ATC LAUGHS, but got EWR-LGA-JFK in my RV-8. LIFL Ep19

Newark, LaGuardia, and Kennedy all in one flight…in an RV-8! The unfortunate circumstances of air travel in the country at the moment allowed for a unique opportunity. Is it possible that I am the first to land an experimental at any or all of these airports? A little bit of a departure from the regular LIFL episode, but I hope you find it interesting nonetheless.
Weather outlets:
METARs TAFs and NOTAMs
www.weathermeister.com/
Graphical forecasts
www.aviationweather.gov/
NEXRAD and planning
foreflight.com/
Eaglemania:
eaglemaniaband.com/
Blue Raven Entertainment:
blueravenartists.com/
MANY thanks to:
Steve Thorne/Flightchops
/ flightchops
Max Trescott/Aviation News Talk
aviationnewstalk.com/

[@paulshewmaker4568]

I so bad wanted to hear ATC say, "Emirates 202 Super cleared to land runway 31L. Caution, wake turbulence. Traffic departing is an RV-8."

[@lifeinthefl94]

Right? Thanks for watching!!

[@dasy2k1]

I'm sure I've heard "caution propwash" said on a video like this before in a situation like that

[@brennenfitzgerald]

Daniel Smith was about to say the same. Think it was on one of Josh’s videos.

[@donaldmei8797]

I was doing the VFR corridor down the Hudson then along the south shore of LI. I was doing flight following along the beach just south of JFK. I was below class bravo at 300 ft along the beach. Approach cleared a 747 over my head to land at JFK on 31L and called me as traffic 1/2 mi ahead and 300 ft. When the captain replied I could hear his TCAS going off. Ha. Whoop Whoop Trafic.

[@joeyfrederick9156]

😆😆😆😆😆

[@Cairannx]

Too bad "Kennedy Steve" has retired... Imagine if he had been on watch for that approach and low pass at JFK :)

[@lifeinthefl94]

Who is 'Kennedy Steve'?? Thanks for watching.

[@emrebaskocak]

@@lifeinthefl94 Kennedy Steve is a retired controller who worked in JFK, mostly ground I believe. He has a great sense of humor, you can look up his name on KZbin for some hilarious recordings.

[@microdesigns2000]

Yes that would have been hilarious.

[@VinceCheong]

Life in the FL a brilliant ATC staff with a great sense of humour to lighten everyone’s day. I don’t think he work mostly ground, as an interview of his he does everything.

[@sweeneyryan987]

JFK controller was having none of this 😂

[@lifeinthefl94]

I know.. But judging by his tone at the end, I think I wasn't too much of an imposition...

[@Commissar0617]

that's just JFK all the time, from what i've heard on atc videos

[@southjerseysound7340]

@@Commissar0617 I used to fly to JFK to get my dad pretty often in my Maule and they hated me 😂

[@audigex]

Fair play to the ATC for indulging this. I guess they're probably a little bored too, which probably helps

[@dtbmjax]

THAT WAS FRIGGIN AWESOME!!!!! Congrats on the "Tri-fecta!" I'm surprised someone didn't try to hit you up for landing fees at Laguardia. HA!

[@lifeinthefl94]

THANK YOU!!!! No fees....yet..

[@stay_at_home_astronaut]

@@lifeinthefl94 the Federales are watching...

[@DaveDepilot-KFRG]

I was wondering whether he chose low approaches instead of TnG's to not get charged. LOL

[@SnapCrackleRay]

THAT'S MY FABULOUS DAD

[@lifeinthefl94]

You're the sweetest. I have no words..

[@mancunian63]

As an airline pilot who flies these skies and approaches all the time...COOL DAD! NICE ONE! 👍

[@lifeinthefl94]

@@mancunian63 Thank you!

[@bmim-sy6pc]

U r so lucky to have a crazy dad like this.

[@teresaacevedo4825]

rachel weiswasser Wow that is awesome to have a dad like this

[@r-s-k.]

This is possibly the best KZbin video I’ve ever seen, smiled the 16 minutes!

[@lifeinthefl94]

THANK YOU!!!!! Check out the rest of the channel...Hope you enjoy.

[@r-s-k.]

Life in the FL Subscribed my friend! Greets from Chile!

[@lifeinthefl94]

@@r-s-k. AWESOME!!!

[@lemonsarebitter2069]

Same, I envy him.

