Draco Flies!! First Flight and Flying to Oshkosh

[@stevo7915]

Draco was the reason i started watching this chanel.....waiting for the Draco 2.0 build to start, since he already has a replacement in hiding....these comments of too flashy....haters going to hate....don't be jealous that this dude puts in work, good for him....

[@rogerd777]

Is 2.0 going to be another highly modified Wilga?

[@Cantthinkofahandle117]

Yes, he already bought another Wilga, it's currently white. He showed it in a video a while back. ​@@rogerd777

[@alanluscombe8a553]

How do you know if he has another wilga

[@rogerd777]

@@alanluscombe8a553 I don't, that's why I asked.

[@Cantthinkofahandle117]

@@alanluscombe8a553 He put up a video after he bought it.

[@AmericaCanAlwaysDoBetter]

It’s great seeing Draco again, and it really makes me excited for the improvements on Draco X!

[@RealRickCox]

The way I discovered Mike was the first STOL competition with Draco. Been following ever since. Mike is easily the best airplane builder of my generation.

[@johnclocke]

Heres my story: I was draggjng along the bottom. Pretty low. To say the least. Somehow stumbled upon the draco build videos. Binge watched them all. Got to feeling even moee inadequate and like a failure. Somehow had a wave of motivation sparked to be better and reach for a potential I knew was there somehwere inside of me. A day later I was on the paleo diet. A month later I had lost 20 lbs and felt better than ever. My life changed for the better in a moment that weekend I discovered Draco. Mike, thanks for intentially and unintentionally inspiring me and so many others!! And thank you for giving us the opportunity to relive the adventure of Draco!!

[@heartsky]

Watching Mike's channel can be the best self help motivation out there. He's a force of nature, a blessing from God.

[@MikePatey]

Thank you for sharing that with me. Congratulations on making changes in your life, that was YOU! Glad I could be some small spark to light that fire. Back to Work!

[@phantom79]

This series feels like one big teaser leading into Draco X's debut.

[@stephenburch7410]

Draco is the build that got me hooked on the channel and Mike's enthusiasm for aviation got me to start flying again after a 20 year absence, Thank You Mike, I forgot how much fun it is. Can't wait for Draco X!

[@MikesCamperLab]

Awesome storytelling and context behind the Draco experience. Thanks for digging into the old content to reshare it and give us a piece of the journey! Like someone already mentioned, the edits are much improved. Thanks for sharing!

[@RuntsGarage]

I’m glued to my screen every time Mike drops a video! I just can’t get enough of Draco

[@EdwardMark-f5b]

And his pool?!

[@DreadMetis]

Mike, I had the priviledge to meet you at Oshkosh 19 (french guy looking 40, red skin, one disabled arm, want to get my PPL, talked about Turbulence and Draco...). What blew me off was not that you create incredible planes or the huge success of your businesses, but the passion you shared as an aviator, a member of a huge family. You were really busy (well, you are ALWAYS busy :D ) and you still took like 10mns to chat with a random. You and the Flying Cowboys also have been an insipration for some flight sim adventures I have shared with sim pilots at a time when everyone thought that flying small GAs in sims was totally uncool :D Thank you for that specific moment, but also for all those you procured to the aviation world over those many many years.

[@jerrywatson7176]

I sat here and watched this and experienced the same emotions I had the first time I saw it . I think you have missed this plane as much as we have . It is time for "DRACO X".

[@jozsefizsak]

Can't wait to see the new incarnation of this wonderful machine, as long as you're taking care of yourself first and foremost, because you're family to us. 😊

[@RealRickCox]

Whoever is doing the editing on Mike's video is crushing it. Love these new videos... BACK TO WORK!

[@samjacobson5500]

Nice!! I saw Draco at the EAA in 2018 when I was 9. Me and my older brother got a photo with you in front of it. We also got a photo with you in front of Scrappy at the 2021 EAA. Draco was my favorite Bush plane ever made and always will be. Keep up the hard work!!!!

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Same here! Photo with Draco and then Scrappy, including Mike and Chandra on the scrappy photo. And this year Mike and Chandra had a chance to come over and get a picture with my plane, the STOL-ish Clipper. It will be flying early spring. 😎💪🏻

[@garywilliams9678]

So yea Mike I saw you and Draco the first time you went to Oshkosh but it was also the first time I found out who you were. I walked up to the plane coming from the South 40 and my camp site and little C172 I flew from New Mexico and saw the plane and you were just there by yourself. I walked up and said hi and you told me all about the plane. We talked a lot about the fuel cells you built into the gear and about the P&W engine, but I did not grasp what the future held for you and the start of your YT channel. You were just "A Guy" at Oshkosh with his plane but as you said it is just like family. It was not until a few years later that I realized I had met a legend. Great memory for me. Have met you a few times more at other flyins but that memory is still the best. Thanks for all you do. Got my Draco plane tag and will cherish it.

[@Scoots1994]

I love Oshkosh, it's always the oddballs that draw my attention, and what struck me about Draco was that it didn't look experimental, it was so polished and so carefully crafted down to every last little detail. I think I told Mike he was nuts :)

[@doitnow3291]

A very long time ago…I was a flight line mechanic for a variety of military fighters….my experience tells me that Mike Patey is beyond genius!!..this stuff is hard!!

[@charlesmcguire9711]

Mike you're awesome God bless you. Not only did I get to see Draco at Oshkosh but it was my first time to Oshkosh. Thank you for inspiring us all

[@nickforsman6110]

I have a picture of my (now 9 year old) daughter next to the tire...its about as tall as she was then. Fantastic airplane.

[@dlwilliams76]

I've seen Wilgas before, but when I came upon Draco, I said, "What the heck is that???!!!" And then started laughing at this crazy, cool airplane. Totally outside the box, over the top imagination. I started following you from then on.

[@user-dg7sy8cz3b]

Good to here Mike is getting more sleep. His dreams become wonderful reality. Truly inspirational.

[@seth1340]

Mike I gotta say, you, Trent P, Cletus M are all inspirational. So much so I signed up for flight school.

[@fin22r76]

Wow! I wasn’t expecting the Draco tag entry level to be $1,000. Great video as always. Mike, you’re an aviation genius and a gift to the aviation community.

[@janbroechner4886]

Hi Mike.. Thanks for all your fantastic videos. I am a huge fan of Draco, and i cant wait to see the build of Ver. 2.0....Im blown away by Your energy and passion to all the Things You share. Not to forget the deepwater Pool house project. FaaaanTastic🤩👏... Please "Get back to work" and keep the videoes coming🙏.. Greetings from Denmark🇩🇰❤️

[@dillonweigel3101]

I came to this channel towards the end of the scrappy build. Scrappy was my introduction to aviation, and I really only came to the channel looking for carbon fiber tips. I fell in love with Scrappy, and mike has become one of my biggest hero’s. As a life long gearhead, hearing him say Draco is his favorite plane to fly while sitting in front of Scrappy is truly incredible, it’s what reminds us that these aren’t just machines, they’re a labor of love

[@shllickywulfs8958]

I think it's my favorite aircraft too! Unbelievable

[@STERNWAERTS]

4:08 that plane sitting there just looks otherworldly

[@sdgsuperstar]

Draco’s journey from its first flight to Oshkosh is not just a story of engineering, but also a story of perseverance and determination. Flying an untested aircraft to a major event like Oshkosh is a huge challenge, requiring careful preparation and courage. It opens up a discussion about the difficulties that aeronautical engineers and innovators face when testing new designs, and the importance of events like Oshkosh in fostering innovation and knowledge sharing within the industry.

[@jeremystaples8881]

Glad that draco is back. Love you Mike. Your a great guy!

[@MrSoarman]

The build of Draco was an exhilarating experience for all of us in aviation,, when it was lost we all lost,, Mike you needed to put Draco back together for you needed it for your sole to heal,, we are sooo excited to see it fly again.

[@theresacaron4238]

Can't wait until Mike finally shows us what's going on with Draco X, I keep hoping Mike will show us some glimpses if not a full video.

[@ruston723]

dont think i missed one episode when you where building Draco love your videos

[@mdani76]

Yep... for me Draco it's the best bush plane ever seen...and I can feel the love in Mike for his planes! Expect to see Draco 2.0 soon 😊

[@micron3268]

Awesome memories and airplane! You and Draco, Legends!👍

[@shakalpb1164]

This plane was magical

[@davem3048]

Mike you are the most driven human being I have ever experienced. I can only pray for a fraction of your motivation.

[@jasonbaker9862]

I love all your aircraft! You inspired me to knock the rust off my pilot certificate! Thanks so much for your inspiration.

[@MagnusThornberg]

Mike seems to be so genuine nice guy. I get so much positive energy from all of the videos. I’m in same age and never going to be a pilot but I really love aviation sense I started flying in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. Found Trent Palmer and Mike in KZbin. Have seen all of the videos and now hooked on aviation. Closest I can get to experience Draco is to fly Draco X in MSFS 2024 and it’s amazing. Living the fantasy dream of Mike and Trent among the mountains in Idaho and get to now the area and landing strips far far away from Sweden where I live. What an amazing time we live in. Get anywhere in the world digitally.

[@ginacalabrese3869]

@MagnusThornberg In case you didn't know Mike lives in Utah and Trent lives in Nevada. By the way, I love Swedish Lingonberry jam. I brought a jar to my Thanksgiving gathering this year as something different for people to try with their turkey and gravy in place of typical cranberry sauce. It was quite the hit.

[@MagnusThornberg]

@ the jam called Lingonsylt is a specialty here😀 most of us eat it with meatballs. Yes, I know where they live through KZbin. Trent’s house I have as an add on in Microsoft Flight Simulator together with the Freedom Fox.

[@davidmendonca5992]

I first started watching when Draco arrived at Oshkosh. It’s been an amazing journey. Got so motivated I achieved my tail wheel endorsement. Thank you for the adventure.

[@lloydrobert6182]

Love you too Mike! You really miss Draco! Superb aircraft!

[@JustPlaneSilly]

First time I saw it, I was at OSH with my dad and he just goes WHAT.THE. HELL. IS. THAT? I turned to see the plane and gave him the back story. Now he watches all of your videos.

[@lmy5pence481]

Thanks Mike this is one dream that newer came to be, but perhaps in the next life, you make me dream on.

[@EJ-74]

Love the Draco, so glad to see it back. I’d love to have the RC model, I’d even be happy with the mini one 😁

[@bnln1939]

I am in my mid 70's and one of my biggest regrets is never getting my pilot's license. Draco really grabbed hold of me, reminds me of a Feisler Storch on steroids!

[@chieffarkas]

Mike, you are awesome. I love seeing all the things you do in aviation! Keep up the good work!

[@ludwigrieger7556]

Wow, so glad for you to have Draco, or should I say new Draco flying, enjoy and be safe

[@Yannick1092]

Unbelievable great work you do in Aviation! Not only creating great machines but also living the aviation Spririt!

[@MM-tw6cm]

Hey Mike- Draco hands down is my absolute favourite plane- amazing all around. Yourself, i love the arm pump "Back to work" and your down to earth style. Looking forward to many more Draco videos :)

[@charlesmartin1121]

If you want to see a longer and more in depth look at the trip to Oshkosh by the Flying Cowboys in 2018, I highly recommend Trent Palmer's travelvlog to and from the event. It's excellent.

[@Smt_Glaive]

watching this video makes me feel like ive lost a friend i never had.. very strange feeling of loss🥺🥺

[@keithheinemann]

I followed Mike’s entire build videos and wish I could have seen it in person. That was absolutely a stunning aircraft with some amazing innovation.

[@kryan318]

the thrill of the dream build performing so well must have been overwelming and exciting. watching that build to flight was an awesome reward for all your hard work

[@Gazman79]

Mike, you are the hardest working man ever. We love your builds. Loving flying Draco in MSFS2024 👍

[@bentonjessup6803]

My daughter took a first flight in Ohio & ended up getting her ground school work done. Thanks for all your efforts Mike!

[@williamcmartin4]

love Draco 😢 love watching about Draco. but I have 1 request! after this Draco series.... can we PPPLLLEEEAAASSSEEE SEE SCRAPPY IN ACTION 🎬😊

[@josueamavizca5444]

I started watching you when you started building Draco and I got hooked in your videos Mike 💙

[@GordonFlatt]

I've always been fascinated with aviation and have flown RC planes over the years. I have a brother in law that got his private pilot license and I used to fly with him and he would let me take the stick occasionally. I had a friend that had an old Cessna 150 that let me take off, fly and land before he sold it. I also had another friend that let me take the stick in his homebuilt Kitfox for about 30 minutes. I always wanted to get my license, but never had the time or money to do so. Now watching your adventures makes me want to fly again. Unfortunately, now I have the time since I have retired but still don't have the money. My only fly time these days is with a DJI Mini 4 Pro. Can't wait to see what improvements you have planned for Draco. Now stop reading this and get "Back to Work"!

[@aciagriculturalconstructio2264]

Hey Mike I love what you are doing. Im paying for 2 new upcoming pilots to get their licenses. It's almost as exciting to watch them as it was to do it myself.

[@blackraven7399]

The return of the King!

[@donaldparlett7708]

Time to build Draco ll. I know you’ve got some ideas brewing.

[@Kneedragon1962]

Welcome back, Mike ~ and Draco.

[@espenbjrnbak3863]

No matter how you feel, 5 minutes with Mike and somehow the world seems like a better place. Its just like magic- only real….

[@Foundtraveler]

I miss this airplane and I've never even seen it in person. One of the best spots on you tube. Thanks for sharing Mike.

[@Ripper13F1V]

Imagine the innovations that Scrappy has on the Mod2 Draco. Wow!

[@josephvalentjr7677]

The Wilga. Wonder. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks Draco & Mr Patey

[@anthonymeyer183]

Me and my kids have a picture of use in Valdez Ak. You did a amazing job at flying in our stole competition

[@Kee_Diddy]

Literally the coolest plane ever.

[@jerrodl]

I was one of them, Mike. And met you for the first time that year.

[@travismartin936]

Got to witness Draco fly at Oshkosh 2018!! What an awesome time it was!!!

[@BE60IFR]

Welcome back, Draco! ❤️Congratulations MP! Btw, Scrappy is looking beautiful..

[@wrightwaytrailers182]

All awesome as always! I was there. Great times!!

[@scotty2307]

I love Draco. It is one of the most fantastic aircraft I have ever seen. That said, what happened to Scrappy? Beyond the build videos, we have very little of actual flight time, and adventuring. It was placed on the back burner for the house build, and now we are back to Draco. I think that Scrappy is one of the most interesting designs I have seen. The flaps/slats mechanism is amazing. I would love to see more of Scrappy in action.

[@Cantthinkofahandle117]

If you think Scrappy is bad-ass, imagine what Draco II will be like. You know Mike isn't going to not out-do the last build. I can't wait!

[@ginacalabrese3869]

He was going to add the turbochargers and get the nitrous metering system working for Scrappy. I even bought the set of anodized wing spars that he sold since he had so much left over because he had to place a minimum order in order to get the aluminum extruded. I really want more Scrappy build and flying footage. I actually think Draco X should be based on something other than a Wilga. The cabin of the wilga is too small in my opinion. It should be something like a Pilatus Porter but with the much higher horsepower PT-6 he already has and the wing morphing and the squatting landing gear system of Scrappy. Also, I'd like to know what he decided to go with for the replacement for Turbulence's engine.

[@Cantthinkofahandle117]

@@ginacalabrese3869 Draco X has to be a Wilga, otherwise it wouldn't be Draco.

[@StevenCampbell1955]

DRACO was an AWESOME aircraft. I gotta admit to a little bit of LUUUV for that bird. But now I am totally enamoured of his newer brother, The Amazing SCRAPPY. Goodness that is some innovation too.

