The Hangar Z Podcast

• Episode 246 - Operational Excellence: Insights from the Houston PD Air Support Unit Part 1

  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.

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• Episode 245 - Insights from the Maryland State Police Part 2

  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.

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• Episode 244 - Insights from the Maryland State Police Part 1

  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.

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• Episode 243 - "The Gap" Factory Training vs. Advanced Specialty Training Part 2

  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.

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• Episode 242 - "The Gap" Factory Training vs. Advanced Specialty Training Part I

  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.

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