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 Eric Hannum, who is not only a law enforcement pilot but also a chase pilot for a professional off-road truck team racing in the SCORE Baja series in Mexico.

Eric shares his journey with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, emphasizing the critical importance of personal connections in recruitment and the need for aviation units to collaborate with patrol officers.

Our conversation explores the concept of cognitive diversity within the field, as Eric and Jack share their personal experiences and insights—from the lessons learned in jail facilities to impactful incidents that have shaped their careers. We’ll also touch on the innovative training approaches being implemented in aviation programs.

Eric talks about off-road racing in Baja, California, which highlights the importance of teamwork and preparation. We discuss the complexities of tactical flight officer (TFO) training and what it takes to select the right candidates for this critical role.

Thank you to our sponsors Canyon AeroConnect, Summit Aviation and Trakka Systems.

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

In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray are thrilled to welcome Tim Tucker, a seasoned aviator with an extraordinary 54-year career in aviation.

Tim shares compelling stories from his time flying the Bell Huey helicopter during the Vietnam War, detailing the unique missions of the 57th Assault Helicopter Company, famously known as the Gladiators. This episode offers a deep exploration of military aviation and the personal experiences that shape a pilot's career.

As the conversation unfolds, Tim discusses the complexities of inserting and extracting recon teams in hostile situations, the vital role of fast movers in support missions, and the importance of crew trust during combat. He also reflects on his transition to flight instruction, his contributions to the Robinson R22 helicopter's development, and his impactful collaboration with Frank Robinson.

We'll hear about the evolution of helicopter training and safety courses that have significantly reduced instructional accidents, his experiences with foreign pilot licensing, and the key lessons learned throughout his extensive career. Tim talks about his role as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designated pilot examiner, highlighting common mistakes pilots make during check rides and the necessity of understanding airspace regulations.

With memorable anecdotes and practical safety tips, this episode is packed with insights for every helicopter enthusiast. Join us in celebrating Tim's achievements, including his recent induction into the Flight Instructor's Hall of Fame, and learn about the innovative techniques he's championed throughout his remarkable journey.

Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, SHOTOVER and Vertical Magazine.

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

In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray are thrilled to welcome Tim Tucker, a seasoned aviator with an extraordinary 54-year career in aviation.

Tim shares compelling stories from his time flying the Bell Huey helicopter during the Vietnam War, detailing the unique missions of the 57th Assault Helicopter Company, famously known as the Gladiators. This episode offers a deep exploration of military aviation and the personal experiences that shape a pilot's career.

As the conversation unfolds, Tim discusses the complexities of inserting and extracting recon teams in hostile situations, the vital role of fast movers in support missions, and the importance of crew trust during combat. He also reflects on his transition to flight instruction, his contributions to the Robinson R22 helicopter's development, and his impactful collaboration with Frank Robinson.

We'll hear about the evolution of helicopter training and safety courses that have significantly reduced instructional accidents, his experiences with foreign pilot licensing, and the key lessons learned throughout his extensive career. Tim talks about his role as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designated pilot examiner, highlighting common mistakes pilots make during check rides and the necessity of understanding airspace regulations.

With memorable anecdotes and practical safety tips, this episode is packed with insights for every helicopter enthusiast. Join us in celebrating Tim's achievements, including his recent induction into the Flight Instructor's Hall of Fame, and learn about the innovative techniques he's championed throughout his remarkable journey.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Night Flight Concepts and Precision Aviation Group.