Coffee at 8000ft & my WORST LANDING EVER

[@Flightstar]

A guy I knew many years ago, who was a great pilot, Flying wise, but took many risks flying his home built tinnie tired low wing speedster over some of the most hostile coastal terrain with a somewhat questionable engine. He had had multiple engine failures in that machine several times and always managed to make a landing strip, farmer field or a beach. He must have been a cat with 9 lives with the shit he used get away with. One day, he was turning onto final at his home port and just drove into the ground at high speed, killing him instantly. The result of the transport investigation, seat platform collapsed down onto the controls. Nothing he could do but fight with them, and he would have, right to the end. On that day, his 9 lives were up. Good luck finding good zip ties, There all just Chinese junk made with shit quality plastic, Besides, that seat pan, the way it is situated, should be viewed as a critical component to flight. It is vital that it's fastening system never fails and to rely on shit plastic ties to that job is not good thinking. In the days that plane was built, this kinda flying wasn't that popular. Not like today where your putting it to hard use on rough terrain. Just think what would happen if the approach was a little different, where a go around after impact was mandatory, and just after the hill was cleared, you had no control movement. Don't need much of an imagination to picture the results. Needless waste over some shitty plastic ties. Fix it right, do it now. In this business, procrastination kills. Stay safe

[@Jasshands1]

listen to this person - aerial search and rescue guy

[@rubberbrush]

This... a million times.

[@prestonriley4922]

Hey Trent, you probably already know, but you can add some glass to the leading edge of the pan to wrap around the tube more. Then you can open up the slot a little and use adel clamps to go around the tube instead of zip ties. It's much more secure that way. If you want to go the extra mile put a small wood block under the seat pan for the seat to sit on. It will keep the aileron push pull tube free to move if the seat pan comes out of place again.

[@NURKFPV]

Good on you for being willing to share the mistakes. I think that's part of what will continue to make this channel great. You're willing to share both sides of the coin.

[@nzfatmatt]

In every frame of life it's useful to share your mistakes so other can learn from them, rather then making them themselves. In aviation this is especially so, as someones mistake in which they may have walked away from, might just save your life in the future.

[@chrisdagger6295]

This is why I love Trent's videos, and continue to watch. Keep them coming Trent!

[@hfirm9897]

hey Trent, instead of the bolt on mounts, put 4 pieces of seat-belt material sewed on to the top bar to the bottom bar under the seat. Sew it to fit the seat form. Seat belt material does not break or stretch easily. I have built and flew a -4 and -5 and this worked great. very cheap and easy fix. THX for letting me relive my adventures through you.

[@owensparks5013]

Mrs Trent is one chilled out passenger, no drama just encouragement, kudos to both of them.

[@jimmykosko]

Being honest with your viewers goes a long way...we all have had hard landings and showing our mistakes just makes us better people. Being humble tells a lot about a person. Just makes me want to watch more of your videos.... your life style is an inspiration... at least for me...thanks So glad I found your channel .

[@davecrawford6846]

We all do it Trent. I took my wife out for lunch and slammed it in the asphalt. When she tells the story to people, she can hardly get through the story without laughing her head off. Your wife did great and is a great encourager for you. Thanks for being so honest and posting such great content.

[@67westyguy]

Trent you and your wife remind my wife and I of our flying friendship....Your adventures are cooler with the Kitfox (we fly a Cherokee), but same great togetherness and smiles. Thanks for the videos they're great.

[@flyerbluedog]

Trent: "I don't think today's my day for flying..." Mrs Palmer: "You're doing great! Today's a great day!" Mrs Palmer is awesome!

[@TrentonPalmer]

She really is!

[@MrGaryGG48]

@@TrentonPalmer As you've probably already noticed, you are one amazing fortunate man! She shares many of your interests and doesn't scare (too) easily. ;^)

[@midimancb1]

you fine folks are living just like I did when I was your age. We'd go partway up trail ridge road in Colorado in the middle of winter.....scoop the snow off of the picnic table and make sandwiches for lunch with hot coffee and potato salad and chips. Bundled up quite well cause it usually was under 30 degrees. Great experiences and unforgettable memories. Keep it up, kids. Never let a chance go by to create a memory.

[@rayfletcher3683]

I built small tool boxes on both sides of my seat pan from sheet aluminum. They rest just above the frame tubes, help support the seat and are super handy. Simple flap door under seat cushion for access.

