Flying for a Good Cause and OMG The Haze...

On this beautiful but hazy August day, I flew to Chicago from Oceana County, Michigan, and then to Cedar Rapids to meet my favorite KZbinr, Martin Pauly for a special cause.
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I am NOT a Certified Flight Instructor and my videos are not for instruction purposes. The video is intended for my own personal experiences and for entertainment purposes only. Do not use my video content as information about how to fly an airplane. To properly learn how to fly you MUST visit your local flight school and work with an experienced Certified Flight Instructor.
Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsou...)
Also follow me on:
Instagram / nikoswings
FACEBOOK / nikoswings
Web www.nikoswings.com

[@dansflying629]

Thanks for your dedication at the end. Gold 🌟

[@robertwren2289]

Thank you for helping out. 310 Pilot flew over Chicago, They got lucky and had a very clear day. Nice flying with you!

[@prospect8696]

I need to finish watching before I comment, lol. Arlington Park Race Track. Possibly future home to the Chicago Bears. That was awesome to see. My dad and I would go see races together. On my prom night in high school, we were driving by and it was burning down. Memorable prom night.

[@TheFirePilot]

Great choice of music. I tried epidemicsound and really didn't like it but I dig the soundtrack to this. It's pretty calming. Our videos are not as calming. lol see you around Niko.

[@benburke63]

Thank you Niko from a Army veteran.

[@NikosWings]

Thank you Ben for everything you have done for freedom and our Country

[@benburke63]

@@NikosWings You are very welcome and I would serve all over again. I have to say your videos are a inspiration to many and can turn negative thoughts to positive ones. People get to see places through your eyes that they would have never had the opportunity. Thank you so much for sharing 😊

[@embettinger]

What a great dedication at the end--thank you for that!

[@tardisrider25]

That was pretty nice the tower recognized you. I wonder, do you get recognized often?

[@NikosWings]

Quite often

[@gregjohnson720]

Kali mera, What is this Hee Haw? Are you the first Greek Okie?

[@NikosWings]

I watched too much Dukes of Hazard when I was growing up… it stuck lol

[@NikosWings]

By the way I had a Greg Johnson classmate in College in CIS319 with Dr Thulin. Is that you? Silly question as there are a million Greg Johnson’s out there lol

[@robertmaza4272]

From a Michigan man( Detroit), I'm glad you Love our state!!! The dunes in that area are Awesome!!! That was the second time seeing them from the air(your last video). We try to go there every chance we get!!!! Thanks for taking the time to make these videos for us!!!!!

[@AmericanExplorer]

Those were some beautiful sights! The dunes, Chicago, I never grow tired of the view! This was a great thing you did Niko. I really deeply appreciate your unapologetic love for America, and your honoring those that have given their all for us. "Thank you" doesn't cover it.

[@NikosWings]

I’m lucky to have two beautiful countries to love. But my love for America is just special to me… ❤️🇺🇸

[@AmericanExplorer]

@@NikosWings You're very blessed indeed. It's great to have you here!

[@ProfessionalPilot]

Your videos inspired me to get a block of time in an older Cirrus SR22T, and *that* lead to being able to fly from Dallas to transport relief supplies from KBMT in TX to KGAO just south of New Orleans, LA for Hurricane Ida victims. Something I’d never be able to do in a 172. Wish I had more money to make more flights, but we do what we can with what we’ve got!

[@bossslapahoe]

You need to upgrade to the jet!!!!!!

[@fightinggravity9591]

It was good to see some appreciation for the families and for our flag! Good job Niko

[@mrjaycam18]

As a veteran thanks for doing that Nico. Great video as always, keep the blue side up!

[@VernonWallace]

Gold Star family are the best. Thank you Niko.

[@taymangraveyard1686]

Great time. I did a lot of training around and over the Great Lakes. Brings back great memories.

