Terrible idea for weekend warrior Float Plane Pilot! (executed safely :)

Learning from Expert Aviators in the Alaskan Mountains!
Proud to be associated with ForeFlight: www.foreflight....
Visit www.FlightChops... for behind the scenes and monthly GiveAways!
Martin and Tim from APEX Alaska were awesome for setting everything up to do this!
It’s not launched yet, but when it is they’ll have you covered end to end with amazing lakeside accommodations for summer and winter training at the Alaska Aviation Adventure HQ.
Pilots would come and join us to “expand” their flying skills, get to see Aviation from a different angle and experience the application of it to Alaska. Specialized 1 on 1 training as well as groups of 6-8 to come and fly helicopters, floats (Super Cub and beaver), wheels, skis, lakes rivers and Ocean!
Go win the GIVEAWAY!
www.FlightChops...
And thanks to Patrick and Courtney from NFlightCam.
More details about products we used:
NFlightCam Strut Clamp Mount:
www.nflightcam...
NFlightCam Exterior Ball-Head Mount:
www.nflightcam...
NFlightCam Aviation Audio + Power Cable for GoPro Hero5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 Black:
www.nflightcam...
We were using GoPro hero 5s in this video (shot in mid 2018), but the new Hero9 that we're giving away is amazing - learn more here (and at the Giveaway link above) :
gopro.com/en/b...
Here is a brief explanation of Patrick's background and what the company he founded 10 years ago is all about:
www.nflightcam...
_____
Huge thanks to all the Supporters on Patreon! Productions like this wouldn't be possible without your help!
For those that haven't seen it, please check the Flight Chops Patreon page to find out how you can be a part of it
/ flightchops
_____
Sponsor / Supporter Links:
ForeFlight
www.foreflight....
Bose Aviation
www.bose.com/a20
Van’s Aircraft
www.vansaircra...
CloudAhoy
www.cloudahoy.c...
Infinite Flight
infiniteflight...
The Finer Points of Flying - Jason Miller:
adventure.learn...
Spectrum Airways Flight Training:
www.spectrumair...

FLIGHT CHOPS DISCLAIMER:
I am a "weekend warrior" private pilot, I fly for fun with no intentions of going commercial. I have had my PPL for over 15 years, but still consider each flight a learning experience - I generally take detailed notes after each flight to remind myself what went well or what I could do to improve.... Having the GoPro cameras to record flights like this is invaluable. I find these self analysis videos very helpful in my constant quest to improve, and am happy to share. Feedback is invited; however, please keep it positive.
Visit www.FlightChops... for behind-the-scenes content, epic giveaways and search episodes by aircraft type!

[@harrisongould9460]

The "EXPERT"in the right seat made the landing look so routine. I have never seen a video of a pilot landing on a lake. My suspicions that power is added on touchdown proved correct. Water has a lot of friction that one might not think of so you add power and knife the floats in. To really slow it down, losing the flaps makes the landing stick. Very Very educational and thanks for the ride.

[@tompurvis1261]

15:30 is breathtaking

[@markgicuru9326]

The Beaver Engine sound as it warms up and finally purrs to life is just exciting

[@flywiththeguys]

Some of the shots in there were absolutely epic. And now you've ruined me. I need to go flying in Alaska. THANKS STEVE!

[@FlightChops]

Right on thanks! Seeing your username makes me think I saw an email from you recently that I meant to reply to, but it came on a crazy day, and I never got to it, and now it is buried. Wanna bump that if you can find it?

[@flywiththeguys]

@@FlightChops You probably did. =) Things have been crazy for me too and to be honest, I forgot the reason I sent the email. 😂 I think I submitted it on your website. I'll send another later today.

[@josephsener420]

What a great video. In the early 90s I was doing a consulting gig with the Alyeska Pipeline service company in Alaska. We flew with K2 around the north side of Denali to a back country lodge. Everything seemed so close. We could see the Dall sheep on the mountain side. On a different flight we landed on Foraker Glacier. The vistas are so vast, and this from someone who went to college in Boulder!

[@brucehomstad5256]

How many times can I hit the Thumbs Up button? Steve that is some incredible footage. Thanks for allowing me to escape from my livingroom.

[@FlightChops]

Happy to share, and provide that escape - I felt the same escape while editing this footage from a couple years ago when travel was “normal”

[@robinswiftton5802]

Awaresome Flght only been to Alaska once enjoyed very minute, was like coming home now wish I could have stayed The hospiitaity shown by People of Alaska truly made trip worth while , Thankyou

[@FlightChops]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SimonHollandfilms]

Brilliant film.. you really captured the disorientation of the scale in Alaska.