[@nthkeoaeosntuhaeosnu]

Top notch video !! Great to see Haley too. Awesome planning and views. This will be one of my favorites. Great scenery. Great story. And you are a great couple together. And I get to see some aircraft internals. Thumbs up !

[@Thetinkanator]

im super impressed at how your wife handled that:) my wife would require a pep talk at least!

[@bradensminger7994]

Great job showing off how fun GA is. It’s not all about the FAA and weight and balance. Love the drone shots too.

[@skydive1424]

It’s scary that a failing seat pan can block your flight controls.... I would do something about it. Either fit a shroud around the linkages or, easier, laminate a Aluminium reinforcement doubler along the edge and backdrill the holes in the doubler. That it makes it more tear resistant at the edges and at the zip tie holes and maybe use hose clamps instead of zipties

[@TrentonPalmer]

Yep, I’m on it. Probably will go with stainless steel zip ties for now but I will be retrofitting the new seat pan and mounts shortly

[@twopheew9995]

Awesome! Trent Palmer, you're the best! This is what being an aviator is all about!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Trent....love your videos man! Thanks for taking the time...during your personal time...to make these videos and share with us!

[@scoutworks]

As an experienced automotive accessory installer, I can tell you that it will be very easy to reinforce that seat mount. you could even use something as cheesy as hose clamps you make that seat mount stronger, without modification. That being said, obviously upgrading to the Model 7 configuration would be best. I wonder, if you used some aluminum straps to cradle the seat, if that would be best.

[@ianisbell500]

Thanks Trent. I’m a student working on my airline ratings. I love your videos. Videography is excellent. I would love to fly with you some time. I intend on Recreational bush flying in a couple years. I got to get stable with my airline career first. Cheers!

[@steckvision3024]

Flying somewhere then just go hiking... now that is next level freedom!!! Very nice!

[@MrBishop077]

Greetings Trent, if you are still using that plane and seat set up, try using metal hose clamps. the slots looked wide enough, and the clamp is plenty sturdy *(usually). just a thought....a few years late =)

[@chrisquaintance9768]

We all have our days! Thanks for sharing with us. Much respect.

[@7ZeroProductions]

Perfect video as always. Insane cinematography. And don’t forget, “If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it's an outstanding landing.”

[@stevenmurray5860]

It's real life baby! Thanks for not cutting it out. Any given day! Keep up the good work and kudos for your kind treatment of the Mrs! You two fit well together. :-)

[@brandonb417]

Any landing you can walk away from is a good one. Any landing where you can reuse the plane is a great one. I've had crappy landings before, even several landings in one pass, thank you Cessna and your springy landing gear.

[@theclephane2914]

She is beautiful and a wonderful person Trent! Hail Storm! Best wishes to you both!

[@languystephane]

Thanks for showing the aftermath of the rough Landings and how you repaired the minor damage! Belle video comme toujours!

[@johnfrankonline7729]

Nice episode Trent! I love watching your VLOG, it has helped ignite a lifelong desire of this 50 year old man. Peace.

[@csoehlig]

I love the Christopher Nolan soundtrack for the landing. That looked like a great two wire landing. I wouldn't sweat it, I've had worse myself. Thanks for sharing. Best youtube channel period.

[@JakesTheHake]

Trent you got an awesome lady by your side. Her positive outlook is kewl.

[@JimForeman]

Talking about hot coffee and altitude reminded me of a charter I had from Colorado Springs to Salt Lake City. Four pax in a Saratoga with an 8:00am ETA SLC meant it was still dark when we took off. Lots of 14,000 foot mountains meant a minimum altitude of 15,000 feet and broken IFR conditions. We had just reached cruise altitude when the two guys in the middle seat decided to open their thermos of coffee. The ship had club seating which at least put bodies between me and the spraying coffee.

[@EchoFifty]

Just've found your channel. Man, you're living my dream. As a pilot, I don't get much chance to shoot while flying. Glad someone shares the beauty of aviation with such a level of video production. Keep it up please!

[@projekt6_official]

I love how supportive she was through the whole thing. Awesome wife you've got there. Don't be so hard on yourself, we all have our off days. :) Thanks for another fantastic video, Trent!

[@TabascoJoe20]

Its super Awesome how she is trying to make him comfortable You are a Lucky man Sir

[@tknoerle1451]

Trent, I genuinely love the romance of you taking your wife out to such a place for sharing your morning coffee. That was awesome... in every way. If I had my PPL ...I'd do that kind of thing as often as time & money would allow! Keep up the good work, dude!

