The Hangar Z Podcast

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . Today’s episode was recorded at the Vertical Valor Plus booth, on the floor of APSCON in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We are honored to welcome Wade Bourassa, pilot and supervisor of the Saskatoon Police Aviation Unit. Wade is the 2026 recipient of the Airborne Public Safety Association's Robert L. Cormier Memorial Award, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to advancing law enforcement aviation. While Wade has built an exceptional career serving the Saskatoon Police Service, his impact extends far beyond his own unit. Through his willingness to mentor others, share his expertise, provide instruction, and offer guidance, he has helped strengthen aviation programs across both Canada and the United States. Join us as we discuss Wade's career, his passion for public safety aviation, and the leadership and dedication that earned him one of the profession's highest honors. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics , Robinson Helicopter and Wysong Enterprises .

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . Today’s episode was recorded at the Vertical Valor Plus booth, on the floor of APSCON in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We are honored to welcome Wade Bourassa, pilot and supervisor of the Saskatoon Police Aviation Unit. Wade is the 2026 recipient of the Airborne Public Safety Association's Robert L. Cormier Memorial Award, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to advancing law enforcement aviation. While Wade has built an exceptional career serving the Saskatoon Police Service, his impact extends far beyond his own unit. Through his willingness to mentor others, share his expertise, provide instruction, and offer guidance, he has helped strengthen aviation programs across both Canada and the United States. Join us as we discuss Wade's career, his passion for public safety aviation, and the leadership and dedication that earned him one of the profession's highest honors. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , MD Helicopters and SHOTOVER .

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by L.A. City Fire Department (LAFD) pilot and safety officer Joel Smith for an inside look at the high-stakes world of LAFD Air Operations. Joel breaks down the tactical precision and intense training required to battle massive, wind-driven California wildfires like the Palisades in the Leonardo AW139, navigate extreme downdrafts in the Santa Anas, and manage chaotic multi-agency airspace stacks. He also details the unique, demanding pathway of promoting from firefighter to mission-command pilot, highlighting the partnership and high standards shared with LAPD Air Support. The conversation takes a deep dive into modern aviation safety management systems (SMS), root-cause hazard analysis, and the danger of operational complacency. Drawing from his role as unit safety officer, Joel explains how he is working on the industry-wide challenge of fatigue management through data, objective readiness scores, and his company, Hero Aviation. By bridging operational experience with smart technology, Joel is helping crews across public safety make safer, data-backed go/no-go decisions. Connect with Joel Smith & Hero Aviation: Website: heroaviationusa.com Instagram: @heroaviationusa Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch , and Precision Aviation Group .

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by L.A. City Fire Department (LAFD) pilot and safety officer Joel Smith for an inside look at the high-stakes world of LAFD Air Operations. Joel breaks down the tactical precision and intense training required to battle massive, wind-driven California wildfires like the Palisades in the Leonardo AW139, navigate extreme downdrafts in the Santa Anas, and manage chaotic multi-agency airspace stacks. He also details the unique, demanding pathway of promoting from firefighter to mission-command pilot, highlighting the partnership and high standards shared with LAPD Air Support. The conversation takes a deep dive into modern aviation safety management systems (SMS), root-cause hazard analysis, and the danger of operational complacency. Drawing from his role as unit safety officer, Joel explains how he is working on the industry-wide challenge of fatigue management through data, objective readiness scores, and his company, Hero Aviation. By bridging operational experience with smart technology, Joel is helping crews across public safety make safer, data-backed go/no-go decisions. Connect with Joel Smith & Hero Aviation: Website: heroaviationusa.com Instagram: @heroaviationusa Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Dallas Avionics and Metro Aviation .

