Flight Training challenges - Ultralight to Maule M7 - Learning as an older Pilot - VLOG

[@andrewmurray6912]

FlightChops: Man..it's uncanny. I come on this channel and every time you have made stuff that is so pertinent to my own flying "journey". I did my TW training on a Super Cub and then went on to see my experiences echoed (but better analysed and documented) in your own Super Cub videos. Before that I I started on and now own a Foxbat A22LS (the "ultralight" in this video). Fun plane but am selling it now and looking at a heavier STOL taildragger...so this video couldn't be more relevant ! I understand the disclaimer about not being instructional but your videos are invariably so, not just in the flying but also in the human elements surrounding the flying. Well done.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks for this great feedback Andrew!

[@douglasdewitte8517]

The ultra lite in this video is a Aeroprakt A22 manufactured in Kiev Ukraine

[@traveltheworld1870]

Thanks for the Maule tour. I'm sold!

[@jfavignano]

Steve I gotta say, these videos are some of the best out there. I feel like I am watching a Documentary/Reality series because the production is THAT good. Keep at it brother!

[@FlightChops]

+Jeff Favignano - thanks! And congrats on your massive sub count! I'd seen your stuff before but hadn't noticed how big your community was - good stuff!

[@jfavignano]

Thanks bud, hope to meet up with y'all next year at Sun n' Fun! I haven't been in a while, anywho keep it up you deserve a LOT more subscribers and patrons!!

[@FlightChops]

+Jeff Favignano - thanks for the kind words - we are getting there slowly but surely. Are you going to Osh? I will be there next.

[@timphelan6908]

Late to flying?!?! Started last week. I’m 66. Great video. I’m training in a Maule.

[@peterking8665]

Dear Steve and Dan, I had to watch this Video twice as you both alerted to two very real things for want of a better word. Finding an instructor that you are really comfortable with and secondly, the exact opposite; how does one deal with that when it doesn't happen. This plays out into life and not just getting schooled in an aeroplane. Beautifully done as per usual so thank you.

[@WiltedSnausage207]

I knew he looked familiar!

[@ibnjmn]

This RC glider guider says: Tailwind at one end of the runway plus headwind at the other equals THERMAL over the middle, since thermals draw air in from all sides and suck it upwards.

[@danielgoodson703]

Have signed off many pilots in Maule aircraft. From checkouts to initial private pilots, I find this aircraft delightful to fly and teach in. IMHO it gives an excellent balance of utility and performance that is lacking in so many aircraft. A good day is flying in a Maule. I never worry about any of my students in this plane either, because it is always teaching them what they need to know to remain safe and proficient. And, I must say, I was surprised how well the nose-wheel versions hold up in the tradition of Maule. The Patrol doors he has in this video are an excellent modification. Thank you for the excellent video.

[@richardchurchill2459]

There is so much to this video, the Maule. the transition from the ultra light, the flight dynamics, the weather observations and the personalities, it was very very good.

[@FlightChops]

+Richard Churchill thanks! And yeah, this one definitely hit several notes - glad you appreciated it!

[@jeffrogers2349]

Dan, it is so true what you said about how this experience has affected your drumming. I could not believe how difficult riffs just felt so easy now, almost as if I was measures ahead. Thanks for sharing your experiences! Jeff

[@jeffhunt3146]

Fellow drummer & pilot here. Pretty badass video guy's !!!!!!!! I really like the layout of that Maule. I am a fan of the PA-18 Super Cub as I have built 2 from kit while I was working at the FBO in Parowan, Utah. But that Maule looks pretty sick

[@asokoniso]

Steve, you and your mates deserve a much bigger number of views per video and I'm a happy to be a one small addition towards that. My horizon gets larger and larger each time I see one of these beautiful productions. Keep it up.

[@neilmellor7307]

Mr. Chops excellent video. I am getting current again after +30 years and the Maule is on my list of planes to buy. Thanks for doing such a good job!

[@macedonranges]

Dan I can really relate to your journey. When I turned 50 I decided it was finally time to learn to fly after always wanting to learn. Took up Recreational flying in a Texan LSA did 250 hours in 2 years. Then decided that I really wanted to learn more so did my PPL bought a Piper arrow and now are about to complete my IFR. Flying is about learning all the time and challenging yourself. Chops Keep up the great vids always interesting. Cheers from downunder.

