Are pilots loners? Long solo flight to Sydney

Flying solo from Melbourne to Sydney in a Cirrus SR22. Is it lonely being a pilot? Are all pilots loners? Fly along, hear Air Traffic Control calls, watch me fly IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) between Moorabbin and Bankstown Airports and discuss my own social anxieties and why I love flying alone.
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VERY IMPORTANT: I am a private pilot and am NOT qualified to give flying instruction. This video, like all videos on this channel, has been significantly edited from the original source footage and is provided for entertainment purposes only. Many radio calls and procedures have been omitted. If you have any questions about anything you see or hear, please speak to a Certified Flying Instructor first.

[@itsmelukek5409]

Milkshake is not a toy, but a professional co-pilot that enjoys views

[@glennwatson]

It was something that got to me on my first solo how quiet it was. I almost missed a instructor talking next to me.

[@angusyoung6087]

did anyone else chuckle at 7:50 when he said "oh no you cant smell" but yet you just got this sense of how good they did smell truly

[@NavsTech]

That gave me a chuckle 😀

[@flywiththeguys]

Flying alone is ok for me. Totally cuts down on people screaming from the back that we're going to die. Still... the company is nice despite what their screaming. Seriously though, I enjoy taking people flying with me. Mostly new people who are interested in aviation. The smile on their faces.

[@TheNixie1972]

Stefan: I'm a bit of a loner... Also Stefan: Sharing his flights with 85.000 subscribers...

[@dpc111]

Excellent!

[@adamhart1293]

Like he said, his circle is small and he craves his personal time. Aviation to many of us is an expression of our personal interests. Stefan is able to explore this further by creatively developing videos which allows us to gain an insight into his exploration as a pilot in Australia. As a private pilot, I can completely relate to Stefan, I enjoy taking passengers occasionally but nothing beats flying alone, enjoying the views and living my passion.

[@flyingturtle4313]

there's a difference though, between interacting with ppl online versus face to face.

[@VictorsVector]

Good to hear you speak about these things Steph. Sometimes you feel as though there's not many like you, but I'd say it's a much larger number of people than we all think! Love your vids, very inspiring!

[@ABC-hc5yq]

I tracked this flight and the one back looks like a amazing flight!

[@aminfozdar]

When was the flight I want to see playback

[@garydell2023]

Are we loners? Yes & no. During the pandemic yes, we should fly alone but when it's over, no in that we'll be able to fly with friends again. Too much coffee?

[@falconmode7199]

Wow, so cool. Pilots are not loners especially pilots like you who have milkshake or a camera to talk to. The flight looked pretty cloudy especially coming into Sydney was it turbulent wnd bumpy ?

[@StefanDrury]

A few bumps coming through the clouds on descent, but apart from that it was a really smooth flight at 9,000'.

[@kirstym960]

So relatable, thanks for the encouragement. Really enjoyed the flight, thanks for making it feel like we were on it too!

[@speedomars]

Flying alone is one of the most peaceful and calming things a person can do. I prefer it, but sadly everyone always wants to tag along so I rarely get the chance.

[@obaidabid7347]

@10:09 you can see a C172 (VH-JZJ). I’m currently doing flight training on that 😃

[@nsw72]

If I could give this multiple thumbs up, I would. 👍👍👍 I can totally relate to the whole "not quite comfortable in large social groups" thing. Nice to know you're part of the club, mate 😉

[@onthemark40]

One loner to another, great video 😀. Just subscribed.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks, and welcome to the channel.

[@spiro5327]

Hey Stef, i am the same, not many friends and don't really like large social gatherings. Would have liked to have said hi if i knew you were up here. Hope you had a nice flight. Thanks mate

[@FS2004looney]

Little secret for audio: If you have a constant sound in the background, copy it and polarise it (switch the wavelengths). If you play both at the same time, it should be a lot quieter.

[@LesOReilly]

sorry.....continuity police :)..... At he end when you are climbing out of the plane on arrival....We can see your tie down strap is already in place :)..... Yes yes I know it's all fo the Film :)

[@DigitalNomadOnFIRE]

If Michael Caine and Dame Edna had a love child...

[@colb715]

You sounded like me talking, never happier just being out in the open sky with the aircraft.

