Episode 201 - Over the Fence: Celebrating 200 Episodes with Kevin Means

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 Dallas Avionics, Robinson Helicopter Company and Spectrum Aeromed.

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.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, Vertical Valor’s Scott Dworkin and Jon Gray visit the Kern County Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit at their hangar in Bakersfield, California. While there, we witnessed the operation of their impressive aviation program. During the podcast, we discuss the evolution of their aviation program, the aircraft they fly, the missions they support, and the challenges they face in operations. We talk about the importance of oil and agriculture in the local economy, the legacy of country music in Bakersfield, and the assignments available at the Kern County Sheriff's Department. The conversation touches on mental health in law enforcement and ends with some lighthearted stories from the field. We get an opportunity to talk about the advantages we gain from new and developing technology in law enforcement aviation, the importance of partnerships, and the role of debriefs in improving operations. They also touch on the challenges faced by air support programs and the importance of tracking and reporting data. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the operations and advancements in law enforcement aviation.Thank you to our sponsors Bell, Collins Aerospace and Metro Aviation.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, Vertical Valor’s Scott Dworkin and Jon Gray visit the Kern County Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit at their hangar in Bakersfield, California. While there, we witnessed the operation of their impressive aviation program. During the podcast, we discuss the evolution of their aviation program, the aircraft they fly, the missions they support, and the challenges they face in operations. We talk about the importance of oil and agriculture in the local economy, the legacy of country music in Bakersfield, and the assignments available at the Kern County Sheriff's Department. The conversation touches on mental health in law enforcement and ends with some lighthearted stories from the field. We get an opportunity to talk about the advantages we gain from new and developing technology in law enforcement aviation, the importance of partnerships, and the role of debriefs in improving operations. They also touch on the challenges faced by air support programs and the importance of tracking and reporting data. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the operations and advancements in law enforcement aviation.Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Precision Aviation Group and Robinson Helicopters.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this two part panel style conversation, Jack Schonely and Jon Gray bring you a unique conversation featuring a Canadian panel of public safety aviation experts. Together, they share their diverse backgrounds and experiences, shedding light on the vital roles they play within the public safety aviation community.Our discussion revolves around the importance of training and skill development, particularly for tactical flight officers (TFOs), as they navigate the complexities of their responsibilities during critical incidents.We’ll explore how technology is transforming the landscape of law enforcement aviation, and discuss the collaborative efforts that enhance operational effectiveness across various aviation platforms.The panel addresses pressing topics, including the impact of the mass shooting in Portapique, Nova Scotia; the vital role of the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) in situational awareness; and the challenges posed by weather conditions in public safety operations.They’ll also share best practices for survival kits designed for extreme weather scenarios and the importance of ongoing education through diverse training environments.Join us as we dive deep into the challenges, experiences, and insights from our panelists, providing you with a comprehensive look at the growth and evolution of public safety aviation in Canada.Thank you to our sponsors Garmin, Dallas Avionics, and Wysong Enterprises.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this two part panel style conversation, Jack Schonely and Jon Gray bring you a unique conversation featuring a Canadian panel of public safety aviation experts. Together, they share their diverse backgrounds and experiences, shedding light on the vital roles they play within the public safety aviation community.Our discussion revolves around the importance of training and skill development, particularly for tactical flight officers (TFOs), as they navigate the complexities of their responsibilities during critical incidents.We’ll explore how technology is transforming the landscape of law enforcement aviation, and discuss the collaborative efforts that enhance operational effectiveness across various aviation platforms.The panel addresses pressing topics, including the impact of the mass shooting in Portapique, Nova Scotia; the vital role of the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) in situational awareness; and the challenges posed by weather conditions in public safety operations.They’ll also share best practices for survival kits designed for extreme weather scenarios and the importance of ongoing education through diverse training environments.Join us as we dive deep into the challenges, experiences, and insights from our panelists, providing you with a comprehensive look at the growth and evolution of public safety aviation in Canada.Thank you to our sponsors SHOTOVER, Robinson Helicopters, Metro Aviation.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this two-part series, Jack Schonely, Tony Webber and Jon Gray sit back down for a full-length interview with L.A. County Fire Pilot and 2024 HAI Pilot of the Year award recipient Mike Sagely.We cover a wide range of topics, from the profound impact a career in aviation can have on family life and mental health to the importance of mentorship and preparation for success.Join us as Mike shares his journey from serving as a U.S. Army pilot during a pivotal time in history to navigating the challenges of modern aviation. He reflects on the transition from the Vietnam War era to flying iconic helicopters like the Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk and Boeing AH-64 Apache, and discusses his selection process for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) along with the rigorous training and deployments that defined his military career.We also delve into the realities faced by military and public safety personnel in maintaining strong family units amidst the demands of their roles and the stresses of the job. Mike provides invaluable insights on transitioning from service to civilian life and working as a pilot for the L.A. County Fire Department, detailing the diverse missions they undertake, including rescues and firefighting operations.We wrap up with a compelling discussion on the critical importance of aircraft maintenance in firefighting and the strategic role of heli-tac crews. Mike concludes with advice for aspiring aviators, emphasizing the values of integrity, reputation, and professional training.Thanks to our sponsors Garmin, Dallas Avionics and Technisonic.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this two-part series, Jack Schonely, Tony Webber and Jon Gray sit back down for a full-length interview with L.A. County Fire Pilot and 2024 HAI Pilot of the Year award recipient Mike Sagely.We cover a wide range of topics, from the profound impact a career in aviation can have on family life and mental health to the importance of mentorship and preparation for success.Join us as Mike shares his journey from serving as a U.S. Army pilot during a pivotal time in history to navigating the challenges of modern aviation. He reflects on the transition from the Vietnam War era to flying iconic helicopters like the Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk and Boeing AH-64 Apache, and discusses his selection process for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) along with the rigorous training and deployments that defined his military career.We also delve into the realities faced by military and public safety personnel in maintaining strong family units amidst the demands of their roles and the stresses of the job. Mike provides invaluable insights on transitioning from service to civilian life and working as a pilot for the L.A. County Fire Department, detailing the diverse missions they undertake, including rescues and firefighting operations.We wrap up with a compelling discussion on the critical importance of aircraft maintenance in firefighting and the strategic role of heli-tac crews. Mike concludes with advice for aspiring aviators, emphasizing the values of integrity, reputation, and professional training.Thanks to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Collins Aerospace and Wysong Enterprises.