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

In this inspiring episode, co-hosts Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with Dave Salem, a legendary figure in the law enforcement aviation community.

Together, they explore Dave's remarkable journey from police officer to pilot in the Mesa Police Department's air unit, influenced greatly by his father, an Air Force pilot.

The conversation delves into captivating locations like Sycamore Creek and Alpine, Wyoming, and reflects on pivotal moments in aviation history, including the space program and the Challenger explosion.

Dave shares invaluable insights on the critical role of air support in law enforcement, emphasizing how it acts as a force multiplier in various operations. He recounts a tense traffic stop where the presence of a helicopter transformed a potentially dangerous situation.

Dave talks about the early challenges of establishing the Mesa air support unit, the importance of maintaining detailed performance statistics, and the value of partnerships with other departments.

As the episode progresses, Dave discusses his transition to MD Helicopters and shares advice from his experience as a senior demonstration pilot at Bell.

His passion for helicopter flight training shines through, particularly regarding auto rotations and emergency procedure, with a vision to mentor the next generation of helicopter pilots through his company Eagle West Helicopters.

Join us for this engaging conversation that highlights the importance of collaboration, training, and the passion that drives the law enforcement aviation industry.

Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Garmin and Robinson Helicopters.

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

In this inspiring episode, co-hosts Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with Dave Salem, a legendary figure in the law enforcement aviation community.

Together, they explore Dave's remarkable journey from police officer to pilot in the Mesa Police Department's air unit, influenced greatly by his father, an Air Force pilot.

The conversation delves into captivating locations like Sycamore Creek and Alpine, Wyoming, and reflects on pivotal moments in aviation history, including the space program and the Challenger explosion.

Dave shares invaluable insights on the critical role of air support in law enforcement, emphasizing how it acts as a force multiplier in various operations. He recounts a tense traffic stop where the presence of a helicopter transformed a potentially dangerous situation.

Dave talks about the early challenges of establishing the Mesa air support unit, the importance of maintaining detailed performance statistics, and the value of partnerships with other departments.

As the episode progresses, Dave discusses his transition to MD Helicopters and shares advice from his experience as a senior demonstration pilot at Bell.

His passion for helicopter flight training shines through, particularly regarding auto rotations and emergency procedure, with a vision to mentor the next generation of helicopter pilots through his company Eagle West Helicopters.

Join us for this engaging conversation that highlights the importance of collaboration, training, and the passion that drives the law enforcement aviation industry.

Thank you to our sponsors Bell, Precision Aviation Group and Wysong Enterprises.

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

In this two-part series, co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Andrew Nicoletti, a sergeant and pilot from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Get ready for an engaging conversation as we explore Andrew's unique journey into aviation, from his early experiences to his operational responsibilities in a busy county.

Andrew discusses the intricacies of the Huntsman mission, particularly the challenges and nuances involved in dignitary details. The episode also highlights the critical importance of precautionary landings and the role of succession planning in law enforcement. Andrew shares how his experiences with the Civil Air Patrol and his education at The Citadel have shaped his career and outlook.

As the conversation unfolds, themes of leadership, continuous training, and the challenges faced in aviation for law enforcement emerge. Andrew reflects on his military deployments and current aviation operations in Palm Beach County, emphasizing the necessity of mentorship, relationship building, and the meticulous planning involved in high-stakes scenarios.

Whether you’re interested in aviation, law enforcement, or leadership development, this episode is packed with valuable insights and lessons that are sure to resonate. Join us as we learn from the experiences and expertise of Andrew Nicoletti!

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Spectrolab.