[@MrSixstring2k]

Love that some pilots are taking advantage of this, it brings a smile on my face. I mean at 13:25 I think I see a Cessna 172/182 on the taxiway of JFK

[@lifeinthefl94]

GREAT EYE!!! Yes - a C172 took off behind me at JFK! Thanks for watching.

[@MrSixstring2k]

@@lifeinthefl94 I know the taxiways of ewr and jfk like the back of my hands so it kind stuck out. Bad times for an airline employee (i am not a pilot) but again its brings a smile to my face. Everyone out there should enjoy the experience safely while they can because when things get back to normal (and it will) flying like this will be a fun memory.

[@iamnemo1792]

Spotted that, got a good kick outa seeing that.

[@eckhardbinding7469]

Looks like a private FSX lobby

[@jeffpointsfordeparture4769]

Incredible! Back in the day on my first flight after getting my PPL, I flew to IAD for lunch in a C-152. The tower welcomed me by saying "Welcome to America's largest general aviation airport." I then watched from a taxiway as a BA Concorde departed. Not as exciting as this, though.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Funny! I got my PPL at Dulles in 1993. Love that airport (see some of the installments on my channel - lot's of visits to Dulles!). Thanks for reaching out!

[@zmrosenzweig]

This showed up on my recommended and I can’t believe I’m watching a pilot who plays in an eagles tribute band that was a resident surgeon?!?!?

[@lifeinthefl94]

No longer a resident (I finished all of that in '01) but yes, a practicing surgeon. And yes to all the rest. Thanks for watching.

[@zmrosenzweig]

Life in the FL this is the peak of my aspirations haha

[@Max50ww]

@@lifeinthefl94 some people just can’t decide what they want to be when they grow up!

[@robertborchert932]

Indeed! And I must add, a surgeon with steady hands. Thanks for sharing this rare flight, sir!

[@danstralka9571]

I saw you on final approach to LGA and couldn't believe what I was looking at! It's even cooler to now know what you did. Thank you for publishing this! Very sad that it's possible, but a great way to make the best of the situation.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you! Small world! Where were you??

[@danstralka9571]

@@lifeinthefl94 Woodside. We have a view of the planes landing just above 600' as they approach from the south, after crossing over the 7 train. Not too often we get a prop plane in so I made sure to look up. Then I read about your adventure in the Flightradar24 newsletter. It's awesome that you posted this for those who love it, but you also made some nerds on the ground happy that day. So thank you for that.

[@lifeinthefl94]

@@danstralka9571 You just made my day. Thats AWESOME!

[@SumSouuthernSugar]

I was a controller for more years than I care to recall. You are the type of pilot that is easy to deal with. Clear, concise communication. No rambling around about how Aunt Mary is in the hospital, etc, etc. Great video and tour of New York airspace. Won't see that again in a million years.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you and that'a huge compliment! Stay safe!!

[@Lee0076]

Brilliant - Flew into Sydney International while doing my navigation endorsement. Unforgettable day

[@USN_Ret-]

Having flown, as aircrew not a pilot, up and down the west coast VFR countless times this actually got my heart pumping a bit.

[@lifeinthefl94]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks again for watching.

[@flying-with-ryan]

Awesome. I’m going to try this myself in the next week or two.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you! Have fun with it.

[@cyberentomology]

Impossible mission aside, that avionics panel is bloody gorgeous. Taking that to eleven.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you!

[@AdamGbl95]

Traffic controllers never laugh!....look at the air quality. Clean!

[@lifeinthefl94]

True on both points. Thanks for watching.

[@Windtee]

Aviation's wing-rockin' Triple Crown! In the past, I flew both JKF and LGA in an SR20 during peak with full-stop landings but, flying it the way you did was very cool!

[@lifeinthefl94]

THANK YOU! Thanks for watching.

[@mikewhite2831]

Fantastic job what a great video. Thanks for sharing

[@devingraves8044]

They are doing VFR touch and goes at Sea-Tac, I want to go and try it but haven't had an opportunity yet

[@brianlloyd4796]

Fantastic! That has made my month! Could never expect Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead to allow it! 👍👍👍

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you! and thanks for watching!

[@tnexus13]

Don't know until you ask!

[@rhyswarner-smith4757]

I've done Gatwick and Stansted, both are in class D airspace, however, Heathrow is class A and so off-limits to VFR flight. Perhaps London City will be a good South-East England alternative?