[@sactu1]

Hey Stef, could you help me out with a bit of info please? Now that I own an IFR aircraft, and plan to fly IFR most of the time, I was wondering how the air navigation charges are levied to owners - do you get a bill monthly, quarterly, etc? Also, what is the 'typical' navigation charge for an IFR flight from MB to SY? Would appreciate your feedback. Cheers, Jim.

[@musicalaviator]

You haven't done alone till you've done Melbourne lockdown without family or friends or pets. ... though I'm sure someone out there is gonna say "try 6 months in Arctic winter in a 1 man hut and no internet" for the oneupmanship

[@KiranAgrawal]

His words were directly coming from his heart ❤️

[@clubciel]

Hi Stefan, excellent video. Most of the time I have people flying along, but when I do fly solo I feel like I have an extra layer of freedom. It's just you and the machine and everything happening around the airplane seems to be even more enjoyable. The small cabin of the C150 I fly may notwithstanding be part of the explanation. In that light I am thinking of transitioning up to a Cirrus SR20. The rental opportunity is however not located at my home airport, but 100km further away. How would you trade off the commute to the airport for more comfort and aircraft performance and capabilities? Of course, distances have a different scale as a 2 hour flight in Australia takes you just out of a province, while in Belgium it takes you across two countries. Still, I am intrigued to see how far pilots are willing to push the airport commute to go flying. Thanks!

[@MarkNewtonFlies]

Horses for courses, but I’ve had the opposite experience with being alone and flying. Over the years, one of the single most rewarding things I’ve done with my airplane is to introduce new people to aviation. Especially when I give them something that’s so compellingly enjoyable that they take it up themselves as a hobby or vocation. Over the years, I’ve given free passenger flights to hundred of people. I’ve always followed the mantra that it’s a crime to fly with an empty right seat, and I’ve taken every opportunity to offer it to people who I think might get something out of it. So far I’ve caused five new licensed pilots and instigated the purchase of at least two aircraft, so at a conservative estimate my “free” flights have cost my friends and acquaintances something approaching three quarters of a million bucks in training fees and airplane acquisition :) I try to make aviation more contagious than COVID. But: Part of airmanship includes trying to be good at risk assessment, and since the pandemic started I’ve been doing exactly that. And the conclusion I keep drawing is that even if the risk of me killing someone by unwittingly passing COVID-19 to them is tiny, I’d never be able to live with myself if I did it. So I haven’t flown with a passenger since March. And so, for the first time, aviation is a lonely experience for me. And I gotta say, it’s nowhere near as enjoyable. I’m glad I have a good group of formation enthusiasts to share the air with, to still get a social element. My risk assessment continues. If we get in to 2021 and COVID is under good control in Australia like it’s been in New Zealand, which seems reasonably likely at this stage, maybe I’ll resume passenger flights. I can’t wait to send more friends broke by making them pay for flying lessons :) But notwithstanding that, one of the things that has sucked the most in 2020 is being less able to share aviation with other people. You can bet I’ll be one of the first to line up for vaccination when it’s available, I can’t wait for this whole thing to be over.

[@edbenham9094]

Another good'n thanks Stefan. Greetings from Norfolk UK.

[@f-16guy30]

Stef-Great video, and your camera angles are fantastic-some of the best on You Tube. You and I might be twin sons of different mothers regarding the "loners" discussion. I spent 22 years flying single seat, single engine aircraft (A-7 and F-16) and loved it, and concurrently, 26 years flying airliners. 2 man cockpits start to get just a little crowded after a while ! LOL. So much of what you reflect on is spot on. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

[@ifly1]

I think Stef was getting a little too emotionally attached to the camera when he asked us to small the snack. Only joking... that message was well said and a very enjoyable video to watch!

[@pilothound1582]

Great vid as always mate 👌🏻🛩 it baffles me how there’s muppets out there who hit the thumbs down icon on such a well presented fun watching clip with a meaning 🤨.. your an inspirational aviator! And btw I’m buying the D2 air this week thanks to your informative vid yeeew 😎🤙🏼 congrats on the new ambassador role with Garmin that’s another awesome achievement!!

[@walterweigert9840]

Hi Stefan! I think both, with crew and solo flights are enjoyable. The first, you have someone to share your thots with, and the second you can enjoy the quiet of the flight with just the mumming of the engine. Besides the air activity, ¿are you a rugby fan? In that case ¿whats your opinion about the performance from "Los Puma" from my country against the "All Blacks" one month ago? As always, cheers from NE patagonia, Argentina.

[@NorthwestAeronaut]

Is that new self tie down technology that cirrus has come out with?? So cool it’s already tied down when you get out of the plane! 😁😋

[@qestgghc9669]

Mann I want to be a pilot

[@JuanJuezAviacion]

So let’s start to study. I’m sure that there are several Flyschools close to you. Worth it!!

[@qestgghc9669]

@@JuanJuezAviacion yeah when I turn 14 my parents aggredd to take me

[@JoseRivera-lt2cc]

Kudos to you for the tribute represented by "Milkshake". Regarding pilots being loners, Baron Pilots shirts suggesting 'social distancing' expands on the overall characteristics. I've ordered a shirt - I agree with your perspective.

[@abingdonboy]

I definitely am a more diligent pilot dual but there’s something so much more enjoyable about flying solo especially when it’s on flights you haven’t done before, like there’s more of a challenge to it and you rely solely on myself. Sadly I’m getting close to the part of my training where I only have about 7 solo flights left then it’s all dual

[@terrydavid86]

Just to talk about your solo pilot comment- it's crazy because I fly larger aircraft and never fly solo. I'm never alone. I think I would enjoy it but flying is a Crew action for me not a individual thing but I never flew GA

[@georgetown8986]

This gentleman does an excellent job. I recently found this channel. Very likable and relatable guy. I am just getting into flying and the SR20 / 22 will be the plane I eventually end up buying. Well done, Stefan. Hope all are well.

[@Anastuna]

Totally understand where Stef is coming from! I am an avid Flight enthusiast since childhood. With flight Simulation mostly these days, caught on to it from the first MSFS days. Even before as a kid with model planes etc. But I remember aged 10 maybe tying a battery operated Fan to a fallen closet door placed horizontally to act as a wing extended from my bed and I would sit alone on the bed with my “Prop” whirring away as I flew high up there, to far off places. That kind of solitude is still part of the Simulation experience for me as much as it is of real world flying I think. Same type of people also I think. I mean people that also enjoy their own company and need that solo time & space.

[@scottjparks3390]

I’ve been watching and enjoying your videos the past few months Stefan and I have to say that the Milkshake story is beautiful. Seeing Milkshake in the previous videos I thought it was just something to accompany you when travelling aswell being a unique feature for the channel, but the story behind it is amazing. Keep up the amazing work and stay / fly safe.

[@brittlanders351]

Introverts unite! Separately....in your own hobbies.

[@apollostimepiece9751]

Stefan! I passed my IFR checkride on the 19th of november and i am now starting my commercial training! Love the videos and what a nice lonely IFR flight ;) it is true, we are all loners haha

[@markt6596]

Love your content Stefan. Is it wrong when you offered the snacks I went to have a sniff???? Agree with the headspace analalogy, but also connect with the don’t like to be too far from home, which is very evident with Milkshake. Keep the content coming love it here in the UK. Cheers.

[@AnthonyGriz]

I now feel more like becoming a pilot. I don't get a lot of quite time by myself, so that lifestyle/career sounds like it's right up my alley! Love these little insights, thanks for sharing Stefan!

[@joseaponte7]

Hello Stefan, I have to tell you that I really like your videos, but one thing I like is the sounds coming out of your headphones. I would like to ask you which device you use to record the ATC communication and your communication inside the airplane.

[@janwatson5862]

Milkshake is my daughters nick name who I’ve not seen for 2 years.first drought and then border closures.Oh how nice it would be to jump on your own plane and fly up to Queensland. Know what you mean about loners. Quite comfortable in my own company but know there are friends out there so I’m not alone.

[@mprgscannertours]

Gotta be an Aries? Loner but never alone because you are company enough when flying, sailing, broadcasting or riding a bike. So it has been for my last 70 years.

[@GrantGrove]

Thousands of hours in a sailplane alone and enjoyed every minute. It's fun and nice to share flying with a passenger or flyer with similar personality traits but really enjoyed my alone with the Hawks and Eagles. 🦅

[@rudder63]

At least you have an engine and ATC to keep you company. If you really want to experience flying solitude, try being a few hundred km away from your home airfield in a single-seat glider!