[@ThisKory]

I cannot express how much I appreciate how well your videos are put together. Your b-roll, voiceover, video quality, music, and script work is fantastic and tells such a beautiful story every single time. This content you post is television worthy, and I love seeing you progress and get into new scenarios in flight. I always had a passion for flight, but cannot afford to do anything of my own, so my way of enjoying flight is with you - and it teaches me a lot while enjoying it. Thank you for making these wonderful videos.

[@froggyrorz3989]

I’ve been to Alaska a few times, have to say my favorite part is watching all the bush planes flying by. Moving up there and owning one is the dream.

[@adrianflower3230]

Check the winter weather first, if its still for you, go for it!

[@Studio23Media]

@@adrianflower3230 Most people choose to winter in Florida. I'd prefer to summer in Alaska. 😂

[@robinc6308]

What a beauty that Beaver is. Great to see her in spectacular surroundings. Thanks.

[@strobemike]

Always dreamt about flying seaplanes. Because of your vids i narrowed it down to flying a Beaver in the amazing scenery of Alaska and i'm not even a pilot yet. Compliments to you for delivering such awesome footage (you must be spending a ton of time in the editing room) and can't wait for the next vid in this serie to be posted. Big shout out to Martin from Apex Alaska, you are a fantastic instructor and i like your style ( Let's leave this and find our selfs another problem to work on ).

[@chelsc31]

So cool to put a face to the guy who runs NFlightCam! I've used their Audio + Power Cable for GoPro since the first time I started recording my flights. Awesome work as always!

[@halepauhana153]

Thank you Steve for an awesome break from the COVID cabin fever and non-stop rain we have had lately in Vancouver BC. Hoping for a little break this weekend so I can get airborne again for a local flight.

[@bj.roberts6410]

Wow so awesome, Mr. Flitechops you bring flying to life..... I can never do what your doing... because of health and the Canadian flight rules...I've always wanted to do that bush flying... the best I could hope for is a passenger.... your skill is amassing.... your videos even more.... thank you...

[@FlightChops]

Where are you based? Let's get you connected to some local pilots to fly with!

[@bj.roberts6410]

I’m located in Stouffville a little hamlet called Cedar Valley

[@stephenrobinson8250]

My sphincter was puckering up just watching this from the comfort of my living room chair. Can you imagine the memories you will have Steve from all these fabulous experiences. Not sure if your family was with you this trip but I know they've been able to join you on several others so that makes the memories even more valuable. Well done!

[@elainethorne4344]

Oh yes, the family had this great experience too.....while we Grandparents stayed home with Hoover, at his house...lol....They all loved it!

[@Russell_G]

Wow.....just Wow.......that scenery is unbelievable, and your skills in getting through, hats off to you sir. I am loving this series of videos so much!! Thank you.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks so much for the feedback (it is appreciated when people notice the work that goes into editing :)

[@goatflieg]

Every successive video in this playlist further illustrates the enormity of this experience. Truly mind-boggling. I eagerly look forward to getting formation flight training. It's a skill I want in my personal flight chops. Can't wait until I can see formation footage of me flying my own plane!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks man - can’t wait to form up on your -8 !!!

[@dabneyoffermein595]

High altitude lakes are no joke, didn't hit the heavy flaps until just before water-hover and had to get adjusting yoke while hover to let the beaver set herself down. You can tell the pilot is ultra-disciplines. great job of keeping an eye on the other pilot.

[@n2snow]

Been there done that. I landed there on skies in my 180. Awesome video!!!👍👍👍

[@speedbrake]

Simply epic. And it was cool seeing Patrick & Courtney from NFlightCam. They were very helpful when I was figuring out my camera setup. When I had a question, Patrick or Courtney would email or call me, sometimes just a few minutes later!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Exceptional video Steve. I've really loved this series, probably above many of your other episodes, so well done.

[@Kikiyayazengardens]

Love it. Reminds me of my time when I lived in the Himalayas. Great footage.

[@Kiwi_Pilot]

Awesome! I've met those guys a few times at Oshkosh. NFlight have always showed amazing service and warranty over their products.

[@treywest268]

So good to see a USAF stay with flying after getting out! So many never go back to it after the service. If they do, then most just become aviators but not flyers. The difference being, one knows how to operate the aircraft to go from point A to B. The other knows the aircrafts they are in, inside and out. They can make a plane do whatever needs to be done with it within it's limits. They know when that box may be pushed just a hair and still be safe. Famous author and Flyer Richard Bach went from F-86's to everything else after. If you haven't read his books on flying (or all his books) I would strongly recommend it when the weather doesn't cooperate to be off the ground. Much like the high-time Bush Pilots, there is a ton of knowledge that is passed on in his books.

[@thomasfortnerconductor]

wow. just wow. Fantastic work Mr Chops and Team!

