90 year old Pilot spins 70 year old Airplane!

[@MickeLang]

This is one of the best videos you have made buddy!

[@adamthomas1234]

15:44 The look on Ron's face after the snap entry is pure joy.

[@danielbasovitch5087]

AS you Said, the Sheer joy in Ron's voice and smile is very apparent watching this video, God bless this 90 year old ! May his wife rest in peace.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Well said....Old F-4 2 Shoe🇺🇸

[@flyingkub]

All I can say is BRILLANT to see the two flying having fun doing aeros.

[@colinwallace5286]

I think it’s great that Luke handed it over to Ron, knowing that he really wanted to fly, and let him show off a little. I admire Ron’s decision to not solo anymore, but thanks to you guys, he will get his chances when he wants them. Love this video.

[@ryancrazy1]

definitely seemed like he wanted to take advantage of having such an experienced Aerobatic pilot in front to play around and push himself to try things he hasn't in awhile.

[@iCantFly55]

One of your very best FC, congratulations on a great story and thank you.

[@FlightChops]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Microfrost]

Kudos to Ron for being responsible with his flying, and condolences.

[@nickpook442]

Great film, Steve, thanks a lot. Interesting to see that you could see the difference between Luke’s flying and Ron’s (Absolutely not a criticism, just an observation.) In a small way, I’ve started on a similar route after 9000 hours of flying, (5000 of which is turbo-prop and jet airline flying.) Last year I completed a basic aerobatics course, and last November (on my 47th birthday) I did 90 minutes, in two flights, in a 1939 Tiger Moth. Need a bit more to be cleared for solo, but it was lovely crisp, clear day in Yorkshire, England.. We were both getting pretty cold and I could feel my concentration starting to go, so we called it. Can’t wait to get back to it when the weather allows and the strip has dried out! RIP to Joyce.

[@bj.roberts6410]

That was fantastic,,,, this has to be one of your " bestest" videos.... I just had to stop and just watch. Wow

[@Rourke-Slimer]

Steve, thank you. Thank you for using your platform to honor fellow aviators, especially ones like Ron. So many of these people have lived truly incredible lives and their stories are often lost to the forgetfulness of time. Ron will be immortalized now and that's an amazing gift to his family as well as the world. The flying footage is beautiful on its own, but even more special when you get to hear the stories from the pilots and learn about who they are.

[@FlightChops]

Glad you appreciated it - I'm proud to be able to share this!

[@danielbasovitch5087]

It MUST be such an Honor to be associated with this Master of Smooth Flying !

[@FlightChops]

Totally

[@Lightjug]

Great episode - hands down my favourite so far. Thanks 👍😃

[@AerobaticAviator]

Very inspiring watching Ron. One can only hope that when they’re 90 they are as eager for hammerheads and snap rolls as Ron is.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Superb video - great vibes. A lot of work in the edit. Smashed it.

[@FlightChops]

Much appreciated!

[@MelanieMoxon]

Lovely video as always Steve. Great to see Luke get his T6 sign off. I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Joyce, I hope Ron is doing okay. My Grandad lost my Grandma after being married for a 60 years, it was hard on him but he got through it with family support. I know you will be rallying around Ron, hopefully he will be back in the T6 with a smile on his face soon.

[@markhayes100]

Ron, so sorry for your loss sir. May your beloved wife rest in peace.

[@denniscouturier378]

very genuinely, this is the best content on the web.

[@gtm624]

Omg I’m so so so sorry to hear of Ron’s loss. Omg 😢 I can’t even imagine. My heart aches for him.

[@FlightChops]

I am just back from the funeral. Ron was doing great. He’s very positive and thankful for the life they had together. I had a very good talk with him, and he is in excellent spirits.

[@gtm624]

@@FlightChops thanks for the update. That’s really good to hear. I really appreciate you 🙏🏻

[@blake.crosby]

Ron is model aviator, especially at 90 years old.

