Cessna 150 flight through Military Airspace at McDill Air Force Base. It can be EXPENSIVE!

[@mlehky]

The really fun low approach is at the Shuttle Landing Facility (KTTS). They are very accommodating as long as they have no other activity.

[@333aviation]

YEEEESS! That's on my list, @mlehky ! I'm on the other coast of Florida, but when I make my way over there towards the Cape, I will DEFINITELY be looking to make that low approach. Thanks for the reminder of that awesome opportunity!

[@johnm.3279]

The KC was on training flight. They would have burned that fuel anyway. Having to do the 360's was just part of the exercise.

[@333aviation]

Definitely, @johnm.3279 . As soon as I heard them request closed circuit, I knew they were just practicing their pattern work. A couple of 360 turns probably did them some good. Thanks for commenting!

[@LexipMedia]

It was good of you to put those KC135 pilots through a variation in their routine. Complacency is the enemy of good piloting and circling the pattern the same way each time is just one more thing breeding complacency.

[@333aviation]

All in a days work, @LexipMedia ! Always happy to help improve the skills of our young military men and women aviators of the United States Air Force 🤣. I don't expect to receive a Christmas card or anything, but I'm here to help! Lol! Thanks for the comment!

[@kazflight]

This was great and entertaining! The self conscious thoughts on c150 speeds are real 😅! It's neat that they didn't treat you like a second class citizen/aircraft, a nice reminder that we too get to enjoy the air just the same. As for the delay on the tanker, they can write it off as extra training ;).

[@333aviation]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, @kazflight . You're not kidding about the speed, sometimes. If you're high enough, sometimes it feels like you're just hovering. And, the guys over there at McDill are great. In fact, we have an amazing team of air traffic controllers all around us here in Tampa. Very accommodating. You're absolutely right about the tanker. It's just more time behind the yoke for those Mavericks. I'm sure they didn't mine at all. I love how cool they sound when they make their calls. Thanks for joining in!

[@eugeneweaver3199]

Well, my view is that the KC-135 pilots got valuable experience accommodating non-military aircraft. The pilots were obviously training, the fuel used would be burned regardless of whether you were there or not. I think the Kc-135 pilots were happy to break up the boring routine of around and around the pattern! You should enjoy your accomplishment without the guilt.

[@333aviation]

That was my thought, exactly @eugeneweaver3199 . Flying a standard pattern can get pretty boring. I personally like the challenges of being asked to break away by making a 360, extending the downwind, or flying straight to the numbers. Keeps us on our toes! Thanks for commenting and for the support!

[@Trinidadsotello88]

That’s a cool and very fun experience. Nice new one to have in the books

[@333aviation]

Yeah... it was pretty cool. Just trying to push my boundaries and comfort level with different scenarios, you know? I was like a lot of other pilots; afraid to talk to ATC, thinking you're gonna fumble your words; and believe me... I do... ALL THE TIME. But, you don't learn if you don't do. So, I'm making it a point to do more every time I go flying. Thanks for the comment, @Trinidadsotello88 !

[@jonathankent5898]

I just found your channel. I did my flight training, and continued to rent at KPIE and never thought about transitioning through MacDill's airspace. Interesting video!

[@333aviation]

Thanks, @jonathankent5898 . Nice to have some locals aboard 😊. Yeah... it's something that most GA pilots think is not allowed, shouldn't be done because of risks, or just plain fear. I wouldn't recommend doing it all the time, but it's a great lesson to learn. So, if you have the opportunity, I would at least do it once to get familiar with the rules and communication. Thanks for watching!

[@user-hx2or9ps3y]

It is part of training for both of you. You are making yourself a better pilot and they are learning how to adapt to small traffic. Expensive yes but it may have helped everyone from the tower to the yoke.

[@333aviation]

Very true, @user-hx2or9ps3y . I'll tell you what, I was on my toes during the transition, especially when I heard of the traffic in the pattern. Ready to do a 360 myself, if I were instructed to. It's all part of growing the skillset in the skies. Thanks for joining the conversation!