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by L.A. City Fire Department (LAFD) pilot and safety officer Joel Smith for an inside look at the high-stakes world of LAFD Air Operations. Joel breaks down the tactical precision and intense training required to battle massive, wind-driven California wildfires like the Palisades in the Leonardo AW139, navigate extreme downdrafts in the Santa Anas, and manage chaotic multi-agency airspace stacks. He also details the unique, demanding pathway of promoting from firefighter to mission-command pilot, highlighting the partnership and high standards shared with LAPD Air Support. The conversation takes a deep dive into modern aviation safety management systems (SMS), root-cause hazard analysis, and the danger of operational complacency. Drawing from his role as unit safety officer, Joel explains how he is working on the industry-wide challenge of fatigue management through data, objective readiness scores, and his company, Hero Aviation. By bridging operational experience with smart technology, Joel is helping crews across public safety make safer, data-backed go/no-go decisions. Connect with Joel Smith & Hero Aviation: Website: heroaviationusa.com Instagram: @heroaviationusa Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch , and Precision Aviation Group .

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by L.A. City Fire Department (LAFD) pilot and safety officer Joel Smith for an inside look at the high-stakes world of LAFD Air Operations. Joel breaks down the tactical precision and intense training required to battle massive, wind-driven California wildfires like the Palisades in the Leonardo AW139, navigate extreme downdrafts in the Santa Anas, and manage chaotic multi-agency airspace stacks. He also details the unique, demanding pathway of promoting from firefighter to mission-command pilot, highlighting the partnership and high standards shared with LAPD Air Support. The conversation takes a deep dive into modern aviation safety management systems (SMS), root-cause hazard analysis, and the danger of operational complacency. Drawing from his role as unit safety officer, Joel explains how he is working on the industry-wide challenge of fatigue management through data, objective readiness scores, and his company, Hero Aviation. By bridging operational experience with smart technology, Joel is helping crews across public safety make safer, data-backed go/no-go decisions. Connect with Joel Smith & Hero Aviation: Website: heroaviationusa.com Instagram: @heroaviationusa Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Dallas Avionics and Metro Aviation .

Welcome to this special joint episode of the Hangar Z Podcast and the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . In this special episode, Jon Gray of Hangar Z and Blake Shrider and Mike Fadale of the Valor Flight Crew, preview the 2026 ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference . High-quality public safety aviation training doesn’t need a massive price tag. The 2026 ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference is heading to Philadelphia Sept. 20 to 23 at the Sheraton Downtown. ECHO covers the full mission spectrum law enforcement aviation, helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), search-and-rescue, and aerial firefighting. This year features over 50 breakout sessions, hands-on workshops like underwater egress and cadaver labs, and a dedicated 16-hour Airborne Tactical Solutions course jointly taught by Clay Lacey and Jack Schonely for aircrews and ground teams. It’s practical, high-impact training—built by operators, for operators, and delivered at a price point agencies can support. This conversation breaks down why ECHO stands apart: Operator-built training, real-world relevance, and a rare chance to learn across every mission set under one roof. From law enforcement aviation and search-and-rescue to aerial firefighting, EMS, and tactical operations, ECHO is designed for crews who want practical skills they can use back home. You’ll discover: What makes the Clay Lacey and Jack Shonely airborne tactical solutions course such a can't-miss opportunity; How the breakout sessions expand into law enforcement, SAR, radio ops, human performance, leadership, and more; Why the Future Flight Crew and Future Flight Leaders programs are becoming a pipeline for the next generation of aviation professionals; and How FAST and the Safety Team are changing the way the industry supports crew wellness, resilience, and operational safety. The conversation also covers the social side of ECHO in Philadelphia, including the welcome party, the 5K fundraiser, the down-for-weather bash, and why the city itself is worth an extra day or two. If you've never been to Philly, you'll get a few solid reasons to plan for more than conference hours—and maybe a cheesesteak or two. Just as important, this episode makes the stakes clear: Public safety aviation is evolving fast, leadership gaps are real, and the industry needs better training, better mentorship, and better ways to take care of its people. ECHO is one of the few places where all of that comes together in a single week. Essential listening if you're deciding whether to attend, bringing your team, or just want a clear picture of why so many crews call ECHO their favorite conference of the year. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Dallas Avionics and Metro Aviation .

