The Hangar Z Podcast

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

In this inspiring episode, co-hosts Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with Dave Salem, a legendary figure in the law enforcement aviation community. 

Together, they explore Dave's remarkable journey from police officer to pilot in the Mesa Police Department's air unit, influenced greatly by his father, an Air Force pilot. 

The conversation delves into captivating locations like Sycamore Creek and Alpine, Wyoming, and reflects on pivotal moments in aviation history, including the space program and the Challenger explosion.

Dave shares invaluable insights on the critical role of air support in law enforcement, emphasizing how it acts as a force multiplier in various operations. He recounts a tense traffic stop where the presence of a helicopter transformed a potentially dangerous situation. 

Dave talks about the early challenges of establishing the Mesa air support unit, the importance of maintaining detailed performance statistics, and the value of partnerships with other departments. 

As the episode progresses, Dave discusses his transition to MD Helicopters and shares advice from his experience as a senior demonstration pilot at Bell. 

His passion for helicopter flight training shines through, particularly regarding auto rotations and emergency procedure, with a vision to mentor the next generation of helicopter pilots through his company Eagle West Helicopters. 

Join us for this engaging conversation that highlights the importance of collaboration, training, and the passion that drives the law enforcement aviation industry.

Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Garmin and Robinson Helicopters.

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

In this inspiring episode, co-hosts Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with Dave Salem, a legendary figure in the law enforcement aviation community. 

Together, they explore Dave's remarkable journey from police officer to pilot in the Mesa Police Department's air unit, influenced greatly by his father, an Air Force pilot. 

The conversation delves into captivating locations like Sycamore Creek and Alpine, Wyoming, and reflects on pivotal moments in aviation history, including the space program and the Challenger explosion.

Dave shares invaluable insights on the critical role of air support in law enforcement, emphasizing how it acts as a force multiplier in various operations. He recounts a tense traffic stop where the presence of a helicopter transformed a potentially dangerous situation. 

Dave talks about the early challenges of establishing the Mesa air support unit, the importance of maintaining detailed performance statistics, and the value of partnerships with other departments. 

As the episode progresses, Dave discusses his transition to MD Helicopters and shares advice from his experience as a senior demonstration pilot at Bell. 

His passion for helicopter flight training shines through, particularly regarding auto rotations and emergency procedure, with a vision to mentor the next generation of helicopter pilots through his company Eagle West Helicopters. 

Join us for this engaging conversation that highlights the importance of collaboration, training, and the passion that drives the law enforcement aviation industry.

Thank you to our sponsors Bell, Precision Aviation Group and Wysong Enterprises.

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

In this two-part series, co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Andrew Nicoletti, a sergeant and pilot from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Get ready for an engaging conversation as we explore Andrew's unique journey into aviation, from his early experiences to his operational responsibilities in a busy county.

Andrew discusses the intricacies of the Huntsman mission, particularly the challenges and nuances involved in dignitary details. The episode also highlights the critical importance of precautionary landings and the role of succession planning in law enforcement. Andrew shares how his experiences with the Civil Air Patrol and his education at The Citadel have shaped his career and outlook.

As the conversation unfolds, themes of leadership, continuous training, and the challenges faced in aviation for law enforcement emerge. Andrew reflects on his military deployments and current aviation operations in Palm Beach County, emphasizing the necessity of mentorship, relationship building, and the meticulous planning involved in high-stakes scenarios.

Whether you’re interested in aviation, law enforcement, or leadership development, this episode is packed with valuable insights and lessons that are sure to resonate. Join us as we learn from the experiences and expertise of Andrew Nicoletti!

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Spectrolab.

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

In this two-part series, co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Andrew Nicoletti, a sergeant and pilot from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Get ready for an engaging conversation as we explore Andrew's unique journey into aviation, from his early experiences to his operational responsibilities in a busy county.

Andrew discusses the intricacies of the Huntsman mission, particularly the challenges and nuances involved in dignitary details. The episode also highlights the critical importance of precautionary landings and the role of succession planning in law enforcement. Andrew shares how his experiences with the Civil Air Patrol and his education at The Citadel have shaped his career and outlook.

As the conversation unfolds, themes of leadership, continuous training, and the challenges faced in aviation for law enforcement emerge. Andrew reflects on his military deployments and current aviation operations in Palm Beach County, emphasizing the necessity of mentorship, relationship building, and the meticulous planning involved in high-stakes scenarios.

Whether you’re interested in aviation, law enforcement, or leadership development, this episode is packed with valuable insights and lessons that are sure to resonate. Join us as we learn from the experiences and expertise of Andrew Nicoletti!

Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Technisonic and Wysong Enterprises.

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

This is a special two-part series Hangar Z co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray recorded with Virginia State Police pilots Jeff Bush and Brian Canada. 

This conversation highlights their heroic rescue mission that successfully saved 54 individuals from a hospital engulfed by floodwaters during Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene impacted the entire southeastern portion of the United States. In this series, we talk about the brave efforts of first responders during the storm and the role helicopter aviation is playing in the response to natural disasters. 

This candid conversation explores the critical role of public safety aviation in disaster response, highlighting the personal experiences of rescuers as they navigated challenging weather conditions. Learn about the intricate decision-making process for launching the mission, the vital importance of communication and crew co-ordination, and the impressive integration of civil and military assets during the operation.

We'll reflect on the challenges faced, the invaluable lessons learned, and the crucial support provided by aviation programs in life-saving scenarios. Additionally, we’ll discuss community involvement and the contributions of private helicopters during disaster responses.

Be sure to catch Lisa Gordon's captivating article that highlights this remarkable mission at www.verticalmag.com.

Get ready for an insightful episode that honors the dedication of our first responders and emphasizes the transformative power of aviation in saving lives.

Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Bell and Garmin.

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

This is a special two-part series Hangar Z co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray recorded with Virginia State Police pilots Jeff Bush and Brian Canada. 

This conversation highlights their heroic rescue mission that successfully saved 54 individuals from a hospital engulfed by floodwaters during Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene impacted the entire southeastern portion of the United States. In this series, we talk about the brave efforts of first responders during the storm and the role helicopter aviation is playing in the response to natural disasters. 

This candid conversation explores the critical role of public safety aviation in disaster response, highlighting the personal experiences of rescuers as they navigated challenging weather conditions. Learn about the intricate decision-making process for launching the mission, the vital importance of communication and crew co-ordination, and the impressive integration of civil and military assets during the operation.

We'll reflect on the challenges faced, the invaluable lessons learned, and the crucial support provided by aviation programs in life-saving scenarios. Additionally, we’ll discuss community involvement and the contributions of private helicopters during disaster responses.

Be sure to catch Lisa Gordon's captivating article that highlights this remarkable mission at www.verticalmag.com.

Get ready for an insightful episode that honors the dedication of our first responders and emphasizes the transformative power of aviation in saving lives.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Collins Aerospace and Technisonic.

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 Astronautics Corporation of America,  Bell and Robinson Helicopters.

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.