[@JMcdon1627]

I soloed in a Cessna 150 in 1967 at Greenville Downtown Airport, Greenville SC. I joined the Air Force in 1970 and spent the last part of my enlistment at MacDill AFB, although I could not afford to fly at that time. One evening a commercial airliner landed on an old unused runway at MacDill causing quite a stir. That was the most police blue lights that I have ever seen in on place in my life. Doh! I very much enjoyed Tampa. My barracks was so close to the radar station that "beep beep" would be recorded on my cassette tapes as I was recording them. I served with USAF Regional Hospital MacDill under 1st TAC Fighter Wing. The last time that I flew was in 1995, a Cessna 172. All the best! Mack

[@333aviation]

Wow, Mack (@JMcdon1627 ). Thanks for sharing your story... and, thank you for your service. Here's a fun coincidence... my wife is from Greenville, SC! And, here's another fun story. You know how you said a commercial airliner landed at Mcdill? Well, about 10 years ago, a C-17 Cargo Plane accidentally landed at Peter O'knight airport, just East of McDill. McDill is Runway 5; Peter O'knight is Runway 4. They mistook it for McDill and talk about causing a stir. They had to take the insides of the tanker apart in order for it to be light enough to depart on the short runway. It took WEEKS! Made LOTS of headlines. Aviation is full of very interesting tales. Thanks for sharing yours!

[@minemaster3157]

i think i remember seeing something about that lol@@333aviation

[@BallisticAviation]

great breakdown and flight dude! don't feel guilty at all! i did virtually all of my PPL training at an airport that was routinely used by the ANG as a training airport from the 164th airlift wing (KNQA). seemed like the guys weren't too miffed about having to share the airpace and the strip with a bunch of PPL students. even though we routinely had to wait a fair bit because of the wake turbulence, it was pretty cool to be on the hold short line and see a C-17 do a touch and go!

[@333aviation]

That’s pretty cool. I have to say, communicating and listening to the guys at the Air Force Base didn’t lead me to believe that my presence in their airspace was an inconvenience in the least. I appreciate them always being willing to work with general aviation pilots. And, when it comes right down to it, most military airmen started off just like us. So, in the end, we’re all brothers and sisters enjoying this awesome world of aviation. Thanks for commenting, @BallisticAviation !

[@FlyMeAirplane]

I calculated $592 based on $5 per gal which is probably high. I fly thru there a lot! Never had any other traffic there. I was flying to Whitted one time up Tampa Bay and a B1 went by. I wiggled my wings, and so did he! That was cool.

[@333aviation]

The Air Force and Coast Guard pilots in the area seem very GA friendly. I've had a chance to chat with them over the coms near Clearwater Beach. Thanks for joining in the conversation, @FlyMeAirplane !

[@themaverickproject4577]

WOW, I did not know we were allowed to do that at McDill. I introduced myself a while back. My sister is in Lake Whales. I've often wondered about flying in the air space around your area. It can really get active at times. The area around Lake Wales (X07) and south to Okeechobee is a MOA that is run by McDill.

[@333aviation]

Yup. It's actually really easy to transition through McDill as well as the MOA. I think the hang-up that most pilots have is being reluctant to try to fly through special-use airspace because of perceived dangers or difficulties. But, as long as you do your research, look at their active times and altitudes and keep an eye on NOTAMs, you can usually get permission to fly right through. The Clearwater/St. Pete area is a VERY active area. When you combine all of the flight training that takes place at KCWR and KPIE along with the Bravo of Tampa International, it can easily become overwhelming and a bit intimidating. Especially if ATC is overloaded and starts loosing their patience. They're all usually pretty good, but, I have been ignored a couple of times due to work load, causing me to divert through another route outside of their airspace since communications couldn't be established.

[@jimjohnson3244]

Wow! Where to start? As soon as I saw you lifting off I knew it was Pilot Country. Being based at BKV, I’ve flown in and out of there many times. I actually bought a Cessna 150 to learn to fly in and owned it for 5 years. After selling it to the FBO at Vandenberg (now Tampa Executive) for one of their training aircraft, I bought a 1971 Cessna 172. Had it for about 30 years and enjoyed every single minute flying it. I’ve actually flown into McDill for a pilot awareness seminar for pilots to get information on the F16 activities in the area. This was when McDill was an F16 training base. I was based at Vandenberg where I learned to fly from my partner in the 150 who was a colonel in the Air Force training pilots in the F16. We had gone in together on the plane, me to learn to fly and him to teach his son to fly. His son was accepted into the Air Force Academy where he flew the F15 and then the F22. When my wife and I moved to Brooksville about 30 years ago was when my 172 was based there. Unfortunately because of medical reasons, I had to sell it. Of course that was just before Covid and the crazy increase in aircraft prices! My wife and I are both motorcycle riders and have both done our share of scuba diving also. Well, you have a new subscriber and I’ll vicariously go with you on these flights! As I miss flying terribly! Blue skies!