[@visvakrtram610]

Hey fly over the SCG and the MCG whilst the cricket matches are played.

[@martykantz8526]

Hey would you like me to send you a real baseball cap (Texas Rangers) LOL I enjoy your videos.

[@gdinsdale68]

Wooohooo great video Stef and awesome that you could get North of the Border. Looking forward to heading South early in the New Year when my partners son moves down to Melbourne. Will be our first planned trip out of NSW since the lockdown

[@johnbird8354]

Milkshake makes so much sense now. My son had the same "toy" Moo cow. I've been looking forward to your future round the world trip and hoping to volunteer to provide some company on a leg, maybe in Qld or anywhere in fact- but I guess your desire to be alone in the air doesn't bode well for that wish

[@edenlee0]

Excuse me Stef, I can smell! Just not through youtube videos. I wish I could though.

[@rebelgusanos]

How to you convert he barometric pressure settings between QNH and inches of Mercury

[@MyWatchIsEnded]

I know I would be a loner if I was flying a $600,000 plane and having nobody to share it with.

[@jasoncapecod]

Ny yankee hat. Tremendous

[@chippyjohn1]

I'm an introvert. Working on a single seat helicopter. Love the idea of flying alone.

[@andersongeorge4653]

*NIce video Stef so when u gonna do a video flying with your wife and daughter* !?

[@rorymcdonnell7666]

Stefan I have been watching your videos and really enjoy them. I particularly liked this flight to Sydney because I am from Melbourne originally but have lived in Sydney 36 years and learned to fly at Bankstown. I am getting back into flying and have just done most of my IFR training at Fast Aviation in Lismore. I look forward to buying a plane soon and making a lot of Melbourne trips where my family all still live. Thanks a lot. Keep them coming!

[@HazysProGaming]

the airport he landed is 10 min away from me

[@AndyRRR0791]

You are not alone especially with a fluffy cow en route to lunar orbit. We won't talk about the cat having a fiddle though...

[@paulcommerford1802]

Nothing wrong with enjoying a little alone time! It's good for the soul. Over the time I have been watching your videos you have become calmer and more fluent in the cockpit (or you're a great editor!). Keep 'em coming Stef

[@ybbnplanes]

8:14 How has he not peeled that plastic film of yet? ...it’s triggering my OCD

[@JMMJ769]

Haha, I saw the plastic and thought, 'I'd leave that too!'

[@rikspector]

Stefan, I'd fly with you depending on your hygiene and diet😁 Your never alone because we're watching you👀 Cheers, Rik Spector

[@JohnVK5JAK]

At 3:00 minutes you show the waypoint list. I see the fuel is noted in gallons. Does the nav system not let you select metric units for fuel? Or is there a valid reason to stick with gallons??

[@faisalsultan892]

This introvert agrees with this video 100%. I love flying solo!

[@MattyCrayon]

Great flight and insightful analysis re being on your own etc. Long time since I fly into Bankstown. Probably 17 years back. Gotta fly there again one day. All the best 👍

[@mattstarr3618]

So All I'm hearing is you were in town and you didn't call?

[@Formula1Fail84]

Any plans for watching Ind Vs Aus??

[@MulveysMooney]

You may need to be a bit of an introvert for sure to get thru the training effectively! It is a lot to learn. And it's easy to be distracted with our other life commitments.

[@AudioTones67]

Curious to know why Albury (AY) is only shown as a two letter waypoint?

[@Vran02]

does anyone know any aussie online PPL training courses? thanks!

[@blucklightfoxartinnovation9357]

great video brother well done keep up the good work stefan drury ;)

[@jkv7.7.7]

on my first solo flight i didnt really realized i was alone hahah cause the instructor didnt do anything on the last flights

[@kenliszewski1960]

Like your perspective! Alone is not alone! I have the gratuitous Hula Girl on my dash. My instructor calls it my TURBULENCE INDICATOR! Makes some turbulence fun!

[@StefanDrury]

Ha, that's like Milkshake's bobble head. If she starts nodding too much it's time to find a smoother layer.

[@dwk8081]

Do you own that plane (with a parachute) or do you rent it? Like the vid too! Well done

[@scottwillson5562]

hey Stefan, how are you mounting that insta360 to the wing?

[@sim2wings736]

Another great video Stef! Heard you on the radios on your way back the other day :)

[@tophatter15]

Beautiful video. We are never alone!! Cheers.

