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 three-episode series, we’re honored to sit down with retired Los Angeles Police Department SWAT veteran Sgt Chuck Buttitta. Over the course of four decades, Chuck was a true “customer” of law enforcement aviation units—working alongside aircrews in countless ways. His career path spanned patrol, narcotics, SWAT operator, sniper, SWAT supervisor, and even search-and-rescue in retirement.

Chuck’s distinguished service is marked by numerous accolades, including the Medal of Valor, two Police Stars, the Police Commission Unit Citation, the Police Meritorious Unit Citation, two Bureau Commendations, more than 150 minor commendations, the 2009 Top Cop Award, and in retirement, the Ventura County Citizen Medal of Merit for a rescue.

Chuck joins us to share the customer’s perspective on aviation support—particularly during SWAT and K9 operations. It’s a critical conversation because aviation units exist to serve and protect those on the ground: Our officers, deputies, troopers, agents, and ultimately, the communities we all safeguard.
In episode three, we shift to a topic deeply important to both Chuck and this podcast—remembering our fallen officers. Chuck reflects on how remembrance must go beyond words and into action. One powerful example is the Police Unity Tour, which both Chuck and Jack participated in many times. We’ll talk about how this life-changing experience honors those we’ve lost, how you can get involved, and why carrying their memory forward is one of the most meaningful things we can do. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

Thank you again to all our sponsors and followers. We appreciate you very much. Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and leave us a review.

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

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 three-episode series, we’re honored to sit down with retired Los Angeles Police Department SWAT veteran Sgt Chuck Buttitta. Over the course of four decades, Chuck was a true “customer” of law enforcement aviation units—working alongside aircrews in countless ways. His career path spanned patrol, narcotics, SWAT operator, sniper, SWAT supervisor, and even search-and-rescue in retirement.

Chuck’s distinguished service is marked by numerous accolades, including the Medal of Valor, two Police Stars, the Police Commission Unit Citation, the Police Meritorious Unit Citation, two Bureau Commendations, more than 150 minor commendations, the 2009 Top Cop Award, and in retirement, the Ventura County Citizen Medal of Merit for a rescue.

Chuck joins us to share the customer’s perspective on aviation support—particularly during SWAT and K9 operations. It’s a critical conversation because aviation units exist to serve and protect those on the ground: Our officers, deputies, troopers, agents, and ultimately, the communities we all safeguard.

In episode three, we shift to a topic deeply important to both Chuck and this podcast—remembering our fallen officers. Chuck reflects on how remembrance must go beyond words and into action. One powerful example is the Police Unity Tour, which both Chuck and Jack participated in many times. We’ll talk about how this life-changing experience honors those we’ve lost, how you can get involved, and why carrying their memory forward is one of the most meaningful things we can do. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

Thank you again to all our sponsors and followers. We appreciate you very much. Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and leave us a review.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Canyon AeroConnect and Metro Aviation.

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 three-episode series, we’re honored to sit down with retired Los Angeles Police Department SWAT veteran Sgt Chuck Buttitta. Over the course of four decades, Chuck was a true “customer” of law enforcement aviation units—working alongside aircrews in countless ways. His career path spanned patrol, narcotics, SWAT operator, sniper, SWAT supervisor, and even search-and-rescue in retirement.

Chuck’s distinguished service is marked by numerous accolades, including the Medal of Valor, two Police Stars, the Police Commission Unit Citation, the Police Meritorious Unit Citation, two Bureau Commendations, more than 150 minor commendations, the 2009 Top Cop Award, and in retirement, the Ventura County Citizen Medal of Merit for a rescue.

Chuck joins us to share the customer’s perspective on aviation support—particularly during SWAT and K9 operations. It’s a critical conversation because aviation units exist to serve and protect those on the ground: Our officers, deputies, troopers, agents, and ultimately, the communities we all safeguard.

In episode three, we shift to a topic deeply important to both Chuck and this podcast—remembering our fallen officers. Chuck reflects on how remembrance must go beyond words and into action. One powerful example is the Police Unity Tour, which both Chuck and Jack participated in many times. We’ll talk about how this life-changing experience honors those we’ve lost, how you can get involved, and why carrying their memory forward is one of the most meaningful things we can do. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

Thank you again to all our sponsors and followers. We appreciate you very much. Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and leave us a review.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Canyon AeroConnect and Metro Aviation.

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 Precision Aviation Group, SHOTOVER and Summit Aviation. 

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 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, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down with Brandon Rose, chief pilot with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The conversation highlights the critical response to the devastating floods that swept through Hill Country in Central Texas, with Brandon sharing valuable insights into the numerous challenges faced during rescue operations amid severe weather conditions. 