[@333aviation]

WOW, @jimjohnson3244 ! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Man! You've got a lot of history in our local airspace. So cool! Sorry you had to sell your airplane do to medical reasons. I know when it's in your blood, it's a tough thing to let go of. But, hopefully you're still getting up in the skies, at least as a right seat pilot every once in a while. If not, we may have to plan something😀... that is, if we can both meet the VERY limited useful load of the glorious 150. Thanks for commenting, my friend. And, thank you for the sub! More adventures coming soon.

[@jimjohnson3244]

@@333aviation Sorry, I didn’t mean to be writing a book! 😊 As you can imagine, I’ve got lots of stories especially with having flown around 500 young eagles for their first flight. Have you flown into Sun-n-fun yet? If not, it’s something that you need to do! If you need someone to go with you and show you the ropes, I’d be glad to!

[@333aviation]

Your book is more than welcome here. I love hearing the stories. I go to Sun-n-Fun every year, but haven’t flown in… yet! Definitely on my list of things to do. And, I love the Young Eagles program. I have several Pilot buddies that participate in inspiring the next generation of aviators😊. Thanks for the offer to sit in the right seat if I go. Something I’ll definitely keep in mind.

[@lawman5511]

We have dozens of MOAs in the southwest. I found out that flying through an MOA is legal, but not always a good idea, where fighters are involved. ATC mostly can’t track fighters because of their speed and maneuvering. If one of the fighter pilots sites a GA airplane, they have to knock off the fight until the GA is out of the MOA. That usually means all the expense incurred up to that point was wasted. My info is a retired ANG Colonel.

[@333aviation]

Thank you for your service, @lawman5511 . I completely agree. Not always a good idea, but if you do your due diligence for a long x-country flight with multiple special-use airspaces and learn that an MOA you need to get around is cold, it can make a pretty respectable difference in your time in the skies; especially in a slow little Cessna. But, respecting their times and altitudes should ALWAYS be priority. Thank you for joining the conversation!

[@richardgurka5385]

maybe ground school should have a chapter on this.

[@333aviation]

You know, it's been a while... but, they do cover a bit of special use airspace in ground school. I think the REAL benefit would be to get some actual time in ground prep AND in the air actually transitioning through an MOA or Military Airspace with a CFI during flight training. That way, when you're on your own, you've already got one notch on your belt. Thank you for joining the conversation, @richardgurka5385 !

[@RBEmerson]

A friend, flying VFR, was forced, by an unexpected snow squall, to land at a (now closed) Navy field. They put his 172 in a hanger for the night. The next day, they loaded him up with charts out of date for the Navy but current for civilian use, stood by with a fireman while he started up. What did he do right? "You called us, told us what was going on, and did what we told you to do." That was a while back, and I'm sure the rules are tighter now, but bottom line is "/communicate,/ navigate, aviate", and all will be well. Worry about sending the KC-135 on two 360's? It's all part of Air Force aviation; not to worry. ADDED: Great thumbnail graphic!

[@333aviation]

Great story, Richard! Thanks for sharing. I think the aviation community is an amazing group of like-minded individuals; whether civilian, commercial or military. And, when it comes right down to it, we support each other anyway that we can. I believe communication is key and goes a very long way in aviation. And, about the thumbnail🤣. It was a fun o e to put together. Wanted to cause a little head tilt and ??? when people saw it. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@kevincollins8014]

You're fine believe me if that controller didn't want to mess with you he would have just said remain outside of the Delta airspace. We used to do low approaches all the time at WPAFB. Most of the time the controller actually enjoyed it he said because it gave him something a little different to do. I sure got a lot of great C17 footage from it too

[@333aviation]

I think that's awesome, @kevincollins8014 . I wish I had a passenger with me on that day to see if he/she could catch the KC-135 on camera. As it was, I was just so focused on getting my communication and navigation right that any cool photo opts were completely negated. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@tonycrispino4493]

I liked this video. I once flew through Nellis AFB Bravo. Not sure if it cost as much as your trip did but I have no guilt. It's my tax money too.