[@Stooner72]

Great stuff FlightChops! A number of years back I started my aviation journey in the Husky Norseman II and Safeflight Mountie. Those things got me into some pretty cool places (I'm a Saskatchewan prairie boy so take that for what it's worth ;-) ). Lakes in winter on skis, stubble fields in the summer. Then came some kids, along with some other events, and my flights are now occasionally as a passenger with my Dad in a PA28-140. Still great to be flying, but man do I miss the adventures those little TD's brought me...Always love watching vids of the Maule and other such aircraft and dream one day I find myself as PIC putting down on a gravel bar! Until then, I'll keep living through your vids FlightChops, thanks for sharing.

[@FlightChops]

+Keith S - thanks for sharing your story!

[@tsw11385]

Just found this channel after having my second lesson and as a fellow musician proper felt the same passions this is like my dream too 🙏🏻hope i can get my wings one day awesome watch and now subbed 🙌🏻

[@jerryannclifford6538]

Another amazing experience. I appreciated what he said about the changes in thinking, mindset from the challenge of flying. Using the mind in a completely different way changed how he plays the drums and looks at life. Brilliant. Fantastic views, interesting conversation and shared insights. Love this Maule M7. Thanks 'Chops', another great video! Now...to play some Nickelback!

[@mojogrip]

That plane is alright ehh! Always enjoy watching your videos.

[@nickxidis9571]

Steve, this is one of your best. I really enjoy you interacting with other pilots and hearing about their journeys into aviation. I hope,there's more like this. Thanks!

[@FlightChops]

+Nick Xidis - Thanks! And yes for sure this is one of the proven "formats" for the sort of episodes we do... On top of sharing my training which is an other main format, there will be more of this for sure.

[@av8rk9]

Steve, thank you ... you are an aviator, you talk like one, describe what's going on as an Aviator and ... as a Aviator I relate to what you are doing ... Bravo ! Very motivating.

[@mattnightingale2389]

I do think that the Maule is probably one of the coolest aircraft and I haven't flown one yet, but hopefully will at some point. What versatility! I do love my PA-28 Archer though! Thanks for filming this, another super episode.

[@NoName-eh5qd]

Re: Negative Flap, you should check out high performance gliders/sailplanes with flaps. It's quite common to see 2 or even 3 negative settings for high speed cross country tasks. Take note though, taking the flaps above neutral reduces the camber of the wing, so increases your stall speed. Another interesting tid-bit, if the ailerons are coupled with the flaps (i.e. ailerons and flaps drop together, not just the flaps), when raised above neutral the ailerons have greater control at slow speed than at neutral. Helpful during cross wind launches. Isn't aerodynamics amazing? Anyway, love your videos even though I only fly gliders, not power. Keep 'em coming!

[@WIRRUZZZ]

Don't forget the universal flap-setting selection guide for glider pilots: "Think positive, flaps negative"

[@johntempleton265]

I flew a MX-7 as a glider tow plane for 1000 hours. Always a tough bird to land. No or negative flaps really help in strong cross winds, more speed then for additional control. NEVER wheel land the Maule (Ray Maule Jrs. (RIP) words.

[@johntempleton265]

Always had tail wheel shimmy on my Maule. Scott TW assembly helps.

[@SpreadFlying]

When I first saw the registration, I related it to the: FCOM = Flight Crew Operating Manual Nice Reg!

[@nickmanning5455]

Steve, I really enjoyed these taildragger/off airport videos. I would love to see you get together again with these guys. Thanks for the great content.

[@sopilote56]

This is a really great episode about continuously striving to get better. The observation that learning to fly can enhance performance in other aspects of life is another incentive to becoming a pilot. Truly interesting cockpit conversation about challenges of flying and decision making plus the appropriate voice-over to fill in details. Combine all that with footage from every angle makes this really top notch stuff!

[@user-tv5dt3nm9y]

Just stumbled upon your channel. Great content, production quality, and feel for all the vids! I am impressed with everyone's demeanor. Relaxed, informative, and no signs of show boating for the cameras. Thanks for sharing.

[@Aviation4Life]

INCREDIBLE video as always Steve! It was really neat to see a celebrity that also happened to be a Private Pilot, just like me and you, take part in a FlightChops video! He seems like a guy that I would want to fly with, especially in that awesome Maule he's got!