In July 2025, the Hill Country region of Texas experienced catastrophic flooding, overwhelming communities and complicating rescue efforts. This intense flooding resulted in at least 136 fatalities, with at least 119 occurring in Kerr County. 

Brandon’s insights highlight the resilience, adaptability, and skill required by rescue teams to effectively navigate extreme weather conditions. He emphasizes the importance of thorough training and mission proficiency, alongside the crucial role that advanced technology plays in enhancing emergency response capabilities.

The importance of accurate forecasting and the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technology in emergency response are highlighted. Brandon also reflects on his journey to becoming a game warden and pilot.

Brandon discusses the evolution of aircraft used in public safety, the training and operations for rescue missions, and the challenges faced in adopting new mission profiles. He highlights the importance of technology, particularly drones and artificial intelligence, in enhancing operational efficiency. 

The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring public safety aviators, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of training.

Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, BLR Aerospace and Precision Aviation Group.

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, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely sit down with Brandon Rose, chief pilot with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The conversation highlights the critical response to the devastating floods that swept through Hill Country in Central Texas, with Brandon sharing valuable insights into the numerous challenges faced during rescue operations amid severe weather conditions. 

In July 2025, the Hill Country region of Texas experienced catastrophic flooding, overwhelming communities and complicating rescue efforts. This intense flooding resulted in at least 136 fatalities, with at least 119 occurring in Kerr County. 

Brandon’s insights highlight the resilience, adaptability, and skill required by rescue teams to effectively navigate extreme weather conditions. He emphasizes the importance of thorough training and mission proficiency, alongside the crucial role that advanced technology plays in enhancing emergency response capabilities.

The importance of accurate forecasting and the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technology in emergency response are highlighted. Brandon also reflects on his journey to becoming a game warden and pilot.

Brandon discusses the evolution of aircraft used in public safety, the training and operations for rescue missions, and the challenges faced in adopting new mission profiles. He highlights the importance of technology, particularly drones and artificial intelligence, in enhancing operational efficiency. 

The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring public safety aviators, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of training.

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

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!

Today’s episode comes to you from the floor of VAI Verticon 2025 in Dallas, Texas, where we recorded live at the Vertical magazine booth. Host Jack Schonely is joined by three outstanding guests: Pilot Natalie Hernandez of the San Antonio Police Department, Sgt Pilot Yvette Tuning of the Los Angeles Police Department, and Kodey Bogart, pilot and CEO of KB Aviation Solutions.

Each of these accomplished women followed a unique path into law enforcement aviation, and together they share valuable insights on a wide range of topics, including technology, budget considerations, safety and training best practices, SMS, and the challenges ahead for our industry. We also discuss the panel they were preparing to present at the Airbus booth the following day.

This was an engaging and inspiring conversation, and we’re honored to have had all three aviators join us. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z Podcast—we truly appreciate your support.

Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Airbus and Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing.

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!

Today’s episode comes to you from the floor of VAI Verticon 2025 in Dallas, Texas, where we recorded live at the Vertical magazine booth. Host Jack Schonely is joined by three outstanding guests: Pilot Natalie Hernandez of the San Antonio Police Department, Sgt Pilot Yvette Tuning of the Los Angeles Police Department, and Kodey Bogart, pilot and CEO of KB Aviation Solutions.

Each of these accomplished women followed a unique path into law enforcement aviation, and together they share valuable insights on a wide range of topics, including technology, budget considerations, safety and training best practices, SMS, and the challenges ahead for our industry. We also discuss the panel they were preparing to present at the Airbus booth the following day.

This was an engaging and inspiring conversation, and we’re honored to have had all three aviators join us. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z Podcast—we truly appreciate your support.

Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Airbus and Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing.

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!

This three-part series was recorded on location in Texas at the McKinney Air Center, as part of the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour.

This year, our journey takes us to four agencies across four states, showcasing their exceptional work through print, video, and right here on the podcast.

The Blades of Valor tour wouldn’t be possible without the support of Airbus and Massif Flight Suits.

The Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Operations Division has an outstanding program supporting multimission public safety aviation operations throughout the great state of Texas.

During this conversation, we are privileged to speak with Texas DPS assistant chief Marcus Tomerlin, Captain Saben Emery, and Lieutenant Clay Lacey.

These conversations highlight the importance of solid leadership and a great unit culture, the value of internal and external training, and the crucial role of internal marketing—such as detailed activity reports and video documentation—which showcase the agency’s achievements, justify operations, and secure funding for the aircraft division.

For more about our visit to Texas DPS, be sure to check out the article written by Brent Bundy in Vertical Valor magazine and check out the incredible video footage captured by Lloyd Horgan on the Vertical Magazine YouTube channel.

Thank you to our sponsors Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch, Robinson Helicopter and Wysong Enterprises.