Why I Fly - Solo Sign Off! Chasing childhood Dreams - DHC-1 Chipmunk training VLOG - Part 4

[@iancaesar427]

I know this is 9 months old now but I have just started tailwheel conversion in a DHC1 and watched this series about six times in the lead up to my first flight. Thanks for all the tips. I know you always say it is NOT a training video but still very useful stuff. I have only got one hour in the Chippie but what a beautiful thing to fly! Next training session tomorrow so I re-watched the whole series again.

[@FlightChops]

I really appreciate this comment! It is very rewarding to hear the whole Chippie series helped you! These detailed warbird training videos don't get the view counts of some of the other more main stream / relatable regular sort of GA flying videos that I make... But I love this stuff and will continue to share it for those in the community that love it too :)

[@efox2001]

Congratulations, Steve! I love Ron's smile during the flight. He obviously loves to fly! :)

[@FlightChops]

Ron is awesome - it was a true pleasure to fly with him!

[@moony412]

His smile was by far my favourite part of the video. Great job Mr Chops!

[@Rickenbacker69]

Yeah, that smile really makes the video. Can't blame him either, I can almost feel the Gs when watching this, and it's always a great feeling to do some aerobatics.

[@bobshaw4063]

WOW Steve Ron sure doesn't look his age that is for sure .

[@KerboOnYT]

Great video and that grin on Ron's face around 12:20 speaks volumes 🙂

[@FlightChops]

+Kerbo - I was so happy when I found that shot in the raw footage :)

[@ToddMoore70]

That smile says it all. Priceless!

[@samhiatt]

That instructor was smiling as much as I was as you were doing those rolls.

[@samhiatt]

Scrolling down, I see I'm not the only one who was thinking the same thing.

[@alancampbell1161]

Just about the nicest thing to fly ever. Hard to beat a Chippie for pure flying pleasure.

[@jonasriissrensen4280]

When i become a glider (and motorglider) instructor, I will definitely have Ron in mind. What a kind, patient and genuine guy.

[@richardpoole2729]

Hi FlightChops! Fellow Canadian here and this one was born in England. Love your content, especially your goal to honour your Grandfather's legacy by flying a Spitfire over the ditch! That will be amazing to see. Thank you for giving land lubbers like me a view of these historic aircraft. Your perspective flying them is great - what technology has done to make flying modern aircraft safe is incredible but seeing where they came from in these iconic aircraft and the challenges you demonstrate in flying these birds proficiently is truly remarkable - thank you! Congratulations on earning those wings with the CH2A! The closest I've got to historic aircraft is identifying hazardous materials in airframes being restored for display at the CASM hangar in Ottawa - great sense of awe in there!

[@FlightChops]

Right on thanks! if you want a fun way to donate to the CH2A, there is a shirt available for an other ~6 hours today celebrating my resent accomplishment soloing the Harvard / T6 there :) www.bonfire.com/limited-edition-harvard-t6/

[@richardpoole2729]

FlightChops Done, but please source Canadian in future! So much money is lost converting to US funds and then back to Canadian!

[@joesope52]

That Spitfire journey is going to be amazing! Looking forward to it.

[@heinrichvonbroke]

I love it that Ron after decades of flying still starts smiling when you perform the aerobatic maneuvers.

[@pouyan225]

the way Ron smiled during the barrel roll really shows how much he loves flying. Great job Steve, I know I'm late, but anyway... great content.

[@JPSalamat]

Congratulations! It's great to see Ron smile like it was his first time.

[@john3Lee]

Good to see the DH Chipmunk, as my father was chief photographer at the Hatfield DH aircraft factory in the UK in the 50s... :)

[@rusogonzalez]

holy shit, I got teary eyed watching this. As someone that had a very similar dream but life hasn't worked out in that aspect... it was very touching

[@FlightChops]

+Windphile - glad you enjoyed it! Sorry your dream has been stalled, but maybe you can start some day.

[@alansimpson596]

Great flying with a great old gentleman.