[@detroitaviation5293]

That's awesome. I used to fly a M7 with tricycle gear and I ironically sold it to Somone in Canada last year.

[@Bottleworksnet]

It should be noted "Ultralight" is this context is a Canadian term. The aircraft he used to fly is considered a "Light sport" aircraft in the USA. In the US, an ultralight weights no more then 254 lbs. A completely different type of aircraft!

[@FlightChops]

Yes, good point. Thanks for clarifying.

[@leneanderthalien]

yep, and in Europe the laws are same as in Canada: 2 places ultralight are 450kg take of weight or 472kg with powerchute...light sport aircraft is specific USA, doest exist in Europe...

[@jamesengland7461]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable conversation!

[@midlifeflyer]

Really related to Daniel's backstory. I got started in flying when my wife bought me lessons for my 38th birthday. And it took me almost a year to use them. Of course, once I got started, I was hooked.

[@qqppzzmm1234567890]

Nice work, thanks for taking the time and trouble.

[@MetaView7]

Wow those trees at the approach are tall.

[@DUBaviator]

Dan seems like a really nice dude, great video.

[@durrellhorst22]

One of my favourite videos so far ! Love the BC scenery and the backcountry flying .

[@3dbuster]

Love his work flying the Aeroprakt LS22!! Known in Australia as Foxbat! Nice video and music guys 👍

[@unwiredcowboy]

Love your vids. Thanks for investing so much time making these bad boys. So sorry that the Caps are gonna beat up on the Leafs.

[@samlitsas7770]

man that yellow foxbat looked really cool to fly.

[@keithfreeman4015]

That’s so cool! Man father has worked on his plane.

[@quinnjim]

I'm looking at buying a Maule. I was surprised at how bad the useful load is. If you fill up the gas tanks, it turns into a 2 person airplane. You can get 3 people onboard if you just put 50 gallons onboard. I thought a "bush plane" would be a load carrying machine. It also cruises at about 130 kts despite the fact that it has 235 horsepower. I think the 182 might just be a MUCH better choice.

[@danwilliams7354]

Flightchops sir you are a legend

[@brandendavis6369]

Finally some maule content! Hope to see you at Oshkosh next year. I'll be flying in a maule m4

[@pirateatfourty]

i just took delivery on my new maule. i like the new windshield washer. you can step outside and wipe it off and then get back in. while you are flying.

[@armandoscolmenero4442]

Great video, it got me a bit nostalgic, i used to fly on Bc lower mainland. Just found your channel and you won me with this video, great production and wonderful job explaining everything.

[@1shARyn3]

Dan talks of the challenge of "going back to school" in one's 40s ===== Try that when you are in your 70's :-D The Ends are All worth it!

[@monkeybearmax]

Gwen Walcott very cool!

[@SyberPrepper]

Really liked this video. You and the team do such a great job with the video and audio and editing. I've never flown in a Maule but it seems like such a great airplane. 235 HP and a I'm guessing a lot lighter than a C182 or a C180. Seems like great fun would ensue! Loved Dan's excitement about flying.

[@thenorthernwill]

Man, thats a great strip to build confidence and competence.

[@mytmousemalibu]

Love it! I'm so jealous, I have a soft spot for the Maule, such a great STOL plane and a really sharp looking plane at that! If I ever go after a PPL, the M7 is the plane I want to own!

[@stevenwg2360]

What a cool dude to fly with!

[@deaconrogers3470]

Lol..."I was just too busy with career and stuff". Not..playing drums with the rest of Nickleback...What a great guy! Daniel...I hope you got to meet Neil! RIP NEIL..thanks fir kind words!!

[@aerykhurley8236]

Need some drum footage the next time youre with him! That would be a fun 5 minute watch!

[@user-tv5dt3nm9y]

Maule's are cool. I dig the door/windows. If what is on the field doesn't make sense for wind indication, one could look a little further away, like that river, for a more localized sign of wind direction.

[@drrabjohns]

Great video. So cool to see the Maule. Definitely on my list.

[@TiredTA]

BC looks so pretty from up above! Magnificent! I've got an airport about twenty miles from where I train/fly that often has three different wind socks. It looks a lot like that one except that it's not next to a river and the pavement is poorly marked and almost the colour of the grass. I wish we had hills and mountains like that though. It would seem you were a bit spoiled going out there haha!