[@333aviation]

Glad you enjoyed the video, @tonycrispino4493 ! I appreciate you taking the time to watch it. And, you're right... while we can't control where our tax dollars are being used for, it's nice to know that I MAYBE earned some of it back that day 😉. Thanks for joining the conversation!

[@johnburgess2084]

If the Air Force had thought the expense of a go-around (or 2) for the KC-135 was an issue, they would have had YOU loop back to the downwind and put you behind the KC-135. And as others have said, training, training, training. I experienced a minor fire in a machine shop, and the local fire department deployed everything (it seemed like). They told me the reason was twofold: a) in case the fire was actually larger than indicated in the original call or in case it expanded; and b) they always deploy greatly, as much as for a "training op" as anything else. I don't recall the order in which the points were made!

[@333aviation]

Agree a hundred percent, @johnburgess2084 . Interesting point about the deployment of "everything" for a secondary reason of training. Here's a similar story. My son, who recently started a job as a transporter at a hospital (nothing to do with aviation) told me about a code Blue, where after several minutes of trying to resuscitate a cardiac patient via CPR, he was pronounced deceased. At that point, the lead told the new hospital employees who were present in the room, "If you haven't tried doing chest compressions on a real person yet, now is a great opportunity to practice real world." They knew they wouldn't be able to bring him back, but getting hands-on experience on a real cadaver is invaluable for them. Thanks for sharing!

[@Mrpenichee]

Largo Florida resident here working on my PPL

[@333aviation]

Welcome to the channel, @andrespeniche5910 ! And, best of luck on your PPL. YOU GOT THIS!

[@lawman5511]

I always use flight following. Out here, you want somebody watching you. , Albuquerque Center is always accommodating . If the MOA is hot, they’ll give you all the info they have. Most of the time all it takes is a few minutes of extra time to fly around or stick to the edges.

[@333aviation]

I usually do the same, @lawman5511 . On this particular flight, I was familiar with how Tampa Approach hands you off to St. Pete, Clearwater Airport in order to get to Whitted Airport, so I bypassed it this time, opting to keep my head on a swivel. At one point, I was a little concerned because, as I got close to Clearwater, there was a TON of traffic in the air that showed up on my radar. Thankfully, I was able to identify all traffic with visual observation, but I was pretty happy when St. Pete took me in so that they could help. Flight following is definitely the way to go on long legs. Thanks for joining the conversation!

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

I've rrecently got my motorcycle and my MC (multi-combination) heavy vehicle licences back, after sufficiently recovering from a serious neurological condition... I've been watching a whole lot of aviation videos in the meantime and thinking that I can now operate any machine that's allowed on the road here in Australia and I should see how far I can get with the ones that fly. 🤔 I want an airplane. I'll subscribe good sir.

[@333aviation]

Hey, @C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13 ! I believe we were created to conquer land, sky and sea. For that reason, I take advantage of EVERYTHING our good God has given us. I ride motorcycles, drive cars, sail boats, scuba dive, jet ski and fly. No limits, my friend. And, it's a WONDERFUL life! Thank you for the sub!

[@fishhisy]

I've done many low approaches at KSUU, Travis AFB, even took one of their airmen flying.

[@333aviation]

That's cool, @fishhisy ! Looks like KSUU is an Air Force Base WITHIN an MOA. Would you mind sharing your procedure for entering in? I'm assuming you can contact Travis by phone to find out if the MOA is active and then contact Travis Approach on 119.9 with intentions when you're inbound.

[@davidlong3359]

Haha I used to fly a C-152 whose N number ended in 5DW. Coincidental a different 5DW gets warned about a slow Cessna 😅

[@333aviation]

Lol! That's pretty funny. I thought it was great how the ATC'er was trying to figure out a polite way to say it. "It's ahhhhhh slow Cessna". That would be GREAT if he was telling a 152 about a "slow" 150 :). He's be like "Yeah... no problem... I'll give him some room ;)" . Thanks for the comment, @davidlong3359 .

