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Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts.   In this two-part series, we are honored to sit down with Bobby Swartz to discuss his remarkable aviation career. Swartz’s military aviation story began with Naval Aviation Flight training from 2009 to 2011.    In 2012, he completed the MV-22B Initial Pilot Qualification and underwent rigorous flight training, laying the foundation for a career filled with notable achievements.   Swartz’s career trajectory led him through various impactful roles within the Marine Corps, showcasing expertise and flight leadership at every step. He initially served as a Ground Safety Officer in VMM-561 in Miramar and VMM-265 in Okinawa, Japan while continuing to learn the Osprey.  His dedication to safety and excellence has been a consistent thread throughout his career.     The majority of Swartz’s career was spent at VMM-161, in San Diego at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, where he held key positions such as Director of Safety & Standardization and Aviation Safety Officer while attaining Night Systems Instructor and Flight Lead designations in the Osprey.   Swartz’s dedication and excellence led him to Washington, D.C., where he was assigned to the prestigious Marine Helicopter Squadron One a.k.a. HMX 1, which is in charge of transportation of the U.S. President, Presidential Staff, and dignitaries worldwide.   Since leaving active duty in 2021 Swartz has earned the title of first officer at a major U.S. airline flying the 737 and continues to serve the United States as a Marine Corps reservist flying the Osprey out of Miramar.    Thank you to our sponsors, Precision Aviation Group, Metro Aviation, and  Astronautics Corporation of America

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts.   In this two-part series, we are honored to sit down with Bobby Swartz to discuss his remarkable aviation career. Swartz’s military aviation story began with Naval Aviation Flight training from 2009 to 2011.    In 2012, he completed the MV-22B Initial Pilot Qualification and underwent rigorous flight training, laying the foundation for a career filled with notable achievements.   Swartz’s career trajectory led him through various impactful roles within the Marine Corps, showcasing expertise and flight leadership at every step. He initially served as a Ground Safety Officer in VMM-561 in Miramar and VMM-265 in Okinawa, Japan while continuing to learn the Osprey. His dedication to safety and excellence has been a consistent thread throughout his career.    The majority of Swartz’s career was spent at VMM-161, in San Diego at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, where he held key positions such as Director of Safety & Standardization and Aviation Safety Officer while attaining Night Systems Instructor and Flight Lead designations in the Osprey.   Swartz’s dedication and excellence led him to Washington, D.C., where he was assigned to the prestigious Marine Helicopter Squadron One a.k.a. HMX 1, which is in charge of transportation of the U.S. President, Presidential Staff, and dignitaries worldwide.   Since leaving active duty in 2021 Swartz has earned the title of first officer at a major U.S. airline flying the 737 and continues to serve the United States as a Marine Corps reservist flying the Osprey out of Miramar.    Thank you to our sponsors Bell, Dallas Avionics, and SHOTOVER

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts. In this two-part series, we sit down to talk about Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and how they are helping to improve the public safety aviation industry.  Joining us for this conversation is Tony Weller the Director of sales and marketing for AEM and Sean Rickards the chief pilot and Director of Operations for Yellowhead Helicopters. Tony Weller has been with AEM for over 7 years. Tony also spent many years working in the education field as a teacher and Head of Department, with positions in Australia, the UK, and Canada. Sean Rickards is a professional pilot with over 30 years of experience with over 10,000+ flight hours. In 2001, Sean joined Yellowhead Helicopters as a Base Manager and, within a few years, earned the position of Regional Manager for Yellowhead Helicopters' northern operations. In 2014, Sean was appointed as the Director of Operations for Yellowhead Helicopters. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in guiding the company through a significant period of growth as the company expanded to over 40 aircraft.   His passion for aviation, dedication to safety, and ability to navigate complex operations have firmly established him as a respected figure in the helicopter industry." Yellowhead Helicopters is a privately held Canadian company that has been providing commercial helicopter solutions to the public, industry and government since 1975. From helicopter bases strategically located throughout British Columbia and Alberta they have a wide mission set that includes aerial firefighting, utility work and tourism which includes heliskiing for over 45 years.  For more than a decade, Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing (AEM) has provided customer-driven solutions to the aviation industry with the design, development, and manufacture of avionics. They are an approved OEM supplier of aircraft components to several helicopter OEMs such as Bell, Boeing, Leonardo, Airbus Helicopters, and Sikorsky.  This is a very interesting conversation that highlights AEM’s commitment to developing outstanding mission equipment with the input of the end user. Thank you again to AEM for sponsoring this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast. 

