DRACO - The Most Badass Monster Bush Plane EVER!

Be my wing man and join in the adventure: goo.gl/sW5J5o
More Draco Flying action: • DRACO IN ACTION! Flyin...
Go watch Mike's build of this beast here: / @mikepatey
Support my channel by grabbing some merchandise: www.TrentPalmer.com
For more of my adventures follow me on instagram: / trentonpalmer
Facebook: / pilottrentpalmer
The Gear I use:
My main camera - goo.gl/3SMGzb
The bendy tripod thing - goo.gl/n7wx14
My on camera mic - goo.gl/GNsHF6
Sony 4K Actioncam - goo.gl/9iQRyM
The headset plug to camera audio cable - goo.gl/vz9SWU
The clamp I use for mounting cameras - goo.gl/g7iR1P
DJI Osmo stabilized cam - goo.gl/d5FcnE
DJI Osmo extension cable - goo.gl/9pyefZ
The drone I use - goo.gl/uNWYji

[@TrentonPalmer]

For more footage of Draco in action check out Mike's first official day in the backcountry: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ema9Y4mEiaujY7M 👍

[@ezrafischer5933]

IN COSTA RICA, THEY ALL READY HAVE BAD ASS PLANE, JUST AS, AND BETTER

[@TheNickbrogie]

Saw this at eaa yesterday was amazing to see in person beautiful plane.

[@charlest1984]

Trent Palmer Tell the guy that owns that BEAUTIFUL and AMAZING PLANE that I’ll trade him my wife and my sister for that PLANE. It’s soo amazing I have to spell plane in ALL CAPS

[@jenkins1017]

RIP Draco. He just rolled it taking off in a crosswind.

[@thomasfalcon9940]

Trent- can you get this to Mike Patey- This is a new ultra tiny engine that puts out 600 HP that might be better for his scrappy airplane than that monster heavy V8. I would love to see his comments about this engine- Thom Falcon www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/how-koenigsegg-s-2-0-liter-no-camshaft-engine-makes-600-horsepower/ar-BB119A0K?ocid=msedgdhp

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I am a machinist. To me, that was the most impressive part of this build. He would literally have an idea, sit at his PC and draw it up, convert it to CNC language and then machine the parts himself. If you have no technical ability, you cannot imaging how incredible that feat in and of itself is. Here's the "normal" routine. You get an idea and then you go to a design house. At this point, you're on the clock and paying money. They take your idea of what you need, then they run it by their in-house team to come up with a design. Once they do, a month later, they call you back in to approve the design. If you do agree, you sign the print and then it goes to fabrication. Once it's made depending on how complex it is and machine availability, you're looking at 2-8 weeks. They call you back in and if it's good, you take it and then go to another shop to anodize/paint/plate and a month after that, you have your part. Not Mike. That three month process is sometimes done in 24 hours. Amazing.

[@donivanpotter2762]

That's like Herbert James "Burt" Munro he was a motorcycle racer from New Zealand. He made his own parts and set the land speed record in 1967 with an old Indian motorcycle he modified.

[@xpez9694]

@@donivanpotter2762 That movie on him was fun to watch with Anthony Hopkins

[@xsixinfantryx]

I'm a machinist at Bell Helicopter. Agreed....

[@MrAwsome990]

Just buy your own cnc then the design is at your own expense and time

[@johnniejett9363]

It's my opinion that the natural intelligence of a human machinist will never be replaced by any AI technology. This plane really captivated my attention. It's simply a masterful work of art.

[@Mike-xt2ot]

A pilot with that much knowledge of his gear and the mechanical skills makes any plane so much safer. Great video!

[@marymueller8311]

Awesome video!!!! !!!

[@Mike-xt2ot]

@2be Blunt wow. Thats not good.

[@daffidavit]

@2be Blunt Took off in a nasty crosswind. It's on video on YT.

[@JohnDoe-eo8gi]

This didn’t age well

[@OnerousEthic]

@@JohnDoe-eo8gi Huh? Please explain!

[@662wc5]

Nice to hear someone on YT who's enthusiastic and can express himself in full, concise, articulate sentences

[@Anonymous8317]

I’m not “into planes” but this thing is badass. That landing / launch is insanely short.

[@nolanmi]

I think Draco is the highlight and mascot of Oshkosh 2018...

