The Hangar Z Podcast

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.

On today's episode, we're honored to welcome Deputy Jonathan Lazada and Deputy Chase Gomez of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit. Jonathan and Chase are the recipients of the Airborne Public Safety Association's Aircrew of the Year Award, as well as the FLIR Vision Award in the Life Saving category, recognizing their extraordinary efforts during a search that ultimately saved three lives.

What began as the search for a downed aircraft several miles offshore quickly became a race against time. Operating within the limitations of their aircraft and mission equipment, they relied on disciplined Crew Resource Management, sound decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to the mission. Their persistence paid off when they located three survivors floating in the ocean and directed U.S. Coast Guard rescue assets to their position, leading to a successful rescue.

In this conversation, we take a deep dive into every aspect of the mission. Jonathan and Chase walk us through the initial response, the challenges of searching over open water, the limitations of their airframe for this type of operation, and the critical decisions they made while balancing mission success with flight safety. We also discuss the importance of effective Crew Resource Management, maintaining situational awareness under pressure, staying determined when the odds seem stacked against you, and how teamwork became the defining factor in a successful outcome.

One of the most rewarding moments came after the rescue, when Jonathan and Chase had the opportunity to meet all three survivors back at the hangar—a powerful reminder of why public safety aviation professionals do what they do.

This is an incredible story of professionalism, perseverance, and teamwork under the most demanding conditions. We know you're going to enjoy this conversation.

Watch the 2026 FLIR Vision Awards | Life Saver Award with Jonathan and Chase at this link.

Thank you to our sponsors CENTUM, MD Helicopters and Quantum Helicopters.

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. 
In this episode we are heading to Modesto, California, to hear how a brand-new air support unit was built from the ground up, and how it’s already changing the way the department fights crime, protects officers, and serves the community.
Lt Mike Hicks and Lt Kalani Souza were both involved from the opening decision to start an air unit. They share the process and the many challenges involved within funding, airframe choice, acquiring the airframe, and then finding to right crews members.
They also discuss the immediate benefits of air support in supporting patrol operations including a dramatic reduction in crime.
Thank you to our sponsors BLR Aerospace, Dallas Avionics and Robinson Helicopter.

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. 
In this episode we are heading to Modesto, California, to hear how a brand-new air support unit was built from the ground up, and how it’s already changing the way the department fights crime, protects officers, and serves the community.
Lt Mike Hicks and Lt Kalani Souza were both involved from the opening decision to start an air unit. They share the process and the many challenges involved within funding, airframe choice, acquiring the airframe, and then finding to right crews members.
They also discuss the immediate benefits of air support in supporting patrol operations including a dramatic reduction in crime.
Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Onboard Systems & Hoist & Winch and Spectrolab.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
 
In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Clay Lacey of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Harald Brink of the Dutch National Police to explore the 25-plus-year legacy of Jack Schonely’s tactical training. 
 
From individual officer safety to agency-wide operations, Jack’s framework for apprehending fleeing suspects has become a global standard for pilots, tactical flight officers, and K-9 handlers alike.
 
In this episode, the group reflects on the leadership and shared experiences that have shaped law enforcement tactics across the U.S. and Europe. Harald provides a global perspective and previews his upcoming course on locating missing persons, while Clay shares hard-earned insights on the humility required to mentor the next generation. 
 
The conversation also explores what it takes to become an effective instructor, focusing on authenticity over ego. Finally, the group looks ahead to the ECHO 2026 Public Safety Aviation Conference in Philadelphia. If you’re committed to tactical training, instructor development, and the future of public safety aviation, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics, Metro Aviation and SHOTOVER.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
 
In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Clay Lacey of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Harald Brink of the Dutch National Police to explore the 25-plus-year legacy of Jack Schonely’s tactical training. 
 
From individual officer safety to agency-wide operations, Jack’s framework for apprehending fleeing suspects has become a global standard for pilots, tactical flight officers, and K-9 handlers alike.
 
In this episode, the group reflects on the leadership and shared experiences that have shaped law enforcement tactics across the U.S. and Europe. Harald provides a global perspective and previews his upcoming course on locating missing persons, while Clay shares hard-earned insights on the humility required to mentor the next generation. 
 
The conversation also explores what it takes to become an effective instructor, focusing on authenticity over ego. Finally, the group looks ahead to the ECHO 2026 Public Safety Aviation Conference in Philadelphia. If you’re committed to tactical training, instructor development, and the future of public safety aviation, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, CNC Technologies and Precision Aviation Group.