The Hangar Z Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 96- Battle of the Missions with Bell Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode 96 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this episode, we sit down with Bell legends Terry Miyauchi and Steve Soliz and discuss the differences in the HEMS and Law Enforcement mission sets.

Terry's aviation career spans more than 30 years, where he served both as an Army Aviator and as a law enforcement pilot. Terry's public safety career culminated as commander of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Aviation Unit, where he lead a unit of over 65 personnel and a fleet of 14 aircraft.

Steve Soliz has over twenty-five years of experience in military and civilian air medical. He is a retired air force commander and experienced senior business development executive. Commander of the largest aeromedical evacuation squadron in the US Air Force. leading over 200 personnel during multiple global wartime deployments as well as domestic disaster response.

This is a fun and informative battle between HEMS and Law Enforcement so sit back with a nice beverage and enjoy.
Thank you to Bell for sponsoring this special episode of The Hangar Z Podcast. For more information about Bell go to www.bell.co/publicsafety

I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation, SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies.

Episode 95- Celebrating 3 Years of The Hangar Z Podcast Aug 13, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode 95 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine.
Can you imagine building a podcast from scratch with a 15-year-old laptop and a borrowed microphone? That's how our journey started three years ago. In this special anniversary episode, we're bringing you into our family circle with my wife, Shawna and dad, Mike Gray. We'll take you through our humble beginnings, sharing laughs over hot seat questions - and recounting some of the most memorable moments from our time in the helicopter industry.
Did you ever think your career might involve encounters with alien invasion believers, or bringing joy to children at Loma Linda Children's Hospital through annual 'Toys for Tots' events? That’s the crazy world of law enforcement we’ve lived and loved, and we're excited to share all the laughs, adrenaline rushes, and heartwarming moments with you. Alongside this, we'll talk about the incredible relationships we've built, including becoming a part of the Vertical Valor family, we talk about the inspiring legacy of Skip Robinson and the immense support from mentors and friends.
But it’s not all laughter and nostalgia, we'll also discuss the challenges faced, the losses mourned, and the resilience built over the years. We'll delve into the bittersweet memories of our last flight in October 2021, and the subsequent challenging year. Yet, amidst all of this, the podcast remained a beacon of positivity, inspiring us to seize opportunities in 2023. We get an opportunity to express gratitude to our friends and sponsors, who've walked with us on this journey.
So get ready as we toast to three years of the HangarZ Podcast and look forward to many more!
I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon.

Episode 94- MD Helicopters Hangar Z Podcast Takeover Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode 94 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine.

This is the most unique episode that we have done to date. As we visited MD Helicopters in Mesa Arizona, Ashley Sanchez MD Helicopters Director of Marketing and Communications, had the genius idea for their CEO Brad Pedersen and North American Director of Sales Jack Harris to take over The Hangar Z Podcast booth at APSCON in Orlando Florida.

Jeff and I began the conversation and were promptly booted from the podcast where they interviewed Roger Howard and Greg Kellough from the Columbus Police Aviation Unit.

With their wealth of experience merging air and ground, they take us from the reality of an engine warning going off mid-flight, to the satisfaction of coaching new pilots and leaving a legacy. You'll hear how they propelled from the Air Force to the police force while honoring the legacy of great pilots that came before them, all underscored by the importance of preparation, support, and mentorship in aviation.

These law enforcement veterans unveil the selection process for TFO’s and shine a light on the evaluation process for trainee TFOs. Packed with anecdotes that reveal the unique assistance they offer from the sky, they highlight the value of their airborne perspective. Rodger and Greg talk about their favorite calls, from adrenaline-fueled pursuits to the heartwarming success of finding missing kids and Alzheimer's patients. Our guests also discuss the significance of never quitting on your dreams, their personal struggles and triumphs, and the importance of continual learning in this high-stakes field.

As we wrap up our flight, we dive into the evolution of police aviation, from the days of searchlights to today's utilization of camera systems. We survey the benefits of investing in technology, the importance of educational programs for helicopter awareness, and consider the potential of a user conference. Join us for this exciting journey that blends inspiring stories, insightful reflections, and a hint of nostalgia.

I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon.

Episode 93- A Look Inside San Jose PD's Air Support Unit: Improving Unit Culture and Professionalism Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode 93 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine.

Join us from the floor of APSCON 2023 in Orlando Florida as we sit down and talk to Kris Kubasta, Christian Smith, and Nick Byrd from the San Jose Police Department's Air Support Unit.

The San Jose Police Department Air Support Unit has an impressive program that has changed from an old-school flying club to a professional progressive and motivated Air Support Unit that is finding innovative ways to improve their program, their department, and most importantly put bad guys in jail while increasing safety margins for the folks on the ground.

As we talk with them they give us some insight into how they changed their unit and the importance they place on relentless training.

During the episode we profile their air support unit, revealing its size, operational scope, and the challenges they face. They talk about how they devise innovative strategies to combat local issues like side shows, street racing, and other criminal activity.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the role of collaboration, adaptability, and team building within the police department, as well as a briefing on their TFO who won TFO of the year at this year's APSCON.

I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon.

Episode 92- The Aerial Watchmen: A Peek into the Orange County (Florida) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode 92 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine.

We made it into Orlando a bit early for APSCON 2023 so we could swing by and talk to Sergeant Shawn McCook and Chief Tactical Flight Deputy Jason Sams from the Orange County Sheriff's Department. We had the opportunity to record on location at their hangar in Orlando, Florida which was really nice.

McCook and Sams share their personal journeys into public safety aviation. They talk about the role of the Orlando Police Department in their staffing strategy and the positive impact they make on the community.

We’ll delve into the crucial aspects of drone integration with aviation programs, the challenges brought about by Florida's weather, and the process for technology upgrades in the aviation field.