[@billhart9832]

Nolan Middlemas , right you are! I watched the whole Draco conversion on Mike's channel and his engineer's mind, craftsman's hands, coupled with his unbridled enthusiasm and piloting skills, wow! We just run out of superlatives. Trent thanks for bringing Mike's Draco to us in a really classy fashion!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Can't take money with you! Live and enjoy it. The coolest part about this to me is that Mike built it, he did the engineering, and the work. There are plenty of folks with money, but most pay someone else to build them something cool. I come from the built not bought mentality and I have so much respect for the work Mike did. He is amazingly talented! For anyone who hasn't seen the build videos, search Mike Patey and watch the build logs! You won't be disappointed to see what went into this massive project.

[@twag0735]

I even said this on one of his videos, I was expecting him to pay people to build his plane for him, but within just a few seconds he proved me wrong. it was honestly built just like any average joe would build a motorcycle or hot rod in their garage. i thouroughly enjoyed watching his build and learned a lot from his videos. He is a very humble man, who has not let money define him.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

He sure does!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Agreed, I learned a lot about carbon fiber!

[@adamscholl9410]

It's all about work ethic. I dont think the guy ever sleeps.

[@bradgriffith4231]

There's a group of guys at the Presott AZ airport that built a bunch of WW2 full scale fighter planes. Ryan Falconer, who manufactures the all aluminum V-12 cylinder motors is just north of there in Chino Valley AZ. My dad built planes for decades. They get a group of guys together, that all have different skills & form a club to play. Patey & bro "git r dun" on their own, it seems.

[@BradyDearinger]

R.I.P. DRACO, the most badass bush plane ever built. You will be missed.

[@robwoodall8425]

I just found out about this. Sucks, but I'm glad Mike and his family are okay. Could we possibly see a Draco II of some sort in the future.......I certainly hope so!

[@lakai2305]

Was the best plane ever in my opinion :( glad they are fine tho!

[@makr0295]

He will rebuild it :)

[@ABrit-bt6ce]

Draco WILL be back. It is on the intertubes. A million years from now someone will be selling Draco replicas.

[@justpassingthrough3166]

Its rebuilt and better than ever!

[@SR-cp1eo]

Rest in Peace Draco... Sad to see you go, but thank you for keeping Mike safe. Planes can always be replaced, people can't. Keep flying and I can't wait to see what Draco Version 2.0!

[@westerlywinds5684]

What happened?

[@jasonberning1086]

@@westerlywinds5684 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJfGpYp3pKmLrNUsi=mp9F75mBuXA7ueLg

[@ryc3rz]

As a Polish whose emotionally attached to Wilgas- Thank You Mike!

[@robertlee9395]

KAMOMI , I read a great article about the Wilga back in the 80s. As soon as I saw the fusualage, I thought, that looks like a Wilga! And it was, with a new engine!

[@rsoul7282]

KAMOMI don’t fret too much, you Polish people are very good at making beer and sausages too 👍

[@jannowak4760]

no wlasnie tak patrze...co to za dziwny silnik w wildze!

[@thenatedog]

pretty impressed with his technical knowledge. Loved that he personally crafted so much of the plane, not just paying somebody else to do it.

[@sunriseshell]

Nathan Knight Mike takes our FT crafting to a whole new level!

[@planesense7390]

yeah amazing, how does he know how to tool and machine new parts, pretty cool!

[@marcelogouveia9614]

This guy is "a mad Man" :)

[@touristguy87]

amazing that this impresses you but you can't be bothered to type "I'm" or even "I" in your own sentences

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

It really isn't a Draco anymore. Different engine, wings, tail, landing gear.

[@kevalb94]

"almost every wilga in existence has been ground looped" RIP DRACO :'(

[@DeadlyDiddly]

Indeed - Mike being prophetic @13:39 😢

[@kentneffe3321]

kevalb94 @foreshadowing it 😢

[@paulpence8895]

Loved it, not an aviator but watched every vid about it... mother nature tossed it like a 5 year old flying a kite on the beach!!!

[@spoze171]

He called it

[@JoshuaSobel]

I mean, it was hardly a ground-loop in this case... Wind blew it like a kite. Not a typical ground loop. Like Mike already admitted, it was totally his mistake for over-estimating the plane... And look at the thing. Who wouldn't?

[@twotwats2821]

The massive smile on his face when the jets fly over in formation gives the game away about a true enthusiast! Great guy! Hope to see more of his projects soon

[@drumrboynoid]

I've gotta say his explanation doesn't do justice. He has a youtube channel that documents the building process. This guy is an extremely talented fabricator and has a great attitude........ pun intended. I'd love to be friends with guy.

