The Hangar Z Podcast

Jon Gray
  • 4.9 (97)
  • AVIATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. Episode 327 - Navigating the Skies: Tim Brennan's Path from Military to Maricopa Part 2

    3D AGO

    Episode 327 - Navigating the Skies: Tim Brennan's Path from Military to Maricopa Part 2

    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 his time at Quantum Helicopters, progressing from instructor to chief flight instructor, before moving into his current role with Maricopa County. In Episode 3, the conversation culminates in a gripping account of an incredible swift water rescue, offering a firsthand look at the skill, teamwork, and split-second decisions required to save lives from the air. It is a story you will not want to miss. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z and please share with your friends and coworkers. We appreciate all your support. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics, Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER Systems.

    58 min
  2. Episode 326 - Navigating the Skies: Tim Brennan's Path from Military to Maricopa Part 1

    6D AGO

    Episode 326 - Navigating the Skies: Tim Brennan's Path from Military to Maricopa Part 1

    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 his time at Quantum Helicopters, progressing from instructor to chief flight instructor, before moving into his current role with Maricopa County. In Episode 3, the conversation culminates in a gripping account of an incredible swift water rescue, offering a firsthand look at the skill, teamwork, and split-second decisions required to save lives from the air. It is a story you will not want to miss. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z and please share with your friends and coworkers. We appreciate all your support. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics, Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER Systems.

    54 min
  3. Episode 325 - Beyond Borders: Avincis’ Global Response with Group CEO John Boag

    JAN 29

    Episode 325 - Beyond Borders: Avincis’ Global Response with Group CEO John Boag

    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 operations across several European countries as well as in Chile and Mozambique. During our conversation, Boag recounts the milestones that ignited his passion for aviation at a young age and how he transitioned from pilot to executive. We’ll explore his philosophy as a "disruptive leader" and explore the innovative path Avincis is taking with new technology in emergency services. We discuss the evolution of aviation technology, the importance of mentorship, the challenges of recruitment and retention in the industry, and the growing threat of wildfires. But the story doesn't end here. Read the full company profile on our website to discover how this European helicopter giant delivers lifesaving services. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Precision Aviation Group and Robinson Helicopter.

    50 min
  4. Episode 324 - Intelligence-Led Aviation: Daniel Rosenberg & The Swedish National Police

    JAN 26

    Episode 324 - Intelligence-Led Aviation: Daniel Rosenberg & The Swedish National Police

    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 serving with the Swedish Security and Intelligence Service, he has gained unique insights into the importance of intelligence in policing. Since joining the Air Support Unit in 2018 as a tactical flight officer, he has focused on training and developing mission equipment and tactics.  Today, we’ll explore how he's leveraging advanced systems to visualize information, enhancing proactive responses in critical situations. We also talk about the integration of drone technology in policing and the evolving landscape of law enforcement operations.  Join us as we explore his innovative approaches and the future of air support in law enforcement. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and Robinson Helicopter.

    48 min
  5. Episode 323 - International TFO Panel: Connecting Cultures in Policing Part 2

    JAN 22

    Episode 323 - International TFO Panel: Connecting Cultures in Policing Part 2

    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.S. and Europe. From suspect behavior that looks the same in Dallas as it does in The Hague, to the training that makes agency operations effective and efficient. We talk about the intense task saturation of the tactical flight officer—a job we argue is the most difficult in all of law enforcement—and the crucial safety threshold of simulator training, plus the tactical impact of flying single-engine helicopters versus the big twins. Check out the article "Aerial Pursuit Across Continents" by Jon Duke, who joins us to help cross-pollinate these incredible conversations into print. You can find the article in the Fall issue of Vertical Valor magazine. Visit VerticalMag.com to read more about this collaboration that came to life, alongside this recording! Thank you to our sponsors Bell, CENTUM and Metro Aviation.

    1h 6m
  6. Episode 322 - International TFO Panel: Connecting Cultures in Policing Part 1

    JAN 19

    Episode 322 - International TFO Panel: Connecting Cultures in Policing Part 1

    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.S. and Europe. From suspect behavior that looks the same in Dallas as it does in The Hague, to the training that makes agency operations effective and efficient. We talk about the intense task saturation of the tactical flight officer—a job we argue is the most difficult in all of law enforcement—and the crucial safety threshold of simulator training, plus the tactical impact of flying single-engine helicopters versus the big twins. Check out the article "Aerial Pursuit Across Continents" by Jon Duke, who joins us to help cross-pollinate these incredible conversations into print. You can find the article in the Fall issue of Vertical Valor magazine. Visit VerticalMag.com to read more about this collaboration that came to life, alongside this recording! Thank you to our sponsors Bell, CENTUM and Precision Aviation Group.

    1h 4m
  7. Episode 321 - Inside York Regional Police Air Support: Tackling and Suppressing Auto Theft Part 2

    JAN 15

    Episode 321 - Inside York Regional Police Air Support: Tackling and Suppressing Auto Theft Part 2

    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.  Additionally, Mikey shares the story behind his nickname 'Bobby Big Time,’ which was born during a successful operation, showcasing the impact and effectiveness of a great air support unit. We also have an opportunity to talk about the significance of promoting from within and learning from industry leaders to enhance operational effectiveness. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, BLR Aerospace and SHOTOVER.

    1h 12m
  8. Episode 320 - Inside York Regional Police Air Support: Tackling and Suppressing Auto Theft Part 1

    JAN 12

    Episode 320 - Inside York Regional Police Air Support: Tackling and Suppressing Auto Theft Part 1

    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.  Additionally, Mikey shares the story behind his nickname 'Bobby Big Time,’ which was born during a successful operation, showcasing the impact and effectiveness of a great air support unit. We also have an opportunity to talk about the significance of promoting from within and learning from industry leaders to enhance operational effectiveness. Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, BLR Aerospace and SHOTOVER.

    1h 8m
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4.9
out of 5
97 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
    329
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Hangar Z Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Hangar Z Podcast

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