Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!

In this two-part series Bryan Smith and Jon Gray sit down with Dr. Daphne “Pole” Ryan, or “Doc” as she is known in naval aviation. Ryan is a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and an aviation specialist physical therapist. She has over two decades of experience and over 42,000 direct care patient hours.

Ryan has spent the last seven years working directly with aviators to mitigate their spinal pain. Ryan has used her passion and experience to keep pilots and aircrew in the aircraft.

Owner of Smart BacX Labs in Denver, Ryan has developed treatments for military, law enforcement and commercial pilots including aircrew to find solutions that help mitigate their neck and back pain.

Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Precision Aviation Group, and CNC Technologies.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!

In this two-part series Bryan Smith and Jon Gray sit down with Dr. Daphne “Pole” Ryan, or “Doc” as she is known in naval aviation. Ryan is a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and an aviation specialist physical therapist. She has over two decades of experience and over 42,000 direct care patient hours.

Ryan has spent the last seven years working directly with aviators to mitigate their spinal pain. Ryan has used her passion and experience to keep pilots and aircrew in the aircraft.

Owner of Smart BacX Labs in Denver, Ryan has developed treatments for military, law enforcement and commercial pilots including aircrew to find solutions that help mitigate their neck and back pain.

Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, SHOTOVER, and Airbus.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!

In this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, Mike Calhoun and Jason Quinn from the Real ResQ Podcast speak with James Hickman, the chief pilot at Two Bear Air Rescue. Join us as we unravel the story of Hickman’s aviation career, from his humble beginnings in Oregon to the peaks of Montana.

The ultimate mission of Two Bear Air Rescue is saving lives. Based near Whitefish, Montana, Two Bear Air Rescue provides world-class aviation support for search-and-rescue operations across the northwest United States.

​Whitefish philanthropist Michael Goguen supports all costs of this program, leaving zero cost to the taxpayers.

Hickman’s path to becoming a seasoned pilot wasn't without its twists and turns. After honing his skills as a helicopter and fixed-wing flight instructor in Kalispell, Montana, he immersed himself in the world of backcountry charter flying, where every flight presented its own unique challenges.

But it was during his time as an instructor that fate intervened, as Hickman found himself collaborating with the visionaries behind Two Bear Air Rescue, a burgeoning search-and-rescue outfit. As Hickman accumulated flight hours and experience, he seized the opportunity to join Era Helicopters in Alaska, where he had the opportunity to fly above the breathtaking landscapes of Denali National Park.

His time in Alaska proved to be not only exhilarating but also transformative, laying the groundwork for his eventual return to Two Bear Air Rescue as a pilot. For eight years now, Hickman has been an integral part of the team, leveraging his expertise to save lives and navigate the rugged terrain of Montana's backcountry.

Beyond the cockpit, Hickman embraces the mountain lifestyle, indulging in his passions for skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. His love for adventure knows no bounds.

Thank you to our sponsors Bell, Collins Aerospace Goodrich hoist and winch and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS.

In this long-anticipated two-part series, we sit down with U.S. Army pilot CW5 Allen C. Mack, who authored the riveting book Razor 03.

In Razor 03, Mack shares his behind the scenes perspective of The Horse Soldiers in the war in Afghanistan. Mack discusses the hunt for Osama bin Laden, and his shoot-down during Operation Anaconda. Years later, he chased Bowe Bergdahl, rescued hostages in Iraq and a survivor from the Kunar Valley. He lived by his unit’s motto: “Night Stalkers don’t quit.”

Ten years of deployments brought Mack monumental success and crushing sadness. Both provide intriguing accounts of war, love, determination and emotional resilience.

Join us as we discuss Mack’s life and experiences as a special operations pilot for the U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers.

Thank you to our sponsors, CNC Technologies, MD Helicopters and Technisonic.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS.

In this long-anticipated two-part series, we sit down with U.S. Army pilot CW5 Allen C. Mack, who authored the riveting book Razor 03.

In Razor 03, Mack shares his behind the scenes perspective of The Horse Soldiers in the war in Afghanistan. Mack discusses the hunt for Osama bin Laden, and his shoot-down during Operation Anaconda. Years later, he chased Bowe Bergdahl, rescued hostages in Iraq and a survivor from the Kunar Valley. He lived by his unit’s motto: “Night Stalkers don’t quit.”

Ten years of deployments brought Mack monumental success and crushing sadness. Both provide intriguing accounts of war, love, determination and emotional resilience.

Join us as we discuss Mack’s life and experiences as a special operations pilot for the U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers.

Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics, Metro Aviation, and Trakka Systems.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!


In this two-part series, we sit down to talk with Capt Lee Majors from the Leon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) in Florida.

The LCSO has operated helicopters in support of law enforcement and public safety efforts in Tallahassee, Leon County, and the surrounding area since 1974.

For the first 25 or so years, LCSO operated the only law enforcement helicopter in the Florida panhandle. Today, the LCSO Aviation Bureau is often modeled by other agencies, and is the primary Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force aviation response unit for the region.