[@zacharyahlheim7357]

You are one of a few on youtube who can make a 20-minute long video and have it feel like 5 minutes. GREAT JOB!!!

[@Do-UR-Research2749]

I miss her, cant wait for DRACO version 2.0!!

[@kertamo6721]

I came across this video by accident. This was one of the most interesting and new things I came across. I watched it from beginning to the end with a BIG SMILE on my face. I could feel his happiness and love for his planes and engineering. It made my day. What a happy man. Made me happy as well :)

[@pauldewit117]

Same here!

[@rossawood5075]

We could use this aircraft on Australian outback cattle stations airstrips, tough strip landing gear, STOL, 35 inch rubber, 30 mph stall, superb!

[@kutamsterdam]

Mike is a very sympathetic guy, a joy listening to him explaining the stuff i don't know nothing about.

[@rags417]

My dad bought one of the first Wilgas in the US back in 1977, we used to go flying every 2nd or 3rd week from Chino Airport in SoCal. I still remember going through the pre-flight and having to drag the prop through a half dozen rotations to drain the oil from the lower cylinders. We never got the takeoff roll down to 118 feet (!) but I do remember taking off in some pretty dang short distances - he would then crank it up to a 30 degree climb and head out to the desert - still one of the most thrilling memories of my life. Another great memory was taking the thing up to 14,000 feet or so for its certification, my Dad kept telling me and my high school buddy to keep checking each others lips and fingernails to make sure they weren't turning blue. No problem there, the big problem was coming back down - it seems that the original engine had auto-lean but not auto-rich so it conked out at around 10,000 feet and my Dad had to go through the entire restart procedure twice while deadsticking it, and this with a compressed air starter that only had a few shots at most. In the end he got it started, then flew down to San Diego where we got lost in clouds and almost landed at Miramar by mistake. My friend never flew with me again after that ! PS - I know all about the ground looping issue - my Dad and flew to Nevada to register his purchase of the plane (a tax thing I think), on the way back we stopped somewhere in the desert and he looped it so hard we had fuel spilling out of the top of the wing. My dad is gone now, by I had some pretty great memories of that plane, I was amazed to see what they did to it.

[@brianbreese3027]

Thank you for sharing that. It reminded me of some of the times I flew with my Dad (RIP). Memories.

[@jamesshearon5933]

Rory Deutsch thanks for sharing... A GREAT LEGACY

[@bobs5596]

my father bought a 20 some y.o. piper clipper in the 60's. it's smaller than the cub, but it was a 4 seater. similar stories, lucky he/we lived thru that. finally he scared himself so bad, he parked it, it got an ant colony in it, the fabric rotted, and was disposed of.

[@blackvic5157]

God bless him, your Dad was a bit reckless. He must have figured that, if he went to 14 without oxygen and passed out, he'd come to around 7 and be alright. Except it sounds here like he'd forgotten about the mixture adjustment he'd have to make on the highway to Hell, so when and if he did come to, he'd have a re-start on his hands, with a compressed air rig. Maybe he'd have it by 2, or even 1, but if not, there's plenty of places to put down with that airplane, like my driveway for one example. I would have loved to flown with him.

[@ryanyz426]

Where was your hangar at? The K hangars belong to my dad and grandpa been at chino for 30 plus years.

[@billwhitmer9766]

This plane was the closest I’ve ever seen to a 3D- RC plane. The oversized control surfaces and power to weight ratio were incredible.

[@Nothinglefttosay]

I do fly the rc model of the Draco...!

[@deeremeyer1749]

The "power to weight ratio" is completely "unusable".

[@mikemalloy1681]

This guy is an aviation genius. He needs to market this airplane.

[@mhsandifer]

Not a pilot, but an engineer and know a bit about flying. This is truly amazing. What a great plane

[@ginacalabrese3869]

Yes! Exactly what I wanted. A Trent Palmer video on Draco. Thanks.

[@novicereloader]

Mike is an enigma to me. I've not met the man, but I am convinced that he is one of those truly wealthy people that is oddly humble about himself, even as he's bragging about his toys. I've known a few like that, so far. Interesting people.

[@johnsaccoccio7373]

Wondering what Mike did for a living came to mind immediately. Shrugs shoulders, yeah I put a PT6 in it, half million used, no biggie.