[@tomsotherland4484]

Nice meeting you at Sun n Fun! Thanks for signing my Pilatus hat!

[@df5118]

So glad I done my initial training in light aircraft then progressed to bigger GA stuff. The light aircraft while are harder to learn in you actually have to fly them more so jumping in the bigger aircraft it seems easier to fly.

[@PapaDutch]

Man! I like this guy, he seems a little bit wild eyed like Mel Gibson, but he's thoroughly immersed in everything the plane and the conditions are doing as if he is "PART OF" all of it. It completely blew my mind that he was the drummer for THEM! I want to see more of this fellas flying...

[@forrestwiley9866]

Great Video.... As a "old" Bi-plane flyer that had no flaps. I flew tight patterns and slipped. Curious that that isn't something I see pilots learn/practice any longer. It is a good/fun skill. Thanks for all your great video's>>>>>

[@AdamShaiken]

The Maule is a rocket even with two-up ! I flew with a friend here in Milwaukee. He let me take-off( a time or two)and then always would insist that I continue to pull back until we were climbing out at a minimum of 75 degree angle(sometimes even 80 or 85 if he was PIC !) I swear it was as if we were flying almost like a helicopter. Just hanging on the prop...but it always continued to pull and pull and accelerate even at an 85 degree climb angle(according to the artificial horizon)and accelerated from 65 through 90 knots before he even considered allowing me to flatten out the climb...this was at Timmerman Airport and when I began to flatten out and I was able to begin to take in the atmosphere and get my bearings I noticed that we were still only about 2/3-3/4 of the way down runway 33 which we had just taken off from. Absolutely amazing performance. He had tundra tires and would take it to Alaska for fishing trips.

[@Veritas1992]

Adam Shaiken I learned to fly there & instructed at Timmerman for a couple years. What Maule were you in?

[@AdamShaiken]

Dr. Idarraga's...in A-2.

[@kylejones1936]

Excellent video! Thanks for what you are doing Steve.

[@rodneyskennedy3163]

Great landing even with the wind playing tricks.

[@musoseven8218]

Id often wondered what going from an aircraft with a Rotax 912 in it to a M7 or similar STOL aircraft would be like (always loved the Maule after one my dad's friends had one and flew one out of the local farm strip where they were both based - my dad flew tail draggers in the main, Luscombe's, Aeronca's, Jodel's, Kitfox et al). Also when I was first shown the throttle handling on a Rotax equipped fixed wing microlight I was really surprised about the ferocity that I was encouraged to apply the throttle - especially after spending time with my dad and a couple of hours here and there with instructors in Group A aircraft. You've now enlightened me, it's very different. Mind you going back to a Group A Cessna or Piper after flying in a 80-100bhp Rotax equipped aircraft would be off putting to say the least. Good to remind folk about cooling and requirements for LC and AC engines too, good points. Great points too about older students and the right instructor and the psychology behind such - whether or not you gel is as important as aircraft type, school location etc etc.

[@robertsise7898]

You check Maule Air inc. Maule is located directly on Spence field in Moultrie Ga. Spence is an old WW2 fighter base is just outside of Moultrie on hwy 33.

[@stevenpam]

06:39 "...it's kind of enhanced my whole life"

[@c3vids_shorts]

5:50 happened to me many times. Especially when you get something what you didn't want to. Totally understand!

[@flemsemand1979]

how much does a licence cost

[@camaroblackmatte]

awesome landing given the conditions ! thanks for posting !

[@ozziepilot2899]

Oh that Maule is nice. I hear your point on older pilot training, I'm starting back to it after 27 years away (now Im 63), feel like a newbie again lol. And I totally agree with finding the one instructor that you can jive with , get one with a 0 dimensional personality and the student will shutdown and waste a lesson (been there). Again another top video from FlightChops.

[@montreysmitherman7466]

Awesome episode!!

[@toonybrain]

At the video’s start, we’re not told the Maule is backtaxiing down the runway for the other side. So, as a Maule owner, I’m thinking, “What’s taking that Maule so long to get off the ground?” Maules LOVE to fly: give ‘em full power and they’ll eagerly leap for their natural habitat in the air - rotating is for Cessnas. At the landing rollout, Ray Maule would instruct to hold the yoke back to your chest, because if you relaxed the yoke, the Maule would try to take flight again! Once you two were at the proper runway, that Maule was a Maule - tons of runway to spare.

