Cessna 185 | Three Tricky Little Airstrips

[@taildragger9454]

Great Touch! The 185 Wagon is a solid aircraft. I got many hours in the ol bird. We had the Robertson STOL kit installed with 20 degrees added to the aileron droop with the flaps. Cut our landing distance (50' obstacle) almost in half. Bulletproof aircraft. One of the best I feel Cessna ever designed. I'm partial to taildraggers, as I was taught - real pilots flew aircraft with tail wheels and round engines! Keep up the good work.

[@GuidoWarnecke]

Perfect touch down, no float - does not get better.

[@berniestafford1445]

Those trees look awfully close on the approach!!

[@bbpruett]

When accuracy matters it is all about the throttle. We control our glide path and ultimately our touchdown spot with throttle. We fly in the tropics with up and down drafts, that necessitate power adjustments. It's better to make short and prompt corrections with power than to make longer slower corrections. I average a power setting that is like what you're describing, but I make quick corrections either side of it to keep the approach as stable and accurate as possible.

[@cs512tr]

3:02 good landing gave you a powerup

[@ral1951]

Hats off sir! Love those two wheel landings raming the stick forward as soon as the wheels touch the ground, most precise and safe landing to perform.

[@HagarST]

The 185's are the best non turbine short field/grass/extreme airfield aircraft out there for the works you do. Be safe, and may God Bless you!

[@Morpheen999]

Fantastic flying!!! I am only just learning and now appreciate how difficult that must be, with no margin for error!!!!!! Amazing video!

[@bbpruett]

It's on my to-do list. I'm curious what goes on in the cockpit too! I do have a video called "Cessna 185 | Landing and taking off on a muddy jungle airstrip" that you can get an idea of the rudder and elevator movements based on the tailwheel steering cables going tight and slack. At slow approach speeds with Robertson STOL kit the ailerons are very ineffective, so bank is controlled primarily by the rudders.

[@tonyb22]

That's flat-out awesome! I enjoy flying Idaho's back country with my friend in his Turbo 206, but this is beyond Johnson Creek! :) Thanks for the video.

[@stearman456]

I flew -185's in the arctic for a long time on floats, skis, and wheels - even did a little esker work on small wheels (bad idea!) That is some talented stick handling you've got there on video - good job! Makes me miss the old days when I was 22 and immortal!

[@bbpruett]

I agree. The C185 is a great aircraft. It's getting old, but most of the new ones have training wheels and we really need the maneuverability and durability of a taildragger for what we're doing. We also have Robertson installed and it's a good kit. I don't what else we can do to the wing - we have Robertson, Sporstman leading edge, ART wing extensions and VGs installed. It all works well together.

[@timkiwi]

Great flying in the 185. 4:24 good view of wheeler landing on un-even ground. catching it them rolling the mains on. i miss the 185.

[@RPHeliopilot]

I recognize airstrips 1 and 3 but with the camera focused on the fuselage on airstrip # 2 I don't recognize the airstrip. I flew into 1 and 3 in our Helios our of Nasuli a long time ago. I remember airstrip #1 when it was shorter and had a nice little dip on the opposite end. I also remember surveying airstrip # 3, airdropping supplies while it was being built and landing on it the first time. The Helio approach was slower and steeper, giving more clearance between the aircraft and the trees

[@PHAER]

That`s fantastic, thanks for sharing!! The boys running after the plane are hilarious!! Very nice!!!

[@MrNocturno2401]

Awesome! Simply awesome! Especially the landing on airstrip No. 3. That's some serious skills!

[@MrJDP1974]

Great job!! Nice work there! Perfect choices on the 3 points vs wheeling it on. Great stuff!

[@ConradTheCruel]

Even on a clear day in the UK with just light winds you still need to continually adjust the throttle. Each surface of the earth, be it a field, a small woods, a tarmac road all heat up at different rates and have different air currents coming off them. As the conditions change, you must change your power to remain on the same glidepath.

[@habababachiznaks]

A bit of difference from the usual paved runways. The approaches are just jaw dropping!

[@bbpruett]

@cgcgundersen Good question. It's because the brakes are to the floor. I pump the brakes to maintain control, and clear any grass clumps that might have torn up and collected in front of the sliding tires. Sometimes the grass is slick enough and I don't quite get all the way off the brakes so the tires don't roll for a while. After I saw this video I actually made it a point to pull my feet off the brakes more aggressively when I pump them to be sure I'm not sliding the whole time.

[@tbmavengerstuka]

As a flight instructor, this is excellent stick and rudder skills. Very well done. But can't help but think it's just an accident waiting to happen. I'd still do it =)

[@MrStoney61]

You are a stick and rudder god in my book bbpruett. Just fantastic sir!

[@udist100]

beautiful scenery. looks like pandora

[@RoboTekno]

Wow, No. 3 looked crazy, but the kids running down the hill made it worth it :D Superb piloting!