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . We're glad you're with us, because today we're pulling back the curtain on one of our favorite projects of the year—the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour through Florida. For this special episode, we've brought together the entire team that made the tour possible. Joining us are editor-at-large and photographer Brent Bundy; photographer and videographer Scott Kellerman; my co-host, Jon Gray; and I'm Jack Schonely. Together, we travelled across the Sunshine State, visiting four outstanding aviation units to capture their stories through photography, print, video, and, of course, the Hangar Z Podcast. Today, we're taking you behind the scenes to share what it really takes to produce a project like this. We'll talk about the incredible cooperation and hospitality we received from all four aviation units, the detailed planning and safety considerations behind coordinating air-to-air photo shoots, an unforgettable airboat ride through the Florida Everglades, and a few stories about the late nights—and plenty of laughs—we shared while staying together at a Vrbo in Clearwater. If you've ever wondered what goes into creating the content you see in Vertical Valor magazine, on Hangar Z, and across our social media platforms, this episode is for you. So sit back, buckle up, and join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour. To see the 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour videos, check out these links: - Highlights from the 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour w/ The Hangar Z Podcast - Blades of Valor - Leonardo AW139 – An in-flight podcast w/ Miami-Dade Fire Captain Jason Vanbuskirk - Helicopter Walkaround: Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Bell 429 | 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour - Helicopter Walkaround: U.S. Coast Guard’s MH-60T Jayhawk | 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour - The Crew Behind Palm Beach Sheriff's Law Enforcement Helicopter Ops | 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour - Helicopter Walkaround: Broward Sheriff Office’s Airbus H125 | 2026 Blades of Valor Roar Tour Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , CNC Technologies and SHOTOVER .

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . We're glad you're with us, because today we're pulling back the curtain on one of our favorite projects of the year—the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour through Florida. For this special episode, we've brought together the entire team that made the tour possible. Joining us are editor-at-large and photographer Brent Bundy; photographer and videographer Scott Kellerman; my co-host, Jon Gray; and I'm Jack Schonely. Together, we travelled across the Sunshine State, visiting four outstanding aviation units to capture their stories through photography, print, video, and, of course, the Hangar Z Podcast. Today, we're taking you behind the scenes to share what it really takes to produce a project like this. We'll talk about the incredible cooperation and hospitality we received from all four aviation units, the detailed planning and safety considerations behind coordinating air-to-air photo shoots, an unforgettable airboat ride through the Florida Everglades, and a few stories about the late nights—and plenty of laughs—we shared while staying together at a Vrbo in Clearwater. If you've ever wondered what goes into creating the content you see in Vertical Valor magazine, on Hangar Z, and across our social media platforms, this episode is for you. So sit back, buckle up, and join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour. To see the 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour videos, check out these links: - Highlights from the 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour w/ The Hangar Z Podcast - Blades of Valor - Leonardo AW139 – An in-flight podcast w/ Miami-Dade Fire Captain Jason Vanbuskirk - Helicopter Walkaround: Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Bell 429 | 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour - Helicopter Walkaround: U.S. Coast Guard’s MH-60T Jayhawk | 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour - The Crew Behind Palm Beach Sheriff's Law Enforcement Helicopter Ops | 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour - Helicopter Walkaround: Broward Sheriff Office’s Airbus H125 | 2026 Blades of Valor Roar Tour Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation , Robinson Helicopter and Summit Aviation .

