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

Thank you to our special sponsor Airbus for making this recording possible.

In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray highlight how the Airbus AS350 series helicopters make LAPD’s mission sets possible through a conversation with LAPD’s Air Support Division chief pilot, Kevin Gallagher.

In this series, Kevin shares how his early interest in law enforcement propelled him into the world of air support, providing valuable insights into his training experiences and the challenges faced in this demanding role.

We talk about the critical skills that contribute to success in air support, discussing the transition from tactical flight officer (TFO) to pilot, the significance of higher education in aviation, and the evolving nature of crew resource management.

Kevin will also shed light on the pressing challenges the LAPD faces, particularly in staffing and recruitment, while emphasizing the vital role of the Air Support division in ensuring effective law enforcement operations.

We explore topics such as aviation safety, training protocols, and the collaboration between air support units and other emergency services.

We also discuss how the Loft Dynamics H125 simulator will transform training and safety at LAPD and beyond.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Dallas Avionics and Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch.

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 Kodey Bogart. During this series we explore Kodey’s career and impact within the aviation industry, highlighting her remarkable path from military service as a Black Hawk pilot to her current role as an industry safety expert and author.

During the conversation, Kodey shares her insights on the critical importance of safety practices in aviation, the vital role helicopters play in emergency response, and the growing collaboration between drones and helicopters in disaster situations. We discuss the significance of community service, particularly in the context of hurricane responses.

Kodey reflects on her time in flight school and her military deployments, emphasizing peer support and the evolution of crew responsibilities. She recounts memorable missions, the unique camaraderie formed during high-stress situations, and the challenges faced during the transition to civilian life from the military.

We also dive into the pressing issues within law enforcement aviation, such as recruitment and retention, and explore advocacy for women in aviation. Kodey also discusses her children's book series, Helo Girls, which aims to educate and inspire children.

Thank you to our sponsors

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 Kodey Bogart. During this series we explore Kodey’s career and impact within the aviation industry, highlighting her remarkable path from military service as a Black Hawk pilot to her current role as an industry safety expert and author.

During the conversation, Kodey shares her insights on the critical importance of safety practices in aviation, the vital role helicopters play in emergency response, and the growing collaboration between drones and helicopters in disaster situations. We discuss the significance of community service, particularly in the context of hurricane responses.

Kodey reflects on her time in flight school and her military deployments, emphasizing peer support and the evolution of crew responsibilities. She recounts memorable missions, the unique camaraderie formed during high-stress situations, and the challenges faced during the transition to civilian life from the military.

We also dive into the pressing issues within law enforcement aviation, such as recruitment and retention, and explore advocacy for women in aviation. Kodey also discusses her children's book series, Helo Girls, which aims to educate and inspire children.

Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Metro Aviation and Wysong Enterprises.

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 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.