During the episode, McCook and Sams offer insights into the benefits of airplane surveillance and integration with their helicopter program. We also talk about what they have done to improve their TFO selection and training process.

Check out the article written by Jen Nevans with photos by Mike Reyno on the Orange County Sheriffs Office titled Future Ready. The article was just released in the APSCON 2023 Special Issue.

I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon.

Episode 91- APSCON 2023 Orlando, Florida with APSA'S CEO Dan Schwarzbach and APSA'S President Richard Bray. Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode 91 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine.

The Hangar Z Podcast was honored to be asked by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) to join them at their national conference (APSCON) to Podcast from the convention floor in Orlando, Florida.

In this episode, we chat with the APSA CEO & Executive Director Dan Schwarzbach and APSA President Richard Bray.

Dan Schwarzbach was a police officer and pilot for Houston PD for 39 years. He is now the CEO and Executive Director of APSA.

Richard Bray is the Chief Pilot for Alachua County Sheriff’s Office where he has served for over 25 years.

During the conversation, We talk about APSCON 2023. We get a preview of what is to come for APSCON 2024 & 2025.

I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon.

Episode 90- Erik Sabiston's Journey from Off the Grid Musician to Military Medevac Pilot and Aviation Advocate Part 2 Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode 90 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine.
Join us for part two of this two-part series with Erik Sabiston. During the episode, he recounts a combat medevac mission under gunfire that results in a heavily damaged hydraulic system, Erik talks about the training they had recently done that ultimately saved the crew's life.
Erik talks about a mission that put himself and his crew into IIMC conditions and how that led to his involvement with the ICARUS view-limiting training device.
During the episode we talk about the transition from military to civilian life, we'll reflect on the importance of mentorship, debt management, and maintaining good relationships. We'll also reflect on the wisdom of Dale Carnegie's 'How to Win Friends and Influence People', and the value of an emergency fund to prepare you to chase your dream job.
Lastly, Erik shares his experiences across marketing, the music industry, running a charity, and aviation, which has put him in a unique position to offer consulting services for vets and civilians offering advice to veterans eager to take flight in the airline industry.
I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon.

Episode 89- Erik Sabiston's Journey from Off the Grid Musician to Military Medevac Pilot and Aviation Advocate Part 1 Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode 89 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine.
Our guest, Erik Sabiston, developed a lifelong fascination with aviation as a young man. A former US Army Blackhawk pilot, author of the best-selling book "Dustoff 7-3 Saving Lives Under Fire in Afghanistan", the founder of RTAG, co-founder of the ICARUS device, current airline pilot, and owner of Sabiston Consulting. Erik takes us on his unique journey, from his early days in the music industry to living off the grid, then to the military as a pilot, and ultimately to becoming a legacy airline pilot.
Erik’s dedication to the aviation industry extends beyond the cockpit. His experiences transitioning from military to civilian life inspired him to create RTAG, a charity focused on veteran hiring within the aviation industry. We explore the ups and downs of this transition period, and how Erik’s organization strives to support veterans in their journey. We also dive into discussing the process of becoming an airline pilot and the benefits of transition programs for military personnel. Erik talks about his exit from RTAG and what he is doing now with his consulting business where he is still helping veterans and civilians achieve their dream of a career in aviation.
The episode concludes with Erik sharing his personal encounters from his military service, including an unforgettable military medevac incident. We reflect on the significance of rigorous training and the role it plays in life-threatening scenarios.
This episode is part one of a two-part series. Stand by to hear part two.
I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon.

Episode 88- Exploring ICARUS the View Limiting Training Device with Nick Sonopoli and Matt Johnson Jul 03, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode 88 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine.
In this episode, we chat with Nick Sinopoli, the inventor of ICARUS, and Matt Johnson, a seasoned pilot and check airman from Metro Aviation. With them, we traverse a landscape of groundbreaking safety enhancements in aviation, discussing everything from their impacts on training and operations to the potential legacies they leave behind.
We then transition to explore Matt's aviation career. Matt flew as a full time law enforcement pilot before leaving to fly HEMS missions. Matt is a Designated Pilot Examiner for the FAA and Check Airman for Metro Aviation. His story provides a unique lens through which we discuss the extraordinary safety programs at Metro Aviation, the integral role of weather in flight operations, and the ways in which these experiences have shaped his career. As we move through the episode, the conversation circles back to Nick's innovative device, shedding light on its conception, benefits, and potential improvements.
As we wind down, we delve into the weighty topics of mentorship in aviation and the significance of leaving a positive footprint in the industry. We touch upon the life-saving potential of the ICARUS device, as the future of instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) training for aviation.
I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon.

Episode 87- Iron Sharpening Iron: Insights from training with SR3 and Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode 87 of The Hangar Z Podcast Brought to you by Vertical Valor Magazine.
This is an exciting episode as it is the first episode done in collaboration with Vertical Valor Magazine for the APSCON Valor Issue.
Join us as we discuss the incredible training being provided by SR3 as they spend a week with the Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit Our guests, Dave Callen and Rob Munday from SR3, along with Rescue 9 pilot Mike Calhoun and rescue tech Cory Allen from Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit as they offer valuable insights into their training courses, real-life missions, and the importance of constant learning and evolution.
During the conversation, we dive into the various training courses offered by SR3, their collaboration with the Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit in rescue operations, as well as their innovative safety audit program, and gear evaluation process. Get ready to be inspired by the dedication and passion of these professionals, who always strive to stay at the top of their game.
As we wrap up this thrilling episode, we reflect on the significance of passing on knowledge and experiences to others, being receptive to change, and seizing every training opportunity with enthusiasm.
I would like to thank our sponsors Metro Aviation SHOTOVER and CNC Technologies as well as our supporters on Patreon.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected