BELL 47 HELICOPTER - FLIGHT @ FANTASY OF FLIGHT

[@haroldmclean3755]

You Don't see many Bell 47 Choppers flying anymore , Very interesting 👍😀 What a a great Sound,, Top Footage

[@MattWvsoaring]

Love the sound of the blades slicing the air at start up. Great video and Thanks for sharing.

[@simonolsen9995]

Yay! Finally one that I have actually had a ride on. 47 years ago, actually. Thing I remember most is how before takeoff, the grass was clearly visible though the plexiglass just below my feet. only about a 12 inches away. The feeling at take off seemed more like the ground dropping away rather than us ascending. Blew my mind. Thanks for the memory Kermit!

[@johnwood551]

I got my Commercial Helicopter License 40 years ago in a 47G5A and have loved the 47’s ever since. They have the most unrestricted view of any helicopter and just plane fun. Yes they are underpowered compared to today’s turbines ,but I love them. Thanks for the video.

[@rubirunner8487]

That is on clean, cool Whirlybird! Thank you KW, very much appreciated.

[@dougscott8161]

Hi, Kermit, Thanks for another memory refresher. My first aviation experience was at about ten years old, when my parents sent me for a ride on a Bell 47G at the Michigan State Fair. I had previously found an Army Training manual from WWII, called Practical Air Navigation, and have never been able to get rid of the flying bug. God Bless and stay safe.

[@garygullikson6349]

That brought back a boyhood thrill from the 50's when I saw my first heli flying overhead, must have been a Bell 47. Us kids rode our baloon tired bikes out to Milwaukee's Mitchell Field to watch WIS ANG pilots practicing with their P-51's and later their F-80's.

[@MrWarwick15]

What a beauty Kermit! Thanks so much. beautifully flown too. Richard.

[@nineteenandfortyone]

Beautiful machine, wonderful video! Thanks for sharing it!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Life is REALLY GOOD = YES.......Thanks for the ride Kermit....🇺🇸

[@coertlangkemper8862]

Thank you Kermit, again you succeeded in transmitting the goosebumps called flight!

[@banuemad5490]

শ

[@SgtHulka_III]

Great camera placements!

[@faustobaptista8555]

Thanks for This, one more time, beautiful vídeo. Always primorous one

[@arcboutant]

Wonderful. Amazing. Brilliant camera shots. Full marks sir 👏🏻

[@RussCrush]

I didn't know that Kermit had a helicopter rating..... ....But of course he does!! Love to watch the flights!

[@LostCloudx4]

With such unique aircraft I think it's more of a ... whatever just get in and fly lol

[@bower31]

@@LostCloudx4 Nah a fixed wing pilot can't just jump in a rotary wing, that's a very huge skill curve

[@straybullitt]

Kermit has certainly not lived this long by having a "I can just jump into any aircraft and fly it without proper training" attitude. No fixed wing pilot would even consider flying a helicopter without having a rotorcraft rating. To be perfectly honest with you.... Most of us are scared of helicopters! 😱

[@RussCrush]

@@straybullitt That wasn't my point. The "No old, bold pilots" applies, even to Kermit. Been to Fantasy plenty of times but never saw a helicopter there (That I can recall). This is the first video I have seen of his that involves one. I wonder if there are any ratings or endorsements that he doesn't have? Glider? Turbine? Airship?