[@toStringy]

@@rhyswarner-smith4757 I kinda thought you needed a special certification to land there. As the landing angle is steeper.

[@rhyswarner-smith4757]

toString I believe that requirement is for aircraft over a certain weight limit. There is however a requirement for GA aircraft landing at City to be twin engined or greater.

[@donaldmei8797]

Shortly after 9/11, my wife and I flew our RV-4 down to Dulles to go to the opening of the Udvar Hazy museum on the south end of the field. I got my approvals for entry into the ADIZ and the flight down from CT was uneventful. With a bit of preparation an RV is a wonderful traveling machine. We even helped out a controller by maintaining 170 kts for most of our approach so she could slide us in ahead of an British Airways 747. We even made the 2nd turnoff. (that huge rudder helps. Though the low flap speed is a problem) Perhaps the most wonderful thing about the RV is that it combines good cruising speed with fantastic low speed / short field performance. I could play in the Class Bravos one day and after removing my wheel pants (I spent far too long making them fit right) land at a friend's grass strip in Oxford CT. Or even Old Rhinebeck to take in a show.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Agree! They are truly spectacular airplanes.

[@drummondgrinalds1524]

This is one of the coolest videos I've seen in years. Thanks Pal.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you!!

[@drummondgrinalds1524]

Did you build your Hornet?

[@drummondgrinalds1524]

Cool. Congratulations. Go Navy!

[@microdesigns2000]

This is like flying through a post apocalyptic movie. I think I’d like to get a plane.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Go for it!

[@Chrisk1330]

Good thing you didn’t have landing fees at those airports. That would add up 3x. Three thumbs up for thinking outside the box and doing something we usually would not be able to do.

[@lifeinthefl94]

My thoughts exactly. Thanks for watching.

[@ebarichivich]

Wow. Best video ever. Love the RV 8 cockpit set up. Perfect situational awareness and layout. Your skill set really made it easy for the controllers and flight following to accommodate your requests. Flight of a lifetime. And it's very clear that you put in the work over the years to pull it. Awesome awesome

[@lifeinthefl94]

Wow. THANK YOU!!! And thanks for reaching out with that. Made my day.

[@abrahamnemani3907]

Jon - That was freaking awesome. I would have never thought this would be possible!

[@ooklamoc4411]

What a boss! Nice job. All they can do is say no, right? Few months ago VAS aviation posted a VFR reposition flight from JFK to LGA that blew everyone's minds. And look where we are today.

[@lifeinthefl94]

CORRECT!! Thanks for watching.

[@jpwhite8377]

That was fun. Thanks for taking the time and effort. Not only was I entertained, I learned something new.

[@lifeinthefl94]

That's the best inspiration ever! thank you!

[@joec7227]

Just a total classic! Had to dig this out and rewatch. Congrats on a once in lifetime... or once in forever!

[@F_Viper]

same here, took me a while to found back this video :)

[@GirlGoingNowhere]

Wow, what an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing this flight with us!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thanks for watching!

[@patricklarreategui7436]

Best thing I’ve seen in a long time! Thanks for brightening the day!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Wow, thank you!

[@maxon1672]

Truly unbelievable. Thanks for doing this and sharing the story with us!

[@lifeinthefl94]

You bet! Thanks for watching.

[@jackvisser]

Love the Videos TYVM for the Time you Take so we May Enjoy it! Stay Healthy and Happy!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you! You too.

[@azychek]

Absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing this!

[@jrholand]

great flight. Love fly by the Status of Liberty and divert to do that every change I get.

[@garrettswoodworx1873]

In the General Aviation world this video defines the word AWESOME! Congratulations on having the courage to attempt this and the patience to pull it off! Just shows what can be accomplished if you have a open mind, prepare adequately and communicate politely. I have to admit I giggled like a little kid throughout the video. (I'm nearly 70.) And that 172 at JFK was a bonus!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Wow! THANK YOU! From my vantage, that's truly mission accomplished. Thanks so much for reaching out.

[@waynepedersen4]

The first word that came to my lips is a word frequently used in one of my favorite movies, Princess Bride....."Inconceivable" !! Great video and love your channel.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you SO much for reaching out!

[@garyc1805]

A once in a lifetime experience most likely! Thanks for taking us on the journey with you !

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thanks for watching!

