Because I was INVERTED! Spin training: Pitts S-2B Flight VLOG

The WEIRDEST feeling flight maneuver I’ve ever learned!
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The rest of this series, along with over 125 curated episodes, from Tail Wheel and Aerobatics, to IFR and WarBirds!
Please visit www.FlightChops.com for details!
Huge thanks to Harv’s Air for making this happen!
They are one of the very few flight schools in North America that offer basic and advanced aerobatic training to all levels of pilots!
Check them out at www.harvsair.com/
There are already several episodes from this series available!
Including one flying there in the TBM 850!
To keep up with where we are at in the series, search “Pitts S2b” and “TBM” at www.FlightChops.com
Special thanks to Gill, who killed it as my cinematographer in Winnipeg!
_____
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FLIGHT CHOPS DISCLAIMER:
I am a "weekend warrior" private pilot, I fly for fun with no intentions of going commercial. I have had my PPL for over 15 years, but still consider each flight a learning experience - I generally take detailed notes after each flight to remind myself what went well or what I could do to improve.... Having the GoPro cameras to record flights like this is invaluable. I find these self analysis videos very helpful in my constant quest to improve, and am happy to share. Feedback is invited; however, please keep it positive.

[@bennettmckay1244]

This is one of those videos you have to watch 4 times. Each one of the camera views is important to focus on.

[@blaketibbitts2875]

Bennett Mckay Agreed

[@korso7717]

😂😂😂😂😂😂u dayyyyuuuuumn right

[@gunsaway1]

Every pilot should take a class on aerobatics. Not to this extreme unless you want to but it could save your life.

[@RatedMf0rmanly]

Pretty sure those are mandatory now for new aspiring airline pilots, atleast in Europe.

[@oldrrocr]

and they are a lot of fun too! (unless your passengers are easily startled.) "Hey! watch this!"

[@theregoesmiller389]

just like i also believe every one should have to be forced to take some sort of advanced driving when they go get their basic drivers license....

[@sixter4157]

@@theregoesmiller389 I was blessed with a father that raced open wheel and off road before I was born. He taught me many advanced techniques and how to read traffic to avoid the idiots.

[@blancolirio]

Great content Steve!!!

[@ProfSimonHolland]

So good..Steve....I have take breaks watching your film.....it immersive and making me feel I am in the aircraft with you guys.....well done.

[@jochentreitel7397]

Congrats! I love your videos since with everything you do you show a humble approach to it - no nose-up attitude! And great video!

[@rnzoli]

Don't get me wrong Steve, it's great footage, but sometimes I also come here for your friends' funny comments. 06:35 Luke: "If you don't add power, you're gonna be in this kind of descent profile.... coming down like an Apollo capsule" 16:05 Osama: "Hopefully I can land the TBM again after this" Very funny!

[@SuperLIGHTNING2011]

Magánpilóta - Private Pilot N. Zoltán 🤣

[@TheStewie00008]

An amazing and well put together video! Now I really want to try what you’ve done. It looked too fun!

[@joshuaeagan6012]

Great video. Always enjoy these. Really like the different camera angles!

[@andrewwade8464]

OMG. You guys! Wow. Talk about fill your boots up! Fantastic job with the video. Cheers and congrats

[@earthsciteach]

Fantastic episode! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done (as always).

[@lazyjackass77]

Thank you so much for admitting your mistakes. It makes everyone better when you do.

[@benderaviation]

I'm feeling a bit dizzy just watching, I can't imagine how you felt!

[@306champion]

Not being a licensed pilot (though I have flown a little), one highlight of my life was the front seat of a Pitts in NZ doing aerobatics. I can now see how much of this was done. GREAT Video mate, love it.

[@averagealex99]

I remember during my flight training, doing the spins was my favourite!

[@aoifemariamolloyagainstisl399]

averagealex99 sorry i hit the android touch keypad

[@landon35]

These videos are the reasons why I am wanting to become a pilot. Nice video. 👍🏼

[@niceguy2171]

Uhmm, FLightChops, not sure if anyone's said it yet, but it's always best to keep the plane flying right side up! Sky up, ground down! True stick flying, and what great training flying in that beautiful Bi-plane with a aerobatics guy! They are amazing! And your experience doing the opposites reminded me of doing the tail draggers after commercial flying jets, just took me completely out of my comfort zone in a exciting good way! Oscar's certainly racking up the experiences as well, and hope to catch you both on these adventures in the future.

[@poppetrurazvan3900]

Pure and simple, impressive! Thank you!

[@Mrcaffinebean]

This episode is a great example of what makes me want to be a pilot which is the community. Seems like everyone is experiencing something different and just having a lot of fun.

[@scottgilliland2061]

Well done Steve, that looked like a lot of fun!

[@Aviation101]

AWESOME video buddy!

[@FlightChops]

Thnx Josh. See ya at Sun n Fun? (Or Osh for sure)

[@fordtechchris]

Awesome. I'm definitely down for aerobatic training after I get my license! Thanks for showing the in depth view of this type of flying.

[@KramarD]

This is an incredible series. Thank you!!

[@FlightChops]

The follow up / next level of this series is in post production now! Luke upgrades to an Extra 300 last year!

[@KramarD]

FlightChops can’t wait to see it. Pitts has been on the list for many years. Hopefully sometime soon. Thanks again

[@scotte2815]

Really enjoying your videos. I took lessons over 40 years ago but never finished. I've done aircraft maintenance, parachuting, and lately a lot video watching LOL When I was working at Mountain Air Cargo, our chief pilot built and flew his own Pitts. Easily one of the best stunt plane EVER!

[@Tiwow]

That's a lot of fun, doing spins! More importantly it's a huge safety benefit. Mastering the aircraft in and OUT of its flight domain bring a whole new level of skills and confidence, I highly recommend it to any pilot or student.

[@d.wayneotto1094]

I might be a bit biased as that is my home airport and my go-to flight school - but that episode was AWESOME!

[@Payne2view]

I've enjoyed all your aerobatics training videos. One barrel roll in a Chipmunk as a passenger convinced me of the physicality of aerobatics. Harder work physically than it looks.

[@FlightChops]

Fore sure yes! A barrel roll in a Chippy is a beautiful thing, but very hard to execute well.

[@garryfancy7406]

Excellent video, very professional

[@enjoy110]

Congratulations O❣️🎊🎈🍾 Great Job Gents❣️

[@parrotraiser6541]

Thank you for an experience I couldn't afford to buy.

[@FlightChops]

Happy to share!

[@SmittySmithsonite]

What an amazing aircraft that is! Can't believe how FAST it can change direction! Great video, man! Had me on the edge of my seat. If I were a passenger in that thing, I might have turned yellow on this ride, LOL! Thanks for taking us all with you on this one - I'd have never had this kind of experience otherwise!

[@robertwren2289]

You guys need a Best Tugs. Don't hurt yourselves. You're not hurt until you are. Proud of you, I could not even try that. Great flying.

[@TheFinerPoints]

very cool video. I bet counting those turns is harder than it looks during the accelerated spins! It's comforting to know that the recovery is always the same in every case

[@tomsmith3045]

Love this and all of your videos. The combination of fun and a commitment to safety is one of the draws. I've learned a lot, and I'm safer for it. The authenticity of admitting mistakes is huge, too. Helps everyone learn and stay safe. Myself? I've taken off with incorrect flap settings, and adjusted my flows accordingly. No excuse, I was being sloppy. For alternator, I have two checks, that I didn't realize checked each other until watching this video. First, a flow of the switches. In a PA-28, it's easy, they're side by side, battery & alt. But the second is a scan of the gauges, for the ammeter specifically to see the "pulse" when the strobes fire. That lets me know that both the alternator and the strobes are on. Anytime I'm flying 2 pilot, I always do the checklists out loud, whole thing. I figure that way the other pilot can check me, and I can do a trust but verify if the other person is flying. Stay safe and keep having fun!!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks for watching to the end, and for the detailed insights :)

[@markthibault8579]

Great video. I'd like to see that spin reversal manoeuvre from the ground as it's tricky to wrap my head around the transition.

[@astier59]

My first spin in a glider endet up bieng an inverted one, i had to pull the airbrake in the recovery dive not to over speed the thing. Awsome video! keep up the good work.

[@RoryOnAir]

Awesome video Steve. I’m not sure my stomach could handle that...

[@JAMESBOND-zz5bh]

Chops, nice video, whoa! thanks for posting.

[@NCherokee]

Very nice video, I just got a Piper Cherokee 140 can't wait tp start making videos.

[@adriangoodman8901]

"Holy shit are you kidding me" dude I wasn't even in the plane and those words pretty much sum up what I was thinking. Made me laugh out loud, great recovery though!

[@wconkle]

Great video. I can't wait to fly in a Pitts!

[@Hot80s]

my favorite flightchops

[@ShaunOutdoors]

Great video buddy, and good work 😎

[@skullcraftcustoms]

Doing what I wanted to do growing up... Loved the video

[@skydance8017]

Looks like so much fun!

[@nevillecreativitymentor]

"Hope you enjoyed this one?" ...who says that after making such an amazing video ... whats with the "Hope"? Flight Chops .... LOVVVE YOU. You sir have no clue how much your videos mean to me ... you have no clue!!!

[@FlightChops]

Friendly feedback appreciated!

