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

This is a three-part podcast! Make sure you listen to all three.

Today, we're honored to welcome retired San Diego Police Department Chief Pilot Todd Jager. Todd is a true aviation professional with more than 10,000 hours of rotorcraft flight time, over 1,000 hours in fixed-wing aircraft, and more than 4,100 hours as a Tactical Flight Officer.

Throughout his remarkable career, Todd played a pivotal role in training both pilots and Tactical Flight Officers. Alongside his longtime partner, Kevin Means, he helped develop many of the FLIR tactics, techniques, Crew Resource Management principles, and operational procedures that have become standard practice for law enforcement aviation units around the world.
In this first episode, we discuss the importance of recording airborne incidents, how that capability evolved within the San Diego Police Department's Air Support Unit, and why those recordings have become such valuable tools for training, accountability, and learning.
We also take an in-depth look at aviation safety within a law enforcement aviation unit, with Todd sharing the lessons he's learned from decades of operational flying and leadership.

Todd takes us behind the scenes of the legendary San Diego tank pursuit. As the Tactical Flight Officer during the incident, he captured the entire 30-minute pursuit on video and shares the complete story—from what was happening in the aircraft to the critical decisions being made in real time.

Whether you're a pilot, Tactical Flight Officer, or simply fascinated by aviation and police operations, these are conversations you won't want to miss.

YouTube video clips courtesy of CBS 8 San Diego Evening News.  The full video can be watched here.

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

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

This is a three-part podcast! Make sure you listen to all three.

Today, we're honored to welcome retired San Diego Police Department Chief Pilot Todd Jager. Todd is a true aviation professional with more than 10,000 hours of rotorcraft flight time, over 1,000 hours in fixed-wing aircraft, and more than 4,100 hours as a Tactical Flight Officer.

Throughout his remarkable career, Todd played a pivotal role in training both pilots and Tactical Flight Officers. Alongside his longtime partner, Kevin Means, he helped develop many of the FLIR tactics, techniques, Crew Resource Management principles, and operational procedures that have become standard practice for law enforcement aviation units around the world.

In this first episode, we discuss the importance of recording airborne incidents, how that capability evolved within the San Diego Police Department's Air Support Unit, and why those recordings have become such valuable tools for training, accountability, and learning.

We also take an in-depth look at aviation safety within a law enforcement aviation unit, with Todd sharing the lessons he's learned from decades of operational flying and leadership.

 Todd takes us behind the scenes of the legendary San Diego tank pursuit. As the Tactical Flight Officer during the incident, he captured the entire 30-minute pursuit on video and shares the complete story—from what was happening in the aircraft to the critical decisions being made in real time.

Whether you're a pilot, Tactical Flight Officer, or simply fascinated by aviation and police operations, these are conversations you won't want to miss.

YouTube video clips courtesy of CBS 8 San Diego Evening News.  The full video can be watched here.

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

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.

On today's episode, we're honored to welcome Deputy Jonathan Lazada and Deputy Chase Gomez of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit. Jonathan and Chase are the recipients of the Airborne Public Safety Association's Aircrew of the Year Award, as well as the FLIR Vision Award in the Life Saving category, recognizing their extraordinary efforts during a search that ultimately saved three lives.

What began as the search for a downed aircraft several miles offshore quickly became a race against time. Operating within the limitations of their aircraft and mission equipment, they relied on disciplined Crew Resource Management, sound decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to the mission. Their persistence paid off when they located three survivors floating in the ocean and directed U.S. Coast Guard rescue assets to their position, leading to a successful rescue.

In this conversation, we take a deep dive into every aspect of the mission. Jonathan and Chase walk us through the initial response, the challenges of searching over open water, the limitations of their airframe for this type of operation, and the critical decisions they made while balancing mission success with flight safety. We also discuss the importance of effective Crew Resource Management, maintaining situational awareness under pressure, staying determined when the odds seem stacked against you, and how teamwork became the defining factor in a successful outcome.

One of the most rewarding moments came after the rescue, when Jonathan and Chase had the opportunity to meet all three survivors back at the hangar—a powerful reminder of why public safety aviation professionals do what they do.

This is an incredible story of professionalism, perseverance, and teamwork under the most demanding conditions. We know you're going to enjoy this conversation.

Watch the 2026 FLIR Vision Awards | Life Saver Award with Jonathan and Chase at this link.

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

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.

On today's episode, we're honored to welcome Deputy Jonathan Lazada and Deputy Chase Gomez of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit. Jonathan and Chase are the recipients of the Airborne Public Safety Association's Aircrew of the Year Award, as well as the FLIR Vision Award in the Life Saving category, recognizing their extraordinary efforts during a search that ultimately saved three lives.

What began as the search for a downed aircraft several miles offshore quickly became a race against time. Operating within the limitations of their aircraft and mission equipment, they relied on disciplined Crew Resource Management, sound decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to the mission. Their persistence paid off when they located three survivors floating in the ocean and directed U.S. Coast Guard rescue assets to their position, leading to a successful rescue.