[@michaelwilliams430]

I got to see draco in action at high sierra, and unforgettable experience!

[@collierj267]

got to go to oshkosh with my dad last year... first time on an airliner... i had an absolute blast. i didnt get to meet mike and shake his hand. but i did get to see the red bull x plane he helped out with. i hope im able to go back sometime... it was tons of fun. thanks for the awesome videos mike. and keep up the fantastic work. 👍🤘

[@ridesar]

Was there the first year at OSH. It was amazing! What a great build. Keep exploring what’s possible!

[@tkbieber]

I was there! Draco was the talk around our campfire while at Oshkosh. ❤

[@danlibby8366]

I was watching when you landed the first time at Oshkosh. Keep building!

[@carlhendricks349]

Yep saw it there and new it was something special. Incredible workmanship! Love your stuff and energy and what you teach. Thank you

[@randygreer5491]

Love ya Mike, wish you'd make a DRACO II

[@HeatMyShorts]

He is. Called Draco X. Pretty sure he has started the build, some people think it's already done

[@aviationgroupie1433]

Great to see this story. Thanks for sharing Mike!

[@boosted242]

Great video! Miss the good ole Draco! Keep it coming!

[@paulbrobeck3839]

Glad to see Draco 2 in the air Mike always love your videos over the years BRAVO!

[@JOSHUA8CS]

Thanks Mike!!!!

[@CJE2007.5]

I'm extremely excited to see Draco 2. Thanks for taking us along with you.

[@andrewyrich6363]

What a cheerful and energetic person! And certainly a brilliant plane - I wish you long life and prosperity!

[@wesryman]

Great flashback video Mike 👍

[@gerardwalker2159]

Just poured a cup of coffee and saw a Draco thumbnail. What a perfect day.

[@RTOutdoors]

Those evenings at the fun fly zone was my favorite part of Oshkosh that year. Great memories watching Draco.

[@edfleming9600]

Poor scrappy... He's like the red/silver headed step child.

[@DennisRex-c4c]

Scrappy is a different aircraft for a different mission. Both are awesome in their own right.

[@edfleming9600]

@DennisRex-c4c I agree, but Draco gets all the attention. Scrappy is way awesome too.

[@edfleming9600]

@DennisRex-c4c if mike built a planter for flowers it would be cool.

[@Wileybird03]

You build some cool stuff Mike💪👍. Thanks for sharing

[@Pk19_76]

Keep these videos coming… Can’t wait for the next one!

[@stotheh]

I see some freshly made wings in the back of shot....

[@microbuilder]

I want to build a micro RC version of Draco so bad. Scrappy too, for that matter. Amazing planes!

[@baomao7243]

How micro? 1:400? 🤔 Can you imagine how cool that would be ?

[@microbuilder]

@@baomao7243 The "I wanna build as small as possible" guy in me wants like a 5" span model, but the "yeah but lets make it scale too with flaps, etc" guy knows it'd probably have to be closer to 10"

[@baomao7243]

@ sounds challenging but way fun

[@HeatherBarron]

WOW! Draco brings the concept of "short field" to a whole new level!

[@HeatMyShorts]

Ooooh I'll take a lil break from watching the build series to watch this! Mike is AWESOME!!!

[@davidrahberger7788]

Me and my daughter were at Oshkosh and watched you for a long time. We had a great time that year. I found you on KZbin and watched the building of Scrappy. We were at Oshkosh to see Scrappy when you brought it there. I enjoy seeing your videos and new projects. I hope you can keep up the great work.

[@rogerperson7159]

I was there it's a great plane, great job.

[@loronzosgorbonzo974]

Really hoping to get Trent, yourself and all the flying cowboys back together for some flight vids. Let's see Scrappy fly with the crew a few times bud!

[@jflippen]

I was there with the T-34s. I have been following since the beginning. Keep it up, don't ever stop! Flipper

[@KevinSmithAviation]

Another awesome video Mike. Draco will live on forever in the hearts of everyone who ever saw it. You are a legend, Mike, and so are your incredible builds. Keep up the amazing work. Safe skies my friend 🇺🇸🛩️