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

In this two-part series, host Jack Schonely and co-host Harald Brink go international and speak to Joseba Mendizabal, a Lieutenant Pilot from the Basque Police in Spain. 

Joseba is an inspiring and funny fixture in our industry. His journey spans from aspiring pilot to military service and now a dedicated helicopter pilot for the Basque Country’s police force. 

 Join us as Joseba shares his experiences, including a memorable flight over New York City that sparked his decision to pursue his pilot assignment. During the conversation, we explore the transformation of Bilbao, and the intricacies of modern policing.  

 From personal anecdotes about military training to discussions on resilience and teamwork, this conversation highlights the critical role of helicopter pilots in law enforcement and the significance of industry training and networking events like PavCon.  

 Our goal with these international conversations is to connect and engage with our international brothers and sisters in public safety aviation. Sharing insights, experiences, and best practices across international borders strengthens our collective efforts.  

Together, we can learn from one another, celebrate our shared passion for aviation, and enhance our commitment to protecting and serving the public. Join us in this vital conversation as we bridge gaps and foster collaboration in the world of public safety aviation! 

 Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Precision Aviation Group and CNC Technologies.

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

This episode of The Hangar Z Podcast was recorded in Amsterdam on the floor of European Rotors, at the MHM Publishing podcast booth. In this episode, I get to sit down with Cal Meeker, founder of Meeker Aviation. Just about every public safety aviation mission would not be possible without the external payload mounts produced by Meeker Aviation that secure mission equipment to our aircraft. 

During the conversation, Cal shares his journey in the aviation industry, particularly in public safety. The conversation covers Cal's early experiences with helicopters, the challenges of starting a business, the importance of commitment and sacrifice, and the evolution of public safety mission equipment.  

Cal also discusses his passion for racing and how it intersects with his work in aviation, as well as the complexities of product development and the significance of quality in public safety aviation.  

In this conversation, Cal discusses his innovative design practices, some of the challenges faced in his projects, and the importance of engaging the next generation of aviators.  

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

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

This two-part series of Hangar Z was recorded on location in Richmond, Virginia, at the ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference. 

Host Jon Gray has a roundtable discussion with Terry Miyauchi, Bell’s public safety segment manager; Dave Callen, SR3 Rescue Concepts owner; and Andrew Baity, a Virginia State Police helicopter pilot. 

They share insights on the importance of networking, training, and collaboration among agencies, especially during emergencies. The conversation highlights the value of fly-ins for fostering relationships and the need for continuous training to ensure safety and efficiency in operations.  

 This conversation delves into the importance of teamwork and leadership in aviation, emphasizing the need to set aside ego for collective success. It explores how technological advancements are reshaping the industry while highlighting the necessity of maintaining human skills and training.  

 Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Spectrolab, and SHOTOVER. 

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

This two-part series of Hangar Z was recorded on location in Richmond, Virginia, at the ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference. 

Host Jon Gray has a roundtable discussion with Terry Miyauchi, Bell’s public safety segment manager; Dave Callen, SR3 Rescue Concepts owner; and Andrew Baity, a Virginia State Police helicopter pilot. 

They share insights on the importance of networking, training, and collaboration among agencies, especially during emergencies. The conversation highlights the value of fly-ins for fostering relationships and the need for continuous training to ensure safety and efficiency in operations.  

 This conversation delves into the importance of teamwork and leadership in aviation, emphasizing the need to set aside ego for collective success. It explores how technological advancements are reshaping the industry while highlighting the necessity of maintaining human skills and training.  

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

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS.

In This two-part series of the Hanger Z podcast Jack Schonely and Jon Gray welcome Randy Rowles onto the podcast.

Randy shares his inspiring journey from dropping out of high school to becoming the owner and president of the Helicopter Institute. 

He discusses the pivotal moments in his life that shaped his passion for flying, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges he faced along the way. Randy's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community in achieving one's dreams. 

In this conversation, Randy Rowles shares his journey through the helicopter industry, emphasizing the importance of networking, career transitions, and the impact of relationships on professional growth.

He discusses his experiences at Bell Helicopter, the challenges faced during his time at Silver State, and the founding of the Helicopter Institute, which has become a family business dedicated to high-quality training. 

Randy's story highlights determination, grit, and the significance of mentorship in shaping one's career.

Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Robinson Helicopters and Spectrolab.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS.

In This two-part series of the Hanger Z podcast Jack Schonely and Jon Gray welcome Randy Rowles onto the podcast.