[@StuartGray]

@@johnsaccoccio7373 He is truly wealthy because he is smart and incredibly hard working. His idea of fun is working a 10 hour day then fabricating 8 or more hours in a hanger.

[@GeorgeMCMLIX]

One of the most technically fascinating videos I’ve seen! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 As an aviation engineer I was hanging on to every piece of information, in complete admiration of Mike’s dedication and professionalism as a pilot and engineer. A simply stunning aircraft!

[@MrShiffles]

I sometimes get bored watching videos of knowledgeable people talking about their sweet projects, but i could listen to this guy for hours...this awesome plane is one of a kind, and its pilot truly deserves to own it...Cheers Mike \m/

[@MrGaryGG48]

I watched the series of videos that Mike posted showing the whole process of building this aircraft. I suppose it could be a bit tedious to someone not really into the process, but I found all the videos to be fascinating!! I think there were 17 videos in total and I have them all saved in my browser. This is one incredible aircraft. I found the comparison between the original version and the final version that Mike created to be an amazing evolution. There are an incredible number of interesting bush planes out there but this thing is in a class of it's own... really!!! The videos start with and the sequence goes from there.

[@DNMEBOY]

I love listening to details like this. More info the better but I agree, some people are just boring.

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

MrShiffles He’s starting a new project I herd. 👍

[@luiscirilo3851]

Because I am also very intrigued with these type Aircraft and those Savy Pilots who fly them, my question is; Is it possible for this Pilots to land and take off from an Aircraft Carrier? I think they can but it is just a thought. Anybody out there?

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

Luis Cirilo Of course , they can pretty much land anywhere. These planes can land in what would equal 5-6 car lengths.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

I love Mike’s honesty with the whole thing. What a cool guy. Look forward to seeing more of home in some group flights.

[@czoom51]

13:44 “May I never use it...” This was some next level foresight from someone who has been around and seen a few things. *And* he can integrate his experiences to create safer solutions for his aircraft. Such a pleasure to observe the wisdom emanating from this pilot.

[@stephendoherty1275]

Came here to say the same... Mike is awesome.

[@kumasuke1]

Ive never flown any aircraft. Only travelled in one like nearly everybody. Stumbled across this vid by accident and am absolutly loving it. These guys have such passion for flying. I could listen to this guy all day

[@andrewsmall6568]

Hes a great communicator!

[@ClayBlasdel44]

It's refreshing to listen to a guy who knows his craft and can explain it with enthusiasm.

[@rickfreitag8085]

You have to respect the man and you can see his pride in what he himself built.

[@UncleKennysPlace]

Mike is the John Force of bush planes.

[@bsdh01]

Kenny Phillips exactly! I couldn't put my finger on it but they could be twins, or would it be triplets with Mark?

[@rocketaviationart583]

You're not wrong XD

[@nzsaltflatsracer8054]

That's a really bad comparison! Mike is a genuine nice guy with zero arrogance.

[@Mister510]

So true NZ Salt Flats Racer! John Force is a complete and total dickhead, while Mike seems cool.

[@UncleKennysPlace]

Force isn't actually arrogant; I've been following him for a couple of decades.

[@yosephtbg]

Hi PZL-104 Wilga has been developed in '60s in Poland :) and here we're using Wilga mostly for towing gliders. It's really interesting plane. Greetings from Poland :)

[@awuma]

I think it ended up being bought by EADS (Airbus) and produced until 2006 or so.

[@Sourpusscandy]

Mike Patey, a genius and a legend. Lift-off in 3 seconds!

[@n7195]

who else watching this during quarantine ?

[@CZSurfrider]

Fuel tank design = genius. Mike is so generous with his explanations.

[@robertpolkamp]

CZSurfrider Even inverted... priceless

[@rdmanone]

This fella just seems like a truly cool and honest guy. Good luck in flying your cool plane and be safe.

[@DavidAlanArnold]

So much knowledge, ambition and drive in 1 man!

[@jdmec81]

That take off and landing is insane!

[@Murphy252000]

Mike it is mint, love it and will say it again, genuine and humble dude. Btw thanks Trent, was mint!

[@jackfruit9439]

I grew up in Anchorage, Alaska next to Merrill Field, the busiest bush plane airport to my knowledge. I have seen so many hot rod planes, none of which hold a candle to this one right here. Well done, sir.