[@fulano86]

Wow, I am speechless! Thanks for sharing the experience!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chuckh8199]

really enjoying the channel - its a great blend of flying and music and a great use of GA - well done videos as well - great job briefing the WXR in the vids - great key to detail - been working from home when I found your channel - went through all of the posts - now ya need to load more ! blue skies and tail winds

[@lifeinthefl94]

THANK YOU! I was scheduled to publish a new one every two weeks - until this virus hit. I've got two more ready to go, with the next one going up next wednesday. After that, not sure. I have some ideas but unfortunately it won't be in the usual every-other -week timeframe. Thanks again for reaching out. BE SAFE!

[@HaskellMoore]

What a wonderful experience and fantastic video. Thanks for taking the time to shoot, edit, and post!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you! and thanks very much for reaching out.

[@letitrest4662]

So cool.... Reminds me of A&P school, and flying into Midway at 13:00 on a Friday, in a Cessna 152.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thanks for watching and for reaching out!

[@MagnarNordal]

You picked the most perfect weather for this adventure. What a view! Thanks for posting.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@speedbrake]

Awesome... I've watched all your flying videos and this is my favorite. Super nice avionics setup in your RV too!

[@lifeinthefl94]

I've been waiting for the right moment to debut the RV on the channel. Glad you're a fan and glad you enjoyed it. Be safe!

[@172turtla]

This is a great video. Excellent content, much fun. Thanks for making it!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@vasantparanjpe8423]

Awesome flight and RV 🙌🏽👏🏽. Giving me ideas for the next flight....

[@Oceanbreezefarm]

Fantastic video, thanks for sharing

[@jmbrangwin1370]

Super cool the ATC guys accommodated your Sunday drive. They obviously knew you were just screwing off. I listen to lots of ATC traffic and by in large they’re courteous professionals.

[@lifeinthefl94]

We are so lucky in this country to have such an effective and thoroughly professional service at our fingertips as pilots. See other videos on my channel to see them in full form.

[@petermattei8510]

Buddy, that was the best reason to do it...cuz it was totally impractical. Thanks for the ride!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@phxbofh]

That was fantastic. Congrats on completing all three!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thanks!

[@reyesben]

Great video! I’ve never seen such nice video of the NY corridor. NYC looks kind of dainty from this elevation. Pedestrians on the ground must have been just as thrilled to see you.

[@lifeinthefl94]

I hope so! With New Yorkers, you never know... Thanks for watching.

[@GeezerGeekPilot]

Jon, just awesome!!... and spooky. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@endwood]

Love it! Our ATC would never be that accommodating even at this time!

[@ProPilotPete]

So cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@geoffbowering4670]

That was a blast, John. Always enjoy your videos but especially enjoed that as a fellow tailwheel RV guy. Very nice setup in the 8.

[@christianlamere1337]

What a great video. So cool to watch.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ronschreck]

BRAVO! This takes me back to Independence Day, 2006 when I landed my RV-8 at all 109 public use airports in North Carolina in ONE DAY. A pilot in Scotland read about my adventure and told me about his flight to every Whiskey maker in Scotland. He had the aerial photos to prove it! You don't know what you are capable of until you try. Thanks for the video.

[@lifeinthefl94]

That's for sure. Thanks so much for reaching out!

[@___Chris___]

That panel in an RV8 is a dream! Great mission!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you! I love it, although I am not using it to its fullest ability much anymore, as I do all the instrument flying in the Meridian (see the other installments in the channel). Thanks again for watching.

[@peternancoz3031]

Great flight. I would have never thought to try that!

[@MilazzoTony]

That was badass. Nice job.

[@flyndoug4547]

That's so amazing and brilliant! I flew from Wilmington to LGA in an Enstrom 280FX some 9 years ago. The emptiness of the airspace for your flight is truly surreal. Great Job!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes - VERY eerie. For the first time, I was able to enjoy the view rather than trying to spot traffic and navigate airspace. Thanks for watching.

[@projekt6_official]

This is w-i-l-d! Thanks for sharing!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@labockj]

I'm cracking a smile at this. Great job! Lol

[@chuckmartin5773]

That was AWESOME! Thanks for sharing!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@weijingburr2392]

Awesome! JFK, gave you a bit of a hard time but, you handled it and you got er done. As a New Yorker this was an awesome, Awesome video.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thanks a ton!

[@igorluiz9551]

For some reason this popped up in my recommended videos, and I'm glad! Great content!!!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@teymurakhundov1006]

Wow! What a demonstration that a crisis means an opportunity!