[@prof2yousmithe444]

Sorry so late but CONGRATS!!!!! What was more impressive was not just your smile, but Ron's! Flying Spitfires was a dream of mine since I was a child. I can no longer fly due to health issues, but my heart is truly with you on your journey. I hope living a bit vicariously through you is allowed lol!!! God bless.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks! And heck less, vicariously living through the videos is entirely welcome :)

[@aaronbarnhard8668]

Once again, congrats Steve! Great job on the video - my compliments to James. He did great capturing those beautiful landings of yours.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks for being a big part of the whole process Aaron! (for those reading, Aaron is a fellow yellow bird pilot who was there through out my training :)

[@ericvanstone4990]

Especially those sweet landing shots from the roof of Red 2 ARFF apparatus

[@aaronbarnhard8668]

Couldn't have done it without Red 2. Thanks again for your help!!

[@FlightChops]

+Eric Vanstone - yes totally awesome! (I thought we were keeping that a secret though. :)

[@badmofo350]

Congrats Steve! I remember watching the first time you were taken up in that bird. Ron seems like a great guy. Great to see an 85 year old doing rolls in warbirds.

[@FlightChops]

+DrFuNK - that's awesome that you remember the previous video from a couple years ago! What I love about that is that we achieved everything I hoped we would as far as coming back with a proper crew and the resources to really document the training thoroughly!

[@bumpf1]

WELL DONE YOU !!!!! I am so pleased for you . I flew the Luscombe over to Boultbee from Ireland to take a look last year . It's a great spot. Keep up the great work !

[@irfanhafeez1341]

Congrats on earning your wings. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Kaipeternicolas]

I don't know how anyone could actually hit the dislike button on this video. What a bunch of haters. This video was super awesome. Very interesting for someone who is actually more into "boring" airline flying etc. Loved Ron. What a guy!

[@FlightChops]

+Kaipeternicolas - thanks - and yes haters gotta hate. There are so few of them but they are super loyal :) and yes, I was really happy to get to share Ron so clearly in his element.

[@HighFlight2k2]

Well done. I teared up a bit for you. And Ron's face shows the timeless nature of aviation. So awesome he still has that much fun. As a 26 hour student, it's so inspiring. I'll say it again, well done.

[@FlightChops]

+HighFlight2k2 - really glad to hear you found this one touching and inspiring!

[@m.6816]

Man what a Ride! I flew a chipmunk 2 times but still as a passenger. That's a lovely and beautifull plane to fly! Love the spirit of your videos! And specially in this video where the old Instructor is a hell of a pilot and Aviator, the fun in his face was priceless! Keep it going! Wish you great flights!

[@anthonybellotti6062]

Please do weekly uploads, I can't get enough of this

[@FlightChops]

+Anthony Bellotti - we're trying! Please share the videos and Patreon campaign to help get us there

[@anthonybellotti6062]

FlightChops I plan to become a patreon member in little, can't wait

[@gvrose1]

Very Cool. Getting the Solo feeling twice in a lifetime is special!

[@wmlowry4166]

yes i think Ron enjoyed the roll he had a big smile on his face!

[@FlightChops]

+WM LOWRY :)

[@my31and37]

I'm really enjoying your journey into warbird training. I was privileged to talk with a WWII veteran a few days ago that flew missions in carrier based F4U Corsairs in the south pacific. Even though he was quite elderly, he seemed as sharp as ever, and it was exiting to hear some first hand stories about my personal favorite warbird, the corsair. I have to say thanks for your videos, I haven't been able to complete my flight training, but I do get to enjoy the experience through your videos.

[@FlightChops]

+my31and37 - I appreciate this feedback - happy to help you experience some virtual flying while you are grounded.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Ron is such a great guy, you can just tell. Congrats Steve!

[@RJ9mech]

Steve, that's what it's all about. Congratulations!

[@markdenton6556]

Congrats Steve!! That is awesome and as you said, the experience of flying a piece of history is just like nothing else!

[@felixwu2095]

Another lovely video from you! Enjoyed! Same here, love Ron's smile! That is a pure spirit of fly!