[@Flightstar]

It was cool following your flight on Google Earth. Man That lake is busy even in the winter, loads of aircraft ski imprints and snowmobiles emanating from single points where planes were parked. Wouldn't exactly call it too challenging though, Its a mile long and only at 2800"asl, which I wouldn't say is "high altitude" ,especially for around there. I bet there's lots of "thick cool air pouring down that glacier trough to land into, great for compensating for any possible higher density altitude that may exist 2 weeks of the year. BTW that aint terrible. That's FUN.

[@JabFlyer1]

It just keeps getting better Steve.

[@adrianflower3230]

Wow! 😮😮😮😮 Awesome adventure, thanks for sharing 👍👍👍👍

[@gregpopp4847]

Such a tragedy they no longer manufacture Beavers. GORGEOUS flying !!!

[@klm20079]

I shock that their aren't manny new float planes so far i see only ultralight waterplane ish

[@DanielSmith-uy3yg]

Viking aircraft builds brand new Otters amd Twin Otters and from what I understand they purchased all the licensing to build the Beaver as well. They do complete rebuilds on them but they have everything necessary to build brand new ones though they don't at the moment however you never know in the future...

[@JPH1786]

Pretty sure my wife and I flew with Patrick at K2 in the summer of ‘15. Flew much the same route and circled Denali. What an experience!!

[@dabneyoffermein595]

You circled Denali?

[@baejiaoflying9434]

Awesome video. That short final over the moraine.... yeh, that was an eye opener.

[@pinkdispatcher]

This is such a great series, thanks so much! I'm a bit jealous, I had to scrub a planned flight for today because of low ceiling, so I don't get nearly as much hours as I would want. I'd be happy just cruising around locally in our Robin, but I can't even do that right now. And due to COVID I can't take non-family passengers, either. But it will get better soon, I hope, with the vaccines around the corner. Stay safe!

[@joshuaunderwood5921]

Just had a scenic flight in Sydney, Australia in a Cessna 208 amphib, decided i want to do that as a job and gonna start to work towards it 👌

[@thudable]

AS ALWAYS, an educational, interesting, engaging, quality production. Much appreciated.

[@Mrsournotes]

Absolutely spectacular! Gotta put that one on the bucket list. Thank you for the fine video.

[@danielmoss2394]

Seriously beautiful content Steve. Thank you for a Black Friday smile.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Always stunning content. There are a lot of great aviators on the internet but none of them produce content on your level!

[@FlightChops]

Glad you like the content!

[@malcolmellis9654]

what an amazing world we live in...not many ppl get to see that part of it..that was just awesome

[@Johnsonhesp]

Awesome video! Your content has been so rewarding and interesting to watch. You inspired me to start filming and posting my flights, although I have since fallen out of it (last time I flew was back in September 2018). Bush flying looks so beautiful! 😀

[@literatesavant]

Boy, this one was intense! One of your best for sure.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks man!

[@andrewmgoss]

What a beautiful video, the scenery is unbelievable

[@peter_2dogs]

Unbelievable content - love the teaching style and the number of teachable moments!!!

[@dandersonjr]

Sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time. Great flying. Thanks.

[@ForFunFlyer]

Everything about this video is awesome; the plane, surroundings, story, cinematography, edit. Very. Well. Done! Oh, and despite I live in the Netherlands, I did sign up for the give-away. Secretly hoping for a shot at those stuff anyway, which I could really use as a fellow KZbin aviator 😉

[@ChrisB257]

Great video Steve, stunning scenery - super editing, thanks.

[@jasonstupak4535]

Fantastic video, audio, and content! Watched and liked, thanks for sharing.

[@Feintgames]

So at the end, before landing, he lowered flaps at the last possible moment in order to maintain maneuverability in case there's a hidden rock or something? Or did I hear that wrong? I've heard in AK on Flying Wild Alaska, they pull flaps up asap after landing to remove the lift from the aircraft so they don't get flipped in the gusts. Looks like he was doing the same thing after landing I assume.

[@FlightChops]

Yes - have a look at the earlier episodes doing the Beaver check-out. The airplane has drooping ailerons, so when you go full flaps, you lose most of the roll authority, so partial flaps is the way to go if you want to be able to maneuver.

[@mikercflyer7383]

Steve, awesome video and awesome photography. Memories for a lifetime.

[@deanmiles3505]

Beautiful video, dangerous and beautiful scenery together. Thank you. Take care Be safe.

[@guykulwanoski1629]

Amazing. Thank you for bringing us along!

[@nolan83]

My favorite aircraft! So cool to see you in a Beaver. Thanks for the content

[@MachTuck]

Impressive landscape!! good flying FlightChops!

[@jamiemorphy]

Been Loving this whole series but that was epic! Great job!

[@etravix]

Cool views, exciting flight. Thoroughly enjoy your videos.

[@Timbo428CJ]

Steve, you are such a lucky dog to be doing what you do. The views are spectacular and it looked like a high level of expertise to get to the lake, I think you could of made it on your own but it's good you had your mentor with you. I think you did the takeoff.... eh ? Nice work !

