Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and 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 episode, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely have a conversation with Chief Pilot Frank Peck of the Omaha Police Department. Frank brings a unique and well-rounded perspective to law enforcement aviation, having spent many years with the Nebraska State Patrol, including time as a K9 handler where he experienced firsthand the value of air support. He eventually shifted his focus to aviation, advancing from a part-time Tactical Flight Officer to Captain and Chief Pilot of the Aviation Support Division.

During his tenure, Frank led significant expansions in aircraft capabilities, mission equipment, and aviation facilities, all while actively supporting troopers from the air. He now brings that wealth of experience to the Omaha Police Department, where he continues as Chief Pilot. Known for his hands-on leadership style, Frank is committed to continually improving every aspect of the unit he leads.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Hangar Z Podcast. We truly appreciate the support so we can bring these important conversations to you.

Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Night Flight Concepts and Spectrum Aeromed.

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 episode, host Jon Gray, along with co-hosts Jack Schonely and Bryan Smith, sit down for an in-depth conversation with Tactical Flying’s Ryan Welch.

Ryan, a seasoned law enforcement officer turned Major League Baseball authenticator, shares his remarkable journey from serving 16 years with the San Diego Police Department to becoming a senior tactical flight officer, specializing in airborne thermal imaging and airborne law enforcement tactics.

In the conversation we discuss the vital role of training, mentorship, and community involvement, as well as the evolution of technology in law enforcement operations. From scenario-based training to the integration of unmanned systems, Ryan, a tactics instructor for Tactical Flying, provides invaluable insights into ensuring operational safety and effectiveness, highlighting the critical importance of ongoing, continuous training.

Whether you’re interested in aviation, law enforcement, or leadership, this episode delivers expert knowledge and inspiring stories from a truly accomplished professional.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Garmin and Metro Aviation.

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 episode, host Jon Gray, along with co-hosts Jack Schonely and Bryan Smith, sit down for an in-depth conversation with Tactical Flying’s Ryan Welch.

Ryan, a seasoned law enforcement officer turned Major League Baseball authenticator, shares his remarkable journey from serving 16 years with the San Diego Police Department to becoming a senior tactical flight officer, specializing in airborne thermal imaging and airborne law enforcement tactics.

In the conversation we discuss the vital role of training, mentorship, and community involvement, as well as the evolution of technology in law enforcement operations. From scenario-based training to the integration of unmanned systems, Ryan, a tactics instructor for Tactical Flying, provides invaluable insights into ensuring operational safety and effectiveness, highlighting the critical importance of ongoing, continuous training.

Whether you’re interested in aviation, law enforcement, or leadership, this episode delivers expert knowledge and inspiring stories from a truly accomplished professional.

Thank you to our sponsors BLR Aerospace, Robinson Helicopter and SHOTOVER.