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts. In this two-part series, we sit down to talk about Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and how they are helping to improve the public safety aviation industry.  Joining us for this conversation is Tony Weller the Director of sales and marketing for AEM and Sean Rickards the chief pilot and Director of Operations for Yellowhead Helicopters. Tony Weller has been with AEM for over 7 years. Tony also spent many years working in the education field as a teacher and Head of Department, with positions in Australia, the UK, and Canada. Sean Rickards is a professional pilot with over 30 years of experience with over 10,000+ flight hours. In 2001, Sean joined Yellowhead Helicopters as a Base Manager and, within a few years, earned the position of Regional Manager for Yellowhead Helicopters' northern operations. In 2014, Sean was appointed as the Director of Operations for Yellowhead Helicopters. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in guiding the company through a significant period of growth as the company expanded to over 40 aircraft.   His passion for aviation, dedication to safety, and ability to navigate complex operations have firmly established him as a respected figure in the helicopter industry." Yellowhead Helicopters is a privately held Canadian company that has been providing commercial helicopter solutions to the public, industry and government since 1975. From helicopter bases strategically located throughout British Columbia and Alberta they have a wide mission set that includes aerial firefighting, utility work and tourism which includes heliskiing for over 45 years.  For more than a decade, Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing (AEM) has provided customer-driven solutions to the aviation industry with the design, development, and manufacture of avionics. They are an approved OEM supplier of aircraft components to several helicopter OEMs such as Bell, Boeing, Leonardo, Airbus Helicopters, and Sikorsky.  This is a very interesting conversation that highlights AEM’s commitment to developing outstanding mission equipment with the input of the end user.

In this episode, the three Vertical Helicasts Hosts, Halsey Schider of The Helicopter Podcast, Jon Gray of The Hangar Z Podcast, and Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ discuss their excitement for the upcoming HAI event and the podcast lineups they have planned. They also talk about the networking opportunities and the chance to reconnect with industry colleagues and professionals. Make sure to come visit the trio at HAI Heli Expo this year! They are at booth 5716, with a 'Meet and Greet' scheduled for Wednesday February 28th from 3-5pm. And if you see any of the hosts walking around the expo, don't hesitate to say hi!

