The Hangar Z Podcast

This episode of The Hangar Z Podcast is brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.

The Hangar Z Podcast welcomes Airborne Public Safety Association CEO/Executive Director Dan Schwarzbach, APSA President Dave Ellis and Broward Sheriff's Office Sergeant Paul Sada.

In this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, we have the opportunity to talk about APSCON 2026 ahead of the July 13–17 conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

During the conversation, we talk about what to expect at APSCON 2026, including the new Broward County Convention Center/Omni host hotel, the water-taxi-accessible cam...

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
 
Today’s episode is a powerful and deeply human conversation centered on service, trust, and taking care of one another in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Our guest is Dave Wuertz, manager of peer support for PHI Air Medical.
 
Dave’s story is shaped by a lifetime of service in the medical field—starting with an emergecny medical technician (EMT) class in college, and influenced even earlier by his father’s work on an ambulance. From those earl...

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
 
Today’s episode is a powerful and deeply human conversation centered on service, trust, and taking care of one another in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Our guest is Dave Wuertz, manager of peer support for PHI Air Medical.
 
Dave’s story is shaped by a lifetime of service in the medical field—starting with an emergecny medical technician (EMT) class in college, and influenced even earlier by his father’s work on an ambulance. From those earl...

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

Today’s episode features a true pioneer in airborne law enforcement—retired California Highway Patrol (CHP) pilot John Nielson. With more than 11,000 hours as pilot in command and another 3,400 hours as a second-in-command, John’s career is a masterclass in dedication, innovation, and mission-driven flying.

We start at the beginning of his journey on the ground, patrolling out of the Malibu Station along one of the most dangerous stretches of road in California—the Pacific Coast Highway...

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

Today’s episode features a true pioneer in airborne law enforcement—retired California Highway Patrol (CHP) pilot John Nielsen. With more than 11,000 hours as pilot in command and another 3,400 hours as a second-in-command, John’s career is a masterclass in dedication, innovation, and mission-driven flying.

We start at the beginning of his journey on the ground, patrolling out of the Malibu Station along one of the most dangerous stretches of road in California—the Pacific Coast Highway...

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

Today’s episode comes to you from the floor of Verticon in Atlanta, recorded inside the Vertical Plus booth, where the energy of the industry and the people who drive it were on full display.

Our guests are pilots Brian Dunn and Brian Atkinson of Coldstream Helicopters in Kelowna, British Columbia—this year’s recipients of the VAI Salute to Excellence Pilots of the Year award. 

Between them, they represent both experience and the next ge...

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

Thank you to 2026 Blades of Valor Tour sponsor Switlik Survival Products and the support of Massif flight suits. Without your sponsorship and support, this tour would not be possible.

Switlik Survival Products supports aviation, marine, military, and search-and-rescue with a wide variety of high-quality survival products. To learn more, go to Switlik.com

The Blades of Valor Tour spotlights public safety aviation units recognized for outstanding service and celebrates those who go above and beyond...

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

Thank you to 2026 Blades of Valor Tour sponsor Switlik Survival Products and the support of Massif flight suits. Without your sponsorship and support, this tour would not be possible.

Switlik Survival Products supports aviation, marine, military, and search-and-rescue with a wide variety of high-quality survival products. To learn more, go to Switlik.com

The Blades of Valor Tour spotlights public safety aviation units recognized for outstanding service and celebrates those who go above and beyond...

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

On this special edition of show, we welcome Tim Lynn, a veteran law enforcement and news gathering pilot with 24 years of flight time in Southern California.

We're going to discuss the recent dramatic and sudden changes in airspace throughout the country that seemed to start in the Los Angeles area.

Tim shares his experience and knowledge of that airspace, and what he thinks we need to do to get the word out on the realities...

Welcome to the HangerZ podcast brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and partnered with Vertical Valor Plus. 

Today's episode was recorded on the floor of Verticon in Atlanta, at the Vertical Plus booth. We had a great week at Verticon and several great conversations and this was one of them. Today's guests are Lt Brad May and Sgt Dustin Gomez of Pasadena Police Department's Air Support Unit. 

Lt May has a unique history in the unit. He's been there as an officer, a sergeant, and now the lieutenant of the unit. Great conversation about that. 

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

Today we’re joined by a familiar and respected voice in the public safety community, Dr. Tania Glenn. Following her appearances on episodes 176 and 177 of the Hangar Z Podcast, she returns to the show to dive into one of the most critical topics facing our profession: mental wellness.

Dr. Glenn brings more than 30 years of experience working with first responders and members of our military, supporting those who operate in high-risk, high-stress environments. She’s the author of 10 book...

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

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, where we continue our ongoing series of conversations on leadership in law enforcement. 

In this episode, we’re joined by two exceptional leaders: Chief Ed Delmore of the Pelham Police Department and Chief Scott Hughes of the Hamilton Township Police Department.

