CRISIS FLIGHT... Good Thing I Didn't Hit My Head... Oh Boy, That Was a Lot of Work...

On April 21st, 2020 and at the height of the Coronavirus crisis I had to fly to Chicago to pick up a family member and bring her to Florida.
With headwinds slowing the flight to a crawl and low level wind shear causing havoc on landings and shifting winds from west to east in seconds... Yes, I had my work cut out for me that day.
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I am NOT a Certified Flight Instructor and my videos are not for instruction purposes. The video is intended for my own personal experiences and for entertainment purposes only. Do not use my video content as information about how to fly an airplane. To properly learn how to fly you MUST visit your local flight school and work with an experienced Certified Flight Instructor.
Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsou...)
On this episode you can hear:
ITEYBC
Out the Back
Bulletin World
Sweetest Song
Running Out of Air
Perspective
Much Adore
Also follow me on:
Instagram / nikoswings
FACEBOOK / nikoswings
Web www.nikoswings.com

[@ProfessionalPilot]

"Ground speed 123 kts. Just terrible. Slow. Slow." *sobs quietly in C172*

[@NikosWings]

I had the same in a 172 once and my ground speed was 55, as I watched cars and trucks below me on I-196 go faster...

[@paulymac5513]

Would have taken for ever in a J3 cub.

[@adb012]

@@paulymac5513 ... That's when the J3 becomes VTOL.

[@restrepo88]

40kt GS in a DA40 during a climb into a 30kt hw 😭😭

[@jasonbergeron6347]

I feel that pain. I owned a Liberty XL2 with a 125hp engine for 6 years.......and it was a long slow 6 years of flying......LOL! I have a turbo retract 182 now with 235hp, not as slow anymore.

[@mjotd8670]

Your videos now Niko, are becoming more like a movie, I mean that in a complimentary way, great editing, sound, and story line! Looking forward to the return flight with your Aunt! Great job!

[@NikosWings]

Didn’t film it just to keep her comfortable.

[@nikovlogs9837]

@@NikosWings "Hey Aunt, say hello to the world" Aunt: "Oh man..."

[@vincentsimmons1794]

@@NikosWings what do you do for battery life?

[@h2odragon1]

...and today, 6/27/20 it is Florida that has a greater crisis! BEST OF HEALTH for your Aunt! She is surrounded by LOVE!

[@tomservo5347]

Experienced the absolute worst turbulence on a commercial flight between KCI and St. Louis 20 years ago. It didn't help my stomach any as it was already tied in knots since I was on my way to basic training at Ft. Leonardwood. However, a couple of weeks later after meeting my drill sergeants the turbulence was a walk in the park. Great channel and camera work, love it!

[@flymatt1968]

Rewatched this episode Niko and remember a number of trips to pick up my mother in law and bring her to family during the pandemic. Thank goodness for general aviation.

[@jamescarroll6954]

Your videos are excellent. You are a perfect illustration of the value of GA. Great relief for an elderly relative. You had your work cut out for you!

[@elik1491]

Another great video niko. I really have to say your editing is just fantastic. It keeps all the essentials of the flight without making it boring at all. Keep up this great work!

[@kartboy1234]

You are one of the reasons why I'm looking at getting an SR22. I'm tired of a c172 and would love the comfort of a cirrus. So close to finding the right one. I love your videos.

[@Parr4theCourse]

Good job, a lot of flying but at least you know she was far more comfortable flying with you vs commercial!! That's what GA is all about!!

[@thomaskolb8785]

7:33, that folks, is what 100% focus looks like. And nose wheel straight on the center line, absolutely perfect.

[@mauroedidi]

Always rocksolid procedures and safety first. Tks for your video.

[@CalBart42]

Geezus that expression on your face coming into land had me worried ... Intense.,.. always love your cinematography and the way you edit your vids Niko the close-ups of your cockpit and the ground is stunning ... be well and stay safe Niko

[@NikosWings]

It was the worst turbulence for landing I have experienced in a Cirrus the last 5 years I fly one

[@BaronPilot]

You know you are a Rockstar when you get shout outs outside of your state! 😎

[@marshie1337]

your vids are so well done niko. extremely enjoyable. i'm using your life as a goal i've set for myself. someday i will get to your level. just gotta keep grinding and find my niche.

[@NikosWings]

It will happen sooner than later

[@daleb194]

Always enjoy your adventures. My compliments to your editing crew :)

[@johnlia9013]

Great flight Niko. Serious headwinds, turbulance and wind sheer. Glad you didn't hit your head, ouch. Enjoy the flight back to Orlando. Hopefully you will have great tailwinds. :) John, Lakeland Florida.