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts.   In this two-part series, we sit down to talk about a multi-agency public interaction event designed to bring positive law enforcement interaction to ill children and their families at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.   To discuss the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital Cops for Kids Fly-In we speak with Doug Brimmer from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and Ian Crocker from the Riverside Police Department in California.    Deputy Doug Brimmer has served the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for over 28 years. His passion for law enforcement began early on as he was raised in a military, law enforcement, and aviation family. Following the heroic footsteps of his father, Vic Brimmer, Doug passionately pursued the same law enforcement and aviation career as his father.    After serving two years in the jail system and eight years on patrol he was assigned to Sheriff's Aviation in 2011.   While in aviation, he flew for two years as a tactical flight officer, eight years as a patrol helicopter pilot, and two years as a rescue helicopter pilot.    He has conducted well over 70 live hoist rescue missions throughout San Bernardino County. While at aviation, he also serves as a recruitment team member for the department, a coordinator for the Aero Squadron and volunteers on the boards for both the Sheriff's Historical Society and the California Law Enforcement Historical Society.   Ian Crocker was born and raised in Redlands, California. In 2008 he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Cal State San Bernardino. While in college, Crocker also began working in mental health programs for at-risk youth. In 2012, he took the first step in pursuing his dream job. He entered the Extended Academy at San Bernardino Valley College while working full time during the day.   The extended academy took a year to complete. He received his basic POST in August of 2013 and was hired by Riverside Police Department in October of 2013.   Crocker worked patrol. He was selected as a School Resource Officer. and was also selected to be a collateral member of their SWAT Sniper Team. In 2020, Crocker was selected as a tactical flight officer briefly before testing, interviewing, and being selected as pilot.    Thank you to sponsors CNC Technologies, Summit Aviation, and Astronautics Corporation of America.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts. In this two-part series, we sit down to talk about a multi-agency public interaction event designed to bring positive law enforcement interaction to ill children and their families at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. To discuss the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital Cops for Kids Fly-In, we speak with Doug Brimmer from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and Ian Crocker from the Riverside Police Department in California.  Deputy Doug Brimmer has served the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for over 28 years. His passion for law enforcement began early on as he was raised in a military, law enforcement and aviation family. Following the heroic footsteps of his father, Vic Brimmer, Doug passionately pursued the same law enforcement and aviation career as his father.  After serving two years in the jail system and eight years on patrol he was assigned to Sheriff's Aviation in 2011. While in aviation, he flew for two years as a tactical flight officer, eight years as a patrol helicopter pilot and two years as a rescue helicopter pilot.  He has conducted well over 70 live hoist rescue missions throughout San Bernardino County. While at aviation, he also serves as a recruitment team member for the department, a coordinator for the Aero Squadron and volunteers on the boards for both the Sheriff's Historical Society and the California Law Enforcement Historical Society. Ian Crocker was born and raised in Redlands, California. In 2008, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Cal State San Bernardino. While in college, Crocker also began working in mental health programs for at-risk youth. In 2012, Crocker took the first step in pursuing his dream job.  He entered the Extended Academy at San Bernardino Valley College while working full time during the day. The extended academy took a year to complete. He received his basic POST in August of 2013 and was hired by Riverside Police Department in October of 2013. Crocker worked patrol. He was selected as a School Resource Officer. and was also selected to be a collateral member of their SWAT Sniper Team. In 2020, Crocker was selected as a tactical flight officer briefly before testing, interviewing, and being selected as pilot.  Thank you to sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Summit Aviation, and Precision Aviation Group.  

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts. In this two-part series, host Jon Gray sits down with Bryan Santy, the sergeant in charge of Anaheim Police Department's aviation unit.  Santy has had a wildly successful law enforcement career. He worked his way to aviation becoming a pilot after working patrol and as a gang investigator.  Santy was later promoted to sergeant and went back to field operations working as a patrol sergeant and supervised the Homeland Security detail.  Santy worked his way back to air support and has been the sergeant of the unit since August 2010. Anaheim PD’s aviation program dates to 1970, when they began the program flying two Hughes 300 helicopters. Today they go by the call sign Angel and are flying H125 (AStar) helicopters as well as a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan to assist in surveillance missions. With its humble beginnings in 1970 to the current multi-category aircraft fleet, the Anaheim Police Department Air Support unit's primary mission remains to provide support to patrol officers.  As the technology, aircraft performance and fleet diversification have advanced with crew training and professionalism, the unit has expanded its capabilities to support virtually any public safety aviation mission.  Thank you to sponsors  AeroBrigham, Metro Aviation and Robinson Helicopters