[@drmckee]

The default FSX airports are, for the most part, FLAT. BUT you add Northern Rockies and Central Rockies produced by Orbx and you will get the 'shelfs' and the sloped runways, both USA, BC and Australia. I have posted several FSX videos that demonstrate these, such as Mile Hi Airstrip and Soldier Bar in Idaho. That is why I was asking for names or coordinates in the event those strip you show might be in an Orbx Scenery area. But I completely agree ...nothing close in default scenery.

[@bbpruett]

@JayJay1990fromwiehl It's not as low as one might think. At gross weight I'd say it's around 48 kts and light is around 42. We approach 50-55kts depending on our weight. With flaps down it stalls very clean with ample warning. It's more of a "mush" than a "break." It's good manners we attribute to the VGs.

[@bbpruett]

Thanks, it sure is fun. It's all about practice, practice, practice. I fly with New Tribes Mission Aviation. Our planes are red and white like MAF and we work alongside them in several countries. They're a great organization. As far as I know we're the only ones left flying 185s on wheels. I think MAF may still have a 185 on floats in South America, but I'm not sure.

[@bbpruett]

@UncleFester84 They are A.R.T. wing tips. We get increased takeoff weight out of them and improved STOL performance too. I've used the tip tanks, but prefer the A.R.T. cause they're lighter and simpler.

[@bbpruett]

@straighttailpilot Yup, a stable approach is all about keeping airspeed constant and controlling the glidepath with the throttle. It sure is fun!

[@JayJay1990fromwiehl]

awesome flying, awesome plane, awesome filming... NICE

[@eclipser2004]

You got mad skillz!! Great vid. Thanks for posting!

[@bbpruett]

That's a great story about the Tri-Pacer. Very cool. You could check out our booth at OshKosh. It's New Tribes Mission Aviation, but they likely aren't going to have a C185 there. I'm not quite sure what they're doing but it would be worth looking them up. Unfortunately I can't be there this year...

[@markomak1]

Awesome nature, awesome flights.

[@bbpruett]

@skyypilot It's a GoPro HD camera. It fogs up in the tropics during a flight but it still does a pretty good job.

[@brianmann01]

You would put most bush pilots to shame I think. Great flying. I will be moving to Bagiuo in about 5 years to retire.

[@75mikker]

That is just awesome! #3 looks like an uphill roller coaster. I bet your butt is clenched when you drop down that hill to take off

[@motel29]

Just damn good aviation my friend! I knew when I began watching this vid that all landings were gonna be good.... But DAMN! ...Stellar piloting skills, Sir!~

[@frozenmist-w4k]

Damn that coke is hard to transport...

[@bbpruett]

@gserlenga I've never tried it in FSX, but set it up with 24 gallons fuel, and about 816lbs cargo with an aft CG and that's how it's setup on airstrip #3 for landing. For takeoff, 24 gallons and 705lbs load.

[@02KAINE]

Thanks for uploading this! Very nice footage.

[@Proffezorn]

Amazing flying!!

[@bbpruett]

@MrWyno22 It has a Robertson kit, Sportsman leading edge, VG's and ART wing tip extensions. There isn't much left that we can do for STOL...

[@simreviews]

Your skills are phenomenal... It's just incredible... Great video!

[@bbpruett]

Just found out that they are bringing one of our Cessna 185s to OshKosh this year. It's the one I did my training in. Hope you get a chance to check it out.

[@bbpruett]

#3 is the highest at about 1800' but the Density altitude is usually closer to 4,000' because of the tropical heat and humidity.

[@RPHeliopilot]

Wish we had cameras like the GoPro when I flew in the Philippines. I have old VHF footage and some stills from each of these strips, flying a Helio Courier.

[@AcidDanSDG]

3:04 - "balls of steel" achievement unlocked :)

[@InsaneMetalSoldier]

True skills shown here!

[@bbpruett]

As a point of reference the steepest upslope landing (Airstrip #2) is 12% up for 500,' relatively flat for 100' and then 10% down for 500' The steepest downslope (Airstrip #3) is -5%. I think Lynchburg Falwell (W24) airport has a 5% slope in it maybe you could try that.

[@StrikerFin]

Cool! Am thinking, can I do a job like yours straight after I get my ppl. I will be getting it this year..

[@slimcou]

Very nice video, great flying...

[@bbpruett]

I fabricated an inspection panel and screwed the Go-Pro mount to it with a countersunk screw and nut. I didn't trust the tape alone to hold it. This way I can just replace any of the inspection panels with my homemade camera mount.

[@JayJay1990fromwiehl]

@bbpruett thanks. I´m looking forward to do do my JAR-FCL (PPL) license next year when I finished my Glider pilot license. Also I want to be a airline pilot when I finished my Abitur (high school) in two years. Awsome video by the way!

[@greglipman1146]

It's amazing...these airstrips are pretty good...when I was flying there in the 1960's,. we had no navaids, only UHF and dead reckoning in c172's, c150's, c210' c336 and Aztecs. The strips are much better now than they were then. I spent 6 years flying in both Papua and New Guinea ,and so am surprised at how tough todays pilots think it is now !!

[@bbpruett]

@Mbove22 Yeah, would love a 550...or at least the Black Mac propeller.

[@kffive]

The NEW! Cessna 185 hedge trimmer. Why work all day? When you can get it done in one pass. Sorry, not available in: NV,NM,and TX.