[@Jack-ne8vm]

I always enjoyed keeping speed up, then big crab at the last. Apparently you haven't found the wing-sweep & afterburner switches yet.😅

[@333aviation]

Oh... it SOUNDED like I had the afterburners off when I cruised by the tower at a whopping 95 mph🤣! But, then again... it could have been those F16's escorting me out of their Delta! JK Lol! Thanks for joining in!

[@everydaydave]

Look at it as a training guide. You know what to and how to access military airspace now.

[@333aviation]

Exactly right, @everydaydave . Every flight is an opportunity to learn something new that may come in handy in future flights. Thanks for joining in!

[@Jerry10939]

It’s good training for their pilots. Don’t worry about it.

[@333aviation]

That seems to be the general concensus, @Jerry10939 . Sometimes, it's just fun to overthink things. Makes your flight seem more valuable😉. Thanks for watching and joining in!

[@WillN2Go1]

(800/6.75) * $7 = $830. What's the big deal? Probably a very small portion of the KC 135's operation cost for that day.

[@333aviation]

But, wasn't it fun crunching the numbers and figuring out the tally? That's EXACTLY what I want out of my channel... some INTERACTION. I want it to be a place where aviation enthusiasts from around the world can come, enjoy a video, and have a conversation. So, thank you for participating, @WillN2Go1 . I'm sure there were many others that did the math, but you were the first to post and comment about the result. Which, gives me an opportunity to chat back. You're absolutely right; $830 is just a drop in the bucket for our limitless military, and those young guns in the KC-135 were just playing in the pattern. In fact, I probably gave them some good practice with the 360 turns for spacing. But, it's all in good fun. It DOES give us something to talk about, though. $830 ain't much for a tanker, but it can fuel my plane for a few months, easy :). Thanks for joining the conversation!

[@WillN2Go1]

You're welcome. When they fly the B2 by Dodger Stadium on opening day or the Rose Parade they treat it as a training flight. Military is expensive, we're the richest and we've got the best... It is a bit shocking compared to our 'operating costs.' When I was in Subic Bay last year C130s were doing touch and goes all day, every week day. @@333aviation

[@333aviation]

What a fun training flight that would be! That’s pretty cool 😎

[@mtmadigan82]

Yeah, the AF pays retail for fuel....

[@333aviation]

Absolutely not... but, WE do. So, let's work with what WE'RE familiar with and give us something we can actually compare it to, right ;). Thanks for the comment @mtmadigan82 .

[@garyplewa9277]

I overfly McGuire AFB class D all of the time while staying clear of PHL class B, but I never thought of even asking to enter, let alone do a low approach. Perhaps next time I'll make the request and see what the controller says.

[@333aviation]

I say give it a go, @garyplewa9277 . If they give you an "unable", you know what to do, just climb and overfly, again. But, if they're not busy, they may just let you through. Makes for a great photo opp, too, if there are military airplanes on the ramp. Thanks for commenting!

[@josephhughes1925]

I was doing touch and goes at my home field KBED which is also Hanscom AFB. While on a left downwind I was cleared number 1 to land. A C5-A on a right base was cleared number 2 after the Cessna 150, me. I told the tower that I’d be happy to extend my downwind and do a couple of 360’s. The C5 landed first and the pilot said a quick thanks to me over the radio. I figured that I saved Uncle Sam som gas money.

[@333aviation]

YES! I've done this, too, @josephhughes1925 ! MANY times. But, not for military... just for other GA airplanes that I know are cruising in MUCH faster than me. I don't mind swapping my number 1 position for a second-in-line if it helps a fellow aviator out. And, most are very gracious for us doing so. Thanks for sharing!

[@wturn5354]

If the KC did TWO 360’s to follow the 152 it is clear the KC should have gone first and the 152 would have easily follow led with appropriate wake turbulence separation

[@333aviation]

That would have definitely been an option for ATC's instructions, and I would have been happy to comply. Plus, it wouldn't given ME the opportunity to practice wake turbulence avoidance on approach. Thanks for the joining in, @wfturner5354 !

[@daviddoss1104]

I flew my plane out of Albert witted for several years. I never bothered McDill. Always just stayed low over the bay away from any problems. If it caused me a little extra fuel to go north or north east out of McDill so be it.