Both chiefs bring decades of experience and a proven track record that led them to the highest levels of leadership within their organizations. Beyond the badge, they are also tho...

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

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, where we continue our ongoing series of conversations on leadership in law enforcement. 

In this episode, we’re joined by two exceptional leaders: Chief Ed Delmore of the Pelham Police Department and Chief Scott Hughes of the Hamilton Township Police Department.

Both chiefs bring decades of experience and a proven track record that led them to the highest levels of leadership within their organizations. Beyond the badge, they are also tho...

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

Today’s episode is a powerful and deeply personal conversation about courage, resilience, and determination. Our guest is retired Sgt Yvette Tuning of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Air Support Division.

Yvette opens up about a life-changing cancer diagnosis that turned her world upside down—losing her Federal Aviation Administration medical, navigating multiple incorrect diagnoses, and learning firsthand how critical second opinions can be. She shares the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment, the fight to bea...

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

Today’s episode is a powerful and deeply personal conversation about courage, resilience, and determination. Our guest is retired Sgt Yvette Tuning of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Air Support Division.

Yvette opens up about a life-changing cancer diagnosis that turned her world upside down—losing her Federal Aviation Administration medical, navigating multiple incorrect diagnoses, and learning firsthand how critical second opinions can be. She shares the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment, the fight to bea...

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

We’re excited to be on the third stop of the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour, coming to you from the beautiful state of Florida.

The Blades of Valor Tour spotlights public safety aviation units recognized for outstanding service, and celebrates those who go above and beyond. We aim to promote the good work these agencies do and highlight the standard of excellence they set. 

Thank you to the 2026 Blades of Valor sponsor, Switlik, and the...

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

We’re excited to be on the third stop of the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour, coming to you from the beautiful state of Florida.

The Blades of Valor Tour spotlights public safety aviation units recognized for outstanding service, and celebrates those who go above and beyond. We aim to promote the good work these agencies do and highlight the standard of excellence they set. 

Thank you to the 2026 Blades of Valor sponsor, Switlik, and the...

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

We are on our first stop of the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour. This is our third annual tour, and we are excited to be in the great state of Florida.
 
Today we are with Lt Pilot Drew Nicoletti and Pilot Ron Bloezer from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit. Both are military veterans who bring that experience to one of the most versatile aviation units in the country. We'll take a deep dive into the Be...

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

We are on our first stop of the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour. This is our third annual tour, and we are excited to be in the great state of Florida.
 
Today we are with Lt Pilot Drew Nicoletti and Pilot Ron Bloezer from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit. Both are military veterans who bring that experience to one of the most versatile aviation units in the country. We'll take a deep dive into the Be...

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

In these episodes, Hangar Z hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray are joined by pilot Scott Hines and tactical flight officer (TFO) Alex Marti from the Fort Worth Police Department’s Aviation Unit. 

Scott brings a deep aviation background as an U.S. Army aviator who flew the Bell OH-58D Kiowa, completing two combat tours in Iraq, before later transitioning to Black Hawks with the National Guard and flying medevac for Air Methods. That experience ultimately led...

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

In these episodes, Hangar Z hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray are joined by pilot Scott Hines and tactical flight officer (TFO) Alex Marti from the Fort Worth Police Department’s Aviation Unit. 

Scott brings a deep aviation background as an U.S. Army aviator who flew the Bell OH-58D Kiowa, completing two combat tours in Iraq, before later transitioning to Black Hawks with the National Guard and flying medevac for Air Methods. That experience ultimately led...

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

This episode was recorded on location in Cologne, Germany, at European Rotors.

In this episode, host Jon Gray sits down with Leo Stolk, the deputy flight operations manager for the Dutch National Police.

During the conversation, Leo shares insights into his journey from military operations to law enforcement aviation, highlighting his extensive career and the challenges he faced during military missions in Afghanistan.

The conversation delves into the critical role of international collaboration...

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

In this three-episode series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Tim Brennan, a pilot with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, to trace an extraordinary aviation journey shaped by service, leadership, and life-saving missions. Tim shares what it was like growing up in a small town in north Idaho, the first flight that changed his life, and the path that led him to become an Army aviator, including a deployment to Afghanistan. He also reflects on hi...

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

In this three-episode series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Tim Brennan, a pilot with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, to trace an extraordinary aviation journey shaped by service, leadership, and life-saving missions. Tim shares what it was like growing up in a small town in north Idaho, the first flight that changed his life, and the path that led him to become an Army aviator, including a deployment to Afghanistan. He also reflects on hi...

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

In this three-episode series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Tim Brennan, a pilot with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, to trace an extraordinary aviation journey shaped by service, leadership, and life-saving missions. Tim shares what it was like growing up in a small town in north Idaho, the first flight that changed his life, and the path that led him to become an Army aviator, including a deployment to Afghanistan. He also reflects on hi...

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

This episode was recorded on location in Cologne, Germany, at European Rotors.