[@royhsieh4307]

glad to hear from u saying thats a lot of work, instead of having to say that was close..

[@jasonbergeron6347]

Good mission flight with a purpose. Man I hate those gnarly head winds. Last year going to Osh they were terrible. Nothing below 35 knots over the nose all the way up from TX. Made for a very slow journey.

[@ron4969]

I followed all your videos, threw getting my ticket, and you really helped me all the way to the finish line , thank you 👍

[@jameshoffer9685]

A little bumpy for you there Niko interesting passage 😆 😁👍👌 oh that's right you're in airplane lol

[@paullehr9236]

Good video. Wayyy back in the mid 1970's when I owned a C-150H, on a perfectly clear blue sky day, I hit 1 bump where the plane went down and I went up and I did actually hit my head, fairly hard. No bumps at all before or after that 1 bump. No idea where it came from. I wasn't near any other traffic that might have caused wake turbulence. No shoulder harness in those days but my lap belt was tight (I tightened it even more after...) and still hit my head. It made me a believer in Clear Air Turbulence. It was literally out of the blue. No cameras in those days, but my memory of it is still vivid. Thanks for your video.

[@paulschannel3046]

I had a similar experience in a cessna 152 hitting my head on the top. I actually thought I had perhaps flown under a helicopter and turned around lifting each wing to look for it. Didn't see anything.

[@billnicholson2470]

Nice video Niko. Your aunt is lucky to have a nephew like you! Stay safe. Great to see you in the air again.

[@daniellopardo]

You make it look so easy Niko even with those crazy winds, Greek Easter is amazing by the way.. Here in Italy is great as well! If you're ever in Tuscany would gladly buy you some good Chianti! Keep up the amazing work.

[@NikosWings]

I would love to celebrate Catholic Easter in Italy, my wife is Catholic and we celebrate both

[@davefrommelbourne1237]

That turbulence was really something great job on the landing. Nice of you to operate a retrieval flight for family.

[@randyblazina7133]

Just watched, nice landing and flight. You definitely had your hands full on final.

[@matt_waddy]

Fun fact from an Atlanta resident, that massive warehouse at 7:08 is the Publix Distribution Center. I live near KCCO just south of Atlanta if you ever need a smaller, quiet uncontrolled field. It's pretty nice, too.

[@tonypriest8455]

The "Nico crosswind landing concentration pout" is obviously an effective method only to be used in tricky flying conditions.😊 Thanks for the great video and keep safe.

[@bb-bc3zw]

"That Niko?" "It is" "Love your channel man! :D" One of the best radio exchanges ive heard lol

[@tardisrider25]

It's all craziness these days. Glad to have one of your videos to check out when I get a chance to stop.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

What a great thing to do for your aunt! Not surprised, Niko - always knew you were a good man.😎 Great shots along the way, as always. Glad to see you! Been a while. Thanks for sharing! 👍🍻

[@andrewmartin8739]

Greetings from the UK , thanks for allowing us to ride along whilst maintaining social distancing 😁 great video , well done with some tricky wind conditions , look forward to the next video 👍

[@ttayloratlanta]

I’m hangared at KLZU. It’s been an interesting summer around here. I am regularly thankful for the generous runway dimensions when the weather is less than pleasant. Nice work on that gusty landing.

[@Limumark]

Another great video my friend. I hope you are all happy, healthy and safe.

[@garydell2023]

Good for you Niko. Nice flight. Have always liked your productions. Have missed seeing your videos for a while but I'm catching up. Good to see you. Stay safe.

[@orlandorizzo5780]

Great Landing !

[@js207802]

Great video Niko! Always enjoy/learn from your videos. Not a pilot just a avgeek but really enjoy your channel. Thank you.

[@chase_7166]

You’re so good at editing, love the animations

[@bouyant8659]

GREAT VIDS- SHORT & SWEET

[@billbehrens4487]

Always enjoy your videos

[@maxnex7676]

That was a heck of a long flight solo, great video. Thanks

[@Wayman_Simmang]

Thanks for taking us with you,, Hope you made it back with your Aunt alright,!

[@NikosWings]

It was a great flight back

[@Wayman_Simmang]

@@NikosWings that's great to gear Niko!

[@karlkascha1261]

I always enjoy your videos Niko. I think that your editing skills are now on par with your radio and flying skills. That was a hell of a bump. Good thing that you were harnessed in. Thanks for a great ride along. You keep flying and I'll keep watching.