[@333aviation]

Yeah, I've pretty much navigated around it through out my aviation days, @daviddoss1104 . But, today's mission was to intentionally attempt to fly through to get familiar with the process, should the need ever arise in the future. I don't think I'll do it again, unless I'm taking somebody sight-seeing and they want to give it a go, but it's definitely good practice to try it once. Thanks for commenting!

[@paulf3082]

Really cool!

[@333aviation]

What’s up, @paulf3082 ! Good to see you on here, brother! Welcome to the channel😁.

[@waynemayo1661]

You should not feel any guilt! Every pilot in and airrcraft, large or small, has the same rights and responsibilities. The rules are the same for all.

[@333aviation]

Thanks, @waynemayo1661 ! I know you're right, but sometimes I feel like that guy on a 50cc scooter that tries to ride down a highway with a speed limit of 60 mph, knowing good and well that his scooter can only go 30 mph! 🤣 Thanks for joining in!

[@jacquesclouseau2274]

I caused a go-around of an airliner following an engine failure after landing in a C172.

[@333aviation]

Oh wow! Well, that’s a totally acceptable reason to have an airliner go around. ATC will shut an entire airport down to make sure us general aviation pilots have a chance to get down safely. They’ll even divert commercial flights to neighboring airports if need be. Glad you made it down safe, @jacquesclouseau2274 . Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@jamesviculis3114]

I don’t think you should give it another thought. You were well within your rights, doing exactly what the tower told you to do I’m not going to do the math on the fuel burn but this years budget for the air force is $215 BILLION I don’t think they’ll notice

[@333aviation]

🤣 Dang, @jamesviculis3114 ... had I know that was their budget, I would've pulled the throttle back a little. I was SCREAMING at a whopping 95 mph doing my low-approach as I passed the tower. Now, I'm thinkin' I should've had 40 degrees of flaps in, practicing slow flight as I passed! 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for joining in the fun!

[@monkmodemalik8225]

This is insane and would never be allowed in the UK. The US truly is GA heaven.

[@333aviation]

It really is, @monkmodemalik8225 . We have a lot of people in Congress advocating for general aviation, but it's because the general aviation community get's our congress men to fight for our liberty to do what we do, thank you for watching and for commenting. Cheers from across the pond!

[@SierraBravo7970]

Coming from a safety point of view I’d rather be in front of a KC135 than behind. Don’t feel guilty at all you have the right away! If tower needed something different he would’ve instructed you. Besides, You’ve paid for it with ur taxes.😅. I fly jets for a living and light aircraft for fun. It’s the cost of doing business. One day you’ll find yourself in the same situation except tower will instruct you to do a 360 for someone else. It’s a give and take

[@333aviation]

Right in so many ways, @SierraBravo7970 . My taxes certainly did cover their flight, combined with all other Americans, of course (soooo, thanks guys!). And, I've DEFINITELY done my share of 360's for spacing, with the tower USUALLY regretting it because they then realize that I never would have been in the way. Now everyone else has to wait! 🤣 Thanks for joining in the fun!

[@SierraBravo7970]

Loving the vids!! BTW Awesome JOB!!

[@mikehopkins8350]

If it bothered them much they would have told you to stay clear and go elsewhere. The relative cost to government is very small. Throw in maintenance and related, they probably spend more money taxiing to the runway than what you will in a year of flying.

[@333aviation]

Thank you, @SierraBravo7970 . I appreciate that👍

[@333aviation]

Very true, @mikehopkins8350. Thanks for the reassurance.

[@esathegreat]

Military bases in the US have golf courses?

[@333aviation]

Some certainly do, @esathegreat . The one at McDill is Bay Palms; one of the most challenging ones in the Air Force. Interesting, huh? And, here I am worried about a few gallons of fuel. Someone's getting paid to take care of their greens🤣. Thanks for the question.

[@acsxfan1]

@@333aviationThe Airforce usually builds them first then the runways :)

[@brianjohnson1576]

When you called ATC you did not specify type Cessna 150 ….so ATC was not able to decide closing speed difference so had no alternative than to instruct tanker go around …

[@DonVideoGuy007]

You might receive an invoice from the DoD for $829.63... 😁

[@333aviation]

I know, RIGHT! 🤣 That's why I didn't want to post any REAL numbers. Lol. Thanks for commenting, @DonVideoGuy007!

