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

In this two-part series, we go international and speak with Hangar Z co-hosts and international instructors. The panel includes Harald Brink, chief tactical flight officer from the Dutch national police; Lt Clay Lacey from the Texas Department of Public Safety; and Jon Duke, a U.K. military aviation veteran and contributor to Vertical and Vertical Valor magazines.

This conversation goes beyond borders to examine the common ground and critical differences in air support operations between the U.S. and Europe. From suspect behavior that looks the same in Dallas as it does in The Hague, to the training that makes agency operations effective and efficient.

We talk about the intense task saturation of the tactical flight officer—a job we argue is the most difficult in all of law enforcement—and the crucial safety threshold of simulator training, plus the tactical impact of flying single-engine helicopters versus the big twins.

Check out the article "Aerial Pursuit Across Continents" by Jon Duke, who joins us to help cross-pollinate these incredible conversations into print. You can find the article in the Fall issue of Vertical Valor magazine. Visit VerticalMag.com to read more about this collaboration that came to life, alongside this recording!

Thank you to our sponsors Bell, CENTUM 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 Jon Gray and Jack Schonely have an opportunity to talk to Sgt Chris Duffield and Officer Mikey Machin from the York Regional Police Air Support Unit.

During the conversation we discuss the evolution of their Air Support Unit, the importance of integrated training, and the value of debriefing in law enforcement. 

The conversation highlights the significance of proactive policing, the role of technology, and camaraderie within the police culture. 

Additionally, Mikey shares the story behind his nickname 'Bobby Big Time,’ which was born during a successful operation, showcasing the impact and effectiveness of a great air support unit.

We also have an opportunity to talk about the significance of promoting from within and learning from industry leaders to enhance operational effectiveness.

Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, BLR Aerospace 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 Jon Gray and Jack Schonely have an opportunity to talk to Sgt Chris Duffield and Officer Mikey Machin from the York Regional Police Air Support Unit.

During the conversation we discuss the evolution of their Air Support Unit, the importance of integrated training, and the value of debriefing in law enforcement. 

The conversation highlights the significance of proactive policing, the role of technology, and camaraderie within the police culture. 

Additionally, Mikey shares the story behind his nickname 'Bobby Big Time,’ which was born during a successful operation, showcasing the impact and effectiveness of a great air support unit.

We also have an opportunity to talk about the significance of promoting from within and learning from industry leaders to enhance operational effectiveness.

Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, BLR Aerospace and SHOTOVER.

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.

In this recording, we sit down with Louisville Metro Chief of Police Paul Humphrey, Lt Brent Willen and Chief Pilot Jason Sattich. 

In this episode, we explore personal journeys in law enforcement, highlighting the power of mentorship and the necessity of fostering a culture of feedback and continuous improvement. A key focus of our discussion is the innovative Louisville Metro Summit Wellness Center for First Responders, created to help Louisville’s police officers and emergency workers combat the intense physical, psychological, and emotional demands they face while serving our community.

With a holistic approach centered around the five pillars of wellness—Mental, Physical, Spiritual, Social, and Financial—the center is dedicated to building resilience in their officers, enabling them and their families to thrive in the face of adversity. 

Since October 2024, over 350 officers have received mental health services, and Pro Team Tactical has provided more than 2,000 physical rehab sessions, significantly reducing recovery time for musculoskeletal injuries. 

Join us as we emphasize the importance of investing in our officers and building strong relationships within departments to elevate and enhance overall effectiveness. 
We'll also explore the dynamics of internal marketing in aviation units, showcasing the value of trust, communication, and technology in boosting operational efficiency.

From personal career paths and critical incident responses to the impact of upgraded equipment and the significance of community support, this episode is packed with valuable insights aimed at inspiring and empowering our community.

Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Metro Aviation and Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch 

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.

In this recording, we sit down with Louisville Metro Chief of Police Paul Humphrey, Lt Brent Willen and Chief Pilot Jason Sattich. 

In this episode, we explore personal journeys in law enforcement, highlighting the power of mentorship and the necessity of fostering a culture of feedback and continuous improvement. A key focus of our discussion is the innovative Louisville Metro Summit Wellness Center for First Responders, created to help Louisville’s police officers and emergency workers combat the intense physical, psychological, and emotional demands they face while serving our community.

With a holistic approach centered around the five pillars of wellness—Mental, Physical, Spiritual, Social, and Financial—the center is dedicated to building resilience in their officers, enabling them and their families to thrive in the face of adversity. 

Since October 2024, over 350 officers have received mental health services, and Pro Team Tactical has provided more than 2,000 physical rehab sessions, significantly reducing recovery time for musculoskeletal injuries. 

Join us as we emphasize the importance of investing in our officers and building strong relationships within departments to elevate and enhance overall effectiveness. 
We'll also explore the dynamics of internal marketing in aviation units, showcasing the value of trust, communication, and technology in boosting operational efficiency.

From personal career paths and critical incident responses to the impact of upgraded equipment and the significance of community support, this episode is packed with valuable insights aimed at inspiring and empowering our community.

Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch 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 two-part series, we have an opportunity to sit down with the Riverside California Police Department Director of Maintenance Matt Pagano.

This conversation was recorded on location at the Airborne Public Safety Association conference (APSCON) in Phoenix, Arizona.

