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

This is a special two-part series Hangar Z co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray recorded with Virginia State Police pilots Jeff Bush and Brian Canada.

This conversation highlights their heroic rescue mission that successfully saved 54 individuals from a hospital engulfed by floodwaters during Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene impacted the entire southeastern portion of the United States. In this series, we talk about the brave efforts of first responders during the storm and the role helicopter aviation is playing in the response to natural disasters.

This candid conversation explores the critical role of public safety aviation in disaster response, highlighting the personal experiences of rescuers as they navigated challenging weather conditions. Learn about the intricate decision-making process for launching the mission, the vital importance of communication and crew co-ordination, and the impressive integration of civil and military assets during the operation.

We'll reflect on the challenges faced, the invaluable lessons learned, and the crucial support provided by aviation programs in life-saving scenarios. Additionally, we’ll discuss community involvement and the contributions of private helicopters during disaster responses.

Be sure to catch Lisa Gordon's captivating article that highlights this remarkable mission at www.verticalmag.com.

Get ready for an insightful episode that honors the dedication of our first responders and emphasizes the transformative power of aviation in saving lives.

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

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

This is a special two-part series Hangar Z co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray recorded with Virginia State Police pilots Jeff Bush and Brian Canada.

This conversation highlights their heroic rescue mission that successfully saved 54 individuals from a hospital engulfed by floodwaters during Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene impacted the entire southeastern portion of the United States. In this series, we talk about the brave efforts of first responders during the storm and the role helicopter aviation is playing in the response to natural disasters.

This candid conversation explores the critical role of public safety aviation in disaster response, highlighting the personal experiences of rescuers as they navigated challenging weather conditions. Learn about the intricate decision-making process for launching the mission, the vital importance of communication and crew co-ordination, and the impressive integration of civil and military assets during the operation.

We'll reflect on the challenges faced, the invaluable lessons learned, and the crucial support provided by aviation programs in life-saving scenarios. Additionally, we’ll discuss community involvement and the contributions of private helicopters during disaster responses.

Be sure to catch Lisa Gordon's captivating article that highlights this remarkable mission at www.verticalmag.com.

Get ready for an insightful episode that honors the dedication of our first responders and emphasizes the transformative power of aviation in saving lives.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Collins Aerospace and Technisonic.

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

In this episode of the Hangar Z Podcast, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Lt Steve Farris from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Aviation Section.

Lt Farris shares his unique journey, tracing his early interest in law enforcement and aviation, alongside his family history that shaped his career path. Lt Farris discusses his progression from patrol officer to helicopter pilot and eventually earning the title of chief pilot, as he highlights critical moments that influenced his ambition and guided his leadership strategies within the aviation section.

We examine the growth of Seminole County and the unique challenges of living in an area with a significant alligator population, providing an interesting backdrop to his experiences. Lt Farris discusses the structure of the aviation unit and the integration of drones into their operations.

Lt Farris shares valuable insights on the challenges and successes of the aviation program, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, fostering a strong culture, and the need for strategic succession planning within the air support unit.

We also get an opportunity to discuss aircraft replacement cycles, the financial justifications behind them, and considerations necessary for operating in diverse weather conditions. With a strong emphasis on leadership principles, Lt Farris articulates how common sense plays a role in enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Bell and Robinson Helicopters.