The Hangar Z Podcast

Jon Gray
  • 4.9 (101)
  • Aviation
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast where we explore the personnel and equipment behind the missions in Public Safety Aviation. 

  1. The Danger You Can't See: Fatigue in Public Safety Aviation Part 1 | Ep 366

    52m ago ·  Video

    The Danger You Can't See: Fatigue in Public Safety Aviation Part 1 | Ep 366

    Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Valor Plus.  Today's episode is a special collaboration with our friends from the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, and we're tackling a topic that impacts every one of us in aviation — fatigue.  Joining us for this outstanding panel discussion are the hosts of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider. We are also honored to welcome a highly respected aviator with decades of experience, former HEMS pilot Woody McClendon.  Fatigue is truly the danger you can't see. Unlike weather, mechanical issues, or other operational hazards, fatigue can quietly affect our judgment, decision-making, situational awareness, and overall performance long before we recognize its impact. Whether you're a pilot, TFO, crew member, mechanic, dispatcher, or supervisor, fatigue affects all of us. And in public safety aviation, the demands of shift work can make managing fatigue an even greater challenge.  The reality is that fatigue is not a possibility — it is an inevitability. The question is not if fatigue will contribute to an incident or accident in public safety aviation, but when. That is why open and honest conversations like this one are so important.  In this episode, we'll discuss safety initiatives designed to mitigate fatigue, the role of flight risk assessment tools, crew readiness, organizational responsibility, and personal accountability. Most importantly, our panel shares real-world experiences and lessons learned from careers spent operating in demanding environments where fatigue was often a constant factor.  This is a candid, informative, and thought-provoking discussion that every aviation professional should hear.  So settle in and join us as we explore one of the most significant — and often overlooked — threats to aviation safety. This is the Hangar Z Podcast in collaboration with the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, and the conversation starts right now.  Read the related article by Tania Glenn - Sleep Under Stress in the Spring 2026 issue of Valor Plus. Thank you to our sponsors Bell, BLR Aerospace and Wysong Enterprises.

    1h 18m
  2. APSA 2026 Northeast Director Candidates | Ep 365

    Jun 25 ·  Video

    APSA 2026 Northeast Director Candidates | Ep 365

    Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS in partnership with Valor Plus. On today’s episode, we’re pleased to welcome the two candidates for the Airborne Public Safety Association’s Northeast Regional Director position. Joining us are Eric Bourn of the South Berwick Police Department and Lt. Jason Baxley of the Delaware State Police. This special episode provides an opportunity for APSA members to hear directly from the candidates as they introduce themselves, discuss their backgrounds and experience, and answer three questions that are important to the future of public safety aviation and the association they hope to serve. The Hangar Z Podcast is honored to partner with APSA in providing a platform for these candidates to share their perspectives with the membership ahead of the election. Our goal is to give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate and make an informed decision. For more information about the Airborne Public Safety Association, visit publicsafetyaviation.org. Thank you for joining us, and now let’s meet the candidates for APSA Northeast Regional Director. Thank you to our sponsors Spectrolab, Summit Aviation and Robinson Helicopter. Goes live June 25th

    34 min
  3. The Digital Front Line: Social Media Strategy for Public Safety with Tamrin Olden Part 2 | Ep 364

    Jun 22 ·  Video

    The Digital Front Line: Social Media Strategy for Public Safety with Tamrin Olden Part 2 | Ep 364

    Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus. In this comprehensive two-part conversation, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Tamrin Olden, founder of TOC Public Relations, to discuss why social media has become a mission-critical tool for modern public safety.  Moving beyond the "ancillary duty" mindset, Tamrin explains how a strategic digital presence is the foundation for community trust, transparency, and successful recruitment. Throughout this episode, we dive deep into the friction between traditional law enforcement leadership and the fast-paced digital world, exploring how to overcome the "paralysis by analysis" that often keeps agencies silent.  Tamrin breaks down the difference between "vanity metrics" (like viral dance videos) and "value-driven content" that authentically showcases the expertise and humanity of a department. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Strategy of Storytelling: Why agencies like Phoenix PD and Irvine PD succeed by focusing on "Human-Centered Storytelling" rather than just posed award photos. Aviation and Specialized Units: Tactical advice for air units on using social media to justify budgets, educate the public on capabilities, and provide a "peek behind the curtain" through Tech Tuesdays. Overcoming Leadership Hurdles: How to "supervise up" and package social media proposals that address administrative fears regarding negative comments and legal liability. Crisis Communications: Why the phrase, “no comment,” is a strategy for failure. We discuss lessons learned from major incidents like Ferguson and Uvalde, and the importance of releasing facts on your own terms to control the narrative. The Digital Recruitment War: Why your agency’s "digital fingerprint" is the first thing a potential recruit looks at, and how to use social media for attracting new talent and retaining current staff. Whether you are a social media manager, a unit leader, or a command staff member, this episode provides a tactical "starter pack" for building a professional, effective, and transparent communication strategy. Check out TOC Public Relations at www.tocpublicrelations.com/ Thank you to our sponsors Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch, Metro Aviation and Trakka Systems. Goes live June 25th