[@rugfixr]

A humble genius. Rare and a privilege to witness

[@TheAvenstar]

Hands down the best ground demo video I've ever seen. I'm completely awestruck by the alterations and cannot help but feel completely lost trying to determine the center of gravity ...where (now) is the fulcrum? How important is it to know? Can someone pipe up and help me out here? I figured the plane with those modifications had to be about a million bucks! My guess was right on. A 4K FPM climb blew my mind! Just saw the last footage ...how on earth did this happen? I cannot imagine ...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@fuelerr]

Just watched Mikes full Draco build series of videos. Wow what a guy. His drive, knowledge and winning personality are amazing. The true definition of the American Dream.

[@velocitysportsequipment7507]

and crash

[@mirdallke2]

nie zbudował a przebudował Polski samolot Wiga

[@FoolAndHisMoney23]

The true definition of egotist just like Trump.

[@michaelbieber4502]

YOU MUST REBUILD….. YOU Must!!🇺🇸⭐️

[@ruthiewrangler9864]

That interview was great and I love listening to Mike talk. You asked all the right questions. I didn't understand half the things you were talking about but then he would explain how those changes helped his flying style. It gave me chills. Thanks

[@olafgoerges8392]

The "Wilga"is a polish built utility aircraft, produced from 1962 until 2008. 1.000 plane where manufactered. The Draco is amazing, only the cabin and the tail section remind to the Wilga. Perfect designed and well done!

[@dgcbadania]

Wings also, especially characteristic slots of Wilga.

[@karljames1694]

@@dgcbadania slots are gone, has fixed slats now

[@christianjohnsson7026]

Thank you for your wonderful aircraft. It made my day!

[@kjz28]

I am happy to see I am not alone in saying that I could listen to this guy talk all day. HE is very engaging, interesting, and great personality. The unique plane helps of course,

[@k6lsn]

Thanks Trent! What a privilege ot is to see this and all the hard work put into explained so well. And thanks to Mike for sharing with us, beautiful aircraft, and you deserve a big hell ya. Impressive work and the passion reeks with havoc :)

[@ianbell2288]

This guy is a total LEGEND. Imagine him as your best friend!

[@Qtip43]

I really liked Mike's personality very well informed and knows his business.... great video..

[@BushCampingTools]

WOW! This guy loves his machine! How cool is it to be that skilled in order to do all those mods. Thanks for showing!

[@jeffreymarchant4020]

I was a Navy mechanic and I can tell you he is one of a kind and they only come every 20 -30 years...So keep them happy at what they do...Build with them...and learn flight...

[@erictaylor5462]

5:55 "It's a gas guzzler but not compared to..." Shreeeeroommmmm Perfect timing.

[@properlytwisted2172]

I just realized I was smiling for 20 minutes and 36 seconds! LOL!! AMAZING!!!!

[@axetu]

Wow! Vision, passion, follow-through, mission accomplished. Tweakmaster!

[@peggyt1243]

I do not claim to know much about planes but I am very impressed with the fuel supply modifications.

[@toast47624]

What a hell of a nice guy. Great interview!

[@gregsalerno1434]

One pretty plane. I was stopped in my tracks when I first saw it .✌️🤞

[@MickeyWu7r5]

You can tell Mike is an awesome dude , very knowledgeable he seems like he would be a great guy to be friends with or even work for if he was your boss. I'm a professional welder by trade and can truly appreciate all the mechanical aptitude and ability along with his creativity that went into this high of a quailty built machine well done.

[@TOPMOSTPOP]

U shud be a comedian. Guyz in comments saying they sell their wifes soul 2thdevil2have this "badass" airplane. I am the airplane engineer king of kings thvery 1st airplane i design 90's was thlast ever had 2b engineered. (After studying airplanes only2months.) That airplane blanketed entire globe of RC slope planes as kids wouldnt fly anything else. This "Draco" plane vid? looks incredibly stupid 2me. Monstrously powerful loud ridiculously dangerous draggy gas guzzler. Needs lift. Longer wings like a sailplane. Needs canards = land 50mph. Do u know? how many people these shthead Draconian angel devil planes killed last century? Did u know most horrible handling plane i ever flew was passenger jet lol with its swept wings massively underpowered stabilizers. Weight &fuel exagerated tail wag when coupled with swept wings that encourage spiral = plane constantly wanting wag its tail. Like flying drunk sack of potatoes&landing precision abyssmal. When airplanes become even LITTLE tail heavy flying IM.. POSS... IBLE.... thats why Satans boys gives passenger plane long tail. LOL same reason Satan builds rear engine Ferrari they tailspin out. Satans BEAST cmputer cntrols all manufacturing. Passenger plane. Almost bad as flying fighter jet.Till is fully loaded &gassed up then is even worse. ..1idiot after th other after th other after th other after th other. Lucifer also likes planes flying 30,000 ft. There is little of Yahwehs orgone lifeforce up there = Reptilian angel can soul scalp u more easily. Evil possesed people like wherewolves often become pilots bcuz evil atmosphere those altitudes more cmfrtable. Space: Thbiblical abyss. Blue glo over earth = Yahwehs life force. Lol Satan knows humans can travel via portals like Star Trek does. (Humans can NOT enter space. Its impossible. Reptilian angels will soul scalp them 2live in their bodies.) 95% humans = TARES. TARES = satans kids. Cmplete idiots. Lucifer puts demons in clone human bodies. Demons: either dumb or dumber. They make great vids tho but thsubscriber counts fake as is thcomments section. Tares here2promote false reality like this phony pandemic&poison vaccines. These arent humans you tube they cmputer animations. Satans Tares very ADVANCED robots. Our solar system used 2b heaven &Satan was th original Jesus. He hacked heaven with Hadron Collider ruining solar system. Angels retreated&his planet became our asteroid belt. He drank black goo from Yahwehs abandened creation cmputer Jupiter. You live in a matrix &Satan can hack reality. 2u, this plane a wonderful piece of bad boy engineering. 2me this plane akin2 800lb Harley Davidson with monkey high bars, no shocks, loud car engine & shthead from hell riding pisition with skulls &fires of hell drawn on thtank lolmost. All airplanes can be engineered 2stall under 50mph it means plane can land on a forest canopy 45mph with every1 unharmed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqLLemeDmqihZ8U

[@Stacy_Smith]

With all the improvements in design, they could put that thing back into production as a "B" model.

[@myopiniongoodyouropinionbad]

🅱️ model

[@dc_aviation25]

That plane is so awesome. I like how when he said it was a gass guzzler that’s when the Blue Angels flew by. Great video and man the Draco is a beast.

[@CensoredByYouTube965]

C2Greyhound1964 That flyby alone probably burnt more fuel than Draco carries. lol

[@dc_aviation25]

I know that I’m saying that’s the ironic but cool thing. The fact that right when they’re talking about how much fuel Draco eats up, the Blue Angels in their F-18 Hornets flyby. Which we all know fighter jets now with their afterburning engines consume a lot of fuel.

[@CensoredByYouTube965]

C2Greyhound1964 I know you know...just saying.

[@StellarFella]

Bring them back into production! And with these upgrades.

[@DaOneJoel]

RIP Draco, I hope it will some day be back, more badass then ever!

[@Jay-hr3rh]

I was so proud when I learned to install my USB drive.

[@lancedaniels]

Thanks for sharing. Remarkably lucid observations and explanation by Mike. Even as someone w/no experience in this field I found it (mostly)(!) understandable, as well as interesting. Thanks to Mike for his sharing about his plane too!

[@johncunningham4820]

Awesome little BRUTE Plane and AWESOME OWNER . What a cool Dude . Thumbs-up , Loud Applause . Clearly a Man with a Real Passion for what he does .

[@mejw1]

Sad News. Draco crashed. Good news is everyone is safe!!!! Crashed taking off today

[@privatecautious3643]

Well, His wife did break a fingernail in the crash. 🤔

[@bladerunnermonty761]

DRACO , it's a beast. But Trent your Kit Fox has nothing but real character and class !

[@Sorarse]

Mike seems such a great character, and it's obvious how passionate he is about his flying.

[@thorstenwanoth6774]

Revisiting this vid after a few years, cool to see the development in both Mike and Trent's channels over the years. Fly high - take calculated chances - live on.

[@cooldude19999]

This show is pretty good

[@sixtyfiveford]

Now I want a bush plane! But not any bush plane; just this one....

[@jpjay1584]

hell yeah

[@tedstyle3798]

Just show up with a mil and it's yours

[@DustyWall]

Just need $1,003,000

[@jeffreymarchant4020]

You had better take a lot of flight time training this is a very tech savvy type plane...Mike is a professional and has been flying for quite a time period and is very hungry for learning...And if you wish to have the Draco keep in mind it has flaws like any plane does. Mike is very innovative and the F-18 pilots like his thinking and designs... Why else would they buzz the towerless twice ???

