Welcome to another episode of the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor magazine.

On today’s episode, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are thrilled to welcome Dave Ellis.  Dave is a pivotal figure in the development of Spokane County Sheriff’s aviation program.

Dave takes us through the journey of building the program from the ground up, sharing insights into the political and financial challenges, the role of data tracking, and the power of community engagement. He opens up about his background and his diverse career. We discuss law enforcement and coaching, including his recent incredible success coaching a high school soccer team.

We dive into the vital role of communication and education in ensuring the aviation program’s growth and sustainability. The conversation also explores how youth sports teach life lessons, the unique perspective of referees, and the challenges of law enforcement in Spokane County.
You’ll hear about the evolution of Spokane County’s aviation unit, including decisions around aircraft selection, advancements in aviation technology, and how real-time situational awareness is enhancing public safety. Dave shares his insights on UAS technology, drone integration, and the growing role of AI in emergency response.

Throughout the episode, we touch on Dave’s journey toward agency accreditation, innovations in training, his roles with the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), and his involvement in shaping active shooter response curricula.

We truly appreciate our followers. If you are enjoying Hangar Z, please help us spread the word—and don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share.

Thank you to our sponsors Canyon AeroConnect, SHOTOVER and Summit Aviation. 

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

This two-part series was recorded at APSCON 2024 In Houston, Texas. In this series, hosts Jon Gray, and Jack Schonely sit down with Sgt Cody Robinson and CFI Jeff Serpas from the Houston Police Department Air Support Unit. 

In this episode, we engage with Houston PD’s finest, who share their insights, experiences, and challenges in the field. We’ll explore the critical role of mentorship and how training methods have evolved over time, alongside the significance of in-house training programs in preparing personnel for the demands of their roles.

Join us as we explore our guests' personal journeys through aviation and law enforcement, revealing the vital importance of safety, preparedness, and integrity within flight operations. They emphasize the significance of saying no in aviation, especially under pressure.

We’ll also discuss the operational dynamics of air support units, effective training, and the crucial selection process for tactical flight officers (TFOs).
Our guests discuss Houston PD’s unit's structure, aircraft fleet, and the significance of maintenance and reliability in operations. 

The conversation also covers the challenges of navigating Houston's airspace, the impact of weather on operations, particularly during hurricane season, and the importance of community and teamwork in addressing these challenges.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this year's APSCON, which will take place July 14-18 in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Another conference to get ready for is the ECHO or Every Coast Helicopter Operations Public Safety Aviation Conference is Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 28 through Oct. 1, 2025.

This year at the ECHO conference, Jack Schonely and Clay Lacey will join forces to present their renowned and impactful course together on the same stage for the very first time. 

This unique collaboration and course will be titled "Airborne Tactical Solutions." This is a course you won’t want to miss! For more details, visit the ECHO webpage at ECHOflightCrew.org.

Thank you to our sponsors Night Flight Concepts, Precision Aviation Group and Robinson Helicopter.

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

This two-part series was recorded at APSCON 2024 In Houston, Texas. In this series, hosts Jon Gray, and Jack Schonely sit down with Sgt Cody Robinson and CFI Jeff Serpas from the Houston Police Department Air Support Unit. 

In this episode, we engage with Houston PD’s finest, who share their insights, experiences, and challenges in the field. We’ll explore the critical role of mentorship and how training methods have evolved over time, alongside the significance of in-house training programs in preparing personnel for the demands of their roles.

Join us as we explore our guests' personal journeys through aviation and law enforcement, revealing the vital importance of safety, preparedness, and integrity within flight operations. They emphasize the significance of saying no in aviation, especially under pressure.

We’ll also discuss the operational dynamics of air support units, effective training, and the crucial selection process for tactical flight officers (TFOs).
Our guests discuss Houston PD’s unit's structure, aircraft fleet, and the significance of maintenance and reliability in operations. 

The conversation also covers the challenges of navigating Houston's airspace, the impact of weather on operations, particularly during hurricane season, and the importance of community and teamwork in addressing these challenges.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this year's APSCON, which will take place July 14-18 in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Another conference to get ready for is the ECHO or Every Coast Helicopter Operations Public Safety Aviation Conference is Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 28 through Oct. 1, 2025.

This year at the ECHO conference, Jack Schonely and Clay Lacey will join forces to present their renowned and impactful course together on the same stage for the very first time. 

This unique collaboration and course will be titled "Airborne Tactical Solutions." This is a course you won’t want to miss! For more details, visit the ECHO webpage at ECHOflightCrew.org.

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

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 Jon Gray welcomes members of the Maryland State Police at the 2024 ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference in Richmond, Virginia. 

During the conversation, we discuss the importance of networking and education in public safety, and personal journeys into aviation and law enforcement.

The guests share insights into their roles as trooper paramedics, the challenges of maintaining proficiency in a large unit, and the unique considerations involved in transporting and caring for K-9s. 

The discussion highlights the significance of collaboration among agencies during emergencies and the value of training and experience in the field. 

This conversation explores the various aspects of public safety enforcement aviation, focusing on canine transportation missions, recruitment and retention challenges, paramedic training, multi-agency responses, and DUI enforcement experiences. 

The speakers also share insights from their military backgrounds and discuss the complexities of operations involving the Coast Guard and other agencies.

Thank you to our sponsors BLR Aerospace, Metro Aviation and Robinson Helicopter.

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 Jon Gray welcomes members of the Maryland State Police at the 2024 ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference in Richmond, Virginia. 

During the conversation, we discuss the importance of networking and education in public safety, and personal journeys into aviation and law enforcement.