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Dude what a freaking cool video!

[@tekvax01]

hey mav! this is a great shot! I crack myself up!

[@mikestone9129]

Like they say, 'What dosen't kill you, will make you strong" Great job.

[@nikolasjorgandzijoski7527]

Love that Top Gun reference

[@apgt7959]

More of these!

[@motorTranz]

Great job Chops 👏 Thank God for magnetos🙏

[@craigpennington1251]

You get the feeling of having downed a case of beer when you do these maneuvers. Your head is spinning and you want to throw up. At my age and what I've been through the last 13 years, my body says try that and you're toast buddy. Good luck and all the success in your flying.

[@psyrixx]

We didn't do any practical spins in my training, but it's something I'd absolutely love to go and practice with a CFI. Doing it in a Pitts would be ... a ton of fun I'd imagine!

[@FlightChops]

I did my primary training in the 90's in Canada - I started with gliders and then moved to power. In both cases spin training was something we did pre solo. I know it is controversial, but I feel it made me a better pilot.

[@psyrixx]

100% believe it. I'm sad the flight school I went to had it against their policy to teach actual spins. I'm sure I'll get my fair share, I do plan to do some aerobatics training sometime this year. :D

[@GaryMCurran]

I would highly recommend spin training as well as spin prevention. We don't ever want to unintentionally enter a spin, but if we do, we'd better know how to get out of it. Steve, does Luke teach things like Approach Stall/Spin? I know one person who was training with my father, but was solo, in the pattern, and got into a classic stall/spin scenario at 800'. Because Dad had taught him spins, he easily recovered, but I kind of wonder about the classic turn to final, in too close, too much elevator and rudder, and BOOM!

[@phillyphil1513]

0:48 - that look of apprehension on Steve's face is classic.

[@Dunwyche]

Awesome, thx for the post.

[@tinlizzie37]

Hi Steve, A Pitts is the perfect airplane to do what you are trying to do. I Only flew a 160hp Pitts for a ride in my Stearman (1967). I was doing inverted spins in the Stearman a year before. It instantly wants to toss you and your body out of the airplane as far as it can. I used to have to put my foot on the stick, to keep it in a spin upside down! Much much fun!

[@AerialPhotogGuy]

I remember my first spin in a Super Decathlon, the only thing I remember seeing was a grass strip to land on, it was in the first part of the spin when you are upside down and yes, I wanted to land on it so we did even though it was a private strip. Didn't need to change my underwear but I did need a moment to allow my brain to recover :-D After that , I knew what to expect and it wasn't so shocking anymore, even got to where I enjoyed spins (upright that is). I never did go for advanced aerobatics, I was happy doing the more basic stuff. I know there are those that say that you aren't the best at any one thing but I salute you, Steve, you're going for the "Been there, done that" thing and for hanging in there and going for the advanced stuff, you aren't afraid to try anything and everythng that you have the opportunity to try!! Good job!

[@benlzicar7628]

Osama seems like s cool dude, glad to see you doing more stuff with him.

[@lauramurphy5497]

Actually great video

[@fingerhorn4]

Brilliant teacher. Note, he did not need to do even 15% of the flying. Like all good instructors, he hands over control to the student and lets him learn after a good briefing rather than over-demonstrating. Excellent video. Thank you.

[@steveyork1664]

Holy crap!!!!! That was pretty crazy right there bud. But I would love to try that out.

[@iflyc77]

Awesome!

[@stitch2k1]

Oh boy I remember flying an S-2A about a year ago that my dad had around for a while for a friend of his. Didn't ever get to fly inverted, the front belts were all messed up and the back seat couldn't use the pedals right. Still flew it normally sitting in front, holding crap does that thing shake like mad, it's a whole different beast compared to other biplanes. I think I still prefer a Skybolt though.

[@mrsaskriders]

Is there such thing as an inverted accelerated spin? The crossover spin was very cool. Great video and great training and I agree I wouldn't have thought full power in vertical.

[@aoifemariamolloyagainstisl399]

Steve i am incredibly proud of you and your educating me just beginning ground school

[@FlightChops]

Awesome thanks! Keep in touch through your training!

[@aoifemariamolloyagainstisl399]

FlightChops i am sure that your lovely children and your wife are truly proud of you and all that you are doing and have achieved. You have much to hold your head up for and to celebrate in life and you inspire me in so many ways

[@ferrarikingdom]

@@aoifemariamolloyagainstisl399 I want to like you but I hate your name.

[@jessielee1369]

That was pretty intense. I have a headache from watching this as my dog sleeps in my lap as I'm sitting in my recliner. I have got to go to bed now but wont be able to sleep. Would so love to do this. Thanks for the adrenaline punch.

