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.

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 talk with members of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department's Henry One, including unit supervisor Chris Haas, pilot Nigel Cooper, and tactical flight officer Lawrence Matelli.

This is a unique project in conjunction with Vertical Valor, The Real ResQ Podcast, and Hangar Z. The article from Vertical Valor is available now at Verticalmag.com.

Our conversation with the crew of Henry One explores their impactful work and provides insight into the world of the multi-mission airborne law enforcement unit.

We get an opportunity to discuss Henry One’s history, mission profiles, crew dynamics, aircraft performance, long-lining operations, and the importance of training documentation. They emphasize the significance of smooth operations, the evolution of their training programs, and the critical nature of competency and currency in high-stakes environments.

We talk about the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, focusing on the operational dynamics of the Sonoma County Sheriff's aviation unit.

This conversation focuses on teamwork, communication, and personal stories from significant events like the Tubbs fire, where Henry One emphasizes the dedication of law enforcement officers in the face of disaster.

Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Dallas Avionics and SHOTOVER.

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 talk with members of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department's Henry One, including unit supervisor Chris Haas, pilot Nigel Cooper, and tactical flight officer Lawrence Matelli.

This is a unique project in conjunction with Vertical Valor, The Real ResQ Podcast, and Hangar Z. The article from Vertical Valor is available now at Verticalmag.com.

Our conversation with the crew of Henry One explores their impactful work and provides insight into the world of the multi-mission airborne law enforcement unit.

We get an opportunity to discuss Henry One’s history, mission profiles, crew dynamics, aircraft performance, long-lining operations, and the importance of training documentation. They emphasize the significance of smooth operations, the evolution of their training programs, and the critical nature of competency and currency in high-stakes environments.

We talk about the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, focusing on the operational dynamics of the Sonoma County Sheriff's aviation unit.

This conversation focuses on teamwork, communication, and personal stories from significant events like the Tubbs fire, where Henry One emphasizes the dedication of law enforcement officers in the face of disaster.

Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics, Night Flight Concepts, and Bell.

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

In this two-part leadership series episode, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Clint Pulver, an Emmy Award winner, author, keynote speaker, pro drummer, helicopter pilot, and partner in the helicopter apparel company Heli Life.

During our conversation, we explore the vital role of effective leadership in the realms of public safety and aviation.

Clint shares his inspiring journey from aspiring helicopter pilot to professional speaker and author, shedding light on the urgent need for transformative leadership training and its profound effect on organizational culture and employee retention.

Drawing from his insightful Undercover Millennial research, highlighted in the book he wrote titled “I Love it Here,” Clint reveals a truth we know too well: Employees often leave their bosses, not their jobs.

During the conversation, they discuss the importance of mentorship over mere management and the power of genuine connection in leadership.

Throughout this enlightening conversation, Clint tackles the common disconnect in leadership and the significance of "time affluence" in fostering meaningful relationships.

With a focus on positivity, recognition, and personal connection, Clint advocates for a leadership approach that enriches employees' lives and cultivates a culture of mentorship and engagement.

We mentioned that Clint is a partner at Heli Life, which is the apparel brand designed for helicopter pilots, operators, maintenance crews, aviation enthusiasts, and everything in-between.

Heli Life is pilot-owned-and-operated, with a design team that has worked incredibly hard to engineer and create the perfect gear and apparel that enhances the flying experience and love of aviation while also providing comfort, style, and durability that lasts.

All Hangar Z listeners can visit helilife.shop today and use the promo code “hangarz” (all one word) to receive 15% off their first order. Enjoy, and live life airborne!

Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, CNC Technologies and Robinson Helicopter.

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

In this two-part leadership series episode, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Clint Pulver, an Emmy Award winner, author, keynote speaker, pro drummer, helicopter pilot, and partner in the helicopter apparel company Heli Life.

During our conversation, we explore the vital role of effective leadership in the realms of public safety and aviation.

Clint shares his inspiring journey from aspiring helicopter pilot to professional speaker and author, shedding light on the urgent need for transformative leadership training and its profound effect on organizational culture and employee retention.

Drawing from his insightful Undercover Millennial research, highlighted in the book he wrote titled “I Love it Here,” Clint reveals a truth we know too well: Employees often leave their bosses, not their jobs.

During the conversation, they discuss the importance of mentorship over mere management and the power of genuine connection in leadership.

Throughout this enlightening conversation, Clint tackles the common disconnect in leadership and the significance of "time affluence" in fostering meaningful relationships.

With a focus on positivity, recognition, and personal connection, Clint advocates for a leadership approach that enriches employees' lives and cultivates a culture of mentorship and engagement.

We mentioned that Clint is a partner at Heli Life, which is the apparel brand designed for helicopter pilots, operators, maintenance crews, aviation enthusiasts, and everything in-between.

Heli Life is pilot-owned-and-operated, with a design team that has worked incredibly hard to engineer and create the perfect gear and apparel that enhances the flying experience and love of aviation while also providing comfort, style, and durability that lasts.

All Hangar Z listeners can visit helilife.shop today and use the promo code “hangarz” (all one word) to receive 15% off their first order. Enjoy, and live life airborne!

Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Precision Aviation Group and Robinson Helicopter.

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

In this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Lt. Clay Lacey from Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to discuss the integration of drones with manned aircraft in law enforcement operations.

They discuss how collaboration between drone and aviation programs plays a crucial role in enhancing effectiveness and safety in airborne law enforcement.

Lt. Lacey shares valuable insights on the importance of proper training, communication, and structure within these units, emphasizing how effective teamwork between drone operators and ground teams is essential.

Through real-world examples, they illustrate the challenges faced during operations and underscore the significance of integrating drone programs within traditional aviation units.

The conversation also covers tactical insights gained from training, the enhancement of airborne intelligence through drones, and the evolving landscape of aviation technology. As they explore the future of collaboration between manned and unmanned aviation, they highlight the importance of professional training, mental health awareness, and leadership within law enforcement agencies. Additionally, they address the challenges posed by unauthorized drone flights and the critical need for cohesive operations between different aerial platforms.

Thank you to our sponsors BLR Aerospace, Garmin and Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch