Literally SHAKING before my 1st T6 Landing!

[@ttgden9604]

The thing I really love about your videos is the pilots eye view of the journey you’re on, thank you!

[@FlightChops]

Awesome, glad you’re enjoying being a part of the journey!

[@hoofed]

If only everyone’s voice over the radio was as clear and well paced as that ATC lady. 👍

[@haraldschevik5213]

hoofed The world would be a better place if all ATC were like that

[@MrMackmanz]

I fly here all the time currently getting my PPL,all our ATC folks are awesome

[@jeffreyjohnson6982]

I love female controllers. I wish they all were. So easy to hear, so chill, and friendly.

[@KyleShields]

Yesterday I flew my second solo in a glider, even though I feel like I know the fundamentals my nerves still settle in. It's good to know that even for experienced pilots, it's normal to feel nervous when flying something new!

[@richarddarlington1139]

That last landing was sweet. It's as if the gear are reaching out for the runway, and pulling the ground up, rather than setting the airplane down. Blue skies and fair winds, Steve!

[@GaryMCurran]

Steve, something I learned a long time ago, but I admit I still have problems with it today, is an acronym for the word FEAR. FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. You've been told over and over again how hard the Harvard is to fly and land, and the fact that your heartrate was over 200 proves that you are terrified of that airplane. But, there is no reason for you to be. That last landing was beautiful, a perfect landing, and you DID it. Now, I've been saying all along that you weren't going to have any problems, and so far, I would say that you haven't had a problem in the actual flying of the airplane, including your landings. Sure, you're learning a new airplane, but all of your education and experience is coming together to allow you to handle this airplane. By the way, a healthy dose of respect is NOT the same as being afraid, it's always good to respect the airplane and what it can do for you, but it shouldn't lead to shaking or pulse rates like you had. Keep it up, and you'll be signed off soon enough, and you'll be flying the airplane well. But, don't be fearful, because there is nothing to be fearful of. Sit back, take some time alone, and evaluate your concern over the airplane. Look at what you've been told, and sort out the False Evidence that you've digested, who has told you what, and does it apply to your own experience with the airplane. The Harvard isn't some snorting, bucking raging bull (I'm sure you'll find one of those to fly later on!), so anyone who has told you that is obviously not being truthful. Once you start to evaluate what you've been told, you can see what is real and what is 'False Evidence' and you can start to filter out that False Evidence, as it applies to you and the airplane. That last landing was pretty sweet, which just goes to show that you CAN DO THIS, as I've said all along! :D Good job! Nicely done.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks for the ongoing encouragement Gary!

[@GaryMCurran]

I really hope that you don't think I'm harping on you, and trying to push you into something that you're not comfortable with, that's the last thing I want to do. I just know you can do this.

[@joshualandry3160]

That is an absolutely beautiful aircraft and awesome training footage! It really is true what they say, "Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man. The first is landing."

[@gregdowd9213]

Flew the US Navy version SNJ for Basic Training. Did my solo 8 Feb 1956 in BuNo 51592 at NAAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida. Great airplane however our cockpit/instrument panel was very basic compared with the shots of the Harvard. Went on to carrier quals on the USS Saipan in August. Great video, thanks!

[@ericgirardet1848]

Hello Greg, I own and fly a T6-G model since more than 10 years now. My beauty is based in Lausanne Airfield (LSGL) in Switzerland. Here we only land 3 points any tailwheel due to field length limitation. During your training in the navy, what was your final approach speed. Best Regards! Eric

[@philliplopez8745]

Greg Dowd a string and a rock ?

[@GaryMCurran]

Hey Greg, you think we need to get Chops Carrier Qual'ed? :D :p

[@mynameispsl8921]

I very much admire the dedication, and the time that it takes to not only just fly, but also to record it.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks for noticing :P. It’s not easy (the editing is actually the hardest part) but it is rewarding to share!

[@JimmyTidmore]

It's interesting how sometimes what we need is that distraction (confirming landing clearance on short final) to get us out of our own heads and make us stop overthinking things. Good job.

[@FlightChops]

Well put.

[@KerryMyers]

These videos keep getting better and better! As a video producer in a previous life, I can appreciate the work that goes into a top-quality end product. Keep up the great work, Chops!

[@challenger2ultralightadventure]

Awesome video! I do love that engine start up sound! So vintage and distinct, it just screams "war bird coming to life"!

[@no1herebutuschickens]

I still enjoy that after all of this experience something rattles you and you share it. I feel the same feelings on a number of flights.

[@Chybear]

Great job Steve ! The dream is now a reality and you're well on your way. I agree you are probably overthinking things a lot, but one can't fly these precious old birds without a healthy dose of respect for the situations they can get you into. Hats off to you sir for doing what you love and sharing with the world. Much appreciated!

[@radio_atisradio_atis8124]

Chops, this really made me think back to T34 training. Lots going on while turning final. Get yourself a T34 turbo mentor ride. Best little truck of a trainer Great videos thanks.

[@j.s.1102]

Steve, your videos are always excellent! Thanks for taking us on your adventures!

[@billjobes1851]

Nice work and thanks for taking us along for the ride while you worked through the challenge. Congratulations on the achievement !

[@dancoll2544]

Fantastic video, achievement and very generous donation all in one. Way to go!

[@RadioFlyer39]

This. More of this.

[@FlightChops]

stand by :)

[@robertborchert932]

Thank you for taking us all along for the ride, Chops! My brother has an SNJ-2 based in Texas, wonderful plane! You did great.

[@FlightChops]

Happy to share!

[@garydell2023]

Your fulfilling my dream of flying the AT-6. A lot to learn and your mastering it. Appreciate the camera angles too. Thank you and keep flying safe.

[@iflyc77]

I have about 50 hours in the T6 and still have a hard time holding it off long enough to transition into a true 3 point. Tail low wheel landings are the way to go for me :) Looking great

[@thehoeser]

Tail low wheelers are the better landing on pavement anyway. I just need Steve to demonstrate 3 point ability (which he has now after flight #3) before really polishing the wheel landings.

[@iflyc77]

David Carrick of course. I still try to make a 3 point every 5th landing or so for proficiency, but they usually just end up being super good tail low landings.

[@carlwilliams8354]

Nice job staying calm and making it look easy.

[@FlightChops]

Thnx :)

[@meduffer]

Great stuff and I love that underwing shot at the end.

[@AV8R_Surge]

Congratulations on your landings. I'm a freshly minted pilot and still a bit skittish for the same reason you quoted: fear the airplane will fall out of the sky. Although I keep my speeds within scope for the c172, it's hard to shake that feeling. So I can relate to how you feel. But to my rookie eyes, you did great.

[@zipper978]

Sergio Pinheiro that’s not a bad thing to have. It will keep you from stalling.

[@jdennerlein]

Steve, What a great episode. I love it. This weekend was the first time up in a fixed wing craft for me in 2.5 years. Shaking the rust off.

[@ericgirardet1848]

Well done and welcome to the Texan Drivers Community! Greetings from Switzerland!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks!

[@rcaviator8408]

And to think Ive been in that museum countless times!

[@goatflieg]

Love ya, brother... this path takes a lot of guts, as does sharing it. I'm in line... although I'm not going down the road as far as you, I'm just waiting for Dave's call... and I'll be nervous too. Maybe the wing cam is the Golden Ticket...!

[@FlightChops]

Can't wait to see you there!

[@paulw176]

i was about 30 hours into learning to fly and landed a PA-28 sideways in a really hostile xwind and baby those knees were shakin' bad bad.

[@MooniniteMan]

Sounds like flying a motorcycle. Excellent video as usual!

[@pietluijken9932]

Well done Steve! The Harvard rules, it is one of most demanding aircraft and you have to be prepared for it, ever. But this equals to the most fun and it is a most rewarding aircraft when you master it. Keep it up! I soloed a T6 last year in South Africa. A dream came true and a memory to behold. Next week I return again to fly it, hopefully for some formation flying. Last month I flew a T6 in San Francisco. And in between T6 flights, I fly my own Chipmunk. Best days yeah! I am looking forward to your next movies. Thanks for all the videos full of good solid information.

[@1320crusier]

Radials are the best sounding aircraft engines.

[@TGOIIHome]

Dude thank you very much for the sound and reality appreciate of how hard this is really is :) don't ask me what these the smart pilots are doing :) All I know is that the USMC pilots are Awesome !!!!!!!!!

[@TraneFrancks]

I love following your journey. Nice greased 3-pointer at the end! ❤️

[@DanielWiley]

Hey FlightChops! That was Awesome! Great job! Thanks for sharing.

[@sergiomendozaochoa1376]

That sound is awesome

[@AlexFeldstein]

Great job. Still scary with that much weight and power .

[@FlightChops]

Haha - yup!

[@bartowsanta6313]

Another great video. Thanks Flight Chops.

[@rgldr1190]

definitely noticed a little confusion transferring the controls on that go around. scary stuff! great video steve, thanks for showing us everything- warts and all

[@FlightChops]

Cool yeah. I heard Dave say "No, we're going around, I have it", and felt him take the throttle, but I went through the motions of the go around with him, and clearly didn't stop thinking about everything - I guess it would be worse if the student assumed the training pilot had taken it, and let go of everything, when in fact the training pilot had not taken it...

[@rgldr1190]

FlightChops That makes sense! Thanks for the additional info Steve! Reading my question now it seems a little harsher than I intended.. my apologies for that. Communicating with words is hard!

[@FlightChops]

all good

[@davidsoom6383]

OK Chops, sorry, I'm new at your channel, I see you've been soaring. I'll quiet myself and go watch those vids. My enthusiasm gets me looking foolish at times. You are doing almost every type of flying, indeed. How great. I know you are turning a lot of people on to flying and that's a legacy all by it's self.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks! And welcome to the channel! There are currently more than 120 back catalog episodes for you to catch up on :)

[@davidsoom6383]

I'll get on it and start watching your back catalog, I especially want to watch the Coast Guard ones. When are you going to solo the Harvard? All the guys at my hangar are betting on whether you'll bounce, balloon, wheel barrel or grease it on. (no pressure from us). Dave seems a serious fellow and is getting you well prepared. Remember to "close that throttle" and good luck, You'll do great, you fly planes well and it's an airplane. P.S. When my hangar flying friends read that I thought you named you daughter, Hoover, the ribbing will never end... Fly Safe.

[@RoryOnAir]

Awesome stuff Steve - another great video. I'd love to fly something like this one day.

[@chrisshea4269]

That was a sweet landing at the end!

[@SmittySmithsonite]

I can relate to the nervousness you had. Totally different animal, but I had the same feeling at age 13, knowing that in just a few years I'd be getting my driver's license. Ever since I was real young I had always watched my mom and dad drive, and tried to imagine how the controls felt, namely the steering - I always sensed a vagueness there ... like the wheel wasn't directly connected to the road (which was true, but not to the extent that I had imagined), so then, how was it possible to keep the vehicle between the lines so precisely? Then there was the anxiety about driving a manual transmission. I got the concept, since I had been riding dirt bikes and ATVs for a long time, but, "How do you clutch with your FEET?" lol. After all those years of watching, I finally got to drive on my own, and quite a few of the things I had imagined were simply not true, or were blown way out of proportion. Guess it's just like anything - given enough experience, all these things become second nature. I haven't really given automobile controls much thought in nearly 30 years! Brain just goes on autopilot, and knows what to do. You can blow things WAY out of proportion just by over-thinking them. Psychology is a HUGE part of ANY task! This all just shows us you're human, Steve - I was beginning to wonder there for a bit, with all the different aircraft you master in each vid! 😁 Another great one - thanks for bringing us along, and for your honesty. 👍

[@mikemcnamara1986]

Simply awesome. Talk about gritty reality. Thanks.

[@vandy750ss]

I always enjoy watching a true aviator, well done'

[@kwazidonsta3658]

This video is golden

[@DDubois91]

That last landing was pretty nice!!

[@Hammerhand77]

Haha I was sweating with you there. I know you've been building to moments like this so the jitters are understandable! Nice one! Congrats :)

[@southjerseysound7340]

You really let this bird get to you and I was surprised considering your experience.Just goes to show that it can happen to the best of us. I dont know what had you off your game but it was like you were too emotionally invested somehow. It honestly looked like a case of "get there'itis " to get checked out in the plane. If I was your instructor I'd have made you leave the cameras at home for a flight or two after the first sign of trouble too. I know you can just set and forget them etc considering the problems you where having just to be safe

[@Starset-nv5nr]

You should do a video with Rob Holland and an air racing video with Kirby Chambliss

[@gliderpilot8882]

Great job! Looks hard to land! I will stick with my ASW-24 (always a full-stop landings). :-)

[@MrMackmanz]

Pretty sure I was in the circuit at the same time as these guys, I was in FROP, Romero Oscar papa. The CHAA guys are always awesome. I want to take on of their planes up eventually. Looks awesome

[@thehoeser]

Irish Gaming CH2A actually, CHAA are the Harvard guys based out of Tilsonburg.

[@deanmiles3505]

It may be me, but your instructor seems condesending; nice job...great looking aircraft. Take care.

[@lonememe]

That last landing made my pants tighter. Jokes aside, nice work! I hope I can work on becoming a pilot in about 5-10 years.

[@bonz5092]

nice job! that was impressive!!!

[@GiuseppeSRedSky]

T6 is a legend!

[@tigerthepilot5731]

Oh man that engine.... Reminds me of the 109.

[@DBUSA_]

Nice job Steve!!!!!!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks!

[@rollingtroll]

Great video, loved every second of it!

[@lauramurphy5497]

Great video . I loved it Oh and can u do more soaring videos if u can

[@hawkdsl]

Funny... this reminds me of horse ridding. You start out with ponies, then move up to "Big, Fast, and Pissed". Thing is.. the horse *knows* your scared.. and they will 'F with you. Seems like you built this plane up in your mind so much, it disabled you to a degree. Hey.. Your a PILOT.. a REAL ONE. You landed a freaking DC-3, and LITERALLY blew the doors off a cub for Pete's sake! Anyway.. Great vid.

[@davidsoom6383]

Great, great stuff. You have me shaking just watching you go through this experience. I see you make Dave think with your questions. He seems like a very good instructor. Oh, yes.......Sailplanes, dude. Get your glider add on and go to a place like Minden,Nevada where you have super conditions. I mean easily, flights over 30,000 ft. in wave and 14, to 18,000 ft in thermals. Flights beyond 5 hours isn't difficult. It makes you a better power pilot.. It makes anyone a better power pilot. I have a CFIG and all the Power ratings so I've experienced firsthand the transfer of knowledge and skills between the power and no power flight. My glider add on students will tell you how it vastly improves your power flying in ways you'd never think. Just say'n..........

[@mikepazzree1340]

Really awesome video. Can anyone help me understand the issues regarding “.... warbirds falling out of the sky ? “ comment he made What a vicarious thrill it is to see you growing , learning and constantly challenging yourself. What really is interesting is the History. Lots of teenage farm boys learned to fly these very complex A/C in a short period of time and then quickly went into Combat. Wow

[@MisterItchy]

Beautiful! Great Job!

[@bazwabat1]

Well done. I know how you feel about being "afraid" of the airplane. I'm wanting to get my taildragger rating in the future but I rrad a lot of stories from experienced pilots and all the ways they can bite you. It's not going to stop me but I do have a lot of respect for those who fly "real" airplanes and make it look easy! Also I think I'm correct in saying the CHA Harvard you were flying has the centre flap section fixed in the up position? (As in only the flap sections on the wings are capable of selection.) All the Harvards flying here in New Zealand don't have this done but I understand with the centre flap fixed up you get a bit more rudder authority in the landing phase.

[@thehoeser]

bazwabat1 that’s interesting I’ve never heard of a T6 with the Center flap effectively disabled. No doubt the entire tail section would be considerably more effective but I’ve never really felt it wasn’t effective enough as it is. Never the less it would be interesting to fly one that’s setup that way even if it’s not the way it was designed.

[@Arcadia_Olive-Oil_Farms]

With your flight experience hahahaha!! You were amazing, imagine the stress levels on the rookies that had to learn flying them from zero to hero!!

[@FlightChops]

I know, right? The thing is apparently those kids had a ~50% ground loop / crash rate. We’re looking for slightly better stats :P

[@GaryMCurran]

Yeah, but most of them didn't have nearly the total time and tailwheel experience that you have. I mean, some of them did, but most hadn't flown prior to this, and moving as quickly as they did in WWII from nothing, through primary training on to the Texan/Harvard was pretty fast. They didn't have time to pick up the nuances of tailwheel flying like you already have.

[@howardelzey2760]

Funny a farm boy in 1942 who has never been in an airplane prior to entering the Air Corps fly's 10 hours in a Stearman than jumps into one of these fly's another 10 hours and than is off to a P-47 or B-25 flying missions in the War a few months later. It's funny to see how the modern day pilot has turned this into a very overly complex undertaking. I started my war bird progression in a Super Cub than transitioned into a 300hp Stearman and than the T-6 in the late 90's. It was a lot of fun and I don't remember it begin as tense as your making it out to be. These planes were built for high school educated no time pilots. There not F-16's. I used to fly with a WW 2 pilot who told me he had a total of 42 hours in his log book when he flew his first P-51 mission over Germany in 1944.

[@SuperAero]

I'M SO PUMPED FOR YOU.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks man!

[@SuperLIGHTNING2011]

Awesome Steve!!! way to go Bro !!!!!

[@JoshuaNyhus]

I'm enjoying the hell outa these Harvard/Texan episodes. One question... S taxi?

[@SurlyX]

Totally inspired by your channel thank you steve. coincidentally steve is an excellent name

[@chrispratt9359]

Hey Steve - Come on man - you had your lucky Sketchers on, nothing could go wrong? (Except maybe the laces - haha ) Seriously though, I also really like them for flying with the thin yet functional soles. #OCDPILOTHANGUPS should be a hashtag!

[@ybotskraps3394]

Hi flight chops

[@justforfunaviation6342]

Great video; I just subscribed to your channel.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks and welcome

[@drrabjohns]

Loved that. Awesome.

[@chrisburn7178]

I wonder how many people have actually pulled the gear up on the ground? That's crazy.

[@jayphilipwilliamsaviation]

On that last landing, the right oleo literally did NOT move. Might wanna have that looked at. By the way, good job.

[@scottmajor2620]

I’d be shaking too!

[@NETBotic]

outstanding!

[@davejones542]

Great. When are you completing your instrument

[@fohdeesha]

dave jones lol savage

[@davejones542]

Genuine q

[@markthibault8579]

Well done!

[@CCitis]

I have always thought if you get a bad bounce, go around... no harm

[@Josh-hr5mc]

Is it alot harder to transition into something like the T28 or Douglas AD1 Skyraider. The birds in that low 300 MPH range from the same era. Wasn't sure on limitations, etc. The T28 was a Navy trainer also wasn't it

[@ibsengk]

I shared the stress on your landing 😅, excellent work. I have a 360 camera action,: some shots on the Harvard would be incredible, I like to lend it to you so you can do it, I'm in Windsor if you're interested. Excellent channel congratulations.

[@camaroblackmatte]

old plane, spitfire stick, gear up probability ...I would yell and shake :)))))

[@MrJdsenior]

You could tell he was getting a little tired of your leaving power in it, with "This time, get the damn thing to idle". You "headed" yourself so badly before and on this flight. Not a good way to start/continue. Nice final landing, though. Nice to finally get there, huh? I'll bet from there on, you were fine with it. Probably would have taken two or three, not ten, without the self-inflicted head games. Happens to everyone at different times with different things, though. Way to hang in there and conquer it! Kudos for putting the bad out there with the good, too. ;-) I'm sure many people benefit from watching these videos.

[@JapanesePiano1]

I couldn’t even get in it Lol!

[@level5822]

But you just aren't.

[@JapanesePiano1]

Level what

[@theflyinggasmask]

OMG JP!!!

[@WendelltheSongwriter]

I TOLD you you had this!

[@FlightChops]

Appreciated

[@philliplopez8745]

Remember , what ever else is going on " fly the airplane "

[@erickstiner1668]

Great video....

[@jonathanknight89]

I’m curious what the second mic is for on your instructor’s headset?

[@bartofilms]

Awesome.

[@brent1041]

Can you do a video of the thatcher cx5? It's one of the most affordable new planes to build at 25K

[@jacobaubertin645]

OH-ho-ho, STEVEN!!!

[@TheCanadianBubba]

Curious... at what point are you considered proficient with landing this ? a certain number of unguided / unaided touchdowns ?

[@hvd2pilot]

How is your Harvard flying doing now? Have a bunch more time?

[@FlightChops]

Cool yes. I’m likely over 50 hours and 100+ solo landings now… I’d have to tally up to be sure, but I’ve definitely worked hard to keep at it.

[@donwert]

Was this recorded in Windsor? Looked like the skyscrapers of Detroit in the distance...

[@FlightChops]

yup!

[@d.j.fearlessiam8125]

Sweet... Three some...I mean Three point... Landing

[@joshcrosland8733]

Bet your blood pressure was raging haha