[@straybullitt]

@RussCrush My comment was aimed towards the first reply. In the next video, Kermit is probably going to pull out an old flying saucer 🛸 that they've been secretly restoring and fly it around! 😅🤣😂 Kermit has probably earned most of the heavier than air ratings over the years, which would be my guess. If we ever see him floating around majestically in the basket of a hot air balloon, then it will be almost certain that he has all of ratings and endorsements... 🤠

[@thegrinch8161]

I’ve been a passenger in a Westland whirlwind, a few times on a puma coming back from an oppo and while on holiday in the USA I managed to get a short hop On a bell 47 and yet the 47 for me was the best and it all stems from watching an American drama in the 60s which featured a bell 47 and it’s crew. I can’t remember the name of the series but in every episode they flew off solving mysteries every week and it was that programme which forever enthralled me with this rotorcraft,thank you America for putting a smile on my 62 year old chiselled face according to my Megan my daughter. 🙏👍

[@darkredvan]

Nice. I saw my first Bell 47 in the 1960‘s as a boy on vacation in Austria. My father was glider flying there, Austrian AF used the airfield as well. They had a mix of Bell 47‘s and Alouette 2‘s at that time. IIRC the Bells were license built in Italy by Agusta, but I am not sure about it. Anyway great content, as always.

[@jerrylitzza8842]

That brought back some memories. In the early 60's as a CAP cadet, I went out with an Army pilot from the Presido in San Francisco. We flew down the coast towards Monterey and back. That one had the bubble doors, but that was my first chopper ride to preceed many more in Vietnam. When we returned the pilot exhibited the Autogyro and brought the copter to a landing.

[@pamgettel9056]

MY SON IS AUTISTIC HE LOVES "MASH" VIDEO MADE HIM SMILE THANK YOU

[@johndohe990]

❤

[@alhodge4051]

In 1972 while in the Coast Guard stationed in Baltimore we needed a big truck for the base use. We drove down to some military storage area, I believe it was in north carolina. while being taken to the area where the trucks were I remember driving down rows upon rows of Military Bell 47s with the blades off laying next to them. Just sitting in the sun wasting away. It hurts to think what probably came of them.

[@ginggur17]

Have passed this place so much on that I4 when we go over to Florida. I’ve always wanted to call in. Braver than me over that Water lol, knowing what can be in there. Great video. 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@stevenicoson6670]

Thanks for another great video. It was interesting and enjoyable. A little flight in the baby helicopter. Looks like it was running and flying great. You did a wonderful job with it Kermit. Think this is the first time I have seen you flying a helicopter. I thought you did great with it. These small helicopters are so interesting. Was great to see it fly and the take off and landing process. Thanks Kermit for taking us doing. Was most enjoyable. Thanks for everything. Retired Air Force veteran.

[@David-yo5ws]

I think you are right, as I was also trying to re-call Kermit flying a helicopter and could not remember any video's. I know he did a great interview with the son of Igor Sikorsky. That was a very interesting history lesson on the invention of the helicopter. The smallest helicopter I flew in, was the 'Wasp' (Westland Wasp), when I was in the Royal New Zealand Navy serving on HMNZS Monowai. We got taken ashore to move a transponder beacon which was in cloud cover. Whilst we waited to return they has a flame out of the engine whilst idling on the ground. They got it re-started then quickly signaled us aboard for the trip back to the ship. Whilst we flew over the sea, all the lights on the top of the instrument panel started flashing, with a few buzzers thrown in. I heard something about emergency landing. (Normal procedure you come alongside the ship and the Flight Deck Officer guides you in) We just came directly in line astern onto the Helo Deck. I was so grateful we didn't go swimming that day!

[@davidholmgren659]

Fantastic Bell 47 video, and WOW! You're a great helicopter pilot!

[@adamorsini4585]

What a sweetheart of a Helicopter.

[@vonmazur1]

Flew these in the Army, along with the Hiller OH-23 and other helicopters. This one was smooth and easy to fly, unlike some other choppers. I think we had this model and the OH-13 S at Ft Hood in 68. The S model was turbocharged. IIRC; The battery could be moved to the tail boom for weight and balance requirements.

[@dukeallen432]

Helicopters as well Kermie?? Wow.

[@flagman515]

You can't beat the power of that Franklin engine! Beats the air into submission every time😁

[@samhunt9380]

Lot of hours in one of those babies......good video.

[@richtaylor2129]

Great video as always Kermit!