[@garywheeler2055]

Hey, I saw Aaron pulling out the Pitts? He does a great job at online ground school 👍

[@slikrx]

So, when do you learn the Lomcovák? ;) Great vid, loved to see the whole group.

[@MrLikeke]

According to my A&P, the lomcovek comes after takeoff, about 100 agl. Unannounced to pax is even better.

[@imaner76]

Starts DCS, cranks up the Christen Eagle II tries this. Risk free. It works, can I try now for real? 🤔😜🤣👌 Great job man.

[@cencalmatt]

Fan fvckin TASTIC video! My favorite in a while, though they're all good. Was that a seminole? I did all my CMEL in one. A dependable rock with wings lol

[@osamaarafat]

Yes it was. I ended up doing my Multi IFR in a Seminole as well. Very docile airplane.

[@akaykovachic452]

hey man ! i got your patch and sticker from spectrum airways ! i will put it on my bag to rep, and i flew the plane with your flghtchops graffiti on it ! and it was your gopro mount on the roof i used wasnt it ?

[@FlightChops]

Yup :). Happy flying - I will be back there more soon to make some progress on my dang IFR training that has been taking me way too long to finish.

[@lauramurphy5497]

Good video

[@billwayzata]

Cool instructor

[@ronmoore5827]

That was awesome, I did a few simple loops and rolls years ago. I know the stuff you guys were doing would have made me sick. Thanx for taking us along. I noticed your chute shoulder strap looked a little loose was it tight enough?

[@FlightChops]

It was tight when I was standing up - it gets a bit loose when you sit down. I think that's how it is supposed to work..?

[@ronmoore5827]

Your probably right. Now that I think about it I'm sure your instructor wouldn't miss something like that.

[@toolhog10]

Are roller coasters even one bit fun after flying something like this thing?? That looks very fun.

[@scotte2815]

Nice model of a Beech 17 Staggerwing. When are you going to fly one of those?

[@FlightChops]

That’s an iconic plane for sure! Is live to fly one

[@mcochrane87]

I got my PPL with Harv's Air in Steinbach.

[@GMoneyMacFresh]

Sick video Chops! You inspire me to make my own videos... eventually :S

[@nickhuck7792]

I actually had to stop because the cockpit views made be dizzy. Another great video.

[@AlexZaboroski]

Did my flight training at Harv's!!

[@daffidavit]

I've learned more from your channel than any other when it comes to the mechanics of flying. It felt like I was flying the Pitts. I gotta put this on my bucket list for sure. As of July 2018 which airport can I find this instructor and airplane?

[@manojmohan7264]

Harv's Air flight training. Steinbach, MB , canada. Search for harvs air inverted on instagram

[@SuperAero]

Oh man. That was intense. I’d be filling up bags left and right!

[@CyrilFSM]

geat experience ! thanks for sharing ;)

[@TeemarkConvair]

thanks for the ride.. question.; are the blue straps for parachute?? sure look very loose..

[@FlightChops]

The chute straps were tighter when standing up... but yeah they look pretty loose when seated - I guess they coulda been tighter.

[@MichaelLloyd]

Damn... that was intense!

[@SpicyTrifongo]

I've watched like 20 of these videos now and I'm getting really sick of them being so good.

[@joshualandry3160]

Let me guess, the next one will be time to buzz the tower? :) BTW, I love the series.

[@mikebellamy4760]

I’ve not done this in an S-2B but I have done it many times in an S-2A, and I much preferred the Gene Beggs recovery.

[@olahelberg106]

The belt on his right shoulder scarres me. I fly gliders and are always checking my belt before any aerobatics.

[@jamesharber7820]

Ola Helberg . I agree. The possibility is there for a broken left collar bone.

[@Ask4majed]

lol i love it great job man

[@AMSeagle]

15:01 that roll he snuck in there on ya was kinda dirty lol

[@goatflieg]

Just yesterday, I wrote Budd Davisson and told him I'm ready to fulfill my promise and get training with him in his Pitts. Target date is next February; flexible and subject to revision. Waiting to hear back from him. I'll keep you posted.

[@antonherr5832]

Anyone else think that Luke looks like Tom Cruise? Cant wait for the phenom vids!!

[@johnyates277]

Good thing I had my Walmart barf bag looks like a lot of fun

[@coolhari2000]

How about a flat spin or tail slide.

[@rohitsatish_46560]

3:56 C-GFJV, the plane that I steered rightly through my PPL flight test.

[@MachTuck]

"..holly cow ..holly shit!" LOL that was awesome

[@paulbickley658]

Does that pitts have trim for the elevator? Does it have to be updated for 2020?

[@sandromasucci3354]

I have sweaty palms just by watching.

[@gabrielvazquez1691]

I want to do this!