee (or a Monster, if you're like Marc) and join us for this engaging conversation you won’t want to miss! I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Jun 5, 2023

Welcome to episode 84 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . In this episode, we sit down with Brad Pedersen and Jack Harris from MD Helicopters. Brad Pedersen is the President & CEO at MD Helicopters and Jack is the Director of Public Safety Sales at MD Helicopters. During the conversation, Brad and Jack talk about the positive changes that have come to MD Helicopters. They talk about the new leadership team and describe the company's focus and priorities as they move forward. Brad and Jack also talk about the path that led them to their current positions at MD. Brad has more than 35 years of industry experience delivering accelerated growth and financial performance in leadership positions at Boeing Rotorcraft, Sikorsky Aircraft, Breeze-Eastern, and other aerospace and defense companies. Brad began his career at Hughes Helicopters and has almost 20 years of direct experience with the MD Helicopter product lines. Brad has led the turnaround of several private and publicly-owned companies in his career. He holds an MBA from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. Jack is a decorated retired law enforcement veteran with more than 33 years of experience climbing the ranks of the Columbus, Ohio, Division of Police – the largest police department in the state of Ohio. Jack is a Commercially rated helicopter pilot and holds a Private pilot rating in single-engine airplanes. He flew MD 500E and 530F as a law enforcement officer and served as a Tactical Flight Officer while assigned to the Aviation Section where his last assignment was Unit Commander. Jack is responsible for sales, market expansion, and revenues for the Public Safety and Commercial segments of the MD business in North America. He holds both a BA and MBA degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

May 22, 2023

Welcome, to episode 83 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . In this episode, we sit down with Luke Bowman, Utah DPS's chief pilot. Utah DPS has an outstanding program and is frequently in the media regarding one of their rescues like the recent article by Vertical Valor written by Dan Magna. The title of the article sums up the success of the Utah DPS aviation program “ Utah DPS helicopters hoist 18 people from flash flood in Buckskin Gulch canyon. ” During our conversation, Luke talks about his career and what led him to become the chief pilot for Utah DPS. He also outlines the Utah DPS aviation program and some of the significant incidents that helped shape its aviation program into what it is today. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

May 8, 2023

Welcome, to episode 82 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . In this episode, we get to highlight some of the good work being done by the personnel we consider to be the backbone of our industry, our maintenance technicians. We had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Faith Ortega. Many of you will recognize her from her social media platform How to Helicopter . During our conversation, Faith talks about earning her A&P through Southern Illinois University out of Carbondale Illinois. SIU has an outstanding aviation program where she graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Aviation Technologies with a specialization in helicopters. For our audience that is not familiar with the different positions in the maintenance technician world. The A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) certification refers to a certified mechanic who is authorized to perform maintenance and repairs on an aircraft's airframe, engines, and other related systems. On the other hand, an IA (Inspection Authorization) is a higher-level certification that allows an individual to perform and approve annual inspections and sign off on major repairs and alterations. In short, while an A&P can perform routine maintenance and repairs, an IA has the authority to inspect and approve the work performed by an A&P, and sign off on more complex repairs and alterations. Faith began her career as an A&P out of college working for Helicopters Inc which is heavily involved in the ENG industry which stands for electronic news gathering. After gaining vast experience at Helicopters Inc. Faith joined us in the public safety aviation community as a HEMS base mechanic. Faith has done a lot of work through her social media platform to promote the work being done by maintenance technicians and also to help recruit the next generation. In addition to that she volunteers her time at the Gateway Youth Aeronotical Foundation . During our conversation, we talk at length about the program at Southern Illinois University, she talks about the differences in working in the ENG industry vs the HEMS industry. We also discuss recruiting the next generation into the aviation community. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Apr 24, 2023

Welcome to Episode 81 Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine As we continue our series on surviving a career in public safety we bring you a conversation with Cameron Hardiman the author of Ten Feet Tall and not quite Bullet Proof. Cameron served as a Victoria Police Officer where he worked as a patrol officer and as a tactical flight officer. He later became an Australian Federal Police Officer. During the conversation, Cameron outlines his career as a police officer as well as his time as a tactical flight officer. We spend a good deal of time talking about PTSD and some of the forms of treatment that worked well for Cameron. Our goal in having these conversations is that it will force each one of us to evaluate where we stand and provide some resources. If you haven’t read Ten Feet Tall and not quite Bullet Proof I recommend you order it off Amazon to read and add to your library. We would like to highlight the ECHO Fast Team. Their mission is to provide assistance & support to flight crew members involved in a critical incident as well as their immediate families. Services to assist affected flight crew, as well as immediate family members and flight programs, are provided at ZERO cost For more information on the ECHO, FAST TEAM go to their website https://www.echoflightcrew.org/fast If you are a member of a flight crew and feel you need assistance, please don't hesitate to call or text the AIR FAST hotline 24/7. 1-833-AIR-FAST 1-833-247-3278 ​ On the other end is a flight crew member who is part of ECHO FAST and not affiliated with your program. Communication is 100% confidential and free of judgment or bias. AIR FAST hotline services are not limited to critical aviation incidents, we are here to help through difficult calls, safety concerns, and various additional needs. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Apr 11, 2023

Welcome to episode 80 of The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . In this special episode, we sit down and chat with Dan Schwarzbach the Executive Director and CEO of the Airborne Public Safety Association, and Richard Bray who is the APSA President. Both Dan and Richard give us some insight into the Airborne Public Safety Association annual conference referred to as ASPCON. This year APSCON and APSCON Unmanned (formerly the Public Safety Drone Expo) will be in Orlando Florida from July 17th thru July 22nd, 2023. Registration is now open. To register go to APSA’s website publicsafetyaviation.org The Hangar Z Podcast is a huge proponent of training and networking. This event is one you don’t want to miss. The Hangar Z Podcast would like to thank its sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies , as well as Patreon .

Apr 10, 2023

Welcome to Episode 79 of the Hangar Z Podcast . Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine. The episodes we are releasing this month center around physically and mentally surviving a career in public safety. This conversation with Jack Schonely is part two of a two-part series we recorded. Part one (episode 70) was released on January 30th. T his second episode will focus on the aftermath of the officer down call and how we take care of ourselves afterward. For those who don’t know Jack Schonely you will need to listen to his full episode #23. Jack is a 36-year Law Enforcement Veteran, with 31 years at LAPD 19 of which were spent in the Air Support Division as both a TFO and Command Pilot. Jack created and instructs a course titled “Apprehending fleeing suspects” Jack has also written a book available online with the same title. I highly encourage you to seek out Jack’s course or to bring him to your agency or area for training. You can contact him and find more information on Jack through his website Officertactics.com Jack will also be instructing at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation fly in May 17th, 2023. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon . Lastly, if you could do us a favor and leave us a rating and review on the platform you use to listen to The Hangar Z Podcast we would greatly appreciate it.

Apr 3, 2023

Episode 78 of The Hangar Z Podcast is brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . This is one of our most important episodes ever. We got the opportunity to sit down with our friend RJ Garwood from Huntington Beach PD Air Support. RJ was the PIC on February 19th, 2022 flying over a fight call in Newport Beach, California. After establishing an orbit over the incident RJ and Nick Vella who was acting as the tactical flight officer on this night experienced an uncommanded right yaw. The aircraft ultimately crashed into the water off Newport Beach approximately a quarter mile from the incident they had been working. Nick Vella did not survive the incident. RJ survived and is with us to talk about it. RJ is transforming a tragic situation into something that will spur change in the industry and save countless lives. You won’t want to miss a minute of this impactful interview with RJ Garwood as he talks about surviving the incident and a career in public safety both mentally and physically. The Hangar Z Podcast would like to thank its sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies , as well as Patreon .

Mar 25, 2023

Episode 77 of The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine is live. I didn’t make it to HAI due to our snowplcalypse here in Southern California, Jeff was there and did an excellent job stepping in to host some episodes from the floor of HAI. This is the last of three episodes Jeff recorded at Heli Expo. Thanks to Ryan from the Flight Suit Friday Podcast and Quinny from the Real Resq podcast for the work they put into developing a recording booth that we all used to record from. The podcasts that we had the pleasure of collaborating with include Flight Suit Friday, The Real ResQ Podcast, The Pilots Lounge, and the Forever on The Fly Podcast. So a huge thanks to the US Coast Guard for allowing us to use their booth to record. In the final episode recorded from the floor of HAI Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Jeff gets the opportunity to interview Amy McMullen and Shawn Bruton from Metro Aviation. This is one interview I truly missed. I had a chance to hang out with the Metro folks at APSCON in Reno and had a fantastic time. They truly are great people doing really cool things. During the episode, they preview Metro Aviation and some of the cool things they are doing. If you are looking to work with some awesome people check out their website Metro aviation.com The Hangar Z Podcast would like to thank its sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies , as well as Patreon .