[@sky-11]

You been gone for a while dude glad to see you again

[@terencecottington4273]

It's always a good day when the number one you-tuber uploads one of his v-logs. Nice to see you looking well Niko. Hope the family is keeping well. Nice to see you in the air my friend keeping GA alive and well....

[@michaelclark951]

You’re a good man Niko! Always happy for one your videos!

[@familyglow]

Silver Lake Michigan. It was told the lake would be completely be filled in by now, but that was in 1986. Flora-Dale and Mac Woods dunes rides. And then ATV rentals in town. Good times.

[@fred2228]

Your videos are always great and informative, particularly your handling of emergencies. I'm getting back into flying after a 25 year break (Commercial, SEL, MEL, instrument) and I've got a lot of catching up to do before I even set foot in a plane with an instructor. I want to be ahead of the curve and not playing catch up with terminology, procedures and technology. With the availability of excellent online learning materials, combined with videos like yours and the other great contributors, my re-entry into aviation will be smooth. I'm still determining if I want to get into a Cirrus, or some kind of multi-engine, but watching your videos, combined with my anticipated missions, I'm leaning towards an SR22T. My wife likes the CAPS due to all of the Western mountain flying we'd be doing, as do I. Thanks!!!

[@hometowninspection6964]

Great video! However, the dedications at the end trump the flying. Thank you for posting! I’m a huge fan!

[@t.gongelbong34]

I am not into aviation, am not flying, don't even have MS Flight Simulator. I just enjoy watching your flights. Thanks, man!

[@sgtjay]

Pump up the like fam it’s free!!! Do it for Niko and his fam. And your entertainment he/ they worked so hard to bring US. Cheers, and cheers to Niko fam for the videos!

[@tywebb9879]

Niko, born and raised in Chicago and if we had a light night of maintenance we would go fly our club Arrow along the Lake Shore, it never gets old. This was in the early 80’s, much more traffic these days. Still as beautiful as ever.

[@garrett4971]

We have been getting the smoke from the wildfires out west all the way over here in the Grand Traverse Bay area in Michigan. Pretty crazy. Enjoy your videos man

[@prospect8696]

I would go to those Sand dunes when I was in High School. 1982-1986.

[@markwilliams8488]

Continued safe journeys, Niko. I love your vids, and yes; Oceana County is beyond beautiful.

[@russellmurphy8111]

Niko, Thank you for your great video and thanks for landing in Oceana County, I live in Pentwater, MI just a tad North!

[@timg60]

The Hawkeyes aren’t the problem, you have to watch out for the Cyclones! (Just a touch of IA humor)

[@advorsky1]

Very good video again! Thanks for taking us along if you’re ever at KMKC or KOJC I will come out and polish on 122SZ to have you take me for a ride! Oh and is Premier One Driver on the poster??? Would be cool to go fly with him in the Premier also!

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

GR8 dedication Niko! Thank you so much!!!

[@stedder100]

Great video, Niko. Thanks for mentioning the Gold Star Families.

[@FranksMSFlightSimulator]

Love the buzzing. Nice job for charity. Cheers.

[@jimhuntington8692]

Nice flight, good to see you with Martin who I also follow but most of all, Great Dedication! We all recognize your support and appreciation for this great country in which we reside. Fly strong!

[@nick.simmer]

Hey, I enjoyed that little dedication at the end. Good stuff! Thanks for the amazing content!

[@andrewstewart3133]

Another great video Niko. Beautiful music also.

[@Razorback68]

What a great thing all of you are doing to help support the Gold Star families!! All gave some and some gave All!!

[@Rugbyfan1973]

Hey Niko so happy to see the new video up. Really enjoyed the music on this one, hope your flight home to Boca was just as smooth!

[@NikosWings]

Stay tuned…

[@sgtjay]

Thank You and all who supported!!! GOD Bless!

[@daleb194]

I always enjoy your content and the sexiest plane on KZbin. Great dedication at the end as well! Godspeed

[@dereksellars]

LMAO :):) "oh I see the runway" With my Hawkeyes !! LOL

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

Two of my favourites from the You Tube content creators poster. 🌏🇦🇺

[@cliffchapman5386]

Thanks Nikko for the great videos, really enjoy them.

[@kdharley07]

We missed you buddy. Hopefully more videos are coming.

[@r.p.3192]

Time, time, time See what's become of me (a great KZbin flyer) While I looked around for my possibilities (there are quite a few…) I was so hard to please (oh come on…), But look around Leaves are brown (not quite…) And the sky is a hazy shade of winter… well I guess it must be summer seeing Niko wearing shorts, right? Great flying! Everything looks so easy… Thank you Niko and thanks Simon and Garfunkel for the lyrics I kind of twisted… 🤙😉

[@GrantGrove]

Enjoying the music mix! Kinda like riding along.

[@Data-FlightSim]

Excellent video as always Niko thank you!

[@tstealth1174]

Definately beautiful from the ground but way different from the air.. Manistee Mi here. Happy Flights to you.. sir 👍👊

[@bennettkisla2862]

Great video as always, Niko! I reside in the Chicago area as well, and agree you usually have to “find the crime”. I’ll come pick you up at PWK in a Cessna sometime 😉😂

[@vanallen9453]

..yet another great video..from the Mighty Niko...featuring 2 great guys... who both have made America their home...

[@prospect8696]

Sorry, last comment. Chicago is the best, common sense tells you where not to go. Clean, safe, most polite people in the world. It’s a struggle raising kids in Boca, I am so fortunate to have grown up in Chicago suburbs.

[@NikosWings]

Exactly. Common sense like in every big city. At least in Chicago you know the neighborhoods and why’s going on in each and you avoid or visit them. No reason to go to East Chicago or Englewood?!?!? Or even west side…

[@johnmichael7331]

Liked your dedication to the gold star families.

[@twmcmahan]

Nice to see someone who has actually been to Chicago talking about it for once.

[@NikosWings]

Thank you

[@robertbowling8393]

Greetings again from Ohio .... It's great to see you in the air again .... Great views, smokey haze and all! Well videoed as always. A special note of thanks for dedicating this to Gold Star families everywhere! Stay safe and well, and thnx again for the great work and the ride. Good business to you always.

[@nicolasbilal8769]

Flying so close to the water it looked like you were gonna touch down any second

[@walterfoster2408]

Good to see you back on Niko. Safe journey back to Boca. Just started my Cirrus transition course. Gonna get my CFII and start doing some more flying after my retirement in 2023. all the best, Colonel Walt Foster

[@NikosWings]

Thanks Colonel and happy skies!

[@doak4886]

Amen for Gold Star Families.

[@johndemerse9172]

Thanks for this video Niko. I wish you and your family all the best. Cheers from CYYB!

[@jasonalpha]

Great video. Many thanks

[@mikercflyer7383]

Great seeing you do what you do how long did you really stay with Martin. Great tour of Chicago there are quiet a few vlogers who have done this tour.

[@NikosWings]

We got together for a couple of hours for sure

[@003rog]

Awesome Niko, purely awesome.

[@smjj08]

Enjoyed the video and have been a fan from the beginning. My dream is to own a Cirrus some day! Thanks for the tribute to Gold Families. As a Marine veteran, this hits home.

[@NikosWings]

Thank you Marine!!! I’m sorry for your lost brothers and sisters…

[@mjotd8670]

As always, great video Niko!

[@MrUraniumProductions]

Great video ty! I wonder how do you feel when approaching a landing , does it ever feel like a routine after years of flying or it’s always the most stressful thing of part of flying?

[@NikosWings]

It’s always special

[@TheFlyingSPR]

Great as Usual Thanks for sharing

[@tpittockful]

Amen to the Gold Star Families, all my prayers. Great video thank you Sir!!!

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

Picture quality was outstanding in this episode.....new cameras or lenses??