[@JasonRosewell]

This was EMOTIONAL! What a life of aviation, and deep condolences to Ron with the loss of Joyce.

[@thomasfortnerconductor]

beautiful film Mr Chops.

[@goatflieg]

This one is truly wonderful and I'll watch it many times for many reasons, especially to study all the camera angles. Like you, I found it heartening that despite his extensive experience, Luke is capable of being saturated enough to forget a few details. I wish I could get the chance to fly with Ron, but I did get a chance to ride in formation with him and show him the RV-8 I built and I'm grateful for those opportunities. (shameless plug there for two of my own videos) I was lucky enough to meet Joyce when I flew in for the Burger Burn last August. Having read Ron's Book - A Pilot's Stories, I welcomed the opportunity to share the immense respect I have for both Joyce and Ron and my gratitude that they shared their lives with us. So sorry for his recent loss; I send my most sincere condolences. Although I won't make the 30th Anniversary Party, I do look forward to my next visit in the near future. Speaking of which, I should get off KZbin and get back to work on my version of your RV-14 Annual Inspection Checklist. I'll send it to you soon!

[@DaveGillespie-w5f]

Luke, when you asked Ron to fly, the look on both your faces made my heart melt. I'm 71 and I want to be Ron...doing acro at 90 ! Brought back my Harvard time.The best post yet . Loved it . Very cool. God speed Joyce. xx

[@incenius5008]

This reminds me of a story a WW2 vet told me in highschool once on remembrance day. I asked him if he ever met Billy bishop, and he told us this crazy story about how he showed up for training one day, and Billy bishop insisted that he do a ride along for one of the guy's training flights. Apparently Billy told him to put a tarp on the Canopy and do loops and rolls with only instruments over lake ontario. The Vet had never done Instrument only flights before so it unsurprisingly didn't go well but they got back on the ground safely. When they got back the commanding officer of the base was pale as a ghost, having watched this guy almost plant himself and a WW1 legend into lake Ontario multiple times XD But like the guy said "when billy tells you to do a loop, you do a loop"

[@psfordnu]

I think my favorite thing about this channel is seeing the camaraderie amongst pilots. Watching tremendously skilled aviators like Ron and Luke and Dave flying together is an absolute joy.

[@RamSkirata]

That was great to see! Ron is delightful!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Ron is truly a fine man God has Blessed him and at 90 years old and still flying.....An may his wife sleep in Gods peace....This is such a beautiful video....Thanks from an Old in my 80's F-4 2 Shoe🇺🇸

[@Mikey101160]

Majestic and Magical. Great video! 🛩

[@ruairitiernan8727]

This is Brilliant!!! Ron is such a legend. Thanks for this video, one of my favourites👍

[@FlightChops]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@AC-jk8wq]

Nice work Steve! 😃

[@AnsonChappell]

I could watch the Harvard do aero all day. And that camera show of both Ron and Luke both with their heads tracking the horizon during a barrel roll was so great.

[@jondoef]

Amazing!

[@martinpotgieter5687]

That was one of the best ever!!! Thank you for great content Steve...the pure joy of the old and new masters were truely special to watch!! Masters like Ron is very far and few these days...SO SO special to see...thank yu!!

[@wesgoodhoofd348]

Wow what a great episode. Ron is the coolest, and it was amazing to see both him and Luke appreciate the moment of flying together. I would love to fly with either someday!

[@clarencewiles963]

YES 😊 I’m sad to hear that Ron’s wife passed away. My best to him and family!

[@JillesvanGurp]

This is just beautiful. Love it. I hope to be that much alive if/when I reach that age.

[@seba.2788]

This was one of the most amazing videos so far! It was so cool to see Ron and Luke share their passion!

[@kellyfawcett49]

That was great to watch! Awesome job Luke and great skill still at 90 Ron. The Harvard was my Dad and Uncle’s first aircraft when they joined the RCAF in the early 50’s I may have to add it to my checkout list.