[@turningdownwind5535]

Great job on this big step towards more war bird experience to come! Keep it up Steve.

[@vintagejake]

Congratulations on your Chipmunk endorsement! You can be very proud- that's really a great accomplishment!

[@acengineer737]

Nice one Steve. There are also 2 seat spitfires operated out of Bigginhill and duxford. Both are proper ww2 airfields

[@firulaargentina]

I really enjoyed both smiling faces all video long! Beautiful flying! Congratulations for your Chipmunk solo, and keep chasing your dreams!

[@FlightChops]

+Martin Dean - thanks!

[@MickKerr]

Steve, can just feel the accomplishment and the pride that comes along with it. Well done!

[@FlightChops]

+Mick Kerr - thanks Mick! Yes this was a special experience that I looked forward to doing for a long time.

[@richardmurrayjr.2338]

Fantastic Steve, way to stick with your dreams. Congratulations!! You and your team produce the best programming available to the aviation community. Well Done.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks Richard! We're tryin' :)

[@mckennagair2005]

This is epic! Do not take this time on these airplanes for granted. So much respect for you that you would honour your grandfather this way. I really hope you get that time in a spit or a mustang. I would kill to fly in those airplanes that you've been checked out on so far. Keep going please, these videos are great.

[@stevenbrereton9555]

Congratulations. Looked very relaxed, professional....and fun!

[@gopherbar]

Excellent mate well done used to fly chipmunks in the RAF years ago

[@blackmen18]

So amazing! Ron is such an AVIATOR!! All the best to you FlightChops!

[@bobbyenache7652]

Congratulations Steve, really looking forward to your Spitfire Adventure. Thank you for posting such inspirational videos. Would give anything to learn this masterful art of flight. Everything looks so amazing and peaceful from up there, and that awesome smile on Ron's face pretty much sums it up. Thank you again.

[@FlightChops]

+Bobby Enache - thanks Bobby!

[@lukew4955]

I fly out of the hanger next door to that hanger! love the guys at the Canadian historical aircraft association, they even gave me a nice flight in the Stearman. keep it up FlightChops!!!!

[@theflyingfool]

Well done! that is a big feather in your cap Steve! Congratulations!

[@Heetcat6]

thank you Flightchops is one of my favorite GA youtube channel and this video just proved why!

[@FlightChops]

+mark ocampo - awesome thanks!

[@steveo1kinevo]

Very cool Mr Chops! I look forward to watching your journey. Ron seems like a really cool guy that would be fun to fly with.

[@FlightChops]

+steveo1kinevo - thanks buddy! Let's try to get you out here in the summer for some dog fighting in these old girls!

[@WolfKenneth]

I love those training videos and cant wait till you finally fly Spit!

[@Mavrick1509]

Awesome, Congratulations, and welcome back to my hometown.

[@victorkelley5097]

I can honestly say, this is my favorite youtube channel. I can't wait to start working on my PPL next fall!

[@juanfernandotschen9633]

Wow Incredible! I Love your videos. I´m working into getting my ppl and heli. I share with you the passion about warbirds, my greatuncle flew and sadly died in a P-26 Peashooter. Flying is in my blood, since I remember I was in love with planes and flying. My parents gave me a VHS of Top Gun when I was little (I was born in 1986) and I ruined the VHS because of how many times I saw the movie. Its inspiring to see you chase your dream as am I... The very best for you!! Keep flying!

[@timdouglas2011]

So epic! Congrats, looking forward to seeing the Spitfire over the channel flight!

[@Iceberg460]

Awesome man, congrats! Your videos have been an inspiration for me for some time. I recently had my first ever solo flight in a 2-33 glider. Words can't describe the feeling!

[@FlightChops]

+Justin - awesome! My first solo was in a 2-33 as well :)

[@suttonaviation5431]

Awesome job Steve, congrats!!! You are an inspiration to us all.

[@FlightChops]

+SuttonAviation Thanks! I'm tryin'

[@adampaulsen]

Awesome job Steve! Proud of your hard work! Congrats!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks!

[@Cpsvids]

Congrats Steve - what a great accomplishment. An emotional moment for sure.