[@flanksteak2]

You're really giving the throttle a workout.

[@bbpruett]

I was curious a while back when I bought FSX and tried it out. Nothing was even close. Just find yourself a mountain with a "shelf" on it and try landing it both ways - upslope and downslope with a C185 weighing between 2900 and 3100lb and you'll be as close as you can get.

[@oscalealvisl]

now thats some amazing flying nice video

[@brianmann01]

You would put most bush pilots to shame I think. Great flying. I will be moving to Bagiuo in about 5 years to retire. Would it be more practical to use those big Tundra tires like they have in Alaska?

[@nittynorns]

Thanks for sharing - I really enjoyed it.

[@straighttailpilot]

key to spot landings. work the crap out of your throttle.

[@motokid032]

What a bad ass pilot. Skills to the max. I wonder if he is still alive?

[@Flightline_]

its very difficult to land on such a strip like that, and the throttle constantly needs to be adjusted so he can get over the bumps and hills in the strip/hill.

[@leanright6870]

As a kid, I flew with an RBMU pilot in to some tricky ones in Papua: Mameat, Kuropoon, Karabaga and one close to Taive (excuse my spelling). We were based in Ukarumpa, PNG, but our mission was in Irian Jaya. I think it was a 185 tail-dragger ... the plane you're using and the strips you fly in to look similar. At 12, I thought it was cool, but in hindsight, it was dangerous. I didn't see you name these air strips yet - can you tell us if they're in Papua?

[@bbpruett]

New Tribes MIssion Aviation. They have a website if you're interested in more info.

[@Mbove22]

Nice, I used to be with NTM in Venezuela. I think our pilots were jealous of the MAF guys and their 550's lol

[@willjed]

awesome flying!

[@FlightFab23]

Amazing flight skills!

[@ridgerunner98570]

Have you thought about getting the larger tundra tires like what the Katmai conversion has? I wonder if those wouldn't make your landings on wet grass better.

[@jeepguysc]

Bravo Sir! Bravo!

[@airbornerat]

thanks for the reply and information great landing by the way!

[@SantosLuzardo]

Very nice video!

[@bbpruett]

@TomFord19 I completely agree. We're working on getting a set.

[@mikeba6]

MAF has a blue line in the paint scheme. Well, at least MAF in Venezuela did.

[@F3FisGoodforYou]

How do you even find the strip in the first place.... I am in total admiration, this is incredible skills... I use to praglide and don't even have this precision :)

[@bayenne5b]

Nice video and great flying skills, in what country is this? I love the sound of that engine on approach and on the flyby after T/O!

[@bbpruett]

It's same colors as MAF, but it is an NTMA airplane.

[@mmstraker1]

amazing, thanks for this great footage!

[@BlueWaterBoat]

Damn son!!!! Youve either got some mad skills, or a some large brass. Im betting both. Especially in field 3. It appears to me that your more or less landing to and taking off from a saddle.

[@tiphares2355]

this is insane.. but beautiful

[@Agora2021]

Airstrip number three looked horrifying.

[@rob10026]

Wow awsome pilot..i want to be a pilot but not even close yet..

[@bbpruett]

@fsC130J I fly for New Tribes Mission Aviation, but am good friends with a lot of MAF guys. They do great work and similar kind of flying. Unfortunately they got rid of their 185s...

[@oc101289]

its a shame that ORBX havent got to these places yet so that we can do these airstrips in FSX

[@bayouranch]

that really does look fun, almost like golfing with a plane, lol

[@epicDamnWin]

Is there any reason why the engine was reving up and down in the videos?

[@NCPPGpilot]

In a tail dragger no less. Nice!

[@boater905]

great pilot

[@304danny]

Damn nice flying - I wish that was my job.

[@straighttailpilot]

@bbpruett how did you get the robertson and sportsman together? does the Robertson not have the leading edge on it? by the way my favorite runway is one a 2:36 I fly in one like that one in mexico but its at high density altitude about 5500 feet. but its a blast to get in there.

[@innersilencedotcom]

very cool flying! where are these airstrips? the nature around them is amazing :) number 3 seems to rival lukla in difficulty

[@bbpruett]

@ridgerunner98570 Great idea. It's high on my list of things we need to add to the plane when we have the funds to do so.

[@Greencorner]

Another great video! Bushflying over Phippines?

[@skyypilot]

very, very nice. Love the perspective. What kind of camera and mount to you use? Thanks - skyypilot

[@kevinbatungbacal]

Lol I just heard a super mario ringtone at 3:04-3:05

[@cgcgundersen]

So noob question here (trains are my thing planes not so much). When you land and the tires aren't rolling is it from how wet the grass is and they don't roll or do you have the brakes to the floor?

[@pbsjunior10]

Ur f... awesome pilot... congrats

[@1irishluck]

haha 3:50 the natives are restless! great video where are you flying?

[@TomFord19]

How come you dont have some AK bushwheels? seems like they would add some insurance when landing on the soft and rough stuff

[@StrikerFin]

Hey man,, can you do a video of your stick movement? please.