[@anemazoso]

Amazing at 90+! What an inspiration!!!

[@Fletch001]

I love this airplane. When my dad (he would have turned 100 last year) left the AAF he was a crew chief taking care of 1 B-17 and 6 AT6's... But the best part of this video was hearing Ron talk about his flying career. Thank you..!

[@goatflieg]

Buy his book! It's entitled "Ron's Book - A Pilot's Stories" and it's excellent.

[@DaveGillespie-w5f]

where do I buy this book? @@goatflieg

[@cancian95]

This episode is just amazing...got me a little bit emotional 🙈 It's just amazing to see how every proper pilot on the planet, regardless of age or experience, shares the same energy and sheer joy of flying ❤

[@lentzintl]

Tears of joy watching Ron flying acrobatics. The pure joy in his face. Then you have to go and drop the news about his wife😢. The respect between pilots is awesome to see. Incredible story and flying. I just bought a ground school course and cannot wait to start my journey!

[@markphipps5969]

Excellent watch right to the very end, great skills and great stories!

[@briansilcox5720]

I took ten hours of dual in an SNJ in the early 90’s with a then 70 yr old former TEX ANG T-6 instructor. First flight took us to 8000’ for spin entries. My first recovery failed as I held opposite rudder a bit past the point recommended. The SNJ taught me a quick lesson and snapped in the opposite direction, and took about two + turns to recover. I had to repeat that maneuver, but it was an “educational” experience.

[@Zalaniar]

This was so awesome to see, thank you so much for sharing! The whole time I couldn't stop saying, "I wanna be that guy when I grow up!" and I'm 31 :D

[@guilhermeghm]

Wow, what a wonderful video!

[@gtm624]

What amazement! One thing that stuck out is that he said he stoped flying solo. That comes from a pilot that is fully capable of making good smart decisions which also lead him to his age and a long healthy life in aviation. The foundation of being a good pilot starts on the ground with good decision making.

[@mlusiak]

It was such a joy to watch Ron and Luke flying together and having respect for each other's skills. As always beautifully told story :)

[@basel8860]

One if not the best episodes you have done Steve, Luke and Ron flying the T-6 and enjoying the experience was awesome! Keep up this kind of content, it was perfect.

[@benmiller2801]

Amazing content as always

[@stevengarner4596]

Wow! Great episode...brought tears to my eyes.

[@Adrian_au]

Such an inspiration, thank you for all your efforts getting this to us. Vale, Joyce.

[@pilotjcm]

Excellent! What a great video, flying, and Grampa story!!🎉

[@NZ255]

Love Ron!

[@pilotben97]

"Really It's pretty easy" - Ron. Sounds like he's talking about shooting a straight in instrument approach, not doing spins partial panel in a T6. Crazy haha. RIP Joyce.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks for watching to the end. 👊

[@1dgram]

The trick is to use the needle on the Turn Coordinator / Turn and Slip Indicator, not the ball. The ball will just move to whatever side of the panel it's mounted so please don't use that to determine the direction of spin since you'd be flipping a coin.

[@1dgram]

Ron has it right about the needle. The just "stick and ball" comment is dead wrong.

[@ChrisB257]

Fascinating seeing Luke manage the transition to the Harvard after his very familiar 300 - somewhat apples and oranges! Some great footage. Hard to believe it is over 5 years Steve since you got typed on the Harvard - shucks, how time flies (pun there!). :) Ron is amazing - somewhat of a legend methinks. Bless him. Excellent video - nice formation bit.

[@markthibault8579]

Great video. So awesome to see Ron still getting after it and the enthusiasm he still shares with everyone. The IFR spins story was epically bonkers and from an era we won't see again. Sympathy as well to Ron and his family on their loss.

