The Hangar Z Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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

This episode was recorded on location at the ECHO 2025 Public Safety Aviation Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

This discussion features:

Andrew Baity, law enforcement co-director at Every Coast Helicopter Operations (ECHO) and Virginia State Police pilot; Jeff Ratkovich, Hangar Z co-host and pilot for the Tennessee Highway Patrol; and Jack Schonely, instructor of the Tactical Solutions course and retired Los Angeles Police Department officer, helicopter pilot, and Hangar Z host.

Here, we debrief the conference by highlighting the training, education, and connections that made ECHO 2025 so exceptional.

The cornerstone of the training was the two-day Airborne Tactical Solutions course, taught by Clay Lacy and Jack Schonely and attended by nearly 70 motivated public safety aviation professionals.

The "Airborne Tactical Solutions" course provided over 16 hours of comprehensive training for public safety personnel, including patrol officers, tactical flight officers, K-9 handlers, SWAT team members, and aircrew.

Through multimedia presentations with real-life video examples, participants learned about contemporary suspect tactics, perimeter containment strategies, and criminal evasion techniques. The course emphasizes officer safety, systematic search techniques, and practical airborne skills like crew coordination, managing vehicle pursuits, and thermal imagery searches.

Real-life scenarios and debriefs help reinforce critical incident preparedness and effective communication, ultimately enhancing tactical decision-making and the overall effectiveness of law enforcement operations.

Thanks to Bell and Metro Aviation for sponsoring the Tactical Solutions course, as well as Airbus, Axnes, and Dallas Avionics for supporting the generous lunch provided to the students of the Tactical Solutions course. 

In addition to the two-day Tactical Solutions course, the conference featured a variety of one-hour breakout courses led by a wide range of experts, including Andrew Nicoletti. Thank you to everyone who took the time to prepare for and teach at ECHO 2025.

Make sure to look for announcements regarding ECHO’s 2026 conference location and law enforcement educational track in the months to follow.

Last, but not least, we extend a heartfelt thank you to ECHO and their leadership team — a group of highly motivated public safety aviation professionals who volunteer their time to provide high-quality, high-fidelity training that is accessible and affordable.

Thank you to our sponsors Garmin, Robinson Helicopter and Wysong Enterprises.

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

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

In this special episode, we recorded from the floor of APSCON 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Vertical Valor / Hangar Z booth. Joining us today are Deputy Pilot Mike Sill and Deputy Pilot Johnny Reyes from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit.

Sill is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Robert L. Cormier Memorial Award, recognizing outstanding achievement in the advancement of aircraft in public service. A charter member of the Fresno County Air Support Unit, Sill recently retired after 25 years of flying—a career defined by dedication, skill, and humility. He often describes himself as “blessed, lucky, and fortunate,” but his success is a direct result of years of hard work and flying challenging, high-risk missions across some of California’s most unforgiving terrain—from just 337 feet at the valley floor to 14,000-foot peaks in the Sierra Nevada.

In this conversation, Sill and Reyes share incredible insights from their careers, discussing the power of mentorship, the value of developing personnel from within, the importance of experienced pilots in shaping a new aviation unit, and the critical role of an exceptional maintenance program. They also recount some remarkable high-altitude, life-saving rescues that truly highlight the skill and heart behind their unit’s work.

Hangar Z Podcast subscriber numbers have been climbing rapidly and we appreciate your support. If you have not yet subscribed on your favorite podcast platform and on the Vertical HeliCASTS YouTube page, please take a second and do that. That small action makes a big difference for the podcast.

Enjoy these episodes from APSCON 2025.

Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Metro Aviation and Spectrolab, Inc.

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

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

In this episode, all of us at Vertical Valor Magazine and The Hangar Z Podcast congratulate the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit on receiving the Blades of Valor award for Service, Courage, and Flight. From a meeting with the sheriff in 2021 to launching a fully operational unit just three years later, their journey has been one of vision, dedication, and collaboration.

The team carefully selected the right people and the right airframe for their mission, drawing valuable insight from neighboring aviation units, the Airborne Public Safety Association, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. The result: 22 rescues in their very first year of operation.

Representing the unit are its three full-time members—Sergeant Jesse Decanay, Pilot Joe Brown, and TFO/Mechanic Patrick Becker. Together, we discuss the challenges of building a law enforcement aviation program from the ground up, choosing the right airframe and personnel, and establishing a strong safety culture from day one.

Thank you to all our followers and our sponsors. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z Podcast.

Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics, Garmin and SHOTOVER.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! 

In this episode of the Hangar Z Podcast, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Lt Steve Farris from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Aviation Section. 