[@roosterinorbit]

Hey, I find it so cool when you fly where I fly! I really enjoyed your video and the production was great! I'll be sure to keep an eye/ear out for CDM next time I'm in the area. I am definitely interested in tail draggers after watching all your videos! Just wanted to say thanks

[@jamesyoungblood555]

Great flight with a lot of mental information. Thanks

[@DanielWiley]

Great episode Flightchops!

[@wayneyd2]

I agreed with the flight instructor. I went through 6 instructors when I was doing my Army flight training.

[@alaskanbas6507]

Awesome paint scheme!

[@NorCal.Aviation]

Cool video! The Maule is an awesome airplane!

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

Dan looks to be an awesome pilot.

[@jasonperryphoto]

Look at this Maule Aircraft Every flight I do it makes me laugh How did FlightChops get over here And where the hell's the rest of Steve's beard?

[@taproom113]

Sung to Nickelback's, "Photograph". Well played ... ^v^

[@josesbox9555]

I flew trikes for years. Totally understand about that instant power.

[@rnzoli]

Thanks for the "relatable" content Steve! I always felt that taking up flying made a positive impact on my professional and private life, yet I was't 100% sure. Up until 6:47 in this video! :)

[@aussiespoon2471]

Every thing was so Good!!

[@christosnyman5075]

Wow ! Great job man !!!!

[@REMIREZZ]

Those rising pockets of humidity are called water dogs!! The most annoying thing for firefighters because during fire season they look a lot like smoke to most people. We’ll get called out for a smoke and we’ll pull up to the spot after an hour of hurried driving and its just a water dog :(. Gets ya psyched for nothing.

[@ryanmettler8203]

This is a really cool airplane in my opinion

[@jackpinnell3973]

Holy crap batman!!! Best concert I ever attended? Nickleback!!! I knew he looked familiar!!! AND....flying my favorite aircraft of all time as well!

[@thunderingbuzzard]

@FlightChops I've been looking at STOL aircraft and keeping coming back to the Maule because of its versatility (slow flight but also decent cruise). I'm really interested in the American Champion Scout, but my wife prefers side-by-side seating. I'm 6'6" with very long legs (short torso), and I fit pretty well in the Scout. I also fit in a C182. Did you get a sense for the legroom in this aircraft (even though your not necessarily tall)? Are there any knee-busters, like the flap lever forcing the right knee into the panel? I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the great work.

[@altebo]

fun fact I picked up watching an aircrew interview including low level military flight training. how to judge your altitude? the story goes that an ameican exchange pilot flying with his british host asked: ,,you never look down at your instruments, so how do you know your altitude?" the british pilot nonchalantly answeres: ,,oh, that's easy mate - sheep have legs at 100 feet, cows have legs at 200 feet."

[@Kiwi_Pilot]

Best Aviation CH! Time to replace The Aviators! Love your vids mate!

[@dillongreene8273]

Fly the maule all the time. There interesting little airplanes and definitely difficult too land.

[@joelcrow]

"Look at this photograph..".lol I see what you did there, very nice! :)

[@the-mailmann]

How did you manage to fly with the Nickelback drummer?! Holy crap, that's awesome!

[@tadbarker7082]

YES ! fab video. Thanks. Great Maule...... keep 'em coming :)

[@kevindt100]

a Great video as always

[@ccubsfan94]

No freakin way, plan on seeing Nickelback this summer at the Jones County Fair in Iowa

[@luketeverino6085]

Awesome video

[@Ryan1236]

OMG THATS DANIEL ADAIR FROM NICKLEBACK!!!!!!! DAAAAAAAMN. My dream to meet him

[@romiemiller7876]

You can always delete what you don't need, but you can't add what you don't have. Also, I appreciate your high audio level. I'm a little hard of hearing. and I can turn down what's too loud, but I can't turn up what isn't there.

[@unagisama5476]

Looking in the photograph. Oh shit ahah nice!

[@rbakken2999]

So cool.

[@lovingoutdoors5112]

Anyone who uses the word flaccid in a sentence is cool in my book.