Mar 20, 2023

Episode 76 of The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine is live. I Didn’t make it to HAI due to our snowplcalypse here in Southern California, Jeff was there and did an excellent job stepping in to host some episodes from the floor of HAI. This is the second of three episodes Jeff recorded at Heli Expo. Thanks to Ryan from the Flight Suit Friday Podcast and Quinny from the Real Resq podcast for the work they put into developing a recording booth that we all used to record from. The podcasts that we had the pleasure of collaborating with include Flight Suit Friday, The Real ResQ Podcast, The Pilots Lounge and the Forever on The Fly Podcast. So a huge thanks to the US Coast Guard for allowing us to use their booth to record. In this episode, Jeff sits down to talk to Diane Dollar from the Forever on the Fly Podcast. She is also the executive director of the Forever on the Fly Non-Profit organization which is dedicated to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of aviators. During the episode, they talk about mentorship and what Forever on the Fly is doing to inspire today’s youth to pursue an aviation career. To learn more about the Forever on the Fly mission and information on how to become involved as a mentor go to www.foreveronthefly.com Since I missed everyone at HAI I look forward to seeing everyone in person at PAvCon in Spain in June, APSCON in Florida in July, and the Echo Public Safety Aviation Conference in San Diego in October. We would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies as well as our sponsors on Patreon . Lastly don’t forget to check out and purchase one of the Hangar Z shirt designs Brotallion created in a collaborative release. The proceeds of the shirt sales are being donated to the Blue Skies Foundation. Check out the shirts at Brotallion.com and the Brotallion Blue Skies Foundation to learn more.

Mar 13, 2023

Welcome to episode 75 of the Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine . I didn’t make it to HAI due to our snowpocalypse here in Southern California, Jeff was there and did an excellent job stepping in to host some episodes from the floor of HAI. This is the first of three episodes Jeff recorded at Heli Expo. In This episode, we talk with Phil Cady and Matt Zadunich who work with our friend Nick Minx, from Tactical flying. Phil is a retired San Diego PD officer and is now an instructor with Tactical Flying. Matt Zadunich is the Chief Pilot for San Diego PD and is also an instructor for Tactical Flying teaching a course developed to teach TFOs how to teach new TFOs. We love Tactical Flying and the training opportunities they offer. Check them out at Tacticalflying.com . During this episode, they talk about the San Diego Tank Rampage of 1995 and cover a wide variety of other topics. We would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies as well as our sponsors on Patreon .

Mar 7, 2023

Welcome to episode 74 of the Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine. Last week a historic snowstorm began which eventually ended up dropping 10 feet of snow on our community. Many people's homes and businesses fell victim to the weight of the snow as they saw their roofs and decks collapse. The weight of the snow has damaged many natural gas mains causing homes to burn down and even a few have exploded. My best friend's grocery store Goodwin and Son's Market which feed’s literally thousands of people and serves as the center of the community had its roof collapse. This collapse crushed the contents of the store and obviously forced their closure. The volume of snow has made roads impassable and heavy equipment traditionally used to clear the roads ineffective. The impassable roads have trapped thousands of residents in their homes and has threatened our most vulnerable and fragile segments of the population who depend on these roads to get medication, food, and supplies. I felt that I needed to record an episode of the podcast to document what has happened to my community and in particular Goodwin's Market as they are not only great friends but a critical piece of infrastructure in our community. This isn’t the traditional public safety aviation content that we typically cover. Join me as I interview Mike and Jessica Johnstone. They are some of the kindest and hardest working people you will meet on the face of this earth. During the interview, we talked about the storm, and they give us an overview of the path that led them to where they are in the family business that was established in 1946 in Crestline California. They provide a history of the business and talk about the heartbreak surrounding the collapse of the store's roof that has closed the store. We would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation , SHOTOVER , and CNC Technologies as well as our sponsors on Patreon .

Feb 27, 2023

Welcome to episode 73 of the Hangar Z Podcast In this episode, we sit down and chat with Samantha Poirier. Samantha is an EMS pilot flying for Reach Air Medical in Northern Colorado. Samantha has a very impactful and inspirational story that led her to her position as an EMS pilot. Samantha's aviation career started working for a helicopter utility company in Alaska performing oil changes, sweeping hangar floors, and answering phones in exchange for flight time. From there she worked her way up to owning a helicopter wildlife capture company where she had the opportunity to fly in the world's most beautiful places that include Alaska. She owned the company with her husband where they did everything from capturing big game wildlife for scientific study to drying cherry trees, air tours of Hell's Canyon, wedding flights, photo flights, and wine tours. When she wasn’t flying she was running the company's business end. Tragedy struck when her husband and 19-year-old cousin were involved in a terrible helicopter crash. The crash took the life of her cousin and catastrophically injured her husband. Samantha’s life was completely ripped out from underneath her. And she swore she was never going to fly again. Samantha’s passion for aviation would not allow her to stay away. She boldly built up the strength to get back in the seat where she put herself in the position to become an EMS pilot. Her motivation to become an EMS pilot stems from an ATV accident her sister was involved in. A Reach Air Medical airship responded to her sister's crash, which she credits with saving her sister's life. Samantha now works at the same base the ship launched from and with the same crew who saved her sister's life. This is an inspirational story you won’t want to miss. We would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER as well as our supporters on Patreon. Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel where we post shorter 10-20 min segments from. Each episode. Also if you could leave us a rating and a review on the platform you use to listen to the hangar Z podcast we would be very grateful.

Feb 13, 2023

Welcome to episode 72 of the Hangar Z Podcast. This is a unique episode for a few reasons. Jason Quinn from the Real ResQ Podcast and I have teamed up to create a podcast mashup. This will be episode 127 of the Real ResQ Podcast. During this episode, Jason and I interview the crew of Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Aviation Unit Star 9 that won the Airborne Public Safety Association Captain, “Gus” Crawford Memorial Aircrew of the year award for 2022. The crew consisted of Deputy Chad Marlatt acting as the PIC, Corporal Andy Rasmussen acting as the SIC, Deputy Drew Pigott acting as the Crew Cheif, Deputy Michael Edwards Rescuer, and Deputy Mike Doyle acting as the catcher. I actually recorded a version of this episode in person at RSO’s annual safety fly-in this last year at their hangar. Due to some technical difficulties, the audio was unusable, unfortunately. With us to re-record this episode is Corporal Marlatt.. Congratulations on the promotion to Corporal, Deputy Pigott, and Deputy Edwards. In the interview, the Rescue 9 crew breaks down what ended up being an officer-down type rescue and incident. For those who have not listened to The Real ResQ podcast, Jason Quinn goes behind the scenes of the rescue stories we hear and read about. We interviewed Jason Quinn way back in episode 21. Jason is a former Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and host of The Real ResQ Podcast. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Feb 6, 2023

Welcome to episode 71 of The Hangar Z Podcast. This is another one of our shorter content-focused episodes where we get to sit down and chat with the Brotallion Brothers Brett Kroll AKA "CHERUB" and Spencer Payne AKA "SMOKEY." To hear how they got their call signs and more about their aviation careers, plus how Brotallion was created check out episode 36 of The Hangar Z Podcast . You can also catch Spencer, Brett, and the other Brotallion Brothers on the Pilots Lounge Podcast, which is "aimed at bringing together, aviators from around the world, to share their experiences, and to learn from one another.” During our conversation, we talk about the awesome custom swag that Brotallion makes including the shirt design they developed for us as a collaboration. To check out the shirt go to the link on our website or go straight to Brotallion.com. For every item sold, we are donating 25% of the profits to The Brotallion Blue Skies Foundation. The Brotallion Blue Skies Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing post-mishap support for the Army Aviation community and their families. In addition to providing financial support to the next-of-kin, they ensure that their legacies are never forgotten. As always I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER as well as our supporters on Patreon . Don’t forget to check out The Hangar Z YouTube channel where we post highlight segments from each episode of the podcast. Lastly, if you have a question, you would like answered during an episode of the Hangar Z Podcast Slide into the DM’s with your questions or send it to Hangarzpodcast@gmail.com