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS and in partnership with Valor Plus . For this episode of Hangar Z, recorded live at APSCON 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down with Nicolas Ianiero, aircraft maintenance engineer with Canadian Helicopters supporting the York Regional Police Air Support Unit and the recipient of the 2026 APSA Technician of the Year Award. Nicolas shares the journey that took him from aspiring pilot to licensed aircraft maintenance engineer, including his introduction to helicopter maintenance and the experiences that shaped his career. Along the way, he reflects on the value of mentorship, continuous learning, and embracing opportunities that weren't part of the original plan. The conversation also explores the unique responsibility of supporting public safety aviation. Whether responding to missing persons, critical incidents, or life-saving missions, Nicolas explains how maintainers play a vital role long before an aircraft ever leaves the hangar. It's a perspective that highlights the dedication, professionalism, and quiet commitment behind every successful mission. Congratulations to Nicolas on being recognized as the 2026 APSA Technician of the Year and thank you for sharing your story with the Vertical Plus community. Thank you to our sponsors CENTUM , Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch and Quantum Helicopters .

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . This is a three-part podcast! Make sure you listen to all three. Today, we're honored to welcome retired San Diego Police Department Chief Pilot Todd Jager. Todd is a true aviation professional with more than 10,000 hours of rotorcraft flight time, over 1,000 hours in fixed-wing aircraft, and more than 4,100 hours as a Tactical Flight Officer. Throughout his remarkable career, Todd played a pivotal role in training both pilots and Tactical Flight Officers. Alongside his longtime partner, Kevin Means, he helped develop many of the FLIR tactics, techniques, Crew Resource Management principles, and operational procedures that have become standard practice for law enforcement aviation units around the world. In this first episode, we discuss the importance of recording airborne incidents, how that capability evolved within the San Diego Police Department's Air Support Unit, and why those recordings have become such valuable tools for training, accountability, and learning. We also take an in-depth look at aviation safety within a law enforcement aviation unit, with Todd sharing the lessons he's learned from decades of operational flying and leadership. Todd takes us behind the scenes of the legendary San Diego tank pursuit. As the Tactical Flight Officer during the incident, he captured the entire 30-minute pursuit on video and shares the complete story—from what was happening in the aircraft to the critical decisions being made in real time. Whether you're a pilot, Tactical Flight Officer, or simply fascinated by aviation and police operations, these are conversations you won't want to miss. YouTube video clips courtesy of CBS 8 San Diego Evening News. The full video can be watched here . Thank you to our sponsors Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch , Robinson Helicopter and Spectrolab .

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . This is a three-part podcast! Make sure you listen to all three. Today, we're honored to welcome retired San Diego Police Department Chief Pilot Todd Jager. Todd is a true aviation professional with more than 10,000 hours of rotorcraft flight time, over 1,000 hours in fixed-wing aircraft, and more than 4,100 hours as a Tactical Flight Officer. Throughout his remarkable career, Todd played a pivotal role in training both pilots and Tactical Flight Officers. Alongside his longtime partner, Kevin Means, he helped develop many of the FLIR tactics, techniques, Crew Resource Management principles, and operational procedures that have become standard practice for law enforcement aviation units around the world. In this first episode, we discuss the importance of recording airborne incidents, how that capability evolved within the San Diego Police Department's Air Support Unit, and why those recordings have become such valuable tools for training, accountability, and learning. We also take an in-depth look at aviation safety within a law enforcement aviation unit, with Todd sharing the lessons he's learned from decades of operational flying and leadership. Todd takes us behind the scenes of the legendary San Diego tank pursuit. As the Tactical Flight Officer during the incident, he captured the entire 30-minute pursuit on video and shares the complete story—from what was happening in the aircraft to the critical decisions being made in real time. Whether you're a pilot, Tactical Flight Officer, or simply fascinated by aviation and police operations, these are conversations you won't want to miss. YouTube video clips courtesy of CBS 8 San Diego Evening News. The full video can be watched here . Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , MD Helicopters and Metro Aviation .