[@MarcUlm]

That's sucha an awesome video! Keep them coming :)

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you! Will do!

[@airbornCH]

LOL How cool is that! Thanks for sharing.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@Uustal]

Amazing flight! Thanks for sharing!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thanks a lot!

[@petermelillo6524]

awesome!! excellent video!

[@AdventureswithaaronB]

I smiled the whole video, I live right by Newark and I always plane spot, and all that’s been flying into Newark, it’s mostly FedEx and UPS sent to see a single engine and propeller plane made me laugh! Stay safe and great video

[@lifeinthefl94]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@AdventureswithaaronB]

Life in the FL And I wanted to be a commercial pilot but I can’t get my medical certificate so I don’t know what I’m gonna do now. But I still like watching flying videos

[@RonRapp]

I noticed you’re a fellow Weathermeister user! Been using it for probably 15 years and even now flying large jets, I still love it.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Nice! You're the first since I started the channel to report that! Glad there are others. I love it.

[@segredosdotiosam9989]

This was an awesome video.. thank you for making it .

[@lifeinthefl94]

Glad you enjoyed it! Check out the rest of the channel - its a little different but I hope the content is just as good.

[@rustyracer51]

Awesome man! Congrats, that’s a sweet entry in the log book!

[@lifeinthefl94]

It sure is! Thanks for watching.

[@jgusick]

This is so awesome!

[@chicagodog3171]

Two of my favorite things, Airplanes and the Eagles! Rock on man!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Awesome! then you'll definitely like the rest of the channel. Thanks for watching!

[@BradMore]

This is just awesome :-) ... well done!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thanks a lot!

[@DonAv8s]

Well planned and played! “Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity”.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Correct! Thanks for watching.

[@mikeyd5486]

Excellent!

[@thecircuspilot7425]

This is fantastic!

[@chadb2827]

That was a fantastic, once in a lifetime experience. Cant believe you were able to get the clearance(s)!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Me neither! Thanks for watching.

[@OHAREAVIATION]

Fantastic!!! Pretty interesting times we’re living in these days... Subscribed of course.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thanks for the sub! and thanks for watching.

[@midlifeflyer]

Super flight, Jon!

[@NateFeldman68]

This is fantastic. What a great way to make the best of an awful, surreal situation.

[@sushi777300]

Fabulous footage

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thanks for watching!

[@toddtorres]

Great flight/video. Congratulations

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you!

[@ericstark2147]

Great video! Great flight!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@ksm1985]

First time seeing your channel. Brilliant video, thank you sir

[@lifeinthefl94]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@bmcollection7887]

OMG! One of the most exciting video ever! I am so jalous! Bravo!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Wow, thank you!

[@bmcollection7887]

Thank you for sharing and dedicating time for all of us, really appreciate it.

[@gerardmoran9560]

Well done! You handled ATC like a pro. Quite the job tricking out that cockpit! Back Around 2000 I finally had enough seniority to hold captain on the 737-200. Going back to the old steam cockpit after 7 years on the 75/76 was culture shock. Your equipment puts that old 73 cockpit to shame. Happy landings

[@lifeinthefl94]

Tell me about it! I have a G1000 Meridian (see the other videos on the channel) and my RV-8 does more in an IFR environment than the Meridian! Thanks for watching and for reaching out. Stay safe!

[@haroldrushton6735]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnmerryman1825]

Awesome! Wish I was current, I’d love to try this! NY ATC has always been awesome when I’ve asked for fun clearances (east river, over the park, over LGA at 500’ in a helicopter)

[@lifeinthefl94]

NY ATC is THE BEST!!!!! Thanks for watching.

[@DaveDepilot-KFRG]

Must have been years ago because these days (before Corona), they aren't as awesome with requests. UNABLE is their favorite word.

[@jessekiefer0206]

Great video and the view of NYC was awesome!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@RobinHagg]

Fun trip

[@andrewthe]

Lolol, I loved this. I hope you had fun.

[@lifeinthefl94]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@bnywtrains9482]

This is awesome!

[@wntu4]

That JFK controller...you could almost think from the tone of his voice he couldn't believe he was clearing an RV-8 into his space and that perhaps he should reflect on his life choices. 🤣

[@lifeinthefl94]

So true.

[@donshields4470]

WOW!!! You are the Man! Thanks so much!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Glad you enjoyed it!