Majors is a lifelong resident of Tallahassee, with a rich history of service in law enforcement aviation and community involvement.

His journey with the LCSO began as a volunteer in 1985 when he joined the LCSO C.B. Posse, steadily rising through the ranks to the position of lieutenant. In 1989, while still serving in the posse, he volunteered at aviation as a reserve tactical flight officer, showcasing his dedication to public safety aviation.

In January 2000, his commitment was recognized when he was hired as a full-time employee into the aviation unit. Over the years, Majors has played pivotal roles within the LCSO, including being promoted to sergeant in 2014 and assuming command of the aviation unit.

Throughout his tenure, Majors has spearheaded numerous initiatives and achievements within the LCSO. He was instrumental in procuring and outfitting the new Bell 505 helicopter, marking the first new aircraft purchased for the unit since its inception in 1974.

Additionally, he played a key role in establishing the LCSO/Tallahassee PD Aviation Task Force, expanding the reach and effectiveness of airborne law enforcement operations in Tallahassee/Leon County and beyond.

Majors' expertise extends beyond the LCSO, as he is recognized as a subject matter expert in airborne law enforcement operations nationally. He has lent his technical and safety guidance to numerous agencies, assisting them with aviation unit start-ups and equipment procurement.

Majors is a pilot with over 5,600 hours of logged pilot-in-command time. He holds Federal Aviation Administration certifications as an airline transport pilot, flight instructor for helicopters and single-engine land and sea airplanes, instrument flight instructor, and advanced ground school instructor, among others.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Majors is actively involved in various organizations and community initiatives. He serves on the board of directors for the Airborne Public Safety Association, where he currently holds the position of treasurer. He also volunteers with organizations such as the Experimental Aircraft Association, Lively Technical College Airframe and Powerplant School Occupational Advisory Council, and the Boy Scouts of America.

Majors' dedication to aviation safety, law enforcement, and community service has made a lasting impact on the public safety aviation community worldwide.

Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Trakka Systems and Greenwich AeroGroup

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!


In this two-part series, we sit down to talk with Capt Lee Majors from the Leon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) in Florida.

The LCSO has operated helicopters in support of law enforcement and public safety efforts in Tallahassee, Leon County, and the surrounding area since 1974.

For the first 25 or so years, LCSO operated the only law enforcement helicopter in the Florida panhandle. Today, the LCSO Aviation Bureau is often modeled by other agencies, and is the primary Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force aviation response unit for the region.

Majors is a lifelong resident of Tallahassee, with a rich history of service in law enforcement aviation and community involvement.

His journey with the LCSO began as a volunteer in 1985 when he joined the LCSO C.B. Posse, steadily rising through the ranks to the position of lieutenant. In 1989, while still serving in the posse, he volunteered at aviation as a reserve tactical flight officer, showcasing his dedication to public safety aviation.

In January 2000, his commitment was recognized when he was hired as a full-time employee into the aviation unit. Over the years, Majors has played pivotal roles within the LCSO, including being promoted to sergeant in 2014 and assuming command of the aviation unit.

Throughout his tenure, Majors has spearheaded numerous initiatives and achievements within the LCSO. He was instrumental in procuring and outfitting the new Bell 505 helicopter, marking the first new aircraft purchased for the unit since its inception in 1974.

Additionally, he played a key role in establishing the LCSO/Tallahassee PD Aviation Task Force, expanding the reach and effectiveness of airborne law enforcement operations in Tallahassee/Leon County and beyond.

Majors' expertise extends beyond the LCSO, as he is recognized as a subject matter expert in airborne law enforcement operations nationally. He has lent his technical and safety guidance to numerous agencies, assisting them with aviation unit start-ups and equipment procurement.

Majors is a pilot with over 5,600 hours of logged pilot-in-command time. He holds Federal Aviation Administration certifications as an airline transport pilot, flight instructor for helicopters and single-engine land and sea airplanes, instrument flight instructor, and advanced ground school instructor, among others.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Majors is actively involved in various organizations and community initiatives. He serves on the board of directors for the Airborne Public Safety Association, where he currently holds the position of treasurer. He also volunteers with organizations such as the Experimental Aircraft Association, Lively Technical College Airframe and Powerplant School Occupational Advisory Council, and the Boy Scouts of America.

Majors' dedication to aviation safety, law enforcement, and community service has made a lasting impact on the public safety aviation community worldwide.

Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics, SHOTOVER and Bell

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!

This will be another one of our Vertical Helicasts Mash-Up episodes with Halsey Schider from The Helicopter Podcast and Jason Quinn from the Real ResQ Podcast.

In this episode we introduce our newest Vertical host, Val Medved, who will be hosting the new Vertical MRO Podcast—the first episode drops today.

The Vertical MRO Podcast explores the world of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The episodes feature helicopter technicians, mechanics engineers, and MRO experts who will share valuable industry insight, knowledge and stories that will inspire current and aspiring industry maintainers.

This podcast will be available on all the major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

To find out more about the Vertical MRO Podcast go to VerticalHelicasts.com.

Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.