The Hangar Z Podcast

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

This three-part series comes to you from the hangar at Broward Sheriff's Office as part of the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour, where we had the opportunity to interview Sgt Paul Seda and pilot Carl Spear.

The Blades of Valor Tour spotlights public safety aviation units recognized for outstanding service and celebrates those who go above and beyond. We aim to promote the good work these agencies do and highlight the standard of excellence they set.

These teams serve as a benchmark for the public aviation community. Our mission is to share their stories of unwavering commitment, courage, innovative leadership, teamwork, and technological innovation from agencies setting the standard in public safety aviation.

Thank you to our 2026 Blades of Valor Tour sponsor, Switlik Survival Products, for making this tour possible.  Switlik Survival Products supports aviation, marine, military, and search-and-rescue with a wide variety of high-quality survival products. To learn more, go to Switlik.com
 
Massif provides the flight suits that support our crew in the field.

This Hangar Z episode, recorded on location at the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) in Fort Lauderdale, marks the second stop of the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour.

The episode dives deep into the operational excellence of the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Sgt Seda and Officer Spear explain the "hunt bad guys" philosophy that drives their mission and the transition from a multi-mission medevac/LEO hybrid to a dedicated, high-tempo law enforcement unit.

The episode concludes with a tribute to Spear, who reflects on a 39-year law enforcement career. The crew discusses the "culture of consistency" and the passion required to sustain a long, successful career in the cockpit.

This stop on the Blades of Valor tour highlights a unit built on trust, transparency, and a relentless commitment to supporting the men and women on the ground.
Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.

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 Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Bell and SHOTOVER.

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.