Lt Farris shares his unique journey, tracing his early interest in law enforcement and aviation, alongside his family history that shaped his career path. Lt Farris discusses his progression from patrol officer to helicopter pilot and eventually earning the title of chief pilot, as he highlights critical moments that influenced his ambition and guided his leadership strategies within the aviation section.  

We examine the growth of Seminole County and the unique challenges of living in an area with a significant alligator population, providing an interesting backdrop to his experiences. Lt Farris discusses the structure of the aviation unit and the integration of drones into their operations.  

Lt Farris shares valuable insights on the challenges and successes of the aviation program, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, fostering a strong culture, and the need for strategic succession planning within the air support unit.   

We also get an opportunity to discuss aircraft replacement cycles, the financial justifications behind them, and considerations necessary for operating in diverse weather conditions. With a strong emphasis on leadership principles, Lt Farris articulates how common sense plays a role in enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics, Precision Aviation Group and Summit Aviation.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this engaging two-part series of the Hangar Z Podcast, Tony Webber and Jon Gray welcome Dale Head, a seasoned expert in aerial firefighting. With a rich background in both the fire service and aviation, Dale shares his journey and insights into the high-stakes world of aerial firefighting.

The conversation kicks off with Dale’s experiences in the field, highlighting the vital role of air attack in initial fire responses and the challenges that come with managing aerial operations. Listeners will hear about the controlled chaos of firefighting missions, where constant deconfliction is essential for safety and efficiency. Dale discusses the various aircraft employed in these missions, along with specialized equipment like infrared cameras that enhance firefighting efforts.

Dale’s passion for music also comes to light as he shares anecdotes from his unique band projects, infusing humor and camaraderie into the discussion. Alongside funny stories from their firefighting careers, the group emphasizes the importance of safety gear and the critical nature of mentorship within the fire service and aviation industry.

As the owner of a company that provides aerial firefighting services, Dale reflects on memorable fires and the complexities of maintaining and managing a fleet of aircraft. Finally, he offers valuable advice for those aspiring to enter the field of public safety aviation, inspiring newcomers to embrace the challenges and rewards of this vital career path.

Join us for a compelling conversation that combines expertise, humor, and heartfelt messages about community and mentorship in the world of aerial firefighting!

Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics, Spectrolab and Summit Aviation.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this engaging two-part series of the Hangar Z Podcast, Tony Webber and Jon Gray welcome Dale Head, a seasoned expert in aerial firefighting. With a rich background in both the fire service and aviation, Dale shares his journey and insights into the high-stakes world of aerial firefighting.

The conversation kicks off with Dale’s experiences in the field, highlighting the vital role of air attack in initial fire responses and the challenges that come with managing aerial operations. Listeners will hear about the controlled chaos of firefighting missions, where constant deconfliction is essential for safety and efficiency. Dale discusses the various aircraft employed in these missions, along with specialized equipment like infrared cameras that enhance firefighting efforts.

Dale’s passion for music also comes to light as he shares anecdotes from his unique band projects, infusing humor and camaraderie into the discussion. Alongside funny stories from their firefighting careers, the group emphasizes the importance of safety gear and the critical nature of mentorship within the fire service and aviation industry.

As the owner of a company that provides aerial firefighting services, Dale reflects on memorable fires and the complexities of maintaining and managing a fleet of aircraft. Finally, he offers valuable advice for those aspiring to enter the field of public safety aviation, inspiring newcomers to embrace the challenges and rewards of this vital career path.

Join us for a compelling conversation that combines expertise, humor, and heartfelt messages about community and mentorship in the world of aerial firefighting!

Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Precision Aviation Group and Spectrum Aeromed.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!  

In this landmark two-part series celebrating our 200th episode, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray have the honor of welcoming Kevin Means, a legendary figure in law enforcement aviation, and the familiar voice you hear at the beginning of every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast.  

This special series dives deep into Kevin's unforgettable, “Don't go over that fence,”incident, illuminating its significant impact on public safety. 

Join us as we explore the evolution of tactical flight officer (TFO) training and the remarkable journey that led Kevin from a curious childhood to becoming a respected police officer.  

Together, they discuss the unique dynamics of the San Diego Police Department, addressing the challenges faced by law enforcement in the region, including the infamous San Diego tank chase and the transformative advancements in air support and technology in policing.  

Kevin talks about the early part of his career where he reflects on working patrol, and the infamous Border Crime Suppression Team written about in the book Lines and Shadows by Joseph Wambaugh.  

We discuss the importance of crew resource management in aviation. Kevin shares his perspectives on the media’s portrayals of law enforcement and the changing public perceptions of police work.  