[@FlightChops]

+CPsVids - thanks Chris! It sure was.

[@SimonHollandfilms]

awesome.....well done.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks Simon! We'll be sure to visit when we are over to fly the Spit' :)

[@gabrielvazquez1691]

I didn't know what the Chipmunk airplane was till I saw the FlightChops videos. Definitely won't forget.

[@ultraflt1]

Steve congrats you fly like a pro. So Ron has probably got a zillion hours and has flower things like a 104 yet he still laughs and giggles when he has others do aerobatics, defiantly says something about his pure joy in being able to go fly. Cheers

[@FlightChops]

+ultraflt1 - I know, right?! I love that about Ron!

[@nickdavies535]

Would love see you over here (UK) flying Spitfires, best of luck in making that happen!

[@austinformedude]

Awesome! when I am 85 I can only hope I am as spry as Ron and still flying!

[@FlightChops]

agreed!

[@TheOriginalCoda]

@7:20 The fact that the engine is "upside down" has nothing to do with the direction of prop rotation. It is a interwar British inline engine design, without using any intermediary reduction gear to the prop, hence the prop is connected directly to the crankshaft.

[@salkdjfasldkfjsdlk]

Thanks for taking us along.

[@potatomasher.]

Congratulations! I just passed my Commercial single checkride down here at ERAU, but I definitely think that you're having loads more fun! Keep up the good work!

[@FlightChops]

+Walter Morrison congrats!

[@Recovering_Californian]

I nearly bungled a check ride once. On landing I bounced several times and started to veer way off to the left of the runway. I finally called out "Going around". Came back and landed just fine. I thought for sure I failed. Turns out I didn't. Instructor said botched landings happen. The important thing was I recognized it and went around and didn't spent too much time trying to save it. Lesson learned.

[@FlightChops]

+Recovering_Californian - good lesson, and glad the instructor didn't punish you for making the good decision to go around

[@NzAviator]

I miss flying chippies. 18hrs in it by far not enough.. my favorite aircraft to fly by far so far. If you are thinking about it go for it.

[@hesynergy]

SoooooooooCoooolllll!!!!!! Congrats Steve!....God how I envy you! Wonderful vid! Thanks, Chas

[@northernfliteproductions3075]

Good job Steve! Way to nail it! Double thumbs up!

[@rosmelguti]

that's so cool. congratualtions. I'm very excited just watching it.

[@jeffhunt3146]

Pretty cool Steve !!!!!!!!! I fly an RC Chipmunk for a close friend who is 84 years old. Such a fun airplane. His is white and orange

[@FlightChops]

+Jeff Hunt - RC is something I always wanted to do!

[@jeffhunt3146]

It's so much fun that it will be illegal one day :) IF you ever get out to say Las Vegas and want to come see some sick RC 3D flying, let me know and we can make it happen

[@Dagowly83]

Great effort, Steve! And well done! We use these birds as glider tugs at our club in the UK and love getting behind the controls when I can. Happy flying!

[@FlightChops]

+Dagowly83 - that's cool! I have heard they are sometimes used as tow planes, but have never heard first hand about how it works - is it tricky to tow with so little power?

[@Dagowly83]

FlightChops I think your aircraft are more of the purist flying experience. Our aircraft have lycoming 360-A4A's in them so gives a bit more power. They make an amazing combination but I take my hat off to you for the dedication to the original aircraft!

[@caahacky]

Hats off to Ron. Congratulations to you.

[@FlightChops]

+caahacky thanks!

[@hypnojdm]

Outstanding! Thanks for another great video!

[@scottgordon6541]

Great job Steve! That had to be rewarding on so many levels.

[@FlightChops]

yes sir!

[@MrMe345]

I adore the DHC-1 :) There's 3 that fly with a DeHavilland Dragon as part of the Irish Historic Flight that I've seen around near my local field and they always catch my attention when flying over :)

[@orestomeliukh4863]

Love the picture of your grandpa! Spitfires are bad ass.