Randy shares his inspiring journey from dropping out of high school to becoming the owner and president of the Helicopter Institute. 

He discusses the pivotal moments in his life that shaped his passion for flying, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges he faced along the way. Randy's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community in achieving one's dreams. 

In this conversation, Randy Rowles shares his journey through the helicopter industry, emphasizing the importance of networking, career transitions, and the impact of relationships on professional growth.

He discusses his experiences at Bell Helicopter, the challenges faced during his time at Silver State, and the founding of the Helicopter Institute, which has become a family business dedicated to high-quality training. 

Randy's story highlights determination, grit, and the significance of mentorship in shaping one's career.

Thank you to our sponsors Bell, Summit Aviation and Spectrum Aeromed.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS.

This episode of the Hanger Z podcast was recorded on location in Houston Texas at the Airborne Public Safety Aviation Conference known as APSCON.

Hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray have a discussion with the Airborne Public Safety Association Executive Director and CEO Dan Schwarzbach and APSA President Richard Bray.

The conversation at APSCON 2024 highlights the evolution of law enforcement aviation, focusing on technological advancements, the importance of networking, and the role of training and partnerships in enhancing operational effectiveness. 

The guests discuss the significant changes in aviation technology, the growth of the APSCON conference, and the value of community connections in the industry. 

The conversation covers various aspects of APSA member support and benefits. provided by the organization, including scholarships, webinars, and networking opportunities. It also discusses future plans for expansion into Europe and the importance of media in promoting the aviation industry and recruitment efforts. 

The closing remarks highlight the dedication of the members and the ongoing efforts to build a strong community.

Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Robinson Helicopters and SHOTOVER.

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

In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with the 2024 Airborne  

Public Safety Aviation Association's Tactical Flight Officer of the Year award recipient, Senior Deputy Eric Johnson, and Sergeant Jerry Hunter, from the Kings County (California) Sheriff’s Office.  

 Eric and Jerry discuss the award, their backgrounds in law enforcement, the establishment of their air support unit, and the critical role of aviation in enhancing canine operations and overall public safety within Kings County.  

 The conversation highlights the importance of the ongoing development of operational strategies for effective air support. Eric and Jerry emphasize the significance of transparency, the commitment to excellence and hard work, and the impact of their operations on public safety.  

 They also discuss the pride taken in maintaining aircraft and facilities and the role of leadership in fostering a positive culture within their program. 

 The Hangar Z would like to congratulate Eric for earning the APSA TFO of the Year Award and acknowledge him for his dedication to public safety aviation and the example he sets as a tactical flight officer.

Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Bell, and Spectrum Aeromed.

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

In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with the 2024 Airborne  

Public Safety Aviation Association's Tactical Flight Officer of the Year award recipient, Senior Deputy Eric Johnson, and Sergeant Jerry Hunter, from the Kings County (California) Sheriff’s Office.  

 Eric and Jerry discuss the award, their backgrounds in law enforcement, the establishment of their air support unit, and the critical role of aviation in enhancing canine operations and overall public safety within Kings County.  

 The conversation highlights the importance of the ongoing development of operational strategies for effective air support. Eric and Jerry emphasize the significance of transparency, the commitment to excellence and hard work, and the impact of their operations on public safety.  

 They also discuss the pride taken in maintaining aircraft and facilities and the role of leadership in fostering a positive culture within their program. 

 The Hangar Z would like to congratulate Eric for earning the APSA TFO of the Year Award and acknowledge him for his dedication to public safety aviation and the example he sets as a tactical flight officer.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Precision Aviation Group and Spectrolab.

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

This episode of the Hanger Z Podcast was recorded on location in Washington, D.C., at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall.

Jack Schonely has a very impactful and enlightening conversation with Craig Floyd, founding CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.  

During the conversation, Craig shares insights about the wall, the Police Unity Tour, and his new initiative, Citizens Behind the Badge. He reflects on the importance of honoring fallen officers, the impact of the memorial on survivors, and the need for public support for law enforcement, especially in light of recent challenges faced by police officers. 

The discussion emphasizes the significance of remembrance and appreciation for those who serve and protect. This conversation explores the profound impact of sacrifice within the law enforcement community, focusing on personal stories of loss, remembrance, and empowerment. 

The conversation highlights the importance of memorials, the emotional weight of visiting the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial, and the need to support the families of fallen officers. Through shared experiences and reflections, the speakers emphasize the significance of keeping memories alive and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

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