[@Handotr]

Great landing. You really danced with your airplane all the way down final. It was fun to fly along.

[@kevincollins8014]

That tower controller in Chicago was awesome! I hope you had a nice safe trip and thanks for bringing me along.

[@ri1288]

Great video Niko. Hope you enjoyed your short stop in Georgia!

[@nsk103]

I loved the part when you said “Greek Easter is the real Easter”, my friends and I always bust jokes on the different Easter dates. I always try to explain to them why they are wrong. It never works. Lol

[@NikosWings]

If the Jews don’t have Passover how can Easter be celebrated? We know that scientifically the Greek Easter dates are wrong (moon phases) but traditions are what matter some times.

[@jom1439]

one time i was in greece during easter holidays; will never forget that - very unexpected massive celebrations :D

[@pmh1nic]

Thanks for sharing the trip. Some days it's smooth sailing and other days it's work.

[@JuanRivera-hn3pi]

Love these videos, they bring back a lot of childhood memories of my brother-in-laws's air charter and tours bushiness flying out of Meigs Field and Midway.

[@thartanian]

good stuff Nico!!

[@datruth9872]

That was interesting ! Wow very breezy ! I could almost feel that. I know the feeling. Nice job ! As usual . 😎

[@thedesertpilot3118]

Nice job handling the wind shear Niko! That stuff is unsettling. I've had one experience with it at KSDL of +/-15-20 kts during my PPL training. Winds then switch ~180degs had to request them to swap runways and came in no flaps with about 35kts extra. Good learning experience for sure!

[@NikosWings]

Yup had that up at KUGN when I was a new pilot. After attempting 3 landings and finally landed no flaps in the 172 tower said “I was worried about you”

[@thedesertpilot3118]

@@NikosWings that's brutal! Aviation is definitely humbling.

[@r.p.3192]

Low sun on final, wind’s playing tricks, the pilot is visibly tired, well Niko, that was more than a handful of flying. Get some rest and let’s see what the return flight will bring. Hopefully a hefty tailwind and a chatterbox auntie... better not... Thumbs up Niko!!

[@NikosWings]

Didn’t film it

[@thepumpdoctor1]

Nice video Niko! Awesome use of General Aviation. Speaking as a PWK Cirrus pilot, we would appreciate using runway 6 where safe, convenient and possible as the airport wants to close it, increasing the numbers may help them to change their minds. ;)

[@brianlloyd4796]

Wow, working hard there! Good landing👍👍👍

[@Peakbase]

Class act as always brother.

[@viewerad]

Thank you, Niko. My G2 is grounded due to C19 so I get to enjoy flying vicariously through you. Awesome vid as always. Great cirrus seatbelts. That was a good bump.

[@thomasmixson7064]

...ah, I remember all the well what it is like on approach, gusty crosswinds...throw in some surface rolling winds, and a 10-15 SHEAR...😬

[@beauhewell2361]

Well done Niko! I am sure the auntie appreciates it :) Always enjoy your vids!

[@jameshyatte7230]

Excellent Video once again. Good landing in those conditions.

[@MichaelLloyd]

123 kt ground speed and you were still faster than what I fly in no wind lol. You got a good workout on this flight. Good on you for bringing your aunt back.

[@VernonWallace]

Great flight. Thanks for taking us along.

[@NovejSpeed3]

Jeez that GA wind was using you as a basketball Niko 😆! Despite, you made that landing look like there was no wind at all. I'm always in awe of your command of such a high performance aircraft Niko. I'd fly Niko Wings Airlines during a pandemic anytime. Keep up the great posts!

[@colinbrettell3136]

Great video Niko

[@seatravel8536]

Great video and handling of the shear. Sometimes we all have to work for a landing.

[@blucklightfoxartinnovation9357]

stay safe brother nicko wings nice video keep up the good work i love your videos

[@robertbowling8393]

Greetings from Ohio ... Great job, and excellent job on your part. Thank you for another crystal clear, instructive flight. May all stay safe and well. Be Blessed.

[@NLPW12]

Thank you for your reply with ❤️ ✈️ You Really made a Nice landing 👍 ! I had crosswind landing experience when I did the circuit flight training. Sometime I made “ go around “ call if crosswind too much for me - safety first. One day I am sure I will ask my instructor let me to fly bit higher.... try the oxygen thing ! Haha 😀 I love flying so much ! ✈️ and really enjoy watching your video.... felt like flying with you !

[@jonminer9891]

Hi, Niko. That looked like an uncomfortable flight. All's well that ends well. Take Care! Thanks for sharing! Stay healthy!

[@dheyes803]

Slow and steady (even with a head wind) always wins the race. It’s great that you are able to just get up and go without having to deal with the Everyman crowded terminals and horrible exposure to so many people. Hope you and your family can safely ride out this next wave of COVID. It’s gone mission critical for my area, another shutdown is eminent. Stay safe, stay well and safe skies.

[@NikosWings]

Yup, we are on the same boat here. They’ll shut everything down again soon.

[@admwadenx]

I enjoyed that, Niko! Thanks!

[@borimaleful]

Good job! Smooth flight!

[@bocamax]

Nailed the landing despite the winds. Well done. Hope you do some videos on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 when it launches. We've all been waiting for it for so long and I know you have a nice rig.

[@NikosWings]

Will do some videos with FS2020 when it launches.

[@Monpano64]

Watching you from the Pacific NW and absolutely love your videos - this one in particular was spot on! I’m a 250 hour new pilot with a Cherokee 6/300 and look forward to becoming a better pilot like you.

[@NikosWings]

Keep flying and keep learning. Each flight is a lesson.

[@johndemerse9172]

Awesome video Niko! That was one hec of a landing in all that shear!

[@tedhernandez2394]

Great video! Back in the day I used to glider fly. learning to fly a Cessna is my dream.

[@spamerspamov2212]

Awesome vid dude!

[@MattyCrayon]

Another great video. Man! That was a huge bump. Love all the B-Roll you put in. Flying past the space centre is something I’d love to do someday. Had a friend take an F104 flight out of there last year.

[@jurorx]

The close captions are hilarious. Thank you for sharing the trip.

[@NikosWings]

I have to work on that, lol. That’s the auto cc.

[@wildlifesnapper1]

Enjoyed that, glad I watched, thank you, regards from England :-)

[@steini6771]

Dang, that first landing was just great piloting. Way to go Nico. All the best -

[@tompinnef6331]

Thank you for the video - glad to see you are doing well. Hope the family are also doing well and are safe. Take care 'Spin'

[@STS4242]

Great video, cool music and editing on point!! I enjoyed the ride 🇨🇦

[@rikspector]

Niko, That's the kind of flight that makes it all worthwhile:) No good deed goes unrewarded.....😁 Cheers, Rik

[@haulngrassracing]

Man that’s a sharp looking plane ✈️ Great video 👍

[@MarkHolliway]

Awesome video Niko!!!!!!!

[@Juliette_4]

loved this video. Fantastic job!

[@medic13601]

Hell of a good landing

[@georgelaureano5815]

Great ride thanks niko

[@mjpat8]

Great video Niko, thanks!

[@pslny]

Nice job Niko, can't think of any other single piston I'd want to be in with those conditions. I keep my seat belt tight too, just for those random bumps.

[@stephenerickson2514]

Great flight stay safe

[@JasonFaul]

Niko, as always, thank you for bringing us along

[@markduncan6690]

Great landing there Nik! I will fly with you anytime!

[@John_Be]

Great video Niko I appreciate it. Too bad the wind made you work for it on this mission! The controllers were great!

[@f-16guy30]

Niko, another great video. Looking forward to seeing the return trip. Two comments: 1. At 4:19- a little bigger fuel imbalance than I personally like to see. 2. "Windy City" ..Some say there's an alternate reason Chicago is called this: "The first known repeated effort to label Chicago with this nickname is from 1876 and involves Chicago's rivalry with Cincinnati. The term "Windy City" came into common usage when it was popularized by New York City newspaper editor Charles Dana, who was working for The Sun during the bidding for the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Chicago won the Exposition, which did not please Dana. The popularity of the nickname endures to this day-126 years after the Cincinnati rivalry and the Columbian Exposition ended." Whether it's true or not I can't say. I used to make this similar announcement on the planes PA system (757/767) as we began our descent into ORD. Stay safe and healthy !!

[@NikosWings]

1. Nope, don’t jump to conclusions, I bet you 10000 to 1 I had already switched to the left tank since I’m extremely picky about that. 2. Who knows and who cares? It’s definitely windy... the US is a pretty damn windy place, politically speaking...

[@angelodepasquale6636]

Great job landing in those conditions fantastic

[@mark4565]

Outstanding job handling that wind shear sir.

[@itstabish]

What a good guy. Bringing aunt to be with her daughter.

[@allensang1267]

Love watching you out of kbct. That’s where I started my training. Always a cross wind there. Great experience. Finished at FXE tower which Boca didn’t have which is another story. But exec was very busy and great training. Keep the videos coming.

[@yannismakridis]

Great mission! Bring family home. :)