[@Tom-mo2dr]

Sweeet ! What a view ! Hypnotic ! Thanks !

[@ces188charles6]

Love the little bell!!!

[@johnpelszynski6646]

I flew on one in Vietnam 1966 from Dian to Laikhe. And one in Miami right down Miami Beach. Cool Flight.

[@danhuttinger5040]

I am a member of the Gulf coast Corvette Club in Bradenton Florida as a group we have made quite a few trips to Fantasy of Flight it is a great museum very educational I ready to plan another trip up there. Thanks for the great video's.

[@FINNIUSORION]

Oh wow he has his whirly bird license. Thats another one I don't plan on getting unless I win lottery lol. My little piper 150 is enough for me.

[@pkvillager]

So cool, flashbacks to growing up watching reruns of MASH!

[@allensherrill850]

Beautiful 😍!

[@ervinthompson6598]

"SIR !! I CAN FLY THE CRATE IT CAME IN" !! As a child, I loved the sound of that Franklin when they used to give rides over the fairgrounds at night near Charlotte, NC , every September.

[@daveheath3728]

My Dad's dream was to own one of these Bell H-47s , he never did , and I hope to build a model of one in his honor . Once again you have demonstrated your amazing breadth of aviation knowledge and flying skills , and the excellent quality and attention to detail in your aircraft restorations. Thanks for taking us along for the ride , and wish you many happy landings in the future ! 😎👍

[@Noone-rt6pw]

Yeah, but youcan use new aluminum alloys or Titanium, Carbon fiber that'd put the original Bell 47 to shame,not to mention a lighter more powerful engine. Go for it. There's new Magnesium alloys too.

[@m3photo726]

@@Noone-rt6pwWrong planet, mate

[@Noone-rt6pw]

@@m3photo726 you have a lot to learn

[@artd.]

Interesting to see the tail rotor drive shaft in the video, watch closely and appears to stop and go backwards. Great Video Mr. Kermit, keep them coming!🙃

[@one-o-four889]

That’s how helicopters go left or right 😉

[@artd.]

@@one-o-four889 Wrong, the tail rotor pitch is what controls Left or right. the cameras FPS is what makes the #5 shaft appear to stop and go backwards.

[@one-o-four889]

@@artd. Sarcasm, not a fan? Ok then.

[@mattharte7334]

That’s excellent filming and a great video. I remember watching the video of you fly this machine and hovering to drop the names of your subscribers, in a competition, to choose the winner of a free flight in one of your aircraft. That was very cool.

[@rubensandri740]

Thanks Kermit , cheers from Uruguay and West Palm Beach.

[@michaelallen1396]

We had one of those flown by the local PD in the 60's and 70's, the sound of them circling over the city on Saturday nights is burned into my head, we called them ghetto birds.

[@samuelcruz9258]

For me...the bell 47 is the beauty of the helicopters .

[@mp6756]

The only license I have requires all 4 wheels on the ground at all times. By the age of eight, my youngest boy could name about every aircraft that served during ww2, and for the most part, every US aircraft piloted since. Zachary is all grown up, and just like his father, he's not a pilot either. Living in central Florida with a boy who loves aircraft! Fantasy of Flight was his choice for a day with dad. Thank you, Kermit.

[@krookeddreamz09]

I need a Uncle Kermit in my life.

[@PhilT993]

I flew in one of these during a sight seeing tour over Niagara Falls many years ago (from the Canadian side). As a helicopter enthusiast, it was the thrill of a lifetime. My side had a door in place, but the pilot's side was open. I will always remember looking straight down between my feet to the ground as the craft tilted down to gain forward acceleration. Needless to say I really enjoyed the flight 🙂

[@lrmgrl]

Thanks for the video Mr Weeks!

[@jamesdunn3864]

That's some rotor brake!