[@lawrencedavenport5702]

Just because you CAN doesn't mean that you SHOULD. Understand that you in fact did pay for the fuel....its just a little hard to reconcile.

[@333aviation]

That's true, @lawrencedavenport5702 . But, if my presence would have been an inconvenience, they would have directed me to fly around their Delta. It's just a good thing to get familiar with (flying through special use air spaces), especially if you plan on traveling the country and know you'll be encountering some that you just can't avoid along the way. I'd rather practice close to home than wonder what I need to do when the need really arises. And, you're right... I DID pay for their fuel... and will continue to do so. Not necessarily by CHOICE, but... Uncle Sam's the man! Thanks for commenting!

[@smurph1153]

So you're telling me a gal of jet fuel only weighs around 1 lb? A gal. of water weighs 8 lb. Your calculations have to be wrong.

[@333aviation]

Not at all, @smurph1153. In the video, I actually stated that a gallon of Jet A Fuel weighs about 6.75 pounds. But, there was a lot of information being displayed, so I can completely understand how it could be misconstrued. Sorry for the confusion.

[@smacfe]

I know all you care about is clicks, and you have that right, but general aviation is getting more and more restrictive and expensive the more we present ourselves as an anomaly to the airspace system. I foresee a not too distant future where we no longer have VFR flight privileges. How long will it be before some politician will propose that the FAA can reduce the cost of operating the airspace if general aviation is eliminated?

[@333aviation]

Well, I have to first say that the assumption that all I care about is clicks is far from the truth, @smacfe . While it's fun to try to grow a channel, for me, the gain is in interacting with like-minded people, sharing the gift of flight through my videos, and having a fun memoir for my kids and grand kids to have of their Dad and Grand Dad flying airplanes. But, I wouldn't worry too much about the restrictions to general aviation by the government due to our imposition to the system. As long as they have the budget to spend $100 for a roll of toilet paper and $100k for a toilet that they're going to crap in, we're probably not even on the radar as being an issue. I appreciate your perspective, though. Thanks for joining the conversation!

[@georgegonzalez2476]

Probably actually cost nothing more. The military guys have to get so many hours in every month anyway so 4 more minutes in the middle means they can cut out 4 minutes near the end of the month.

[@333aviation]

It actually didn't cost the military anything. Remember... the government taxes us for a reason ;). But, it's interesting to play with the numbers and calculate what those big birds cost to stay in the sky. Thanks for the comment, @georgegonzalez2476 !

[@seth10261]

At affut Air Force they leave the plane running 247 for emergency flights. You can hear it just idling all the time. They have enough money stolen from us

[@333aviation]

That's absolutely CRAZY, @seth10261 ! I guess we just don't realize how much is pretty well wasted. Thanks for sharing that interesting fact!

[@billcowan8349]

Remove toilet water valve

[@jpmeyer4159]

Your Tax dollars....

[@333aviation]

Yes Sir, @jpmeyer4159 ! At least now I know where THIS small portion went 🤣. Whether it was money well spent or not is VERY subjective (it was to me!😉). Thanks for watching!

[@briansmith2125]

Who cares?! You pay taxes. You PAID for the tanker fuel anyway. Take all the time you like. I flew in the military and always gave wide deference to civilian traffic because they're paying for their fuel....I wasn't.

[@333aviation]

You see... now THAT is a perspective I hadn't thought of, @briansmith2125 ! Yes, it may be costing the military in the grand scheme of things, but those young pilots are building time on everyone else's dime, so they most DEFINITELY don't mind the inconvenience. Thanks for the insight!

[@briansmith2125]

@@333aviation ....not to mention those young pilots trying to get hours flying circles in the pattern will eventually jump ship to the airlines (after getting all those hours on YOUR dime), and make even bigger bucks off your back (again) because the airlines keeping getting government subsidies right? You owe them nothing. You should go and camp in their airspace.

[@333aviation]

🤣 I've got the tent all packed up!

[@briansmith2125]

@@333aviation Damn straight!

[@finlayfraser9952]

Why not grow up?

[@333aviation]

Growing up is no fun. I'll let the old get old. I'll be young and live like a child for life 😉.