Jan 30, 2023

Welcome to Episode 70 of the Hangar Z Podcast . The start of 2023 has already been traumatic for law enforcement as Riverside County Sheriff’s lost two deputies within a matter of weeks. This episode is dedicated to Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Isaiah Cordero EOW December 29th, 2022, and Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Darnell Calhoun EOW January 13th, 2023. Our hearts go out to their family, friends, and coworkers at RSO as well as the neighboring agencies. This episode was inspired by those events. Unfortunately, we know this won’t be the last time an Officer Down call goes out and we want to open the conversation that surrounds the Officer down incident. In aviation, we play a unique role and can have a huge positive impact on the outcome of those incidents but time and effort have to be put in in advance to help us be successful. There is no one better than Jack Schonely to have this conversation with. This conversation is actually a two-part series of which the second episode will be focused on the aftermath of the officer down call and how we take care of ourselves afterward. We are taking the month of March to talk about surviving a career in public safety and public safety aviation so the second part of this conversation will fit in nicely with the overall theme. For those who don’t know Jack you will need to listen to his full episode #23. Jack is a 36-year Law Enforcement Veteran, with 31 years at LAPD 19 of which were spent in the Air Support Division as both a TFO and Command Pilot. Jack created and instructs a course titled “Apprehending Fleeing suspects.” Jack has also written a book available online with the same title. Jack is a Contributing Editor and writer for Vertical Magazine, Police K9 Magazine, Recoil Magazine, and Police Magazine. Jack was the 2017 recipient of the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Law Enforcement Salute to Excellence award in Dallas Texas. 2016 recipient of the Robert L Cormier Memorial Award from the Airborne Law Enforcement Association. Awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement in the advancement of aircraft in public service. 2005 Runner up for the Governor’s California Police Officers Standards and Training Instructor of the Year Award. 2004 Air Crew of the Year Award for LAPD Air Support Division. During this episode, we talk about the three C’s of any call but the importance is stressed in the officer-down incidents which are contain, communicate, and coordinate. I highly encourage you to seek out Jack’s course or to bring him to your agency or area for training. You can contact him and find more information on Jack through his website Officertactics.com Jack will also be instructing at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation fly in May of 2023. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER as well as our supporters on Patreon . Lastly, if you could do us a favor and leave us a rating and review on the platform you use to listen to The Hangar Z Podcast we would greatly appreciate it.

Jan 23, 2023

Welcome to episode 69 of The Hangar Z Podcast. In this episode we brought the industries best leaders together to discuss leadership and leadership challenges facing public safety aviation today. This group of leaders include Clay Lacey from Texas DPS, Terry Miyauchi retired Arizona DPS and currently at Bell Flight, Jack Schonely retired from LAPD, Bryan Smith a current law enforcement pilot in Florida and previous Safety Program Manager for the Airborne Public Safety Association and Eric Weidner retired from the Ontario (California) Police Department now the Chief Operations Officer at CNC Technologies. Each one of these leaders are men that are giants in the industry and have traveled the globe instructing and promoting the public safety aviation industry. To get them all together for this event was truly special. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER as well as our supporters on Patreon . Lastly if you could do us a favor and leave us a rating and review on the platform you use to listen to The Hangar Z Podcast we would greatly appreciate it.

Jan 9, 2023

Episode 68 of the Hangar Z podcast is live. In this episode we sit down and chat with Sergeant pilot Jerry Hunter and Senior Deputy and TFO Eric Johnson from the Kings County Sheriff’s Department. Prior to aviation Sgt. Hunter worked Patrol as a field training officer developing the next generation of patrol officers. He was a K9 handler, was a member of the SWAT team and was also assigned to gangs. As a K9 handler he found that is agency had very limited access to air support so he spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing a proposal to develop an aviation program for the Kings County Sheriff’s Department. In 2014 his program was approved and their fixed wing program took off. Being in close proximity to Naval Air Station Lemoore gave them access to a large pool of pilots willing to volunteer their time as pilots for the program when they weren’t flying F18’s or F35 fighter jets. TFO Eric Johnson has also had a very successful career having the opportunity to work as a field training officer in patrol, he spent approximately 9 years as a K9 handler, he was a SWAT operator and also had a opportunity to work investigations. Eric became a TFO six years ago and worked the assignment as a collateral duty until the program became a full time program. In this episode we talk about how they were able to successfully research, propose and launch their aviation program. We talk about the benefits of fixed wing aircraft in airborne law enforcement as well as a bunch of other rabbit holes we jumped into. We would like to wish everyone a happy new year. I hope everyone had some time to spend with friends and family over the Christmas holiday and new years. I also hope you all had an opportunity to reflect and regroup for 2023. I gladly waved goodbye to 2022 and have welcomed 2023 in with open arms. This year has already been fantastic and I only expect it to get better. As I mentioned in the last episode we are huge proponents of training, education and networking. In addition to partnering with APSA we have also partnered with ECHO to promote the good work they are doing through their program. They are a non profit organization that created the FAST team which is Flight Crew Assistance and Support. Their mission is to provide assistance and support to flight crew members and their families involved in a critical incident. Services available are zero cost to the affected flight crew and organization. They have a deployable peer support team to assist on the ground after critical incidents. If you are a member of a flight crew and need assistance you can call or text the AIR FAST hotline 24/7 1-833-AIR-FAST. For web access follow this hyperlink to ECHO . ECHO also puts in a fantastic Public Safety Aviation conference to facilitate training and networking. This year’s conference is in my favorite city San Diego October 2-4 2023. For more information go to echoflightcrew.org we hope to see you all there. I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER as well as our supporters on Patreon .

Dec 19, 2022

Welcome to episode 67 of the Hangar Z Podcast. In this episode we sit down and chat with Richard Brandon from the London Metropolitan Police Department. Richard worked his way from the streets of London to the skies of the London Metropolitan Police Department or MET as they refer to it. Richard served the department for a total of 30 years as a police officer and is continuing to serve the UK as the Aviation Capability Manager for the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) looking at police aviation strategy and policy nationally. Richard has as much as a passion for public safety aviation as we do as evidenced in the book he wrote for Haynes that outline airborne law enforcement. During our conversation we had an opportunity to talk about a variety of different topics from safety to leadership and a lot in between. The common thread of the conversation revolved around the similarities that exist between public safety aviation agencies across the world. The Hangar Z Podcast is a huge advocate of training and networking. We are proud to announce that we have partnered with the Airborne Public Safety Association for 2023. We will help them to promote training and networking opportunities through the podcast as well as on our website. We have created a training page on our website https://www.hangarzpodcast.com/ where you can see upcoming training and networking opportunities. You can find information on the Airborne Public Safety Association as well as a list of their upcoming training and a link to The Hangar Z Podcast at https://publicsafetyaviation.org/

Dec 5, 2022

Welcome to episode 66 of the Hangar Z Podcast. In this episode we sit down and chat with Andrew Baity from the Virginia State Police. Andrew is a Virginia Military Institute grad who joined the Marine Corps and became a Bell AH-1Z Cobra pilot. After Andrew's active service time, he was hired as a civilian pilot for the Virginia State Police. On top of that, Andrew still flys the Bell AH-1Z Cobra as a Marine Force Reservist. During this episode Andrews talks about his experience at the Virginia Military Institute, his career as a pilot flying Bell’s AH-1Z Cobra helicopter and his transition to civilian life where he flys a variety of airframes for the Virginia State Police including a new Bell 412. We would like to thank Bell as they have graciously sponsored this special episode of The Hangar Z Podcast. I am beyond impressed with Bell’s airframes and the people at Bell that provide superb customer service. We would also like to thank our primary Sponsors Metro Aviation and Shotover as well as our supporters on Patreon . We have been beyond blessed to be sponsored by such quality companies. Metro aviation is such an impressive company from the quality and detail that goes into their aircraft completions like the new H125 Metro completed for our friends at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, to the family atmosphere that supports their employees. We appreciate the support of SHOTOVER Systems and their continuous drive for innovation in the airborne law enforcement sector. If you haven’t seen the with the newly released M2 Multi-Sensor Camera system you are missing out. The M2 camera offers unparalleled stability, stand-off, image quality, and capability. I was able to demo the camera to see the technology first hand. If you would like to demo or even better buy one today so that suspects will stop getting away tomorrow let us know and we will get you in touch with the right people. To view some of the highlights from this episode and previous episodes go to our YouTube channel. The link is on our website www.hangarzpodcast.com Lastly I would like to announce our upcoming leadership summit. We have recruited some of the best leaders in public safety aviation to join us on the podcast to talk about best practices in leadership. I am truly excited to sit down with these industry giants. This episode will be released late January 2023.

Nov 21, 2022

Welcome to episode 65 of The Hangar Z Podcast. In this episode we talk with the Uber talented aerial photographer and journalist Scott Dworkin. Aerial photographers and journalists like Scott and publications like Vertical Magazine provide a valuable service to public safety aviation by providing positive publicity and by telling the stories of what we do to our peers, the powers that control the purse strings of our programs as well as to the general public who has no idea what we do half the time. Scott Dworkin is an aerial photographer, contractor and photojournalist based outside of Los Angeles, California in Thousand Oaks. He has had a lifelong passion for aviation and photography, and after honing his skills as a photographer in various disciplines for many years, he decided to combine his two main interests professionally in 2010. Since 2010, Scott's work has been published in numerous international aviation magazines and websites including most recently working with Vertical magazine. As a photographer and writer, he has flown with and covered every branch of the United States Armed Forces, as well as worked with many Department of Defense contractors, civilian aviation outfits, and law enforcement aviation units. Scott embedded with the United States Air Force 452nd Airlift Wing, from March Air Reserve Base in California and traveled with them to Afghanistan to cover their aeromedical evacuation missions and has also traveled around the United States extensively documenting various other military and civilian units in action. Scott is one of only a handful of civilians in the world that is privileged to fly as an aerial photographer in high performance military aircraft. The creation of Mach 91 Aerial Photography has been the culmination of Scott's dream and passion to deliver the finest quality, dramatic aerial photography possible, to bring the aircraft to life in their natural environment and tell the story of the men and women who serve. Scott has spent the last five years writing a book titled Becoming the Rhino . The book details the life and experiences of students who have been selected to fly the F/A-18 Super Hornet as they work their way through VFA-122, one of the US Navy's training squadrons to become fleet qualified Naval Aviators and Weapons System Operators, as well as the day to day operations of the squadron. In this episode, Scott tells the story of how he became a professional aerial photographer and journalist covering the most interesting aircraft in the world which ultimately led to the creation of his book Becoming the Rhino . The book is available through his website www.mach91aerialphotography.com We would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation and Shotover as well as our supporters on Patreon . I would like to announce we will be recording The Hangar Z Leadership Summit episode in January of next year. We have recruited some of the industry’s best leaders to have a panel style conversation on topics of leadership affecting public safety aviation today. As we prepare for this episode if you have any questions you would like us to ask during the episode send them into our email hangarzpodcast@gmail.com this will be an episode you don’t want to miss.

