The Hangar Z Podcast

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

In this two-part series of The Hangar Z Podcast, host Jon Gray is joined by OG co-host Jeff Ratkovich and industry veteran Terry Miyauchi.

The conversation takes us on a deep dive into the evolving landscape of public safety aviation. Fresh off his transition from Bell to launching his own public-safety-focused consultancy, Terry helps unpack the global trends, leadership philosophies, and safety data shaping the industry in 2026.

The conversation begins with Terry’s passion for leadership development. He explains why public safety aviation consistently produces world-class technicians but often struggles to produce equally strong leaders. 

Terry introduces the idea that “ego is the killer of excellence” and makes the case that a genuine “love of people” is the most critical trait for any unit commander. From there, they analyze current global fleet data, highlighting the stark imbalance in rotorcraft assets between North America/Europe and the rest of the world—and what that means for life-saving capability and public safety outcomes.

The series then shifts into the practical realities of staffing and funding. Terry explores the growing trend toward “turnkey” and “civilianized” models, where agencies partner with private operators to overcome the crushing costs of sworn retirement systems, chronic personnel shortages, and aging aircraft. Along the way, we examine how political savviness, not just operational need, often determines whether new units get launched or existing fleets get modernized.

Whether you’re a unit manager fighting for fleet upgrades, a pilot wrestling with target fixation and weather pressures, a tactical flight officer (TFO) trying to raise safety and standards, or an agency exploring how to launch a new program, this two-part series delivers a candid masterclass in the business, politics, and human psychology of keeping public safety aviation missions safe, sustainable, and effective.
Thank you to our sponsors Bell, BLR Aerospace and Rotorcraft Support.

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

This episode is being released during Police Week 2026, a time set aside to honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. It’s a week of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for our fallen brothers and sisters.

Today’s guest is someone who has dedicated much of his life to ensuring those sacrifices are never forgotten—Craig Floyd. This is Craig’s second time joining us on the podcast. The last time we spoke in May of 2024, we were standing together in the rain at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.—a fitting backdrop for a man who has been such a powerful voice for the fallen.

Craig is the founder and president of Citizens Behind the Badge and the original chief executive officer of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. His work has had a lasting impact on how our nation honors its law enforcement heroes.
In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the incredible story behind the creation of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Judiciary Square. We explore the original vision of NYPD legend Mario Biaggi, who later served as a U.S. Representative, and how Craig’s time working for him as a legislative assistant helped set this monumental project in motion.

What followed was decades of dedication, perseverance, and relentless effort to bring that vision to life—an extraordinary achievement completed without government funding.

This is a fascinating, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it truly takes to build something that stands as a lasting tribute to sacrifice, service, and honor. 
Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics, BLR Aerospace and Robinson Helicopter.

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

This episode is being released during Police Week 2026, a time set aside to honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. It’s a week of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for our fallen brothers and sisters.

Today’s guest is someone who has dedicated much of his life to ensuring those sacrifices are never forgotten—Craig Floyd. This is Craig’s second time joining us on the podcast. The last time we spoke in May of 2024, we were standing together in the rain at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.—a fitting backdrop for a man who has been such a powerful voice for the fallen.

Craig is the founder and president of Citizens Behind the Badge and the original chief executive officer of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. His work has had a lasting impact on how our nation honors its law enforcement heroes.
In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the incredible story behind the creation of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Judiciary Square. We explore the original vision of NYPD legend Mario Biaggi, who later served as a U.S. Representative, and how Craig’s time working for him as a legislative assistant helped set this monumental project in motion.

What followed was decades of dedication, perseverance, and relentless effort to bring that vision to life—an extraordinary achievement completed without government funding.

This is a fascinating, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it truly takes to build something that stands as a lasting tribute to sacrifice, service, and honor. 

Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics, Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch and Robinson Helicopter.

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.

Today, we are truly honored to be joined by Michael J. Durant—retired Chief Warrant Officer 4, Night Stalker, and MH-60 Black Hawk pilot—whose story is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering determination.

In this episode, Mike takes us all the way back to his very first flight in a helicopter—the moment that sparked a passion and set the course for a remarkable career. Although he initially entered the U.S. Army as an intelligence officer, he never lost sight of his goal of becoming a pilot. He walks us through his journey into Army Aviation, including his time flying medical evacuation missions in South 
Korea and later serving with the 101st Aviation Battalion in Kentucky.

From there, we dive into his selection into the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, where he deployed on high-risk missions as part of one of the most capable aviation units in the world.

Mike then shares the harrowing details of Oct. 3, 1993, when his Black Hawk was shot down over Mogadishu, Somalia. He recounts the heroic actions of Delta snipers Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart, whose sacrifice helped keep him alive, as well as his own fight for survival through severe injuries and 11 days of captivity.

We also explore the mindset that carried him through—how his training, mental toughness, faith, and personal philosophy, shaped his ability to endure and overcome one of the most intense combat survival stories in modern history.

Mike’s story is one of skill, courage, resolve, gratitude, and perseverance—these are episodes you will not want to miss.
Thank you to all our followers and our incredible sponsors for making conversations like this possible.

Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.

Today, we are truly honored to be joined by Michael J. Durant—retired Chief Warrant Officer 4, Night Stalker, and MH-60 Black Hawk pilot—whose story is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering determination.

In this episode, Mike takes us all the way back to his very first flight in a helicopter—the moment that sparked a passion and set the course for a remarkable career. Although he initially entered the U.S. Army as an intelligence officer, he never lost sight of his goal of becoming a pilot. He walks us through his journey into Army Aviation, including his time flying medical evacuation missions in South 
Korea and later serving with the 101st Aviation Battalion in Kentucky.

From there, we dive into his selection into the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, where he deployed on high-risk missions as part of one of the most capable aviation units in the world.

Mike then shares the harrowing details of Oct. 3, 1993, when his Black Hawk was shot down over Mogadishu, Somalia. He recounts the heroic actions of Delta snipers Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart, whose sacrifice helped keep him alive, as well as his own fight for survival through severe injuries and 11 days of captivity.

We also explore the mindset that carried him through—how his training, mental toughness, faith, and personal philosophy, shaped his ability to endure and overcome one of the most intense combat survival stories in modern history.

Mike’s story is one of skill, courage, resolve, gratitude, and perseverance—these are episodes you will not want to miss.
Thank you to all our followers and our incredible sponsors for making conversations like this possible.

Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, CNC Technologies and Rotorcraft Support Inc.