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . This is a three-part podcast! Make sure you listen to all three. Today, we're honored to welcome retired San Diego Police Department Chief Pilot Todd Jager. Todd is a true aviation professional with more than 10,000 hours of rotorcraft flight time, over 1,000 hours in fixed-wing aircraft, and more than 4,100 hours as a Tactical Flight Officer. Throughout his remarkable career, Todd played a pivotal role in training both pilots and Tactical Flight Officers. Alongside his longtime partner, Kevin Means, he helped develop many of the FLIR tactics, techniques, Crew Resource Management principles, and operational procedures that have become standard practice for law enforcement aviation units around the world. In this first episode, we discuss the importance of recording airborne incidents, how that capability evolved within the San Diego Police Department's Air Support Unit, and why those recordings have become such valuable tools for training, accountability, and learning. We also take an in-depth look at aviation safety within a law enforcement aviation unit, with Todd sharing the lessons he's learned from decades of operational flying and leadership. Todd takes us behind the scenes of the legendary San Diego tank pursuit. As the Tactical Flight Officer during the incident, he captured the entire 30-minute pursuit on video and shares the complete story—from what was happening in the aircraft to the critical decisions being made in real time. Whether you're a pilot, Tactical Flight Officer, or simply fascinated by aviation and police operations, these are conversations you won't want to miss. YouTube video clips courtesy of CBS 8 San Diego Evening News. The full video can be watched here . Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Precision Aviation Group and SHOTOVER .

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus . On today's episode, we're honored to welcome Deputy Jonathan Lazada and Deputy Chase Gomez of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit. Jonathan and Chase are the recipients of the Airborne Public Safety Association's Aircrew of the Year Award, as well as the FLIR Vision Award in the Life Saving category, recognizing their extraordinary efforts during a search that ultimately saved three lives. What began as the search for a downed aircraft several miles offshore quickly became a race against time. Operating within the limitations of their aircraft and mission equipment, they relied on disciplined Crew Resource Management, sound decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to the mission. Their persistence paid off when they located three survivors floating in the ocean and directed U.S. Coast Guard rescue assets to their position, leading to a successful rescue. In this conversation, we take a deep dive into every aspect of the mission. Jonathan and Chase walk us through the initial response, the challenges of searching over open water, the limitations of their airframe for this type of operation, and the critical decisions they made while balancing mission success with flight safety. We also discuss the importance of effective Crew Resource Management, maintaining situational awareness under pressure, staying determined when the odds seem stacked against you, and how teamwork became the defining factor in a successful outcome. One of the most rewarding moments came after the rescue, when Jonathan and Chase had the opportunity to meet all three survivors back at the hangar—a powerful reminder of why public safety aviation professionals do what they do. This is an incredible story of professionalism, perseverance, and teamwork under the most demanding conditions. We know you're going to enjoy this conversation. Watch the 2026 FLIR Vision Awards | Life Saver Award with Jonathan and Chase at this link . Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Spectrolab and Summit Aviation .

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus . On today's episode, we're honored to welcome Deputy Jonathan Lazada and Deputy Chase Gomez of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit. Jonathan and Chase are the recipients of the Airborne Public Safety Association's Aircrew of the Year Award, as well as the FLIR Vision Award in the Life Saving category, recognizing their extraordinary efforts during a search that ultimately saved three lives. What began as the search for a downed aircraft several miles offshore quickly became a race against time. Operating within the limitations of their aircraft and mission equipment, they relied on disciplined Crew Resource Management, sound decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to the mission. Their persistence paid off when they located three survivors floating in the ocean and directed U.S. Coast Guard rescue assets to their position, leading to a successful rescue. In this conversation, we take a deep dive into every aspect of the mission. Jonathan and Chase walk us through the initial response, the challenges of searching over open water, the limitations of their airframe for this type of operation, and the critical decisions they made while balancing mission success with flight safety. We also discuss the importance of effective Crew Resource Management, maintaining situational awareness under pressure, staying determined when the odds seem stacked against you, and how teamwork became the defining factor in a successful outcome. One of the most rewarding moments came after the rescue, when Jonathan and Chase had the opportunity to meet all three survivors back at the hangar—a powerful reminder of why public safety aviation professionals do what they do. This is an incredible story of professionalism, perseverance, and teamwork under the most demanding conditions. We know you're going to enjoy this conversation. Watch the 2026 FLIR Vision Awards | Life Saver Award with Jonathan and Chase at this link . Thank you to our sponsors CENTUM , MD Helicopters and Quantum Helicopters .