[@dleebox2268]

Me too😅

[@rok1475]

Wilga was designed and manufactured in Poland by Panstwowe Zaklady Lotnicze (hence PZL in the model number). Wilga means oriole in Polish. It was originally designated as a small crop duster but has been used to pull sailplanes up, drop parachutists and any other general duties. Follow up design was bigger plane named Dromader (Polish name for single hump camel) Look up a picture of that plane and you will see why they chose that name.

[@rok1475]

@skandal1966 the original radial engine has been replaced on this one

[@corsair4u2]

@skandal1966 The Polish WILGA is a beauty... Viva Poland and congrats... 😃🤝🇵🇱🇵🇱🇵🇱👍🏼

[@takisa.6186]

Dodaj jeszcze, że na tych samolotach Polacy byli latami bezkonkurencyjni w mistrzostwach świata w lataniu precyzyjnym.

[@JarKo880]

The factory that built Wilga still exist in Warsaw. It is now called Airbus Poland S.A.

[@hardcoretrout]

Wow! His ability to engineer out plains short comings is impressive. Most people can recognize problems and brainstorm potential remedies but lack the ability to engineer the fix. This man not only engineers the fix, he implements them in real time....the take off distance is awesome. Please post footage showcasing flight abilities.

[@bobsideshow6949]

Only in America. I'm irish but you have to take your hat off to what you guys do. Anything is possible in a free country.

[@Kee_Diddy]

You have no idea how stoked I was to see that video title. And that the video is 20 minutes long. :D

[@christopherrichardson8584]

I was so stoked and not at all disappointed when I finished it. Great job Trent!

[@robertborchert932]

Hehe, the video needed 30 more seconds of that startup!

[@carlorachel]

Like Richard Bach ( of Jonathan Livingston Seagull fame) says, there is a passionate fraternity of flyers that is definitively different than everyday aviators. This gentleman -- a true flyer -- has as much tech depth as he does magnetism and charisma. Here is a soul who deserves the best of what the sky has to offer.

[@robertmencl9169]

Has charisma, but I strongly doubt that he is magnetic.

[@robmic8125]

PZL Wilga with this upgrade is killing it.

[@gypsyfreedom9836]

RIP, Draco. so glad Mike and family/friends are ok. Draco will be missed

[@wootle]

Amazing plane and I admire his depth of knowledge and engineering skill. He buillt the tanks, the wings, my gosh. Also hes so enthusiastic and happy I would love to hang out with this guy and his aviation buddies.

[@exercisemyrights]

dont know how i got here. but thats a totally badass plane. amazing look.and performance

[@zackdaniels6858]

INSANE!!! You Sir!... And your Aircraft are absolutely Amazing. Thankyou for sharing.

[@ryanmcgowan3061]

This was the first time I saw Draco. I was enthralled. I had been anxious to see her fly at some point. Such a sad loss.

[@KOLEKKAZ]

WOW! This guy need to start his own plane modding company! Great expertise!

Monster Truck of Bush planes !!!

[@alherman2711]

This is one of the neatest things I've seen.

[@garyhenderson6504]

Absolutely great video. And Mike's enthusiasm is contagious. Phenomenal aircraft, and unlike a lot of airplane drivers, he has about the best understanding of what that plane is doing as well as what it means that I have ever encountered. Man, would I ever love to get my hands on the controls of this baby. But I'd gladly settle for a ride in the cargo compartment.

[@wojciechpeisert3983]