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS. In this two-part series, host Jon Gray sits down with Bryan Santy, the sergeant in charge of Anaheim Police Department's aviation unit.  Santy has had a wildly successful law enforcement career. He worked his way to aviation becoming a pilot after working patrol and as a gang investigator.  Santy was later promoted to sergeant and went back to field operations working as a patrol sergeant and supervised the Homeland Security detail.  Santy worked his way back to air support and has been the sergeant of the unit since August 2010. Anaheim PD’s aviation program dates to 1970, when they began the program flying two Hughes 300 helicopters. Today they go by the call sign Angel and are flying H125 (AStar) helicopters as well as a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan to assist in surveillance missions. With its humble beginnings in 1970 to the current multi-category aircraft fleet, the Anaheim Police Department Air Support unit's primary mission remains to provide support to patrol officers.  As the technology, aircraft performance and fleet diversification have advanced with crew training and professionalism, the unit has expanded its capabilities to support virtually any public safety aviation mission.  Thank you to sponsors Bell, AEM and Dallas Avionics.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts.  This is a two-part series where we honor the memory and legacy of flight nurse Stacie Morse in partnership with ECHO Heliops, The First Responder Whiskey Society, Morse’s aunt Susan Morse deLucia, and her best friend Cindy Pratt, to honor and discuss the legacy of flight nurse Stacie Morse. Flight nurse Stacie Morse, flight paramedic Margaret Langston, and pilot Patrick Coyle perished on Jan. 29, 2019, while responding to a call for fixed-wing patient transport.  As ECHO's second member from Alaska, she was known as "Alaska 2," and had a strong passion for learning. In addition, Morse had a vast love for the outdoors and volunteered to better the community in which she lived.  Morse worked in various settings between emergency room and intensive care unit nursing before beginning her career as a flight nurse in Juneau, Alaska. Thank you to our sponsors Aero Brigham, Metro Aviation, and Robinson Helicopters. About the Stacie Morse Education Scholarship https://www.echoflightcrew.org/staciemorse

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts. This is a two-part series where we honor the memory and legacy of flight nurse Stacie Morse in partnership with ECHO Heliops, The First Responder Whiskey Society, Morse’s aunt Susan Morse deLucia, and her best friend Cindy Pratt, to honor and discuss the legacy of flight nurse Stacie Morse. Flight nurse Stacie Morse, flight paramedic Margaret Langston, and pilot Patrick Coyle perished on Jan. 29, 2019, while responding to a call for fixed-wing patient transport.  As ECHO's second member from Alaska, she was known as "Alaska 2," and had a strong passion for learning. In addition, Morse had a vast love for the outdoors and volunteered to better the community in which she lived.  Morse worked in various settings between emergency room and intensive care unit nursing before beginning her career as a flight nurse in Juneau, Alaska. Thank you to our sponsors Collins Aerospace’s Goodrich, Metro Aviation, and Robinson Helicopters About the Stacie Morse Education Scholarship https://www.echoflightcrew.org/staciemorse

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts.   This is Part Two of a two-part series with Tyler Boeddeker and Sean MacHale from Massif, an apparel company that creates and produces some of the world’s finest flame-resistant (FR) gear.   Massif was founded in 1999 by two passionate visionaries who set the bar high for quality and excellence in everything they do. Randy Benham, one of Massif’s founders, was a Jenny Lake search-and-rescue (SAR) crewmember in Grand Teton National Park who understood the demands of rugged, unpredictable and hazardous work conditions.   On a mission to fill the gap and solve the problem, Massif partnered with the specialized Los Angeles based knitting mill Antex, and a core group of extraordinarily dedicated people.   Together, they invented never-before-seen FR fabrics and applied them to innovative clothing designs for numerous climates and contexts.   Boeddeker is a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in the Navy for six years as a Naval Aircrewman, with three deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. He has multiple certifications as a rescue swimmer, SAR Petty Officer, SERE graduate, and more. He’s now worked as a government sales manager for nearly 4 years. He is also a certified civilian rescue swimmer, EMT-B, and Wilderness EMT, and a licensed skydiver!   MacHale is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served 10 years as a Marine Corps tiltrotor crew chief on the MV-22 Osprey. MacHale is in-tune with the aviation world. He has deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and the 15th MEU in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and Operation Inherent Resolve in 2015. MacHale is a licensed private pilot, skydiver, and scuba diver, but will also indulge in sailing, surfing and any other outdoor activity!   In this episode, Boeddeker talks about a rescue operation he was a part of involving two pilots who ejected from their stricken fighter jet.   Hangar Z host Jon Gray and his guests also spend time talking about FR gear, which includes flight suits, and get into some of the tech behind FR materials.   Lastly, they talk about some of the safety considerations that go along with the proper use of flame-resistant flight suits and apparel.    Thank you to sponsors MD Helicopters, Collins Aerospace’s Goodrich, and Robinson Helicopters.