Nov 10, 2022

Welcome to episode 64 of The Hangar Z Podcast. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Jeff’s birthday than by bringing his *childhood best friend and enemy onto the show. What’s really fun about this episode is that Jeff had absolutely no clue who the mystery guest was until he came into the interview. The guest and Jeff worked and tormented each other at Riverside PD, where he worked his way through the department. He worked patrol as an officer and a field training officer, he was selected to air support as a TFO which is where I met The Guest back in 2015 as he was putting a proposal together for Riverside PD to purchase Churchill Navigation’s Augmented Reality Mapping software. The Guest left Air Support for a promotion to Detective in 2017 where he got to work gang investigations and auto theft. The Guest is the only person I know in law enforcement who took a voluntary demotion so he could come back to air support as a pilot in 2020. During our conversation we get to hear the two of them roast each other pretty much non stop. Mixed into the roast is a really great conversation about the power of networking, recruitment and retention in air support as well as creating value for your unit. We appreciate all who support this podcast, including Metro Aviation who are doing good things with awesome people. Thank you to SHOTOVER Systems. Most everyone already knows SHOTOVER , which was formerly Churchill Navigation for their Augmented Reality Mapping software. Shotover has integrated the next generation of that software into the M2 camera system. One of the coolest parts of this new camera system is that the 6 axis imaging system has eliminated “gimbal lock” when flying over an object. The M2 is a definite game-changer for public safety aviation. I would also like to thank our supporters on Patreon . Lastly, we just launched our channel on YouTube . Our goal is to take 5-10 min segments from each interview that contains valuable insight and post them on our channel. Do us a favor and subscribe to our channel on YouTube . A link to our channel is available on our newly updated website hangarzpodcast.com . *They were not childhood best friends. It is debatable if they are or ever were friends today.

Nov 1, 2022

Welcome to episode 63 of the Hangar Z Podcast! In this episode we get to hang out and have a blast with Rob Munday. Rob is a world class hoist operator working for Blackcomb Helicopters in British Columbia. Rob also works with SR3 Rescue Concepts where he is spreading his vast knowledge of all things Rescue to students and agencies worldwide. Rob is an Australian native and has a super diverse background including time spent as a wild land firefighter both in Australia and Canada. Relax and enjoy this epic conversation Rob Munday In addition to a really great guest (Rob Munday) we have some exciting news. As you all know we are huge fans of SHOTOVERS new M2 camera system and their augmented reality mapping software. Well I would officially like to thank SHOTOVER systems for joining with Metro Aviation as a sponsor of the The Hangar Z Podcast. Just a month or so ago In episode 59 we had the opportunity to speak with Tom Churchill the CEO of SHOTOVER , which was formerly Churchill Navigation. In that conversation Tom joined us to discuss their new 6-axis M2 EO/IR Multi Sensor camera. The system comes with the next generation of their augmented reality mapping software. I had the opportunity to demo the camera locally here in Southern California. The new features I absolutely loved were the automated license plate recognition, steering, tracking and over all quality. For more information Go check it out at shotver.com Lastly I would ask that you all leave a rating and review. Well only if it’s a good one on the platform you use to listen to the hangar Z podcast. We would like to thank our SPONSORS Metro Aviation and now SHOTOVER as well as our supporters on Patreon.

Oct 23, 2022

In this episode we sit down and talk with Nick Minx. Nick is the owner of tactical flying who specializes in providing airborne law enforcement units with the most advanced thermal imaging and aircrew tactical training available. In addition to owning Tactical Flying, he also works for San Diego PD where he is a sergeant, he has worked a wide variety of assignments including air support where he was both a pilot and TFO. He worked the gang unit, beach patrol and various patrol assignments across the city. During our conversation we talk about his business Tactical Flying and discuss the trends Nick is seeing in the training world. We also talk about the impact technology is having on safety as well as tactics. Thank you to our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon.

Oct 2, 2022

In episode 61 we spend more time talking about how technology is improving our industry by increasing our mission readiness. We sit down and chat with Todd Powers and Ronnie Ries from GPMS. GPMS produces a predictive health and usage monitoring system that is available for, a wide range of airframes which now includes single engine ships most frequently used in public safety aviation. This technology is used to get an in-depth look at the aircrafts vital systems using sensors that report information on the aircrafts overall health after each flight allowing maintainers, pilots and administrators to maintain their mission readiness with peace of mind. Most people will recognize Todd Powers from his 20 plus year career with Airbus. And most will know Ronnie from his career at Bell Flight. Both Todd and Ronnie are working together at GPMS and are working to expand the use of HEMS technology in aviation and in particular public safety aviation.

Sep 25, 2022

Welcome to episode 60 of The Hangar Z Podcast. In this episode we talk with an American patriot Ray Freeman, who served our country as a pilot in the US Army flying a huge variety of airframes to include the OH58 and the Blackhawk. During our conversation Ray unpacks his military aviation career which includes his involvement in the rescue mission after hurricane Katrina, as well as the evacuation mission he flew in Afghanistan as the US withdrew. I would like to thank all our friends who have sent pictures to us of all the cool places Hangar Z swag has been from the Netherlands to Australia, Antarctica down to Mexico and tons of places In between. Please keep sending in those pictures. If you have questions about getting Hangar Z swag send us a message through our social media channels or by email at hangarzpodcast@gmail.com Thank you to our Sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon . Cheers

Sep 12, 2022

In this episode we sit down with the man who co-founded a company that was instrumental in developing technology for flight crews that has led to the apprehension of countless criminals across the world. Churchill Navigation’s Augmented Reality mapping System has also helped TFO’s of all levels increase their skill set and situational awareness while assisting the men and women on the ground in public safety. On August 4th, 2020, Churchill Navigation and Shotover Camera systems who makes world class aerial camera systems merged to become Shotover Systems. Fast forward to APSCON in Reno 2022, and Shotover released their new M2 EO/IR Multi-Sensor camera System for public safety aviation. During our conversation with Tom, he talks about the development of the navigational software, the new camera system and how the two will work hand in hand to give us capabilities we never thought possible. As always, we would like to thank our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon.

Aug 29, 2022

In this episode we get to sit down and chat with Zoey Schade. Zoey is a Navy vet who served on the Aircraft carrier USS Abraham, and is now a commercially rated helicopter pilot serving CBP Air and Marine as a Aviation Enforcement Agent also known as a TFO. During our conversation she talks about the great experience she had serving in the Navy as well as the CBP. She talks about CBP, its opportunities and how to get into their aviation program. Zoey has a really inspiring story of grit and determination to become a helicopter pilot.

Aug 19, 2022

The Hangar Z Podcast had the honor of being asked by ECHO Heliops to join them at their national public safety aviation conference to Podcast from the convention floor in Austin Texas. In this episode we chat with Terry Miyauchi from Bell Flight. Terry retired from Arizona DPS as their Aviation Commander and is now with Bell Flight assisting public safety aviation programs. We previously interviewed Terry in episode 17. After hearing this interview go check it out. During our conversation we talk about leadership in public safety aviation. Thanks for our sponsor Metro Aviation .

Aug 17, 2022

Aug 16, 2022

The Hangar Z Podcast had the honor of being asked by ECHO Heliops to join them at their national public safety aviation conference to Podcast from the convention floor in Austin Texas. In this episode we chat with Michelle Kline. Michelle is a flight nurse and has been in the EMS industry for 24 years. We talk with Michelle about the course she teaches at ECHO titled Fit for Flight. Michelle is a mental and physical health advocate and is helping first responders develop habits that will allow them to endure a 30-year career in public safety.