[@joewilliams5072]

hi Trent. Did not realize you are at Stead. I’m a long time (27 years) Air Race attendee. I’m flying an Ercoupe now in Southern Oregon. Your vids are superb! Good work. Thanks

[@jonminer9891]

Ok, Trent. I thought about commenting on this year's old video, and I decided to after reading all the comments blaming the plastic seat ties. But you came in at too steep an angle on an uphill, with an extra passenger. It was simply pilot's error. I am so grateful that you both walked away from it with an undamaged plane. Take care buddy. Thanks for sharing! Stay healthy!

[@douglassmith2055]

Was wondering what contributed to the hard landing. thank you.

[@Jack-ne8vm]

Bad landing aside, you will both remember that morning coffee as a happy time ! You are one sweet Hubby! Old zip ties, extreme turbulence, control lock... Strengthen similar designs before next flight?

[@Barabyk]

It's a manly thing to share bad landings. Even more respect.

[@douglassmith2055]

Great vid, our failures are our strengths. It's important to learn, without getting hurt whenever possible. One way is watch others, and try to not copy that. This is why younger brothers have an advantage.

[@thomashall41]

Awesome video! Looks like you are starting to blend your two passions, your wife and your flying. I love it. Also love more of the shots from the DJI camera on the gimbal behind you with the canyon flying. Your videos are awesome dude. Can't wait to have my wife up there flying with me like that.

[@angelreading5098]

Loved this video as it showed you both enjoying some flying together,your honesty and excellent photography make your channel so enjoyable,this shows how strong the Kitfox really is,it is a tough bird,I think there was some strange downdraughts going on when you landed,stay safe.

[@joannte]

Any landing you walk away from.... GOOD LANDING! All jokes aside, great video and glad you show the rough stuff too!

[@Supercrewchief]

If I understood correctly, a couple zipties secure the seat pan from falling onto the control linkage (and jamming it). I would definitely upgrade/mod that.for obvious reasons. Great video as usual! Thanks for sharing!

[@Korbike]

Trent thanks for keeping it real! Now if we could get some mountain wind turbulence shots! All the best!

[@danielmoynihan2852]

Love watching your stuff. Amazing job with the VLOg. I feel like I’m along with you guys. Love that you share the crap landings too. Was starting to think you never had any bad ones!

[@evertkleynhans2617]

Your camera skills, drone footage and editing is above excellent. Well done, continue the great work

[@jonneville]

Love it. Love all your vids.Good call on keeping the hard landing in. You keep it real, and it's a big part of what makes your channel so appealing. Good stuff, man.

[@JP22222]

Great job man!! My wife and I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing...

[@ralfmatters448]

Great vid. I did 2 crap landings this weekend, it keeps us on our toes. Your partner is a good sport though, more worried about the cold than the bumps! Great copter shots as well. Thanks for the effort you put into making these videos, my flying mates in Oz love em too.

[@davidwatkins6834]

Dude... you put the romance back into flying. Good job.

[@FLY--wy2yi]

Why is it that when we take the wife out for a ride we do our worst landings or something unusual occurs?? This is a common theme. You did a great job given the circumstances! You have to expect a hard landing every now and then and more so with the type of opts you do. Fun video Trent! Awesome as usual!

[@rayfletcher3683]

FLY-4202 I built a small tool box on both side of my seat pan with sheet aluminium which rest ,almost on frame tubing, on both sides of controls. Supports seat and is extremely handy for tools etc.

[@ugurse]

Nice and happy couple, keep her hands tightly..wish you all the best and forever health and happiness..

[@harrisonmccullough1183]

I was stationed at Stead in 59 60 and 61. Looks like it has changed some. Great flying.

[@juanmasiman]

Wow. I am so damn jealous. Love the videos, amazing shots, and amazing places. Love the kitfox and freaking wish that was me! Keep it up!

[@randyvanvliet226]

Nice, Trent! No $100 hamburgers here.... get up crackodawn, and $10 coffee, instead. Good job living somewhere so beautiful, remote, and close to Mother Nature's playground known as the Sierra Nevada's Mountain biked some of it, Downieville, etc. Your honesty and integrity are great roll models for all aviators. You OWN it, when you make a mistake. Two thumbs up.