[@hugh3196]

Stef what are the cargo pants you are wearing ? Might get a pair for flying

[@dadetato]

Really nice hear you telling us a bit more of yourself, being a bit deeper than usual. Love the way you share your passion with us and even teach me how to grow my little channel here in KZbin "Davide Fly". My main topic is trying to get closer to aviation most people possible, trying to let everybody knows planes aren't far from our normal life.....and they're not only fun. Aviation helps me to learn how to think, how to organise me, makes me grow. And your videos always teach me something too. So, many thanks for your work this this channel! Biggest fan from Italy! 👋🏻

[@StefanDrury]

Thank you Davide, nice work on your KZbin channel as well and for helping more people experience aviation through your videos. I can't wait to visit Italy again in the future, I had a great time there with Jacqui last year. Thanks for the support and enjoy your flying.

[@andrewstorm8240]

Yet you have 85k followers

[@IndiWoolley]

Love your videos!!!! Going for a few circuits down in Tasmania today 🙃🙃

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks for watching, enjoy your circuits.

[@IndiWoolley]

@@StefanDrury want an update on how my circuits went ?? Ill give you one anyway aced everything but my landings were 💩💩💩

[@LukePylypciw]

Hi from NY. We love the hat!

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Luke, I love your city! Hope you all stay safe and we can come back and visit again soon.

[@LukePylypciw]

@@StefanDrury Thanks, you too!

[@theonlywoody2shoes]

Flying with family and friends is great, but so is the climb rate when solo! It’s not antisocial, it’s a pro-performance choice for the aircraft.

[@StefanDrury]

Haha, that's such a pilot's way of looking at things, love it.

[@garvingray]

Stefan's new line to place on the dash: You don't have to be a loner to be a private pilot, but it helps :)

[@chriskroeker1889]

Alone but not lonely. BTW - that plastic film on your 650 is triggering.

[@StefanDrury]

It's a replacement unit and I'm waiting on a screen protector before I take that protective film off. So you may have to put up with it for a few more flights...

[@joshuahughes7597]

Have you ever visited Lethbridge Airport? I am getting my recreational license there now

[@StefanDrury]

Not for a while but yes I have. Enjoy your flight training.

[@simoncourtney1592]

Stefan I agree about big Groups.You Dont need many people .rather no friends than bad freinds, I am not anti friendliness. When flying I find i can leave my worries on the ground. Keep it up.

[@simoncourtney1592]

PS I DIDNT INTEND LINK

[@neilr4867]

Thanks for making this video. It's good to know there's more of 'us' out there. Respect 👍

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks for watching Neil.

[@xxcbkvolume111]

One day can you do a live flight

[@grahammercer6630]

Deeply committed to introversion, that's me :)

[@dpt.tecnico8178]

Good video, even good hair!!!

[@peterwaugh9416]

Stefan, so shy. With 85,000 subscribers watching his every move. Wonder how you'd feel out in the centre of the MCG with 85,000 people watching you bat (just imagine you actually could bat)

[@StefanDrury]

85,000 people would NOT turn up to watch me bat. I was always a better bowler anyway.

[@peterwaugh9416]

@@StefanDrury Announcer, "Ladies & Gentlemen, substituting for Steve Smith today is Stefan Dury" Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[@ChrisPinCornwall]

Love the Milkshake story. Really sweet. A Fellow Loner

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Chris, glad you could relate.

[@negativenarwhals]

I like your hat!

[@DigitalNomadOnFIRE]

I like the Cirrus, but why do planes universally have paint jobs that look like they're off a 90s Winnebago?

[@BrianAnim]

Because most planes are old haha.

[@DigitalNomadOnFIRE]

@@BrianAnim 1960s Ferraris don't have this gross pattern. Also brand new planes also have it.

[@Enaklam]

Those clouds! wow so nice.

[@WaveFlightSimulations]

Awesome video

[@aveekh]

Get a dog next time

[@John_Be]

The upside to flying with Milkshake is your home airport is MOOrabbin. Having her present and connected it your fanily is good luck to get you home.

[@AustNRail]

Looking forward to flying my plane up to Bundaberg in Queensland to get some work done on my Jabiru LSA55/3J, new propeller to be exact. YWVA to YBUD alone.