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 him to Fort Worth PD.

Alex is also an Army veteran who joined Fort Worth PD and worked his way into aviation, first serving as a reserve TFO before earning a full-time position in the unit.

Together, we dig into changing the culture within an aviation unit, the challenges and wins of developing and formalizing a TFO program, operating the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, and share impactful experiences flying over Fort Worth. Along the way, we also take a deep dive into the OH-58D Kiowa, its capabilities, and why it left such a lasting impression on those who flew it.

Please take a moment to like and subscribe to the Hangar Z Podcast. We appreciate your support.

Thank you to our sponsors Rotorcraft Support, Inc., Summit Aviation and Trakka Systems.

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 in enhancing law enforcement operations while also exploring the integration of drones in aviation.

Leo emphasizes their complementary function alongside helicopters, showcasing the importance of training in adapting to these innovations.

He also addresses the evolving public perception of law enforcement and how communication plays a pivotal role in aviation operations.

For newcomers to the aviation industry, Leo offers invaluable advice, stressing the significance of continuous learning and effective communication.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, CNC Technologies and Precision Aviation Group.

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 Airbus, Technisonic Industries and Trakka Systems.