[@orosalsero]

Being a retired Army Vet, I've had the privilege of flying in the Bell OH-58 Kiowa, that was a fun ride, flying in a Cobra was exciting especially flying nose down tree top level, you get a beautiful view of the land from a Black-Hawk, even a ride in a CH-47 was a thrill. Word of advice never sit in the tail end of a Chinook unless you carry an air sickness bag we always stuck the newbies in the tail section - LOL.

[@garyburns1033]

Beautiful chopper reminds me of watching Mash all the time. Just needs the two gurneys on each side.

[@jcriseling5781]

I have around 150 hrs. in -47s, the one with the wooden main rotor blades flew the 'softest'. I think it had a Franklin ? Long time ago, in a place far away...

[@phantumdrummer]

They always say the Houghs/MD-500 has the best visibility... Bell-47: "hold my beer"! Amazing helo from a time long since past. Always loved them since I was kid.

[@robh4671]

Awesome Sir Kermit 👍

[@edgaraquino2324]

I have always liked this aircraft...saw it for the 1st time in a program called "Whirlybirds" years ago....always looked forward to Tobey's character flying this chopper.....then the Huey came along...❤ Thanks Kermit!!😊

[@bradcook3242]

Very cool

[@fleuger99]

Great piece of flying history. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Fly safely.

[@charliebryson1285]

Loved this chopper in Vietnam when up in them looking for ambush sights to set up at night.

[@aorakiboydog]

Such awesome visibility like the Hiller and lama. Another enjoyable video .

[@davidmackee8575]

That looked like good fun ...

[@jonathanbaird8109]

Yes, yes! Any Bell 47 content is great content!

[@arthouston7361]

As a young man, I enjoyed the show “whirlybirds,” like so many people of my generation, and in the early 60s the Atlantic (gasoline) “go patrol” (traffic reporting helicopters) had several later production model 47s, and they gave rides at the local airport prior to an airshow where they performed some maneuvers involving two helicopters. What a wonderful moment it was for a 11 year old boy to get a ride on the helicopter of his dreams. When Robert Altman came out with the movie M*A*S*H, it was nice to see those helicopters again as an adult.

[@steveturner3999]

As a kid growing up in the early 60’s it seemed like every tv show that had a flying segment brought in a Bell 47. I drew hundreds of these as a kid and wasted a ton of note paper doing so. Still my all time favorite.

[@alexandremarcelino7360]

Sencasional 🌟

[@Kiwidave]

That's a cool helicopter

[@robertkirby1095]

Yea... I can do that!! Blind and drunk!!!! LOL!!!!!! Love this stuff sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Much!!!! Thanks Kermit!!!

[@sarajanesmith1]

Is there anything Kermit can't fly? Love this guy!

[@maxsmodels]

Beautiful helo gents.

[@euchreairgaming]

The sound of a Bell 47 reminds me of Oshkosh early in the morning eating breakfast in Camp Scholler.

[@StratoArt]

What a beautiful sounding little bird! Thanks for flying this Kermit!

[@scotabot7826]

Nothing sounds like a Bell 47 or a Bell UH-1, Nothing!!!!

[@Schlipperschlopper]

This helicopter truly sings!

[@USNVA11]

When I was growing up, the city of Virginia Beach had a Police Bell 47. They brought it out to Princess Ann Junior High once when I was a student there. Landed it out behind the school and got to see it close up. It was so cool in the eyes of a 14 year old ! That was a looooong time ago. 😆

[@ianmangham4570]

Nothing like that whirly bird whistle on start up

[@winbrown444]

The only chopper that I could do a backwards autorotation.😊

[@davebaker489]

My 1st flight in a Helicopter was in 1 of these. I was a kid at a fall fair and rides were $5 bucks. It was a thrill and 60 yrs later I still fondly enjoy.

[@PlanB-3751]

The awesome BELL47 💪✨🌟👍 Greetings from Egypt 💪🇪🇬💪 Cheers .