[@FlightChops]

Many thanks! And sure yes I could have done the flight solo, but having Martin there made it much more relaxing and educational. The landing was pretty tricky though, for all the reasons stated in the video PLUS the fact that it was glassy water which we didn't really talk about, but you can see that Martin handled it as such.

[@treywest268]

Truly an amazing video! Great piloting, beautiful scenery, and what a learning experience!!

[@av8ir68]

What a stellar video!!! That’s what I call Living The Dream!!!!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks - yeah, it was one that will be hard to top!

[@NatureLover4Ever]

The scenery in Alaska is incredible

[@oppoandroidf1174]

Look.....Cool elegant Beaver....👍👍👍👍

[@pinebearclub]

Awesome job Steve! So jealous of you! Bryan from Vancouver

[@FlightChops]

Thanks 👍

[@austonwheels]

Great content as always FlightChops! Incredible scenery.

[@SVSky]

Special stuff! Really put all your skills to work in one flight.

[@mk_adventures]

Wow. As always. For a southern Ontario flyboy that scenery is both stunning and terrifying. Maybe someday!

[@triedproven9908]

-Can you turn a circle between these mountains which I have inaccurately described as a 180? -Negative! 😊 Good flight and lake landings as always, excellent pilot discretion.

[@socalsurf]

Such an excellent production Chops! Thanks for the awesome adventure from my kitchen/home office :o)

[@PatrickJWenzel]

Yah I'm just going to throw this one into the bucket list. Just putting it in there. There we go. Nice.

[@FlightChops]

:)

[@theflyingfrog]

Stunning... just stunning Steve!

[@Studio23Media]

I'd recently heard about a couple floatplane mid-airs near Wasilla and wondered how that could happen twice so close together in the same area. Now I completely understand it. Being lost in the Alaskan bush is one of my biggest fears. Ever read Hatchet by Gary Paulsen? One of my favorite books as a child and now one of my biggest fears as an adult.

[@meduffer]

Big honk'n chunks of awesomeness!

[@mainemarin6758]

Love your work and passion.

[@JCGible]

Incredible episode. 😊👍

[@woodey028]

Beautiful footage!!

[@tim1398]

Fantastic footage... would love to fly this route if FS2020...

[@bobwright5557]

Gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!

[@CHAZAGE]

Best Vid in a very long time...maybe ever!

[@budcavevideo]

Wow Steve that was some amazing footage. Looking forward to more of this trip.

[@AlexFeldstein]

Awesome Steve!

[@EVELYNEMIL]

Absolutely phenomenal!.

[@djbrowndog77]

Oh my! Awesome! They don't make mountains like that in Australia!

[@jonnysolaris]

Breathtaking!!

[@Hanc_vrbata]

Amazing 4k footage

[@Larpy1933]

Whoa! That was incredible. Thanks.

[@monacosfranz4202]

What an amazing episode. The footage is absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing that with us. I have one question for the float plane pilots out there: What are all the lines for that are having of the beaver? They’re sure not the tie down lines are they?

[@AviatedAussie]

WOW this video was amazing 🤩

[@colingold3821]

Flight chops! Come to YCG in BC and let me get some awsome footage of you 😁 love the aviation and am I glider pilot myself! You inspired me to get it😄

[@WillOstrick]

Great video mate, awesome content. Man I need to get a float rating in Alaska haha

[@lockedin60]

Does flying airplanes with floats affect the handling of the airplane? I am going to assume that this Beaver is permanently fixed this way so a comparison may not have been your experience.

[@stonehorn4641]

I should really put floats on my 150. I don't use it otherwise, I always take the 172 or Tomahawk when I go flying, but its perfect for floats, 150hp Del-Air kit, and eastern Canada is full of lakes.

[@robertbankhead8661]

Amazing, thanks Steve!

[@IFlyforPie]

Another first class episode 👍✈️

[@captbad9313]

Nice video, very informative. Thank you, good job!!

[@hygri]

Amazing edit!! Wow

[@paultremblay8891]

absolutely amazing !

[@jannepeltonen2036]

That was extremely beautiful! Thanks!

[@aardque]

Wow, I can't believe it. Evidence that this Beaver is not CGI. The thing is so clean and shiny, it can't be real! Even the ropes are pristine, without the slightest stain of algae, but at 8:02, you can see it looks like someone kicked the pontoon near the top edge, below the ladder, left a slight dent.

[@Z-Bart]

Some day. AK. 👍

[@UshTheGreat]

I wish I could fly around in Alaska... looks like a good experience.

[@factsunbiased5157]

Great content!

[@FallLineJP]

Wow, spectacular terrain to fly through! Awesome video, kept me glued to the screen the whole time. More please!