The Hangar Z Podcast

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 equipmentD.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.

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 equipmentD.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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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