Aug 16, 2022

The Hangar Z Podcast had the honor of being asked by ECHO Heliops to join them at their national public safety aviation conference to Podcast from the convention floor in Austin Texas. In this episode we chat with Dave Callen and Rob Munday from SR3. We had the opportunity to interview Dave in episode 25 so check out that episode if you haven't already, it's an epic episode. During our conversation we talk briefly about Dave and Rob's careers and in some length about the training SR3 brings to their clients. I highly recommend training with SR3. Each instructor is highly experienced and excellent at the art of instruction. You can find SR3 by following the link SR3 Rescue Concepts - Professional Training for First Responders

Aug 16, 2022

The Hangar Z Podcast had the honor of being asked by ECHO Heliops to join them at their national public safety aviation conference to Podcast from the convention floor in Austin Texas. In this episode we chat with Dr. Amanda Ventura who is an emergency physician in Houston, Texas. We had to work some dark magic to resurrect this episode as the hard drive it was written to was corrupted. This is a very powerful story and episode so we did what had to be done to bring it to you all. In the conversation Dr. Ventura discusses an officer down incident she responded to as a flight physician and how it led to a descent into PTSD and alcoholism. She offers her experience as a way to help first responders take mental health seriously in light of the trama that is seen day in and day out.

Aug 15, 2022

The Hangar Z Podcast had the honor of being asked by ECHO Heliops to join them at their national public safety aviation conference to Podcast from the convention floor in Austin Texas. In this episode we chat with the ECHO F.A.S.T Team (Flight crew Assistance & Support Team) from the conference floor. The FAST team is a peer support program developed to provide assistance & support to Flight Crew members & their families involved in a critical incident. FAST SERVICES Services available at ZERO cost to affected flight crew & organization Deployable Peer Support Team Geared towards flight crews/families by active flight crew members Confidential communication/support services available for both short/long term Willing to help/provide services & support to injured flight crew members, family, & flight services affected by a critical incident Collaborative partnership with flight programs without affiliation bias/agenda If you are a member of a flight crew and feel you need assistance, you may call or text the AIR FAST hotline 24/7. ( 1-833-AIR-FAST 1-833-247-3278 ) ​On the other end is a flight crew member who is part of ECHO FAST and not affiliated with your program. ​Feel more comfortable emailing? Please email FAST@ECHOFLIGHTCREW.org Thank you to our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon .

Aug 15, 2022

The Hangar Z Podcast had the honor of being asked by ECHO Heliops to join them at their national public safety aviation conference to Podcast from the convention floor in Austin Texas. In this episode we chat with the ECHO executive board from the conference floor. During the conversation we talk about the mission of ECHO Heliops, the conference and about the future goals of the organization. Thank you to our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon .

Aug 13, 2022

Live......Episode 50 which is also our second anniversary episode of the Hangar Z podcast We thought it would be fitting to bring on the man who inspired the inception of The Hangar Z Mr. Ghetto Bird Pirate himself Scott Hebble. Scott is a Super Puma search and rescue pilot for the LA County Sheriff's Department. Scott has worked his way from patrolling the streets of LA County as a deputy where he worked a variety of assignments including gang investigations to aviation where he was a tactical flight deputy, patrol pilot flying the Astar and now flying the super rare and awesome Airbus Super Puma. During our conversation Scott talks about working both the streets as well as his aviation career that led him to his current position. Looking back at the last two years, I’m truly grateful to have had the opportunity to talk to all the guests that have been on the hangar Z podcast and for all the friendships that have developed. We have tried to bring interviews from all different disciplines within public safety aviation and look forward to broadening that as we continue. I am truly humbled that we are still around to bring each episode to you all. When we first started, I was pretty sure it would be my mom listening and telling me your doing great honey and that’s about it. The support from our listeners, Patreon subscribers and our sponsors has allowed us to grow and do things I never imagined like having a booth at APSCON in Reno this year. That was an absolute blast. Want to throw out a quick plug for Echo Heliops and their annual conference that we will be podcasting from. It’s in Austin Texas 15th, 16th and 17th. Check them out they are doing some great things for all of public safety aviation. Echo is coordinating a tactical flight crew training in early 2023 in Fort Myers Florida and will be hosted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. Really cool that are helping with that training so check out their website echoflightcrew.org for more information on that. Again, thank you for all the support and feedback you all have offered, we look forward to catching you all as we go forward. If you are looking for a way to help us out leave a review on the podcast site you use to listen to the hangar Z podcast. It honestly is a huge help to us. Thank you to our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon.

Jul 29, 2022

The Hangar Z Podcast had the honor of being asked by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) to join them at their national conference (APSCON) to Podcast from the convention floor in Reno Nevada. In this episode we chat kinda live from the conference floor with Ryan Mason from Aerial Fire Magazine. During the episode we talk about Aerial Fire Magazine as well as the benefits of positive publicity for your agency from the skilled network of professional photographers and industry publications. Check out Ryan Mason's Aerial Fire Magazine at www.aerialfiremag.com Thank you to our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon.

Jul 29, 2022

The Hangar Z Podcast had the honor of being asked by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) to join them at their national conference (APSCON) to Podcast from the convention floor in Reno Nevada. In this episode we chat kinda live from the conference floor with Matthew Stanton and Senior Constable TFO Gabriel Gamboa. The audio on Gabe’s mic was a bit low and we apologize. Both Matt and Gabe are from Australia's New South Wales Police Force PolAir program. During the conversation they talk about their trip and the takeaways from APSCON. We previously had the opportunity to talk to Matt in episode 24. If you have not had the chance to hear him talk about his career and his agency, follow this up with episode 24. Thanks for our sponsor, Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon.

Jul 29, 2022

The Hangar Z Podcast had the honor of being asked by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) to join them at their national conference (APSCON) to Podcast from the convention floor in Reno Nevada. In this episode we chat kinda live from the conference floor with Nick Minx. Nick is the owner of Tactical Flying and is a wealth of information. During our conversation we talk about the evolution of training. We chat about what his company offers as far as training, and about the training at APSCON 2022. Thank you to our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon.

Jul 29, 2022

The Hangar Z Podcast had the honor of being asked by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) to join them at their national conference (APSCON) to Podcast from the convention floor in Reno Nevada. In this episode we chat kinda live from the conference floor with our good friend Clay Lacey. During our conversation Clay talks about his experience as an instructor and we talk about some of the trends seen today in training. We also had the opportunity to interview Clay Lacey in Episode 19. If you have not heard him in that episode, it is a must listen. Thank you to our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon.

Jul 29, 2022

The Hangar Z Podcast had the honor of being asked by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) to join them at their national conference (APSCON) to Podcast from the convention floor in Reno Nevada. In this episode we chat kinda live from the conference floor with Terry Palmer. Terry is ASPS’s newest Training Program Manager During our conversation she talks about her entry into aviation as well as her background that led her to her current position with APSA. Terry is highly motivated and successful, and we are excited to see what training she brings to APSA. Thank you to our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon.

Jul 28, 2022

The Hangar Z Podcast had the honor of being asked by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) to join them at their national conference (APSCON) to Podcast from the convention floor in Reno Nevada. In this episode we chat kinda live from the conference floor with APSA CEO & Executive Director Dan Schwarzbach and APSA President Richard Bray. To keep the spirit of the live interview intact these episodes have zero to very little editing. Dan Schwarzbach was a police officer and pilot for Houston PD for 39 years. He is now the CEO and Executive Director of APSA. Richard Bray is the Chief Pilot for Alachua County Sheriff’s Office where he has served for over 25 years. During the conversation we get a recap of the week so far at APSCON as well as a preview of what's to come during the rest of the conference. Dan and Richard talk about the benefits of APSA and things that are new and upcoming. Thank you to our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon.

Jul 28, 2022

The Hangar Z Podcast had the honor of being asked by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) to join them at their national conference (APSCON) to Podcast from the convention floor in Reno Nevada. In this episode we chat kinda live from the conference floor with Bryan Smith. This is our first ever in person interview. To keep the spirit of the live interview in tact these episodes have zero to very little editing. For a full profile of Bryan Smith check out our previous conversation with Bryan in episode 16. Bryan is the APSA Safety Program manager and lover of all thing's aviation. Thank you to our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon.

Jul 25, 2022

Welcome to episode 42 of the Hangar Z Podcast. In this episode we sit down and chat with Arizona Department of Public Safety State Trooper Flight Medic Michael Allen. Michael began his public safety career as a firefighter. During his fire service career, he rose to the rank of captain and became an expert in all things rescue. Like most of us Michael had a dream to be involved in aviation. To pursue his dream, he left the fire service and joined Arizona DPS to join their air rescue unit as a flight medic. Through hard work and dedication, he accomplished his dream and now serves the citizens of Arizona as a state trooper paramedic assigned to the air rescue unit. During our conversation he talks about both his career in the fire service as well as his career as a state trooper paramedic with Arizona DPS. He also talks about the growth of their aviation program and the unique opportunities it will present to those who want to join their air rescue program.