Some Polish Wilga's history (sorry for translation). Versions : • Wilga 35A - basic version designed for aeroclubs, equipped with a hook for towing gliders, manufactured since 1968. • Wilga 35H - version of a seaplane on floats, created in Polish-Canadian cooperation, flown on October 31, 1979 (in Canada). • Wilga 35P - the flown version flown in 1968 differs from the 35A version only by the lack of a towing hitch. Aircraft of this type are used by Polish military airforce. • Wilga 35R - agricultural version flown in 1978 taking 300 liters of chemicals. • Wilga 35S - sanitary version flown in 1968. One aircraft was created for Polish sanitary aviation. • Wilga 40 - modified version of the Wilga 35 flown in 1969 (it had moving slats and a plate tail). Only 2 prototypes were created. • Wilga 80 - adjusted to American regulations (FAR), serial version from 1979 equipped with PZL AI-14RA engine. • Wilga 80/1400 (80H) - a 1982 float version driven by the PZL AI-14RD engine with a power of 206 kW (280 HP). • Wilga 88 - development version developed from 1983 to the end of the 1980s. The main task of the designers was to improve the speed characteristics of the aircraft. This was planned to be achieved by effectively reducing the aerodynamic drag. A new lightweight flap without a slot was used, with a light, single brace and a thoroughly modified chassis. From the previous models, Wilga differed, among other things, the number of passengers increased to 5. For this reason, the fuselage was changed. In general, it was a structure so far removed from the Wilga plane that it was called the new Flaming structure. The first prototype was flown on November 9, 1989, the flight test was carried out by the first pilot class mgr inż. Jerzy Jędrzejewski. A total of three machines were created: two prototypes with M-14P and AI-14RDP engines (its license version) and PZL-105L with Textron Lycoming IO-720 engine with 295 kW (400 HP), which was to give rise to the export version. It also assumed the production of a sports version, passenger-passenger version (for 4-5 passengers or 450 kg of cargo), agricultural (with a tank for 500 kg of chemicals) and patrol, sanitary and geological. The main problem of the prototype during the flights was improper stall characteristics, which did not allow the aircraft to be used. The financial problems of the PZL factory in Okecie as well as the priority production of the PZL-130 Orlik ordered by the army, caused the Wilga development project to be suspended, stopping at the production of the Wilga 2000 aircraft. • PZL-104M Wilga 2000 - version with the Lycoming boxer engine, modified wing (including the removed slot above the fuselage) and improved aerodynamics, produced since 1998, used by aeroclubs. • PZL-104MF Wilga 2000 - patrol version for the Border Guard. • PZL-104MN Wilga 2000 - version from 2001. • PZL-104MW Wilga 2000 Hydro - float type variant Wilga 2000 flown on September 19, 1999. • PZL-104MA Wilga 2000 - the version was created in 2005 in cooperation with EADS. More streamlined engine bonnet, elongated shaft and three-blade propeller. Attention is also paid to the fin in front of the vertical stabilizer and winglet. The distribution of instruments inside the cabin was also changed and avionics enriched. These changes resulted in improved flight characteristics (speed, range), with deterioration of STOL features and slightly greater noise than the drive unit. I am glad that you are delighted with this plane. This is probably the legend of Polish aviation. :* :* :*

[@aleksanderpski3310]

Ale się napracowałeś-ale jankesi z uporem nazywają WILGE- Draco ? To tak jakby do Mecedesa klasy S założyć koła od Syreny 103 -i nazywać go Syrena.

[@papajohn357]

That thing is insane. Love it.

[@shedmachine9915]

Can't wait to see "Dracos" replacement "Scrappy " in action, not much longer now!!!

[@kevinneville5876]

Its at oshkosh currently

[@halllwd94]

He could make a TON of money selling the blueprints to this.

[@donfillenworth1721]

What an awesome plane! Thanks for sharing.

[@madrx2]

That is the coolest plane I've ever seen. I could actually take off and land it in my own backyard(if I could fly) . Crazy

[@MrKnutriis]

Yeah - and the million dollars

[@hanniffydinn6019]

madrx2 how big is your fucking back yard ?????

[@madrx2]

Hanniffy Dinn 1 acre.

[@hanniffydinn6019]

madrx2 you should buy a micro light airplane mate ! Even a gyro copter..... Anything !

[@johnfish1194]

Private cessna pilot here. Seeing this thing almost HOVER, and land and take off in such a short distance is ..well. wow. Its almost beyond belief. i wonder what that landing speed was? 30 knots? Unreal.

[@Version135]

I'm not one for parties, but If I were I would be inviting this guy to every one.

[@JohnUllrey]

Tell Mike to buy the rights to the Wilga and put it back into production. The new Wilga 3000.

[@ctsteve1967]

Call the Polish factory I am sure he can get the Rights. But it will have to come off the factory line just as it is.

[@hbpfly]

I flew the first Wilga 2000 from UK to sun n fun Florida, then did all the certification with the FAA at Sebring. Totally amazing aircraft. Crossing the Atlantic I was down to 38kt ground speed at times ! The controls were like silk and the head of the control stick was modelled from the Spitfire. This meant you could fly with either hand in comfort. Happy days. G-RRIN.

[@christopherknee5756]

Is it still called "ground speed" if you're over the water? [grin]

[@RCnerd74]

Self made man. I love that kind of guy.