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . In this episode we are heading to Modesto, California, to hear how a brand-new air support unit was built from the ground up, and how it’s already changing the way the department fights crime, protects officers, and serves the community. Lt Mike Hicks and Lt Kalani Souza were both involved from the opening decision to start an air unit. They share the process and the many challenges involved within funding, airframe choice, acquiring the airframe, and then finding to right crews members. They also discuss the immediate benefits of air support in supporting patrol operations including a dramatic reduction in crime. Thank you to our sponsors BLR Aerospace , Dallas Avionics and Robinson Helicopter .

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . In this episode we are heading to Modesto, California, to hear how a brand-new air support unit was built from the ground up, and how it’s already changing the way the department fights crime, protects officers, and serves the community. Lt Mike Hicks and Lt Kalani Souza were both involved from the opening decision to start an air unit. They share the process and the many challenges involved within funding, airframe choice, acquiring the airframe, and then finding to right crews members. They also discuss the immediate benefits of air support in supporting patrol operations including a dramatic reduction in crime. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , Onboard Systems & Hoist & Winch and Spectrolab .

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Clay Lacey of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Harald Brink of the Dutch National Police to explore the 25-plus-year legacy of Jack Schonely’s tactical training. From individual officer safety to agency-wide operations, Jack’s framework for apprehending fleeing suspects has become a global standard for pilots, tactical flight officers, and K-9 handlers alike. In this episode, the group reflects on the leadership and shared experiences that have shaped law enforcement tactics across the U.S. and Europe. Harald provides a global perspective and previews his upcoming course on locating missing persons, while Clay shares hard-earned insights on the humility required to mentor the next generation. The conversation also explores what it takes to become an effective instructor, focusing on authenticity over ego. Finally, the group looks ahead to the ECHO 2026 Public Safety Aviation Conference in Philadelphia. If you’re committed to tactical training, instructor development, and the future of public safety aviation, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics , Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER .

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Clay Lacey of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Harald Brink of the Dutch National Police to explore the 25-plus-year legacy of Jack Schonely’s tactical training. From individual officer safety to agency-wide operations, Jack’s framework for apprehending fleeing suspects has become a global standard for pilots, tactical flight officers, and K-9 handlers alike. In this episode, the group reflects on the leadership and shared experiences that have shaped law enforcement tactics across the U.S. and Europe. Harald provides a global perspective and previews his upcoming course on locating missing persons, while Clay shares hard-earned insights on the humility required to mentor the next generation. The conversation also explores what it takes to become an effective instructor, focusing on authenticity over ego. Finally, the group looks ahead to the ECHO 2026 Public Safety Aviation Conference in Philadelphia. If you’re committed to tactical training, instructor development, and the future of public safety aviation, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus , CNC Technologies and Precision Aviation Group .

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS , in partnership with Valor Plus . On today's episode, we're taking you to California's Central Valley as we visit the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit. Joining us are Deputy AJ Nikkel and Deputy Tyler Liburdi, who both serve as pilots and tactical flight officers. We'll explore the fascinating evolution of their aviation unit—from its beginnings as a volunteer organization to the professional operation it is today. We also discuss long-line rescue operations, the training and proficiency required to perform these demanding missions, and the unit's first successful real-world water rescue. Plus, we talk about the importance of providing support from above and the value of working seamlessly with neighboring aviation units. We hope you enjoy the conversation. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch and Wysong Enterprises .