Jul 11, 2022

Episode 41 is live with Rob Purdy a 26-year Army aviator and pilot with Life Flight in Houston Texas. In with this episode, we chat with American patriot and US Army veteran Rob Purdy. Rob has over 6500 flight hours in a variety of airframes but most notably in the Cobra, the Apache and the Airbus H145. During our conversation he talks about becoming a Warrant officer and pilot for the US Army as well as his experience flying the Cobra and Apache helicopters over the span of his 26-year Army career. Rob talks about the transition from his military career to civilian life and about his career flying EMS with Life Flight in Houston Texas. This was a fun conversation with a fantastic person so sit back and enjoy. Thank you to our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon.

Jun 30, 2022

We are proud to announce episode 40. In this episode we chat with Nick Nguyen from San Diego PD and Robert Ochoa from the Riverside County Sheriffs Department. Nick founded the First Responders Whiskey Society which is a non profit 501(c)(3) charity. They provide support and honor the fallen for those in public safety through spirits. I was introduced to them after Huntington Beach PD’s Nick Vella passed away on duty after their helicopter crashed off the coast of Newport Beach, California during a patrol flight. The First Responders Whiskey society had a memorial bottle made in Nick’s memory as a fundraiser for his family as well as to provide a way for family friends and coworkers to know that even though Nick is no longer with us on earth he can live on as we raise a raise a glass to him and share his stories. Thank you to our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon . This episode is dedicated to Nick Vella.

Jun 10, 2022

Welcome to episode 39 of the Hangar Z podcast. In this episode we chat with Travis Tinsey from Airbus and Mike Calhoun who is the chief pilot for a Southern California sheriffs agency that has flown their H145 for just over one year. When they received the H145 I was curious to see what they thought one year later so here we are. During this episode Travis talks about his aviation career which includes time he spent flying in Alaska as well as Africa. Mike talks about his take away after spending one year flying and Utilizing the H145. The Hangar Z podcast would like to thank Airbus for sponsoring this episode as well as Metro Aviation for being the podcast sponsor and we definitely cannot forget about our supporters on Patreon.

May 14, 2022

In this episode we chat with Coast Guard pilot Wryan Webb. Wryan is a graduate of the Coast Guard academy and is currently stationed in beautiful Alaska. During this episode we chat about the admissions process and life at the Coast Guard Academy. We talk about the unique role of the US coast guard. Wryan also talks about the challenges of flying in Alaska with its rugged terrain and extreme weather. We get to talk to Wryan about his love of photography and how he is using his skills as a photographer to positivity promote Coast Guard Aviation. Thank you to our sponsor Metro Aviation and our supporters on Patreon.

Apr 24, 2022

Apr 7, 2022

Hanging with the crew from the Brotallion and hosts of the Pilot's Lounge Podcast! Join us as we sit down and chat with Spencer Payne and Brett Kroll, two Army Aviators who are founding members of the Brotallion. Brotallion is a veteran-owned company that provides military aviation-inspired apparel, gear, study material, and mentorship for aviators by aviators. At the heart and soul of Brotallion lies the Army Aviation community, and in 2020 the founders of Brotallion successfully achieved 501c3 status for their charitable organization the Brotallion Blue Skies Foundation. The foundation provides post-mishap support to Army Aviation Gold Star families. These guys are amazingly motivated entrepreneurs, who are not only running a successful business, but they also produce the Pilot's Lounge Podcast, which is the podcast that inspired the Hangar Z Podcast, after their interview with our friend and fellow law enforcement aviator, Scott Hebble. We know you're going to enjoy our chat with these amazing guys! Please visit the links above and give them a like and follow. Also, add the Pilot's Lounge Podcast to your podcast listening library! As always, we want to thank our sponsor, Metro Aviation

Mar 13, 2022

Join us in the Hangar for episode 35 as we sit down and chat with former law enforcement pilot, turned utility helicopter pilot, Brad Isaacs. Listen in as Brad walks us through his aviation journey, which started in his teens, with the support of his parents. He then charted a path into the cockpit of a law enforcement helicopter, where he flew for the Gwinnett County (GA) Police Department. After a handful of years of chasing bad guys and the occasional wayward cow outside Atlanta, Brad was offered the opportunity to make the transition to utility helicopter flying. Brad describes how social media networking led him to this opportunity with HLH Aviation. He also describes the career lifestyle and training it takes to work in this dynamic sector of aviation. Whether you’re looking to start a career in airborne law enforcement or are a current law enforcement aviator looking to retire, or transition into a new flying career, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Check out the cool stuff Brad is doing over at his Instagram and YouTube channels. https://www.instagram.com/bjisaacs/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFD4Wvlr_HJQrQ-xQr0qEtA Episode 35 of the Hangar Z Podcast is available on all the popular podcast apps or can be found on our website at www.hangarzpodcast.com . As always, we’d like to thank our sponsor, Metro Aviation as well as our supporters on Patreon.

Feb 20, 2022

Before we introduce our next guest and episode we would like we would like to formally announce our newest Podcast sponsor Metro Aviation. We are extremely proud and humbled to partner with such a high caliber company that contributes so much to the aviation industry. This episode is dedicated to Officer Nick Villa from Huntington Beach PD Air Support Our guest for this episode is Daniel Flores who is a longtime Texas resident. He enlisted into the U.S. Army in February 1985, attending Basic and Infantry training at the U.S. Army’s, Home Of The Infantry at Ft. Benning Georgia. He served with the 4th Infantry Division based at Fort Carson Colorado. After his active duty enlistment he then returned to the Houston area and was accepted into the Texas Army National Guard’s Special Forces unit, Company G. 143rd Infantry LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol). While serving with that unit he did several missions along the Texas/Mexico border against the drug trafficking organizations and had also trained alongside the British SAS. In January 1990 Mr. Flores was accepted to the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Candidate and Helicopter flight school to become a pilot with the attack helicopter squadron, 7th Squadron 6th Cavalry Regiment, based in Conroe Texas. During his time as an attack helicopter pilot he survived a crash in the Apache helicopter in 1995. He did several missions along the Texas/Mexico border against the drug trafficking organizations, and was deployed to fight the war on Terrorism in 2006 in Afghanistan. During his one year tour he was tasked as the attack asset for the 10th Mountain division. He was witness to the resurgence of the Taliban and was involved in numerous gun battles and had his aircraft hit several times during those battles. One of those battles was featured on “The Military Channels” series “My War Diary” which told about an American convoy that he helped rescue from a Taliban ambush. He wrote a book that tells about his experiences, and was instrumental in the success of the movie "Apache Warrior" as a Co-Executive producer. The title of that book is “South of Heaven, My Year in Afghanistan.” From his book the multiple award winning film Above the Best was made. The film features actual footage taken from his helicopter in combat. He is the recipient of the "Air medal” and “Bronze star.” He retired from the Army, as a Chief Warrant Officer 4, after over 26 years of service. In 2020 he retired as a jet and helicopter pilot with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as an Air Interdiction Agent. He flew numerous counter drug and terrorism missions throughout the U.S., Mexico the Caribbean and Colombia. He currently flies for Air Methods as an EMS pilot in the Houston area. During this episode, Daniel provides insight into the boarder issues we have in the US along the southern boarder. He talks about a crash he was in with the Apache and what it was like getting back into the saddle after the crash. He goes into detail on some of the battles he was a part of while in Afghanistan which you won’t want to miss. He also gives insight into his newest career as an EMS pilot. This episode definitely has something for everyone. Thanks for tuning in and please don’t forget to give us a like and a 5 star review on the Apple podcast app, It helps us out big time! I would like to take a minute to honor the life , contributions and sacrifices of Officer Nick Villa from Huntington Beach PD Air Support who tragically passed away after the aircraft he was in crashed in the water off of Newport Beach California, on February 19th, 2022. The pilot did an amazing job of putting the aircraft down without striking any people, boats or homes in a highly congested area. Metroaviation.co

Feb 9, 2022

We would like to thank ECHO Heliops for sponsoring this episode of the Hangar Z Podcast. In this episode we chat with Sid Bingley and Ty Le Roy who are part of a HEMS crew who work for Carillon Life-Guard Crew in Virginia. Sid is a flight nurse and Ty is a pilot currently flying the H135. Ty previously flew Apache attack helicopters for the Army. In this episode we talk about the pilot incapacitation procedure and training for EP’s with non flying partners. We also talk about ECHO Heliops and their upcoming conference which is in Austin Texas august 15th-17th. To learn more about Echo Heliops visit their website at www.echoheliops.org

Jan 16, 2022

In this episode we talk with CHP pilot Kevin Vinatieri. Kevin's aviation career began with the California Army National Guard when he joined the early enlistment program while still in high school. Kevin served as an OH-58 crew chief and became a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot serving with the 126th Medevac Company at Mather Field in Sacramento California. Kevin separated from the military in 1999. Kevin's desire to further serve his country led him to reenlist in the California Army National Guard October 2012 and was deployed to Afghanistan from March 2013 to March 2014. As if his military service was not enough Kevin has served the citizens of California as a CHP Officer and pilot since 1995. During his career with the CHP Kevin has medevac'd over 300 patients from auto accidents to injured hikers in the forests of the Sierra mountains. He also assisted in the apprehension of countless criminals while providing support for the men and women on the ground. Kevin and Jeff Ratkovich served together in the National Guard as part of the 126th Medivac Company. During this episode they discuss a rescue they worked together where they attempted to disrupt an entire wedding party. In this episode we also talk about an aviation legend JC Dodd. JC was a CHP pilot and worked with both Kevin and Jeff as part of the 126th Medivac Company. JC Dodd lost his life doing what he loved.... Flying helicopters on January 17th, 2018. JC Dodd was a husband, friend and mentor to many and is greatly missed. This episode is dedicated to the life and accomplishments of JC Dodd.

Jan 9, 2022

Happy belated New Year, and Merry Christmas to everyone. We are excited to be back from our Christmas break. In this episode we talk with Joel Lane. Joel retired from the US Forest Service after 40 years of service. The first half of his career was spent on the ground working as a Hot Shot and Engine Captain. The second half of his career he spent in Air Attack as an Air Tactical Group Supervisor. Joel is the founder of Anchor Flank and Pinch, which is a training company that provides classroom and scenario based live flight training for fixed-wing tanker pilots, aerial supervision pilots, and aerial supervisors. Joel is currently managing two fire aerial intelligence programs though out California. One for the Orange County Fire Authority and one for the California Office of Emergency Services. He is the lead Air Attack supervisor for the Quick Reaction Force program funded in part by Southern California Edison. This program provides 24/7 aerial fire suppression using Coulson aviation helicopters.

Dec 12, 2021

Join us as we talk with Cody Zetlmaier, who is currently assigned to the US Bureau of Land Management's Apple Valley Helitack. He was previously assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Heaps Peak Helitack out of the San Bernardino National Forest. Cody has spent a lot of time as a Hot Shot assigned to the Big Bear Hot Shots also out of the San Bernardino National Forest. Cody was awarded Hot Shot of the year in 2008. This episode is a story of perseverance and dedication. During this episode Cody takes us through the highs and lows of his career including a detailed account of how the Big Bear Hot Shots saved a ranch during the Atlas Fire in historic Napa County in October 2017. He talks about a mural that was painted along the Napa Wine trains route as a tribute to the heroic efforts of Cody and the Big Bear Hot Shots while fighting the Atlas Fire that burned over 51,000 acres. Cody talks about the heartbreak of leaving the U.S. Forest Service as a firefighter and the path he took to overcome the obstacles he faced to pursue a career he loves as a wildland firefighter. This episode is dedicated to Charlie Morton a U.S. Forest Service Big Bear Hotshot. Charlie tragically passed away while fighting the El Dorado fire on September 17th, 2020. Charlie is one of Cody's best friends as well as a leader and mentor to countless man and women that served along side him during his incredible career.

Nov 23, 2021

Air Support in America's Finest City Since 1986, the crews of 'ABLE' have been providing top-notch air support to the officers and citizens of America's Finest City and on our next episode of the Hangar Z Podcast, we'll be speaking with one of their pilots, Trevor Riley. There is speculation that the need for air support was identified after the notorious 'News Team Mele of 1975.' Trevor happens to be the unit historian, so he'll provide us more details on the history of the unit. In addition to being a huge animal lover, with a voice that could make a wolverine purr and seagulls flock to him (we'll cover the seagulls part in the interview), Trevor is also a very talented aerial photographer, known as Rotor Monkey Photo. Our next episode goes live for our Patreon supporters tomorrow! https://www.patreon.com/HangarZ . We're going to release the episode early to everyone else on Tuesday, for all of those who might be traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday! We're thankful everyday for the all the support from our listeners and we hope you enjoy the episode. We wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving...Stay classy!

Nov 15, 2021

Join the Hangar Z crew, as we sit down and chat with Command Pilot Anson Statema of the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Aviation Section. We've been wanting to do an episode on fixed wing operations for a long time and we're glad to have Anson join us, for a look at his career and some insight into how the WSP Aviation Section uses their fleet of Cessna 206's and Beech King Air to serve the people of Washington State. Our Patreon subscribers also have exclusive access to the Debrief Episode, where Anson walks us through a critical incident involving an officer involved shooting that the WSP Aviation Section played a pivotal role in resolving.

Oct 17, 2021

Join us in episode 27 where we discuss the Heroes Airshow which is an airshow dedicated to the promotion of helicopters and Public Safety Aviation. During the conversation we also discuss Steve's (AKA "The Commish") involvement with the LA County Sheriffs Department Montrose Search and Rescue team as well as the issue of noise abatement in congested urban areas. The Los Angeles edition of the show will be held on November 13th, at the Hansen Dam. You can find additional information on the Heroes Air Show at WWW.Heroes-Airshow.com. While you are at the Heroes Air show hashtag your photos #CAHEROS and we will repost the best four photos on our social media accounts.

Oct 11, 2021

In episode 26, we sit down with public safety aviation legend Brian Spillane. Brian is the industries foremost expert on infrared technology and comes to us from Teledyne FLIR who generously sponsored this episode of the Hangar Z podcast. Infrared camera systems from Teledyne FLIR have undoubtedly given public safety aviation the tactical advantage and the ability to increase situational awareness in protecting citizens and personnel on the ground. If you have ever been to the APSA conference you have attended the Teledyne FLIR vision awards where TELEDYNE FLIR “recognizes state and local law enforcement agencies for their tireless contributions to public safety through the powerful use of tactical airborne thermal imagery.” These awards ceremonies feature hilarious videos featuring Brian Spillane. During this episode Brian talks about his education and experiences that got him into public safety aviation. We also talk Teledyne FLIR’s line up of products as well as the advancement of infrared technology. We would again like to thank our podcast sponsor CNC Technologies and Teledyne FLIR for sponsoring this episode.

Sep 20, 2021

This episode is an absolute must hear as we speak with Retired LVMPD Sergeant and Pilot David Callen. In this episode Dave talks about his career in which he survived not one but two auto rotative landings and was part of countless high profile incidents to include the Laughlin River Run Riots between the Hells Angels and Mongols on April 27th 2002, and the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on October 1st, 2017. Dave also talks about losing his best friend Officer David Vanbuskirk during a search and rescue incident that took place July 23rd, 2013. Dave Vanbuskirk was a part of LVMPD's elite SAR team where he provided support as a mountain rescue team leader, tactical emergency medical support coordinator, helicopter crew chief and tactical medic for LVMPD SWAT. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Officer David VanBuskirk.

Sep 6, 2021

We've gone international! Join us as we sit down and chat with Matthew Stanton, the Head of Helicopter Operations for the NSW Police Force Aviation Command - PolAir. Matthew shares his inspiring story of living out his childhood dream to fly for PolAir and the amazing journey he took to get there! We also discuss the latest developments at PolAir, to include their new fleet, new facility and the bright future for the Aviation Command. This episode is currently available for early access to our Patreon supporters, to include exclusive access to the special "Debrief Episode," where Matthew shares the moving story from a search and rescue incident he was involved in. If you want to help support the podcast, get early access to episodes and access to exclusive content, head on over to https://www.patreon.com/HangarZ As always, thanks to our sponsor CNC Technologies

Aug 13, 2021

E pisode 23 officially begins with the launch of legendary Jack Schonely’s episode. Jack is a 36 year Law Enforcement Veteran, with 31 years at LAPD 19 of which were spent in the Air Support Division as both a TFO and Command Pilot. Jack created and instructs a course titled A “Apprehending Fleeing suspects.” Jack has also written a book available online with the same title. Jack is a Contributing Editor and writer to Vertical 911 Magazine, Police K9 Magazine, Recoil Magazine and Police Magazine. Jack was the 2017 recipient of the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Law Enforcement Salute to Excellence award in Dallas Texas. 2016 recipient of the Robert L Cormier Memorial Award from the Airborne Law Enforcement Association. Awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement in the advancement of aircraft in public service. 2005 Runner up for the Governor’s California Police Officers Standards and Training Instructor of the Year Award. 2004 Air Crew of the Year Award for LAPD Air Support Division. If you are looking for training to help prepare yourself for a career in Airborne Law Enforcement or looking to sharpen your knowledge base in the science of suspect containment you can’t miss this episode. This episode will be available everywhere next Friday August 13th which will coincide with Hangar Z’s one year anniversary.

Aug 4, 2021

APSCON 2021 from New Orleans is officially in the books, so now it's time to break it down in a special episode. Join us in the hangar, with our guest San Diego County Sheriff Fire and Rescue Pilot Tony Webber, as we discuss his and Jon's experiences and takeaways from this year's APSA Convention. From some of the movers and shakers in our industry, to some of the latest and greatest on the show floor, to the sights and sounds of New Orleans, including Tony's sighting of the ever elusive, Rob Steht! We do have to give a special thank you to our listeners. We were amazed and humbled by the positive feedback we received from so many of you at this year's APSCON! We're excited to return to the Hangar after taking a month off for family and work commitments. We look forward to continuing to bring you content that we hope will motivate, inspire and bring value to your operations Thanks to our Sponsor CNC Technologies

Jun 20, 2021

Jun 14, 2021

In this episode we sit down and chat with Alex Giuffrida, managing partner of CNC Technologies. We have talked about CNC Technologies a lot over the course of our podcast. We appreciate their dedication to design and delivery of cutting edge technology and solutions. We appreciate their willingness to step out and believe in The Hangar Z Podcast by sponsoring us from the very beginning. During our conversation Alex talks about how he helped to build one of the most dynamic and successful companies within the public safety aviation industry. I had a great conversation with Alex and we're sure you will enjoy hearing his story of achieving the American dream.

May 31, 2021

In this episode we sit down and chat with Clay Lacey, a lieutenant with a major state agency from the great state of Texas. They say everything in Texas is bigger and we're sure you'll agree that Clay and his agency live up to that motto when it comes to everything they do, including the selection and training of their Tactical Flight Officers (TFO's), a subject that Clay is passionate about. Special thank you to our sponsor CNC Technologies 🇺🇸

May 17, 2021

Join us on this episode as we sit down and chat with John Fehrs, a true legend of the airborne public safety industry. John walks us through his remarkable career as an Army Aviator during the Vietnam War, where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, to his over 30-year career in public safety aviation, where he served as the Chief Pilot of the Riverside Police Department Aviation Unit and later as the Chief Pilot of the Santa Barbara County Fire & Sheriff’s Joint Aviation Unit. If all of that wasn’t enough, John went on to serve as a government contractor, flying missions in Iraq and Afghanistan for the last 13 years! All of us who have had the honor to serve in a public safety aviation unit know that we are standing on the shoulders of giants. Those who started and served in these units during the early days of public safety aviation, truly started a legacy that has been handed down to us and we must in turn hand it down to the next generation. One of the goals of our podcast is to honor those in the public safety aviation industry who came before us and on this episode, we are doing just that Special thanks to our Sponsor CNC Technologies.

May 3, 2021

Join us as we sit down and chat with Terry Miyauchi, the Customer Solutions Manager, Parapublic, for Bell Helicopters. Terry's aviation career spans more than 30 years, where he served both as an Army Aviator and as a law enforcement pilot. Terry's public safety career culminated as commander of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Aviation Unit, where he lead a unit of over 40 personnel and a fleet of 15 aircraft. Terry will give us an update on the Bell 505 program and talk to us about how Bell continues to lead the industry in customer support and satisfaction. This special episode is sponsored by the @bellflight Bell 505 Helicopter Program. As always, we'd like to thank our podcast sponsor @cnctechnologies CNC Technologies

Apr 19, 2021

In this episode, where we sit down with Bryan Smith, the Airborne Public Safety Association Safety Program Manager. Bryan is an extremely experienced law enforcement aviatior, who currently serves as the chief pilot for a Florida sheriff's department. We think this is going to be a valuable episode for anyone working for an agency that is implementing an aviation safety program in their unit. Bryan is definitely an invaluable resource and we are honored to have him on the podcast! Thanks to our sponsor CNC Technologies.

Apr 5, 2021

In this episode we chat with Airframe and Powerplant mechanic Aaron Boulias. Everyone in aviation knows the mission cannot go on without maintainers. Aaron talks about his time as a A&P Mechanic and his progression through the career field. Special thanks to our sponsor CNC Technologies 🇺🇸

Mar 22, 2021

On this episode, we sit down and chat with Major Brian Harris, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot and host of The Low Level Hell Podcast. We discuss the mission similarities between military and law enforcement helicopters as it relates to reconnaissance and close air support operations. We also discuss Brian's career flying both the OH-58D 'Kiowa Warrior' and AH-64 'Apache,' supporting combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Major Harris also discusses being shot during a flight while deployed as well as losing Hydraulics while on a night flight under NVGs. Special thanks to our sponsor CNC Technologies 🇺🇸

Feb 27, 2021

In this episode we talk with Stockton PD's Dan Lowry. Dan is a prior military aviator, professional bull rider and worked to establish the Stockton PD Air Support program. Dan talks about selecting the Bell 505 as the units airborne law enforcement platform. Special thanks to our sponsor CNC Technologies.

Feb 15, 2021

In this episode we will be chatting with San Diego County Sheriff Corporal Tony Webber. Corporal Webber has been in law enforcement since 1983 and in aviation for over thirty years. He has been assigned to fight fires and fly search and rescue missions since 2005.

Jan 20, 2021

We are excited to kick off our first episode of 2021 with an exceptional guest! Jacob Green is an accomplished local government executive, nationally recognized leadership and change management consultant, and Amazon best-selling author of "See Change Clearly: Leveraging Adversity to Sharpen Your Vision and Build Resilient Teams." Jacob's story of resilience, after suffering a life changing traumatic brain injury is truly inspirational. We will discuss how he has used his experiences to help public and private organizations navigate change and crisis, enhance service delivery, and build strong, resilient teams. This is an episode you don't want to miss! Special thanks to our Sponsor CNC Technologies.

Dec 17, 2020

In this episode we'll be talking with Mike Calhoun, the Chief Pilot for the Riverside County Sheriffs Department. The Riverside County Sheriffs Department covers approximately 7,000 square miles and spans across a variety of terrain ranging from the desert to the mountains and into the densely populated valley area. Their response area gives them a diverse mission profile completed by their highly trained and capable crews. During this episode we will discuss the TFO selection process and learn what they have done to improve their selection process. Special thanks to our sponsor CNC Technologies.

Dec 2, 2020

In this episode we'll be talking to Dan Futscher, a sergeant and pilot with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Aviation Unit, one of the most versatile law enforcement aviation units in the country! The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit provides general law enforcement support, narcotics surveillance, personnel/cargo transport, airborne photography, search and rescue operations, wild land fire suppression and emergency medical transport services. If you're someone that's interested in a career in public safety aviation or currently a member of a public safety aviation unit, you'll definitely want to tune into the Hangar Z Podcast, where we explore the people and equipment behind the mission! Special thanks to our sponsor CNC Technologies.

Nov 20, 2020

In this episode we will be talking to Rob Steht, an extremely experienced law enforcement aviator and all around great guy! We were excited to sit down and chat with a guy who has flown just about every mission profile there is to fly, in both helicopters and airplanes, for multiple law enforcement agencies in California, Florida and now Georgia. If you're someone that's interested in a career in public safety aviation or currently a member of a public safety aviation unit, you'll definitely want to tune into the Hangar Z Podcast, where we explore the people and equipment behind the mission! Special thanks to our sponsor CNC Technologies.

Nov 5, 2020

In this episode we introduce you to the people behind The Hangar Z Podcast and announce a cohost for the podcast. We also talk about the origin of the podcast and discuss where we would like to take it. We also announce a Veteran's Day Black Rifle Coffee Give away. Check out our social media accounts for details in the days to come. Instagram @Hangar_Z_Podcast and The Hangar Z Podcast on Facebook. Special Thanks to our sponsor CNC Technologies.

Oct 23, 2020

In episode 5 we talk with air traffic controller extraordinaire Brian Gleason. Brian is a controller in a busy class Charlie airspace in Southern California. In this episode he gives us some insight to the world of ATC. Special thanks to CNC Technologies for sponsoring The Hangar Z Podcast.

Oct 9, 2020

In Episode 4 we talk with Distinguished Flying Cross award recipient Chief Warrant Officer 5 Joseph Rosamond. He was the pilot of the CH-47 Chinook that flew through extreme conditions to rescue over 260 people and 16 pups trapped by the California wildfires at Mammoth Pools on September 5th, 2020. Special thanks to CNC Technologies for sponsoring The Hangar Z Podcast.

Sep 23, 2020

In episode 3 we will be talking with Jeff Ratkovich. Jeff worked as a police pilot for the Riverside (Ca.) Police Department. He is currently an EMS pilot in Tennessee. He will discuss how he utilized social media to promote his agency. He also talks about the transition from law enforcement aviation to flying EMS.

Sep 12, 2020

In this episode Tim talks about being a reserve pilot with the Orange County Sheriff's Department and flying for KTLA channel 5 as a news pilot. He talks about flying in class bravo airspace and covers an in flight emergency he experienced.

Aug 28, 2020

Over the next two episodes two we will be talking with Tim Lynn. You have heard Tim Lynn cover pursuits and critical incidents over Southern California on KTLA Channel 5. Tim has over thirty years of law enforcement experience. In this episode he will be talking about his time with the Huntington Beach PD air support unit as well as some tips for paying for your flight training.

Aug 13, 2020

In this premiere episode we will be talking with retired Police Pilot, Sergeant Eric Weidner. He will be discussing his time with the Ontario (Ca.) Police Department as well as some tips on marketing your air support unit.