Matt has dedicated over 22 years to the Riverside Police Department’s Air Support Unit. From maintaining a fleet that includes MD 500s to Airbus H125s, his expertise spans a wide range of aircraft. 

Matt also mentors new maintenance technicians and champions a safety-first culture. Matt’s leadership, professionalism, and unwavering work ethic have left a lasting impact, exemplifying the highest standards in airborne public safety.

Before his career in public safety, Matt served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he gained valuable experience that laid the foundation for his meticulous approach to aircraft maintenance and safety. 

As we often discuss the critical importance of our maintenance technicians, I’m honored to celebrate and promote the outstanding work Matt has accomplished throughout his career.

Thank you to our sponsors Night Flight Concepts, Robinson Helicopter and Spectrolab.

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 two-part series, we have an opportunity to sit down with the Riverside California Police Department Director of Maintenance Matt Pagano.

This conversation was recorded on location at the Airborne Public Safety Association conference (APSCON) in Phoenix, Arizona.

Matt has dedicated over 22 years to the Riverside Police Department’s Air Support Unit. From maintaining a fleet that includes MD 500s to Airbus H125s, his expertise spans a wide range of aircraft. 

Matt also mentors new maintenance technicians and champions a safety-first culture. Matt’s leadership, professionalism, and unwavering work ethic have left a lasting impact, exemplifying the highest standards in airborne public safety.

Before his career in public safety, Matt served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he gained valuable experience that laid the foundation for his meticulous approach to aircraft maintenance and safety. 

As we often discuss the critical importance of our maintenance technicians, I’m honored to celebrate and promote the outstanding work Matt has accomplished throughout his career.

Thank you to our sponsors Canyon AeroConnect, SHOTOVER and Spectrolab.

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 today’s episode, we’re joined by an incredible guest—Liz Booker, also known as The Literary Aviatrix. Liz’s story is one of true grit, service, and inspiration. She dropped out of high school and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, beginning her journey as a deck hand before moving on to become a navigator, and later earning her commission through Officer Candidate School.

Liz went on to serve as a Coast Guard pilot flying the H-65 Dolphin and completed an extraordinary 28-year career, retiring at the rank of Commander (O-6). Along the way, she earned her bachelor’s degree and not one but two master’s degrees—one of them from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

What began as a hobby—the Aviatrix Book Club—has since grown into a thriving community that celebrates women in aviation and storytelling. Liz’s mission to connect, inspire, and empower through literature has resonated across the aviation world.

We’re thrilled to have Liz with us to share her remarkable journey and the evolution of The Literary Aviatrix project.

Thank you to our sponsors HelliLadder, Metro Aviation and Night Flight Concepts.

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 today’s episode, we’re joined by an incredible guest—Liz Booker, also known as The Literary Aviatrix. Liz’s story is one of true grit, service, and inspiration. She dropped out of high school and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, beginning her journey as a deck hand before moving on to become a navigator, and later earning her commission through Officer Candidate School.

Liz went on to serve as a Coast Guard pilot flying the H-65 Dolphin and completed an extraordinary 28-year career, retiring at the rank of Commander (O-6). Along the way, she earned her bachelor’s degree and not one but two master’s degrees—one of them from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

What began as a hobby—the Aviatrix Book Club—has since grown into a thriving community that celebrates women in aviation and storytelling. Liz’s mission to connect, inspire, and empower through literature has resonated across the aviation world.

We’re thrilled to have Liz with us to share her remarkable journey and the evolution of The Literary Aviatrix project.

Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Robinson Helicopter 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!

This two-part series was recorded on location in San Diego at the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Air Support Hangar, as part of the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour.

The 2025 Blades of Valor Tour took 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 San Diego Police Department Air Support Unit has an outstanding program supporting airborne law enforcement operations throughout the city and county of San Diego.

During this conversation, we are privileged to speak with Matt Zdunich, sergeant of the San Diego Police Department Air Support Unit. Sgt Zdunich comes from a family of dedicated San Diego police officers.

A graduate of Marine Corps Officer Candidates School and University of California San Diego, Sgt Zdunich was hired by SDPD right after college and started the police academy the same week as his finals. He earned a master’s degree in public administration from National University after five years on the force.

Sgt Zdunich has been with SDPD for 24 years. His first 10 years were at Central Division, where he gained experience in patrol, SWAT, FTO, crime suppression, undercover narcotics, and acting sergeant roles. He’s been part of the Air Support Unit for over 13 years, progressing from tactical flight officer (TFO) to pilot, then to TFO trainer, flight instructor, and now chief pilot. In February 2025, he was promoted to sergeant and will soon oversee maintenance and safety, while continuing his duties as a TFO, pilot-in-command, and trainer.

These conversations highlight the importance of solid leadership, a great unit culture, and utilizing emerging technology to make your unit more effective and efficient.

Want more from our time with the SDPD Air Support Unit? A full profile is landing soon on verticalmag.com. Until then, dive into Jack Schonely’s look at how San Diego is applying FLIR tech to elevate aerial policing, and relive our 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour through the incredible video captured by Lloyd Horgan. Stay tuned — we’re gearing up for another year as the Blades of Valor Road Tour continues in 2026.

Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Metro Aviation and Quantum Helicopters.