The Hangar Z Podcast

06/14/2026

10,000 Hours Pilot in Command!

Huge congrats to Dutch National Police pilot Maarten Vissers on hitting this incredible career mark. From his days flying the CH-47 in the Royal Netherlands Air Force to his time operating S-76s and AW-139s in the offshore world.

If you want to hear more about his tactical roots (and you can read Dutch), he’s just dropped a new book called Missie Chinook that takes you inside his time flying the big twin-rotor.

06/10/2026

This September at the ECHO Public Safety Aviation conference, you will not want to miss this class, which is being co-taught by two industry giants. There will also be a track of one-hour LE-focused conference courses following the Airborne Tactical Solutions course.

🚁 Airborne Law Enforcement Crews 🚁

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind Airborne Tactical Solutions Course at ECHO Philadelphia.

Built for patrol officers, SWAT, K-9 handlers, aircrew, and field supervisors, this 16-hour immersive training delivers practical, real-world skills for today’s tactical law enforcement environment. Through expert-led instruction and real incident footage, participants will gain critical insight into modern suspect tactics, perimeter management, and officer safety.

Course highlights include:
✔️ Criminal evasion tactics & technology-based countermeasures
✔️ Air-to-ground coordination and aerial support strategies
✔️ Vehicle pursuit management & thermal imaging operations
✔️ Real-world scenario breakdowns, including officer-down debriefs

Strengthen your decision-making. Elevate operational effectiveness. Be ready for high-risk, rapidly evolving situations.

06/08/2026

🚁 NEW EPISODE ALERT 🚁

We’re back with TWO legends in the rescue aviation community!

Retired Las Vegas Metro officer and SR3 Rescue Concepts owner Dave Callen joins longtime law enforcement pilot and SR3 instructor Tony Weber for a high-energy, rapid-fire conversation straight from the convention floor.

This episode cuts straight to what matters: precision training for real-world rescue missions.

🔹 Why outside training is essential
🔹 The game-changing impact of the Hoist Users Conference
🔹 How realistic, mission-focused prep saves lives

Plus, we dive into a quote that every aviation and law enforcement professional needs to hear:
“The absence of an accident does not imply the presence of safety.”

It’s a powerful reminder to constantly evaluate training, proficiency, and readiness — BEFORE lives are on the line.

Short, focused, and packed with insight from two of the best in the business.
🎥 Lloyd Horgan

06/01/2026

Check out what’s up and coming in the month of June on the Hangar Z Podcast!

05/28/2026

The 2026 Blades of Valor Tour continues:

On location at the Broward Sheriff’s Office for a special three-part podcast series! 

BSO is a unit that defines “excellence.” We spent time with Sgt. Paul Seda and Pilot Carl Spear to discuss how they’ve evolved into a premier law enforcement aviation unit. From their “hunt bad guys” mindset to their relentless focus on supporting the deputies on the ground, this is a masterclass in teamwork and leadership.

One of the most moving parts of this series is our sit-down with Carl Spear. After 39 years in law enforcement, Carl shares what it takes to maintain passion and consistency in the cockpit for nearly four decades. 

Special thanks to Switlik Survival Products for making this tour possible! They’ve been protecting those who protect us for generations. Also, a big thanks to Massif for providing the flight suits our team relies on during the tour.
🎥 Brent Bundy

05/26/2026

Check out the latest article at Vertical Plus written by Jack Schonely covering Spokane County’s recent long range rescue operation.

Spokane helicopter rescuers conducted the longest-distance mission in the unit's history to rescue stranded rafters in Idaho.

05/21/2026

New two-part Hangar Z series— a must-listen for anyone in public-safety aviation. Host Jon Gray reunites with OG co-host Jeff Ratkovich and industry veteran Terry Miyauchi as they unpack leadership, global fleet trends, and the real-world pressures shaping safety in 2026.

Terry, fresh from Bell and now running a public-safety consultancy offers a candid masterclass: why we build world-class technicians but too few leaders, how “ego is the killer of excellence,” and why a genuine “love of people” matters for commanders.

They also dig into stark rotorcraft imbalances worldwide, turnkey/civilianized staffing trends, and the political realities that decide whether units get funded or fleets modernized.

Whether you manage a unit, fly missions, serve as a TFO, or are exploring a new program this two-parter is essential listening.

05/17/2026

The Hangar Z Podcast and had the privilege of spending time with the aircrews at LA City Fire Air Operations last week for an inside look at their operations.

It was incredible to see firsthand the outstanding work, precision, and dedication this agency brings to the table day in and day out. Their efforts are vital to protecting the citizens and visitors of Los Angeles.

A huge thank you to the team for opening their doors and allowing us to see the excellence they exhibit every day.

05/15/2026

This Police Memorial Day and during Police Week 2026, we honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In a special two-part series of The Hangar Z Podcast, we sit down with Craig Floyd — founder and president of Citizens Behind the Badge and the original CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to explore the creation of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at Judiciary Square in Washington DC.

Craig, who returned to the podcast after our 2024 conversation at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, shares the decades of dedication, perseverance, and the original vision from NYPD legend and U.S. Rep. Mario Biaggi that brought this monument
to life.

Listen to both parts of this important conversation and join us in remembering and honoring our fallen brothers and sisters.

05/11/2026

New on article @ Vertical Plus: USCG Air Station Clearwater 🇺🇸

Written from the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour, Jon Gray interviews Scott Kellerman, MH-60 Chief Pilot, to mark 50 years of excellence at U.S. Coast Guard Clearwater.

Explore the missions, the aircraft, and the legacy that define this elite unit.

🔗 Read it here:

A legacy of high-tempo helicopter operations continues to shape the station’s future.