[@jeefflanyt]

Never fails. Make a million great landings under the most unforgiving circumstances, then take the wife up ONE TIME, just ONE TIME, and mother nature pulls a fast one and POW!!! Glad you, the plane and especially the wifey are okay. She is a trooper, either has total confidence in you and your flying, doesn't scare easily, has a forgiving heart or ............ naaaaaaaah, she just isn't familiar enough with the flying ins and outs to put a boot in your backside for that one. Love the videos, keep them coming. P.S. my wife would have walked the three miles back to Stead Airport if that had been me. At least I would of had time to work on the seat while I waited for her to get back :)

[@CrazyCity26]

You know what they say “any landing you walk away from is a good landing”. Glad you posted your experience and were honest enough to admit when you make a mistake because that’s how we learn. It’s funny though. No matter how awesome you fly when the lady isn’t around they are sometimes there when bad luck strikes. Hopefully she doesn’t give ya too hard a time about it!

[@guynelson1250]

Love the video That's materials you try your best to impress someone special

[@karljameshunt4100]

Hey Trent, I have watched and enjoyed a few of your videos. Just a thought when you approach a hill strip like that have a normal descent to landing not a flat approach where you only have power to stop the sink and nothing to trade, especially at high altitude in a low powered aircraft. the other reason for keeping a more regular approach is, you are used to flying that profile, some will tell you that the flair is too big a change of angle but in reality as you get close in its quite a gentle change to meet the slope. the other reason is it is normally easier to escape the hill with some height and you also can see the strip better during the approach. Flysafe

[@evilbrat5376]

Just joined ya for coffee. Outstanding view, what a way to get out with the wife for it in the morning for sunrise slurping.

[@Thetinkanator]

love kitfox and thanks for your effort and time you put into producing great aviation entertainment. you are a true advocate for private aviation

I have heard about the $200 burguer bafore but the 8000ft Coffee is a first. Better luck in the next landings !

[@shannonwhitaker9630]

Thanks alot Trent for posting this. Think I'll add an additional lay-up of cloth and glass across the nose-lip of my pan. As someone mentioned here maybe install some clamps rather than continue to rely on zip ties. Locked up the stick afterwards...oh wow that has my attention ! Looks like you had a good landing set up but maybe "hit" lol a tad too far downslope. The plane and ground just intersected a bit earlier than expected. Reminds me of WWII footage where a Corsair slams onto a pitching Carrier deck. Anyway I would be freaked out attempting to land on hills like that so hats off for the courage.

[@inezneal7258]

Maybe it was the coffee, cold weather, cramped quarters that all contributed. Or the wind and like air pressure from being high and low . The plane looks like something brothers (wright) would make in their garage. I like it, it's like a casual plane.

[@SethAllison]

What a great couple! So great that she is so supportive and comfortable flying with you. Fantastic coffee spot too! Thanks for sharing your mistake, reminds us that we won't get it perfect every time. You sure made up for it with that buttery smooth landing back at the airport. By the way, you should hit up Peter McKinnon, he likes drinking coffee in awesome new locations!

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

There is a fellow here in Oregon that flies a bush plane out of Aurora OR airport. In order to preserve his bush tires from wear on pavement, the seem to let him land on the grass next to the pavement, of course missing lights and appliances. Is there something like that you csn arrange with your home airport to save wear on your 29s? Man, that was a banger landing! So glad it was easy fix!

[@kellychapman5142]

Our Kitfox 4 has the same design and the same cracked/repaired seat pan design. Plus it’s surprisingly heavy. I’m toying around with building one out of carbon fiber. But for now the repairs are holding up.

[@faiznaqvi]

best romantic and disaster movie in the same video. Keep up the good work mate.

[@bgribbz]

I love the way you were like...nope were hitting this runway, the softest EVER

[@joshflint4268]

I would do something immediate to give you control clearance. Had a friend bang up a tripacer and knew the gear was messed up but decided the airport was the better place to really see what was wrong vs a frozen lake. If you had something like that happen and had to keep flying....? The fact that the seat collapses isn't all bad depending on load absorption. But controls getting jammed is bad. Could you make a tunnel of some type to protect them? Might be a better way than a frame redesign. Not sure what's involved with the upgrade.