The guests share insights into their roles as trooper paramedics, the challenges of maintaining proficiency in a large unit, and the unique considerations involved in transporting and caring for K-9s. 

The discussion highlights the significance of collaboration among agencies during emergencies and the value of training and experience in the field. 

This conversation explores the various aspects of public safety enforcement aviation, focusing on canine transportation missions, recruitment and retention challenges, paramedic training, multi-agency responses, and DUI enforcement experiences. 

The speakers also share insights from their military backgrounds and discuss the complexities of operations involving the Coast Guard and other agencies.

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

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

In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray, and Tony Webber host a conversation on the urgent need for mission-specific training for pilots and aircrews in public safety aviation.

Join us as we discuss the critical gaps between factory training and the specialized skills required for various mission sets, such as aerial firefighting and hoist rescue operations.

Our guests, who are all Hangar Z alumni, include SR3’s Dave Callen and Rob Munday, and Riverside County Sheriff Aviation’s Mike Calhoun.

The conversation shares personal insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing knowledge and resources to enhance training programs that ensure safety and efficiency in the field.

We will navigate the intricate world of helicopter training, covering everything from cost-effective solutions and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) training to the challenges of securing approval for specialized instruction.

As we explore the complexities of multi-mission agencies and special operations, we’ll discuss the balance between utilizing autopilot systems and maintaining essential hand-flying skills, all while highlighting the significance of preparation and sound decision-making in high-pressure situations.

This conversation is a call to action for professionals in the field to embrace continuous learning and collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or hoist operator or new to public safety aviation, you won’t want to miss the invaluable insights shared in this episode.

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

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

In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray, and Tony Webber host a conversation on the urgent need for mission-specific training for pilots and aircrews in public safety aviation.

Join us as we discuss the critical gaps between factory training and the specialized skills required for various mission sets, such as aerial firefighting and hoist rescue operations.

Our guests, who are all Hangar Z alumni, include SR3’s Dave Callen and Rob Munday, and Riverside County Sheriff Aviation’s Mike Calhoun.

The conversation shares personal insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing knowledge and resources to enhance training programs that ensure safety and efficiency in the field.

We will navigate the intricate world of helicopter training, covering everything from cost-effective solutions and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) training to the challenges of securing approval for specialized instruction.

As we explore the complexities of multi-mission agencies and special operations, we’ll discuss the balance between utilizing autopilot systems and maintaining essential hand-flying skills, all while highlighting the significance of preparation and sound decision-making in high-pressure situations.

This conversation is a call to action for professionals in the field to embrace continuous learning and collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or hoist operator or new to public safety aviation, you won’t want to miss the invaluable insights shared in this episode.

Thank you to our sponsors Aerodyne Electronics Manufacturing, CNC Technologies and Metro Aviation.

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

Thank you to our special sponsor Airbus for making this recording possible.

In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray highlight how the Airbus AS350 series helicopters make LAPD’s mission sets possible through a conversation with LAPD’s Air Support Division chief pilot, Kevin Gallagher.

In this series, Kevin shares how his early interest in law enforcement propelled him into the world of air support, providing valuable insights into his training experiences and the challenges faced in this demanding role. 

We talk about the critical skills that contribute to success in air support, discussing the transition from tactical flight officer (TFO) to pilot, the significance of higher education in aviation, and the evolving nature of crew resource management.

Kevin will also shed light on the pressing challenges the LAPD faces, particularly in staffing and recruitment, while emphasizing the vital role of the Air Support division in ensuring effective law enforcement operations. 

We explore topics such as aviation safety, training protocols, and the collaboration between air support units and other emergency services.

We also discuss how the Loft Dynamics H125 simulator will transform training and safety at LAPD and beyond. 

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

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

Thank you to our special sponsor Airbus for making this recording possible.

In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray highlight how the Airbus AS350 series helicopters make LAPD’s mission sets possible through a conversation with LAPD’s Air Support Division chief pilot, Kevin Gallagher.

In this series, Kevin shares how his early interest in law enforcement propelled him into the world of air support, providing valuable insights into his training experiences and the challenges faced in this demanding role. 

We talk about the critical skills that contribute to success in air support, discussing the transition from tactical flight officer (TFO) to pilot, the significance of higher education in aviation, and the evolving nature of crew resource management.

Kevin will also shed light on the pressing challenges the LAPD faces, particularly in staffing and recruitment, while emphasizing the vital role of the Air Support division in ensuring effective law enforcement operations. 

We explore topics such as aviation safety, training protocols, and the collaboration between air support units and other emergency services.

We also discuss how the Loft Dynamics H125 simulator will transform training and safety at LAPD and beyond. 

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

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

In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely talk with Kodey Bogart. During this series we explore Kodey’s career and impact within the aviation industry, highlighting her remarkable path from military service as a Black Hawk pilot to her current role as an industry safety expert and author.

During the conversation, Kodey shares her insights on the critical importance of safety practices in aviation, the vital role helicopters play in emergency response, and the growing collaboration between drones and helicopters in disaster situations. We discuss the significance of community service, particularly in the context of hurricane responses.

Kodey reflects on her time in flight school and her military deployments, emphasizing peer support and the evolution of crew responsibilities. She recounts memorable missions, the unique camaraderie formed during high-stress situations, and the challenges faced during the transition to civilian life from the military.

We also dive into the pressing issues within law enforcement aviation, such as recruitment and retention, and explore advocacy for women in aviation. Kodey also discusses her children's book series, Helo Girls, which aims to educate and inspire children.

Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Garmin and SHOTOVER.