[@ofdlttwo]

thanks for sharing a nice story

[@christopherbordenave6955]

The raw sound bite of the Harvard taking off with Ron in the airplane…. 🤌🏽

[@codysp]

Absolutely awesome at 90 he's still flying. Probably exactly why he's made it to 90. 🙂

[@Lazengogh]

Awesome. Now you and Luke should collab with Dave Hadfield @ Vintage Wings of Canada and do some Spitfire/Mustang stuff! :)

[@texan2560]

Great episode. I have a T6 and can attest that it can be a handful at times. I still have not had spin training in the T6. In other planes but not the T6. Hard to find an instructor that can do it in this airplane.

[@MikeInTheFront]

Some of your best work Steve! Such an amazing perspective.

[@kazflight]

Wholesome video, great stuff! What a legend, that Ron! 🛩

[@superpilotish]

Another great vid, Steve!👍

[@DaveGillespie-w5f]

Luke, put the IFR spin in the next unknown sequence. ?! Call it the "RonSpin"

[@18robsmith]

Ron - 90 years YOUNG 🙂

[@russbowlus]

Would be interesting to see Luke try the Sportsman routine in the T6.

[@LukePennerAerobatics]

I’d definitely be up for that. Last year I flew primary in a Nanchang, just for fun 😃

[@goatflieg]

@@LukePennerAerobatics Just for a great deal of fun!

[@erich930]

Ron is such a legend... 90 and still going strong! Also, what an amazing (and amusing) story of spinning a Harvard in IMC! It makes sense to use the instruments to recover, because what if you're in a cloud when you inadvertently enter a spin?

[@davew7250]

The “Old Man” still has ‘it’.

[@FlightChops]

He sure does!

[@RoutesAbove]

That dude was more relaxed spinning on instrument than I am led of my sofa doing a jigsaw

[@billbrisson]

Great story Steve! these are the kinds of stories that built this channel! Let's go up and do some fully developed spins, in IMC with partial panel..... NOPE NOPE NOPE 🤥 And on my flight with Harv, (Luke's dad) he didn't sing, but he did hum a tune or two :)

[@TheEmpatikOne]

Man that IMC spin training. It just sent chills down my spine and arms. I think i would have had a heart attack.

[@LtKernelPanic]

I can't tell who enjoyed that flight more Luke or Ron.

[@rogierasselt4972]

I think one of the gifts old age can gift you is being sharp as a tack, and this 90 yo gentleman was just that..

[@nzslackie]

Ron's story about spinning IMC is next level...but, when you think about it, the aeroplane/instruments don't know you're in cloud...so I guess it makes some sort of sense? Just your margins for something going wrong are a bit different to gin clear VMC!

[@SnappyWasHere]

I just want to know how many loops he’s done in his 90 year lifetime!

[@foesfly3047]

Captain Ron 😎🎩♠️💙

[@thomasaltruda]

Quick question about your starter.. is it one switch or two? If it’s one switch, does the prop turn right away with engagement? Or does the starter spin for a few seconds before the gears engage and spin the prop?

[@FlightChops]

We used to have the two way switch with an inertial starter “energize” on one side and engage to start on the other… and it was so awesome… but it got burned out by a pilot not noticing it stayed engaged and going flying… it was cheaper to replace with a newer starter that you just crank with out waiting for the fly wheel to spin up - it’s definitely not as cool.

[@sotecluxan4221]

[@SariAlShammari]

Is this YQG?!!

[@derek.plough]

Is this the same video that was posted last week? Why are we seeing the same footage so many times, not only in the recap before the intro but also about the oil temp, etc?

[@FlightChops]

It's part two of a mini-series, so yeah there's a recap. And I reviewed Luke's biggest learning moment; it's ~25 minutes of awesomeness, that shares less than 90 seconds from the previous episode.

[@derek.plough]

@@FlightChops got it. Great content, as always! Just always find myself skipping through, maybe it’s just me but short form content doesn’t need so much repetition. Keep doing what you’re doing!

[@publicmail2]

Kills 80 year old on the ground...(this is what older people call a joke.)