[@wseucan]

I love that video. Everything inlcuded: Your wife, the nervousness, a hard landing, tools to repair your seat. Real life :-)

[@felixwinkler2053]

you can really see how much effort you put into your videos!! they are great

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

Tip. Next time you do a little patch like that, put on either the lightest fiberglass you can find (don't add any more epoxy) and you'll end up with a really smooth finish. I use the stuff for model RC planes. If you don't want to bother with that, another trick is to buy the cheap (yes, the cheap, not the 'good') masking tape and cover your patch with masking tape. It will come out very smooth. Structurally, there is no difference, this is just an aesthetics thing.

[@TrentonPalmer]

Awesome, thanks for the tip!

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

​@@TrentonPalmer Sure, two things I didn't make clear is when I say the lightest fiberglass I mean along the lines of 0.5oz/square yard or there abouts. The tape, you put the sticky side right over the wet epoxy (taught). DO NOT remove the tape till it's 100% dry. Also, don't use good tape, it will stick, the cheap stuff comes right off (no clue why). I prefer the light fiberglass method. You'll be amazed at the results! I love your videos! You sure do know how to play with that thing!

[@matthewbrothers2823]

Just glad you guys are good and able to fly back safely. It could always be worse, so doing alright in my book.

[@1roanstephen]

That was an energy dissipating landing. Reminds me of planting Phantoms on the deck

[@michaelstern1945]

It happens to me in the car sometimes but not when I drive alone. Bring us up to date when you get a new mod. Cool video your wife seems to be a great sport.

[@davedennis6042]

I too want to commemorate your wife on how she handled that. That's uncommon courage. She's a keeper, man.

[@slamsshenanigans2296]

Dude! So happy to see your wife on the adventure with you. I was gonna totally use this to help convince my wife but I might hold off for your next one you film with your wife. She handled that like a pro! Great attitude, I can only hope mine will be as calm and positive.

[@call911forcookies2]

Hey, it's all good! Bad landings are a part of flying, they sneak on you every once in a while! And judging from what I saw, I don't think you had anything to do with it, just seemed like an unlucky downdraft. And as you probably know, the wind on the leeward side of a hill is always weird! Really appreciate you sharing! Most people, including myself(lol), probably wouldn't.

[@raymondkoonce5827]

For what it's worth, my first ever landing in my Cessna 411 was beautiful - to a point. This was like 1982 and I had about 8 or 10 thousand hours at the time. The plane stalled about 5 feet off the ground and we fell. I was sure I must have jammed the mains into the wing. OMG!!! Got lucky and didn't break anything, but scared the phooey out of me.

[@richards6246]

“It s the thought that counts”! Awesome video

[@goriverman]

Thanks for sharing that with us. We all human and sometimes blank happens

[@WendelltheSongwriter]

Best effen channel on KZbin. You two are incredible together, and all of us who drool every time you post a new vid doing this awesome flying really appreciate your transparency, Trent. I swear, I could fly like that up there until the day I die. Thank you! Also: Aren't you coming up on your three year anniversary owning Freedom Fox?

[@PatBFord]

Hahaha so awesome...

[@michaelleblanc6062]

Agreed it was not your smoothest landing but if all you needed was replacing a few zip ties to be able to fly away it was still a pretty good landing. Beautiful video as always, thanks.

[@journeyman4328]

Can't believe just noticed your video today. And yes I have the bell on. Now, did you notice that? After that landing, she said "cool" on the next landing, before the touchdown. As your fear of flying turned into the love of flying. I think she is getting over the fear stage and loving it too. One more thing a suggestion for B-roll, mount a camera on the landing gear. It could give a unique perspective on how the landing gear works and what it feels like to be there. Keep up the great videos.

[@Odan6969]

Learning from mistakes is part of being a responsible pilot. Great place for a brew BTW.

[@davidb2045]

Definitely appreciate including that, it’s really helpful for us pilots to see others mistakes. It really didn’t look that bad from the vid, but I know that can be misleading. I agree it’s a poor design that the seat pan can deform and interfere with flight controls like that, would be worth a change. Just designing my Bearhawk seat pans and this was a useful example.

[@kurtjoyner56]

I’m assuming you had a substantial tail wind at your second hard landing... which would have nulled your intended flair, right? Maybe installing a few more zip ties may increase your control margin after your next hard landing. I love watching your flying and the awesome places your landing and takin king off from. Thanks for the incredible photographic procedures using so many camera angles . May God keep an Angel as your permanent wing man / spirit. Thanks man, Kurt Joyner, Charlotte NC

[@Golfwhiskey]

Thanks for not leaving that out. As a new pilot I like to think it's better to talk about it than to hide it.