    1h 5m
  4. The Digital Front Line: Social Media Strategy for Public Safety with Tamrin Olden Part 1 | Ep 363

    Jun 18 ·  Video

    The Digital Front Line: Social Media Strategy for Public Safety with Tamrin Olden Part 1 | Ep 363

    Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus. In this comprehensive two-part conversation, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Tamrin Olden, founder of TOC Public Relations, to discuss why social media has become a mission-critical tool for modern public safety.  Moving beyond the "ancillary duty" mindset, Tamrin explains how a strategic digital presence is the foundation for community trust, transparency, and successful recruitment. Throughout this episode, we dive deep into the friction between traditional law enforcement leadership and the fast-paced digital world, exploring how to overcome the "paralysis by analysis" that often keeps agencies silent.  Tamrin breaks down the difference between "vanity metrics" (like viral dance videos) and "value-driven content" that authentically showcases the expertise and humanity of a department. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Strategy of Storytelling: Why agencies like Phoenix PD and Irvine PD succeed by focusing on "Human-Centered Storytelling" rather than just posed award photos. Aviation and Specialized Units: Tactical advice for air units on using social media to justify budgets, educate the public on capabilities, and provide a "peek behind the curtain" through Tech Tuesdays. Overcoming Leadership Hurdles: How to "supervise up" and package social media proposals that address administrative fears regarding negative comments and legal liability. Crisis Communications: Why the phrase, “no comment,” is a strategy for failure. We discuss lessons learned from major incidents like Ferguson and Uvalde, and the importance of releasing facts on your own terms to control the narrative. The Digital Recruitment War: Why your agency’s "digital fingerprint" is the first thing a potential recruit looks at, and how to use social media for attracting new talent and retaining current staff. Whether you are a social media manager, a unit leader, or a command staff member, this episode provides a tactical "starter pack" for building a professional, effective, and transparent communication strategy. Check out TOC Public Relations at www.tocpublicrelations.com/ Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Quantum Helicopters and SHOTOVER. Goes live June 25th

    1h 7m
  5. How Glenn Daley's Experience Shapes Aviation Safety Part 3 | Ep 362

    Jun 15 ·  Video

    How Glenn Daley's Experience Shapes Aviation Safety Part 3 | Ep 362

    Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.   Our guest is retired Lieutenant Glenn Daley of the New York City Police Department Aviation Unit. Glenn’s career in airborne law enforcement spans decades of service, leadership, instruction, and experience, that has taken him around the world. This conversation is powerful, emotional, educational, and, without question, one of the most important discussions we have had on this podcast. This series begins on Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Glenn takes us back to that horrific morning and provides a firsthand account of the response by NYPD Aviation assets during one of the darkest days in American history. He shares not only the operational response, but also his personal experiences and how that day forever changed him both professionally and personally. Throughout this series, we walk through Glenn’s remarkable NYPD career, including his time assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit, and discuss the transition into flying and instructing after retirement from the department. Glenn’s passion for aviation safety and training is evident throughout every episode. One of the most impactful parts of this conversation is our deep dive into IIMC (inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions). Glenn shares his extensive knowledge and experience on what pilots and crews must do to prevent and survive these situations. We discuss go and no-go decision making, simulator training, proficiency versus currency, instrument ratings, crew coordination, and the mindset required to avoid tragedy. These lessons are real-world, practical, and potentially lifesaving. Episodes like this truly have the power to save lives someday, and we are incredibly fortunate that Glenn was willing to share his experiences, knowledge, and perspective with all our listeners. This is a conversation you will not forget. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Dallas Avionics and Spectrolab. Goes live June 25th