[@FlightChops]

+Orest Oh - agreed :)

[@amirawadalla5866]

Amazing video, I love warbirds and the Spitfire is my favourite aircraft. Best of luck in your training :)

[@strepsal6957]

WE LOVE YOU FLIGHT CHOPS

[@FlightChops]

:)

[@MarkSlatter]

Congrats Steve! You've come a long way, living the dream for many of us =)

[@FlightChops]

+Mark Slatter - thanks! And I'm happy the share the process.

[@williammedina8235]

Congrats and great job on your accomplishment

[@electronpusher604]

That's incredibly cool. Flying is awesome.

[@erikvanname]

Super cool. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.

[@X_BILSON]

Loved this! It's great watching someone who's so passionate about aviation, Looking forward to the Spitfire :-D

[@fuzzyapple45]

Well done Steve, fantastic achievement!

[@CurrencyCrusaders]

that is so amazing man, good job! I can't wait to start my training.... (South Africa)

[@MikeKobb]

Congratulations, Steve!

[@Yqlben]

One of your best videos Steve - a great resource for this out of currency private pilot! Thank you!

[@FlightChops]

+Ben Crooks - thanks Ben!

[@RCFlightReviews]

gret video! i can't wait for the boultbee series. i get spits from there over quite often.

[@joelay6826]

Awesome Job... Congrats on the new wings

[@VERANTESDEVOLAR]

Awesome! Congratulations, beautiful 3 landings ! You rock

[@gcollinz07]

Congratulations Steve! Awesome video!

[@Falckodotcom]

Again a awesome video! Loved the smiling Ron in the backseat ;-)

[@DFX2KX]

You know what? If I'm ever in Canada near enough, it'd be neat to get to peek at one of those Chipmunks, we don't have anything quite like them here in the states. They're adorable.

[@FlightChops]

+DFX2KX - lemme know if you wanna come out - or contact the CH2A directly.

[@DFX2KX]

Thank you. I hardly ever get to travel, but when I do, stuff like this is always right up my alley. I'd be happy just getting to see something like this up close in the hangar, even if it didn't fly that day. Is it really as little in person as it seems on video? It looks like it's not too much bigger then the Part 104 ultralights we've got in the states. And it's aerobatic to boot! If my eyes weren't so sub-par, this would be a fun airplane to fly (even with that whacky brake).

[@DFX2KX]

Thank you. I hardly ever get to travel, but when I do, stuff like this is always right up my alley. I'd be happy just getting to see something like this up close in the hangar, even if it didn't fly that day. Is it really as little in person as it seems on video? It looks like it's not too much bigger then the Part 104 ultralights we've got in the states. And it's aerobatic to boot! If my eyes weren't so sub-par, this would be a fun airplane to fly (even with that whacky brake).

[@michaelhubble]

Congrats Steve! Very inspiring stuff.

[@iflyc77]

great! congrats! I know how you feel. I was more nervous for my first Stearman solo than my first ever solo lol

[@FlightChops]

+Curt Lewis - I can imagine! I've yet to solo the Stearman.

[@formulaphoto]

Congratulations Steve! Your very own starter warbird hehe :) Boultbee is on my bucket list too.

[@apgt7959]

Great job, congrats!

[@Caramellofellow]

Congratulations mate. Amazing achievement.

[@strepsal6957]

i admire your work flight chops

[@FlightChops]

+Strepsal - appreciated! :)

[@JimmyTidmore]

Steve, I'm a little late on this one. Really enjoyed watching both of you have some fun. You could see it on both of your faces. Good stuff.

[@JimmyTidmore]

Oh and.... CONGRATS on the checkout!

[@FlightChops]

+Jimmy Tidmore - thanks my friend!

[@07decker]

I love these videos, so we'll done, and educational!

[@sailhavasu]

awesome Steve! Got my first warbird flight the other day in a T-6 ....WOOHOO.. more! we want more! ;-)

[@FlightChops]

+Sean Mulligan - T-6 is intimidating, eh?

[@sailhavasu]

FlightChops She's a Whole Lot Of Airplane! Want More! I'm Ruined!