In this conversation, we take a deep dive into every aspect of the mission. Jonathan and Chase walk us through the initial response, the challenges of searching over open water, the limitations of their airframe for this type of operation, and the critical decisions they made while balancing mission success with flight safety. We also discuss the importance of effective Crew Resource Management, maintaining situational awareness under pressure, staying determined when the odds seem stacked against you, and how teamwork became the defining factor in a successful outcome.

One of the most rewarding moments came after the rescue, when Jonathan and Chase had the opportunity to meet all three survivors back at the hangar—a powerful reminder of why public safety aviation professionals do what they do.

This is an incredible story of professionalism, perseverance, and teamwork under the most demanding conditions. We know you're going to enjoy this conversation.

Watch the 2026 FLIR Vision Awards | Life Saver Award with Jonathan and Chase at this link.

Thank you to our sponsors CENTUM, MD Helicopters and Quantum Helicopters.

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

In this episode we are heading to Modesto, California, to hear how a brand-new air support unit was built from the ground up, and how it’s already changing the way the department fights crime, protects officers, and serves the community.

Lt Mike Hicks and Lt Kalani Souza were both involved from the opening decision to start an air unit. They share the process and the many challenges involved within funding, airframe choice, acquiring the airframe, and then finding to right crews members.

They also discuss the immediate benefits of air support in supporting patrol operations including a dramatic reduction in crime.

Thank you to our sponsors BLR Aerospace, Dallas Avionics and Robinson Helicopter.

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

In this episode we are heading to Modesto, California, to hear how a brand-new air support unit was built from the ground up, and how it’s already changing the way the department fights crime, protects officers, and serves the community.

Lt Mike Hicks and Lt Kalani Souza were both involved from the opening decision to start an air unit. They share the process and the many challenges involved within funding, airframe choice, acquiring the airframe, and then finding to right crews members.

They also discuss the immediate benefits of air support in supporting patrol operations including a dramatic reduction in crime.

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

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
 
In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Clay Lacey of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Harald Brink of the Dutch National Police to explore the 25-plus-year legacy of Jack Schonely’s tactical training. 
 
From individual officer safety to agency-wide operations, Jack’s framework for apprehending fleeing suspects has become a global standard for pilots, tactical flight officers, and K-9 handlers alike.
 
In this episode, the group reflects on the leadership and shared experiences that have shaped law enforcement tactics across the U.S. and Europe. Harald provides a global perspective and previews his upcoming course on locating missing persons, while Clay shares hard-earned insights on the humility required to mentor the next generation. 
 
The conversation also explores what it takes to become an effective instructor, focusing on authenticity over ego. Finally, the group looks ahead to the ECHO 2026 Public Safety Aviation Conference in Philadelphia. If you’re committed to tactical training, instructor development, and the future of public safety aviation, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics, Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
 
In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Clay Lacey of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Harald Brink of the Dutch National Police to explore the 25-plus-year legacy of Jack Schonely’s tactical training. 
 
From individual officer safety to agency-wide operations, Jack’s framework for apprehending fleeing suspects has become a global standard for pilots, tactical flight officers, and K-9 handlers alike.
 
In this episode, the group reflects on the leadership and shared experiences that have shaped law enforcement tactics across the U.S. and Europe. Harald provides a global perspective and previews his upcoming course on locating missing persons, while Clay shares hard-earned insights on the humility required to mentor the next generation. 
 
The conversation also explores what it takes to become an effective instructor, focusing on authenticity over ego. Finally, the group looks ahead to the ECHO 2026 Public Safety Aviation Conference in Philadelphia. If you’re committed to tactical training, instructor development, and the future of public safety aviation, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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

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

On today's episode, we're taking you to California's Central Valley as we visit the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit. Joining us are Deputy AJ Nikkel and Deputy Tyler Liburdi, who both serve as pilots and tactical flight officers. 

We'll explore the fascinating evolution of their aviation unit—from its beginnings as a volunteer organization to the professional operation it is today. 

We also discuss long-line rescue operations, the training and proficiency required to perform these demanding missions, and the unit's first successful real-world water rescue. Plus, we talk about the importance of providing support from above and the value of working seamlessly with neighboring aviation units. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch and Wysong Enterprises.

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

On today's episode, we're taking you to California's Central Valley as we visit the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit. Joining us are Deputy AJ Nikkel and Deputy Tyler Liburdi, who both serve as pilots and tactical flight officers. 

We'll explore the fascinating evolution of their aviation unit—from its beginnings as a volunteer organization to the professional operation it is today. 

We also discuss long-line rescue operations, the training and proficiency required to perform these demanding missions, and the unit's first successful real-world water rescue. Plus, we talk about the importance of providing support from above and the value of working seamlessly with neighboring aviation units. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

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