[@Pilotc180]

K is braver than Iam to fly over all those alligators in that old egg beater 🤣

[@barrywinslow9798]

Sure would love to fly with ya in the 47. Be safe and God bless.

[@williewilliams6571]

I always wanted to learn how to fly. Kermit has Aladdin's Lamp with unlimited rubs.

[@davidwallace5738]

Great flight sir. Thank you!

[@brianwright6522]

That was fun. Thanks.

[@edwardleyden460]

Like a flying goldfish bowl .

[@davidbarber5356]

Flying this type of aircraft is on my bucket list abd has ben for years. You are lucky to have one to use.

[@MattMorris481]

Now just have radar standing on the ground waving.😂

[@kevatut23]

Thanks Kermit for another great video. My last duty station was Fort Lewis 1972. I had spent my tour till then in Huey's. I reported to my new CO, and was oddly assigned to the OH13 maintenance facility. Spent the next seven months flying them after service. By that time, those old Franklin's were getting cantankerous, and autorotations were pretty common. I can't say i didn't enjoy the bird, but i did live for those supply or ferry flights in the OH6 when crew were short. The 13 was a pretty solid ship all in all. But it was older than I was at that point.

[@Pauls-World]

Hey Mr Weeks. Whenever I hear something flying over Bay Hill I always go outside and look. Especially if it’s sounds like something Mr Weeks owns. Be safe and take care.

[@n4gjm]

Love that aircraft! Rode on a litter strapped on the side as a private in the Army many years ago- a training exercise for medics. If I remember correctly, the engine was a Franklin, also used in most Stinson aircraft and the ill-fated Tucker automobiles...

[@neilcigelske4454]

The early 47s like you see in the series MASH sere Franklins. The one in the video were Lycomi engine zome were also turbocharged.

[@milesbrown8016]

That grand old dame helped to save many lives in Korea. Viva Bell company….

[@jimcollier7869]

Dude can fly anything.

[@helicopterovirtual-msfs6254]

Excelente.

[@bushforme]

Something sexy about a bell47! Cause it was used for the bat copter? Mash? Not sure..enjoy watching that more than newer fancy helis! Thanks for the video!

[@fredericrike5974]

Kermit, Indeed! Indeed it is! Better for some than others.

[@janalblas7314]

Bell 47- G1 with the Franklin Engine was / is the best !

[@theonlymadmac4771]

What a nice aircraft!👍🏻

[@tomeickhorst6787]

Back in the mid 80’s there was one of these helicopters at Lake Of The Ozarks Missouri that had floats on it. My mom and dad sent me on a ride in it when I was 5-7 years old and from them on I was hooked. I never have been in a spot to own any aircraft of my own but that didn’t stop me from getting my license and flying a family members 140 while he had it. Lately I’ve been wanting to get a ultralight just to get back in the air

[@kickflipthis]

So cool!

[@Noone-rt6pw]

Sirkorvsky brought us the helicopter. I'd like that!!!! But there'd come that time I'd need a Cobra or the otherone.

[@daveblevins3322]

I remember as a kid going to Camp Wolters in Texas when governor Connelly was stumping for office. The Bell 47's came by with machine guns mounted on the sides, and I thought that was pretty cool 👍 Then me and my brothers went back to chasing armadillos 🔥🔥 Yee Haw 🤠

[@antebellum45]

Great conversations👍🏻

[@SoloPilot6]

Nicely balanced! Most of these hop around a little during startup.

[@flyingtimes1]

Awesome 👍💯

[@notvaporlocked5479]

In the late 60’s I got a ride in an uncles Bell 47 that was used for crop spraying. A few years later he converted the machines to turbine engines. I seem to remember he trailered them to the NW maybe Seattle area ?? from Florida for the conversion.

[@ronjonson26]

He did the soloy conversion

[@Fury9er]

Really good video, I like Bell 47s - basic but very capable.