[@nothingtoseehere4026]

Graham Wallace Same boat as you, thinking the same. Total redemption with that nice wheel landing at the airport.

[@ibtm]

Great roll out drone shot!!!!!!!! excellent video!!!!!!!!! AOPA should use you on how much fun flying can be---we need more pilots!!!!!!

[@kitfoxn990tt5]

You need to add butt blocks under the seat pan so if it happens again the controls don't get jammed. Easy to do with some wood blocks and Hysol. Did it on my SS7 just in case.

[@thegreg79]

GREAT edit! Love your vids, Trent. Bravo

[@jimvanm]

You want some Thomas & Betts Ty-Rap Cable Ties (they invented what we now call "zip ties", and in fact they were created for aviation use). Get the ones with the metal tooth.

[@brandonb417]

Have you ever thought about modifying the seat pan to strengthen it a bit? Since its a kit plane you could take care of it without an STC. I would have to imagine the newer models would have a totally different frame to accommodate a different seat setup.

[@TrentonPalmer]

Yes, and I will be doing so in the near future

[@johnfife3062]

Could it be that you keep catching the rotors on the lee side of the hills? Gotta be a matter of weird wind patterns. BTW, Hailey (sp?) staying positive and upbeat through this makes her gold.

[@joshbuck5877]

🤣1 expensive coffee break I must say🤠

[@chrisbjohannsen]

No need to comment on the design again, plenty have done so but good to know as I look at experimental market. I had a similar experience with lee side rotor in a 172 a few years ago, fortunately I was @ 8500 ft over a 6000 ft pass. Airplane just started sinking at max power (also with my wife aboard). Its a hard way to learn that lesson but so glad it turned out the way it did. Love the videos even if they feed into the "Blame Trent Palmer" hysteria :P

[@hshs5756]

Sacrificing a few zip ties to momentarily reduce stress on the landing gear at peak load sounds like smart design, not a flaw. Always nice to have something cheap break before something expensive. And as to the bad landing, air & wind around random hilly terrain can do funny things. Which brings me to a favorite unanswerable question: Can birds see air movement that humans can't? Certainly they can feel air directly through their feathers with a sensitivity pilots can only dream of. But what about when a soaring bird heads for a distant location where it "knows" it will find more lift? Can it intuit the lift from the shape of the terrain + wind direction, or does it somehow *see* the lift with a sense we know nothing about?

[@benlzicar7628]

Great way to think about it. It's a feature!

[@rcbif101]

Hs Hs - Not really...what if he had a hard bounce and had to do a go-around/ takeoff again? Locked ailerons - not good!

[@kevintucker3354]

Zip ties in the cockpit, according to the laws of physics does nothing to change the impact forces on the landing gear. Not even a little bit. At all. All of the planes weight lands on the gear no matter when the passengers load is dropped by breaking zip ties.

[@hshs5756]

I admit that the effect is tiny, but the laws of physics actually say that energy is required to break the zip ties, which ever so slightly delays the passengers' weight reaching the gear, which spreads the total energy to be absorbed over more time, which reduces peak load. It's why autos have crumple zones, to reduce the peak load on your body in a crash. The car weighs the same, but the kinetic energy is absorbed over greater time as it crumples.

[@tyeadams6719]

Any design that would allow the controls to be jammed either in flight or upon landing by the seat pan dropping is not a good design. Imagine if the zip ties used happened to be brittle and upon hitting moderate to severe turbulence they were to break. The pilot would be left with little control of the airplane. Sure would be hard to correct in that situation. Also, bolting the seat pan to the frame would increase the structural integrity of the frame near the points where the gear attaches. If it were my plane I would remedy that in a heart-beat.

[@fredstork]

Thanks for sharing this moment - it will make many of us feel less alone! I think you might have got the payback from that monster shock gear of yours... It might have been much worse with the original bungee gear...

[@CowboyCree63]

Awesome video! Mistakes are a part of learning, and I think are some of the best teachers. On a side note, as a former airframes mechanic in the Marine Corps (CH-53E helos) that fiberglass job looked kinda rough, lol. Good thing you replaced the seat pan (I've seen that video already), otherwise that repair could be a weak point. Cant say for certain, as I didn't see how you did the repair exactly, I'm going just off what I saw in the video quickly.

[@2TakeMe]

Pitty on the pan, you could always mod bolts with P-clamps... Glad to see you're back after 2 weeks.. Fly safe!