    1h 16m
  6. How Glenn Daley's Experience Shapes Aviation Safety Part 2 | Ep 361

    Jun 11 ·  Video

    How Glenn Daley's Experience Shapes Aviation Safety Part 2 | Ep 361

    Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.   Our guest is retired Lieutenant Glenn Daley of the New York City Police Department Aviation Unit. Glenn’s career in airborne law enforcement spans decades of service, leadership, instruction, and experience, that has taken him around the world. This conversation is powerful, emotional, educational, and, without question, one of the most important discussions we have had on this podcast. This series begins on Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Glenn takes us back to that horrific morning and provides a firsthand account of the response by NYPD Aviation assets during one of the darkest days in American history. He shares not only the operational response, but also his personal experiences and how that day forever changed him both professionally and personally. Throughout this series, we walk through Glenn’s remarkable NYPD career, including his time assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit, and discuss the transition into flying and instructing after retirement from the department. Glenn’s passion for aviation safety and training is evident throughout every episode. One of the most impactful parts of this conversation is our deep dive into IIMC (inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions). Glenn shares his extensive knowledge and experience on what pilots and crews must do to prevent and survive these situations. We discuss go and no-go decision making, simulator training, proficiency versus currency, instrument ratings, crew coordination, and the mindset required to avoid tragedy. These lessons are real-world, practical, and potentially lifesaving. Episodes like this truly have the power to save lives someday, and we are incredibly fortunate that Glenn was willing to share his experiences, knowledge, and perspective with all our listeners. This is a conversation you will not forget. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Robinson Helicopter and SHOTOVER. Goes live June 25th

    1h 7m
  7. How Glenn Daley's Experience Shapes Aviation Safety Part I | Ep 360

    Jun 8 ·  Video

    How Glenn Daley's Experience Shapes Aviation Safety Part I | Ep 360

    Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.   Our guest is retired Lieutenant Glenn Daley of the New York City Police Department Aviation Unit. Glenn’s career in airborne law enforcement spans decades of service, leadership, instruction, and experience, that has taken him around the world. This conversation is powerful, emotional, educational, and, without question, one of the most important discussions we have had on this podcast. This series begins on Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Glenn takes us back to that horrific morning and provides a firsthand account of the response by NYPD Aviation assets during one of the darkest days in American history. He shares not only the operational response, but also his personal experiences and how that day forever changed him both professionally and personally. Throughout this series, we walk through Glenn’s remarkable NYPD career, including his time assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit, and discuss the transition into flying and instructing after retirement from the department. Glenn’s passion for aviation safety and training is evident throughout every episode. One of the most impactful parts of this conversation is our deep dive into IIMC (inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions). Glenn shares his extensive knowledge and experience on what pilots and crews must do to prevent and survive these situations. We discuss go and no-go decision making, simulator training, proficiency versus currency, instrument ratings, crew coordination, and the mindset required to avoid tragedy. These lessons are real-world, practical, and potentially lifesaving. Episodes like this truly have the power to save lives someday, and we are incredibly fortunate that Glenn was willing to share his experiences, knowledge, and perspective with all our listeners. This is a conversation you will not forget. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Metro Aviation and Trakka Systems. Goes live June 25th

    1h 8m
  8. Inside SR3: Revolutionizing Rescue Training | Ep 359

    Jun 4 ·  Video

    Inside SR3: Revolutionizing Rescue Training | Ep 359

    Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.  This episode was recorded live from the floor of VAI Verticon 2026 in Atlanta at the Vertical Plus booth.  In this episode we catch up with two returning guests and highly respected rescue and aviation professionals, retired Las Vegas Metro officer and owner of SR3 Rescue Concepts, Dave Callen, along with longtime law enforcement pilot and SR3 instructor, Tony Weber. This was a rapid-fire conversation in the middle of a packed convention floor, but that energy made for an outstanding discussion centered around one critical topic — precision training for real-world rescue missions. Dave and Tony share their perspectives on the importance of outside training, the impact of the Hoist Users Conference, and why realistic, mission-focused preparation can make the difference when lives are on the line. We also discuss a quote that resonates deeply throughout aviation and law enforcement: “The absence of an accident does not imply the presence of safety.” It’s a mindset that challenges organizations and operators to constantly evaluate training, proficiency, and readiness long before something goes wrong. As always, there are plenty of laughs mixed in with the serious conversation, and we’re incredibly grateful to have two trusted subject matter experts join us again to talk about the evolution of life-saving rescue training. For more information on SR3 Rescue Concepts, visit SR3rescue.com Thank you to all our sponsors Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch, Summit Aviation and Quantum Helicopters.  Goes live June 25th

    1h 9m
See All (369)

4.9
out of 5
101 Ratings

About

A podcast where we explore the personnel and equipment behind the missions in Public Safety Aviation. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jon Gray
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    369
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Hangar Z Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Hangar Z Podcast

You Might Also Like