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

In this landmark two-part series celebrating our 200th episode, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray have the honor of welcoming Kevin Means, a legendary figure in law enforcement aviation, and the familiar voice you hear at the beginning of every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast.

This special series dives deep into Kevin's unforgettable, “Don't go over that fence,”incident, illuminating its significant impact on public safety.

Join us as we explore the evolution of tactical flight officer (TFO) training and the remarkable journey that led Kevin from a curious childhood to becoming a respected police officer.

Together, they discuss the unique dynamics of the San Diego Police Department, addressing the challenges faced by law enforcement in the region, including the infamous San Diego tank chase and the transformative advancements in air support and technology in policing.

Kevin talks about the early part of his career where he reflects on working patrol, and the infamous Border Crime Suppression Team written about in the book Lines and Shadows by Joseph Wambaugh.

We discuss the importance of crew resource management in aviation. Kevin shares his perspectives on the media’s portrayals of law enforcement and the changing public perceptions of police work.

With his extensive experience, Kevin highlights the critical importance of communication, training, and leadership in the field. He discusses the founding of the company Tactical Flying, as well as his role in mentoring the next generation of aviators. As we approach the conclusion, Kevin reflects on his retirement and his ongoing commitment to education and mentorship within aviation.

Join us for this monumental series as we look back on the journey of law enforcement aviation and forward to the future our industry.

Tune in and help us celebrate 200 episodes of the Hangar Z Podcast!

Thank you to our sponsors Bell, Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER.

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

This episode was recorded on location in Washington, D.C., from the D.C. Metro Police aviation hangar, as part of The Hangar Z Vertical Valor Blades of Valor Tour.

The road tour included visits to some of North America’s public safety aviation units, showcasing some of the heroes who exemplify courage, dedication, and selflessness in the line of duty every day.

Jack Schonley, Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor magazine and Jon Gray were invited to see firsthand the good work they are doing to protect the capital of the United States.

In this episode, we sit down with Sgt Danny Thaw and pilot Kevin Chittick from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit.

The conversation delves into the critical role of aviation during civil disturbance situations in providing valuable information to ground units. Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of operating within the tightly controlled airspace of Washington, D.C.

We discuss and emphasize the importance of crew resource management (CRM) and the strong relationship between law enforcement pilots and air traffic controllers, highlighting the significance of fostering trust and communication.

We discuss the impact of new technologies on law enforcement aviation, along with stories from impactful missions, including the response to the January 6 incident.

Tune in to discover the essential value of aviation in enhancing situational awareness and supporting officers on the ground in their ongoing commitment to public safety.

Look out for an article, photos, and videos, by Brent Bundy highlighting the DC Metro Aviation Unit at Verticalmag.com and the Vertical YouTube page.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, SHOTOVER and Spectrolab.

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

This episode was recorded on location in Washington, D.C., from the D.C. Metro Police aviation hangar, as part of The Hangar Z Vertical Valor Blades of Valor Tour.

The road tour included visits to some of North America’s public safety aviation units, showcasing some of the heroes who exemplify courage, dedication, and selflessness in the line of duty every day.

Jack Schonley, Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor magazine and Jon Gray were invited to see firsthand the good work they are doing to protect the capital of the United States.

In this episode, we sit down with Sgt Danny Thaw and pilot Kevin Chittick from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit.

The conversation delves into the critical role of aviation during civil disturbance situations in providing valuable information to ground units. Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of operating within the tightly controlled airspace of Washington, D.C.

We discuss and emphasize the importance of crew resource management (CRM) and the strong relationship between law enforcement pilots and air traffic controllers, highlighting the significance of fostering trust and communication.

We discuss the impact of new technologies on law enforcement aviation, along with stories from impactful missions, including the response to the January 6 incident.

Tune in to discover the essential value of aviation in enhancing situational awareness and supporting officers on the ground in their ongoing commitment to public safety.

Look out for an article, photos, and videos, by Brent Bundy highlighting the DC Metro Aviation Unit at Verticalmag.com and the Vertical YouTube page.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Dallas Avionics and Metro Aviation.