Episode 246 - Operational Excellence: Insights from the Houston PD Air Support Unit Part 1

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine.

This two-part series was recorded at APSCON 2024 In Houston, Texas. In this series, hosts Jon Gray, and Jack Schonely sit down with Sgt Cody Robinson and CFI Jeff Serpas from the Houston Police Department Air Support Unit. 

In this episode, we engage with Houston PD’s finest, who share their insights, experiences, and challenges in the field. We’ll explore the critical role of mentorship and how training methods have evolved over time, alongside the significance of in-house training programs in preparing personnel for the demands of their roles.

Join us as we explore our guests' personal journeys through aviation and law enforcement, revealing the vital importance of safety, preparedness, and integrity within flight operations. They emphasize the significance of saying no in aviation, especially under pressure.

We’ll also discuss the operational dynamics of air support units, effective training, and the crucial selection process for tactical flight officers (TFOs).
Our guests discuss Houston PD’s unit's structure, aircraft fleet, and the significance of maintenance and reliability in operations. 

The conversation also covers the challenges of navigating Houston's airspace, the impact of weather on operations, particularly during hurricane season, and the importance of community and teamwork in addressing these challenges.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this year's APSCON, which will take place July 14-18 in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Another conference to get ready for is the ECHO or Every Coast Helicopter Operations Public Safety Aviation Conference is Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 28 through Oct. 1, 2025.

This year at the ECHO conference, Jack Schonely and Clay Lacey will join forces to present their renowned and impactful course together on the same stage for the very first time. 

This unique collaboration and course will be titled "Airborne Tactical Solutions." This is a course you won’t want to miss! For more details, visit the ECHO webpage at ECHOflightCrew.org.

Thank you to our sponsors Canyon AeroConnect, CNC Technologies and Metro Aviation.