 With his extensive experience, Kevin highlights the critical importance of communication, training, and leadership in the field. He discusses the founding of the company Tactical Flying, as well as his role in mentoring the next generation of aviators. As we approach the conclusion, Kevin reflects on his retirement and his ongoing commitment to education and mentorship within aviation.  

Join us for this monumental series as we look back on the journey of law enforcement aviation and forward to the future our industry.  

Tune in and help us celebrate 200 episodes of the Hangar Z Podcast!

Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics, Robinson Helicopter Company and Spectrum Aeromed.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!  

In this landmark two-part series celebrating our 200th episode, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray have the honor of welcoming Kevin Means, a legendary figure in law enforcement aviation, and the familiar voice you hear at the beginning of every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast.  

This special series dives deep into Kevin's unforgettable, “Don't go over that fence,”incident, illuminating its significant impact on public safety. 

Join us as we explore the evolution of tactical flight officer (TFO) training and the remarkable journey that led Kevin from a curious childhood to becoming a respected police officer.  

Together, they discuss the unique dynamics of the San Diego Police Department, addressing the challenges faced by law enforcement in the region, including the infamous San Diego tank chase and the transformative advancements in air support and technology in policing.  

Kevin talks about the early part of his career where he reflects on working patrol, and the infamous Border Crime Suppression Team written about in the book Lines and Shadows by Joseph Wambaugh.  

We discuss the importance of crew resource management in aviation. Kevin shares his perspectives on the media’s portrayals of law enforcement and the changing public perceptions of police work.  

With his extensive experience, Kevin highlights the critical importance of communication, training, and leadership in the field. He discusses the founding of the company Tactical Flying, as well as his role in mentoring the next generation of aviators. As we approach the conclusion, Kevin reflects on his retirement and his ongoing commitment to education and mentorship within aviation.  

Join us for this monumental series as we look back on the journey of law enforcement aviation and forward to the future our industry.  

Tune in and help us celebrate 200 episodes of the Hangar Z Podcast!

Thank you to our sponsors Bell, Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

This episode was recorded on location in Washington, D.C., from the D.C. Metro Police aviation hangar, as part of The Hangar Z Vertical Valor Blades of Valor Tour. 

The road tour included visits to some of North America’s public safety aviation units, showcasing some of the heroes who exemplify courage, dedication, and selflessness in the line of duty every day. 

Jack Schonley, Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor magazine and Jon Gray were invited to see firsthand the good work they are doing to protect the capital of the United States.

In this episode, we sit down with Sgt Danny Thaw and pilot Kevin Chittick from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit. 

The conversation delves into the critical role of aviation during civil disturbance situations in providing valuable information to ground units. Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of operating within the tightly controlled airspace of Washington, D.C.

We discuss and emphasize the importance of crew resource management (CRM) and the strong relationship between law enforcement pilots and air traffic controllers, highlighting the significance of fostering trust and communication.

We discuss the impact of new technologies on law enforcement aviation, along with stories from impactful missions, including the response to the January 6 incident.

Tune in to discover the essential value of aviation in enhancing situational awareness and supporting officers on the ground in their ongoing commitment to public safety.

Look out for an article, photos, and videos, by Brent Bundy highlighting the DC Metro Aviation Unit at Verticalmag.com and the Vertical YouTube page.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, SHOTOVER and Spectrolab.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

This episode was recorded on location in Washington, D.C., from the D.C. Metro Police aviation hangar, as part of The Hangar Z Vertical Valor Blades of Valor Tour. 

The road tour included visits to some of North America’s public safety aviation units, showcasing some of the heroes who exemplify courage, dedication, and selflessness in the line of duty every day. 

Jack Schonley, Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor magazine and Jon Gray were invited to see firsthand the good work they are doing to protect the capital of the United States.

In this episode, we sit down with Sgt Danny Thaw and pilot Kevin Chittick from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit. 

The conversation delves into the critical role of aviation during civil disturbance situations in providing valuable information to ground units. Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of operating within the tightly controlled airspace of Washington, D.C.

We discuss and emphasize the importance of crew resource management (CRM) and the strong relationship between law enforcement pilots and air traffic controllers, highlighting the significance of fostering trust and communication.

We discuss the impact of new technologies on law enforcement aviation, along with stories from impactful missions, including the response to the January 6 incident.

Tune in to discover the essential value of aviation in enhancing situational awareness and supporting officers on the ground in their ongoing commitment to public safety.

Look out for an article, photos, and videos, by Brent Bundy highlighting the DC Metro Aviation Unit at Verticalmag.com and the Vertical YouTube page.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Dallas Avionics and Metro Aviation.