In this episode, Jason Quinn, host of The Real ResQ Podcast, and Jon Gray, sit down with John Boag, the Group CEO of Avincis.

Avincis is Europe’s largest operator of emergency aerial services, specializing in aerial emergency medical services, search-and-rescue operations, and firefighting missions. 

With a skilled team of over 2,400 professionals and a fleet of more than 200 aircraft, Avincis conducts ope...

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

This episode was recorded on location in Cologne, Germany, at European Rotors.

In this episode, host Jon Gray sits down with Daniel Rosenberg from the Swedish National Police.

Rosenberg is a remarkable guest whose journey in law enforcement has taken him from patrolling the streets of Sweden, to playing a pivotal role in the Air Support Unit. 

With over a decade of experience, including work on a surveillance team combating organized crime and s...

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

In this two-part series, we go international and speak with Hangar Z co-hosts and international instructors. The panel includes Harald Brink, chief tactical flight officer from the Dutch national police; Lt Clay Lacey from the Texas Department of Public Safety; and Jon Duke, a U.K. military aviation veteran and contributor to Vertical and Vertical Valor magazines.

This conversation goes beyond borders to examine the common ground and critical differences in air support operations between the U...

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

In this two-part series, we go international and speak with Hangar Z co-hosts and international instructors. The panel includes Harald Brink, chief tactical flight officer from the Dutch national police; Lt Clay Lacey from the Texas Department of Public Safety; and Jon Duke, a U.K. military aviation veteran and contributor to Vertical and Vertical Valor magazines.

This conversation goes beyond borders to examine the common ground and critical differences in air support operations between the U...

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

In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely have an opportunity to talk to Sgt Chris Duffield and Officer Mikey Machin from the York Regional Police Air Support Unit.

During the conversation we discuss the evolution of their Air Support Unit, the importance of integrated training, and the value of debriefing in law enforcement. 

The conversation highlights the significance of proactive policing, the role of technology, and camaraderie within the police culture. 

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

In this two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely have an opportunity to talk to Sgt Chris Duffield and Officer Mikey Machin from the York Regional Police Air Support Unit.

During the conversation we discuss the evolution of their Air Support Unit, the importance of integrated training, and the value of debriefing in law enforcement. 

The conversation highlights the significance of proactive policing, the role of technology, and camaraderie within the police culture. 

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

This episode was recorded on location at the ECHO 2025 Public Safety Aviation Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

In this recording, we sit down with Louisville Metro Chief of Police Paul Humphrey, Lt Brent Willen and Chief Pilot Jason Sattich. 

In this episode, we explore personal journeys in law enforcement, highlighting the power of mentorship and the necessity of fostering a culture of feedback and continuous improvement. A key focus of our discussion is the innovative Louisville M...

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

This episode was recorded on location at the ECHO 2025 Public Safety Aviation Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

In this recording, we sit down with Louisville Metro Chief of Police Paul Humphrey, Lt Brent Willen and Chief Pilot Jason Sattich. 

In this episode, we explore personal journeys in law enforcement, highlighting the power of mentorship and the necessity of fostering a culture of feedback and continuous improvement. A key focus of our discussion is the innovative Louisville M...

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

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

In this two-part series, we have an opportunity to sit down with the Riverside California Police Department Director of Maintenance Matt Pagano.

This conversation was recorded on location at the Airborne Public Safety Association conference (APSCON) in Phoenix, Arizona.<...

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

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

In this two-part series, we have an opportunity to sit down with the Riverside California Police Department Director of Maintenance Matt Pagano.

This conversation was recorded on location at the Airborne Public Safety Association conference (APSCON) in Phoenix, Arizona.<...

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

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

In today’s episode, we’re joined by an incredible guest—Liz Booker, also known as The Literary Aviatrix. Liz’s story is one of true grit, service, and inspiration. She dropped out of high school and enlisted in the U.S. Coast...

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

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

In today’s episode, we’re joined by an incredible guest—Liz Booker, also known as The Literary Aviatrix. Liz’s story is one of true grit, service, and inspiration. She dropped out of high school and enlisted in the U.S. Coast...

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

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

This two-part series was recorded on location in San Diego at the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Air Support Hangar, as part of the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour.

The 2025 Blades of Valor Tour took us to four agencies...

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

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

This two-part series was recorded on location in San Diego at the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Air Support Hangar, as part of the 2025 Blades of Valor Road Tour.

The 2025 Blades of Valor Tour took us to four agencies...

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

Listen closely for your chance to win awesome prizes from Heli Life! Throughout 2025, every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast will reveal a secret word. Once you catch it, head to contests.verticalhelicasts.com to enter!

This special episode was originally recorded for the Vertical MRO Podcast. The information in the recording was so valuable, I felt the Hangar Z community needed to hear it. Ronnie Ries, a co-host of the Vertical MRO Podcast, and I, sit...