[@NikosWings]

Same old good stuff

[@lmartinez3633]

Good cause to fly there…

[@vincentbarnes7839]

Do they ever scrap the rubber off the landing point on runways ?

[@NikosWings]

Good point that was a LOT of rubber

[@garydell2023]

Niko. Good to see you again. Chicago was good to see again. Miss Meigs? Thank you for the video

[@jameschristiansson3137]

Gyrocopter Girl on your next poster? 😎

[@NikosWings]

Don’t tell my wife lol

[@chrisc161]

Thank you for sharing Nikos.

[@bruschi8148]

Great video Niko and awesome cause!!

[@Peakbase]

Class act Hawkeye. Thank you.

[@matthewmiles3974]

Well done Niko.

[@stephenboyd5086]

About time

[@ifixbones]

Chi town is my favorite large city! My daughter lived there for quite some time and I’ve been to visit numerous times. Never got tired of coming back, my kind of town!

[@NikosWings]

I lived there for 24 years and always enjoyed exploring the city. Never once did I feel threatened or that there was danger. But I also don’t deal with drugs and booze and the kind of stuff that get people in trouble generally speaking.

[@ifixbones]

@@NikosWings I agree 100% with you Niko. You can’t say the same about NYC though!!! 🤣 Midwesterners are friendly and hospitable folks that respect your boundaries, but will be at you service at anytime. The only issue really is the frigid cold and long winters! I used to tolerate them well when younger, but now that I am older with metallic artificial hips, brrrrrrrr. LOL 😂. My daughter moved out of Chicago a year ago and although she lives in a nice metropolis (Atlanta), she misses her Chicago very much! I used to teach anatomy at FAÚs medical school in Boca, so I drove by your home airport quite often. Now I am almost retired and like in Palm City, FL, just west of Stuart, FL. Thanks for your quality videos and your excellent content.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

What a great shot of the dunes there! Looked like everyone was having a blast off-roading there. I've always wanted to ride dunes since I was a pre-teen - still haven't got there yet. It's on the bucket list. Looked like alot of fun flying low past there! Nice tribute at the end to our Gold Star Families - may God ease their pain. Great stuff as usual, Niko!

[@prospect8696]

Are you not doing many videos these days, or are you just not flying as much. Miss seeing these great videos.

[@NikosWings]

A bit of both. Not much flying during Covid but now it’s somewhat back but my team covers most of the conferences now. Also very busy with work so it leaves little time for editing

[@prospect8696]

@@NikosWings My industries conferences have been no more than 20% attended. Now our Oct, Nov and Dec are looking to be cancelled again. My bigger problem is supply chain. Can’t get my product off the container ships.

[@jasonbergeron6347]

Beautiful down the Chicago shoreline.....If only Meigs were still open eh! Very nice dedication at the end.

[@NikosWings]

Tell me about it. I missed flying it by a few years.

[@jasonbergeron6347]

@@NikosWings me too, such a shame.

[@bartgoins1782]

Thank you Niko. As a USAF Retiree, I appreciate what you're doing.

[@NikosWings]

Thank you for what you’ve done for us. You’re my hero!

[@bartgoins1782]

@@NikosWingsand you are mine.

[@CirrusMJ]

Awesome video Niko. Great flight for a special cause indeed. Stay well my friend!

[@Cloudybox12]

Where did you do your flight training?

[@NikosWings]

Chicago Skill Aviation!!! The best

[@aliciamacdonald8149]

ALways a pleasure NIko, to see you fly, and to see you honour those who have given their lives, time, and their best to serve their country, and preserve democracy:) Fly safe and Blue Skies

[@wildlifesnapper1]

I'm still watching & still enjoying, thanks for sharing your flights Niko.

[@chriholt]

Great flights, a great cause, and I got a little misty with the Gold Star Family tribute at the end :)

[@NikosWings]

I get misty just thinking about it

[@tomgromko5641]

Niko, you are by far the best aviation youtuber. Perfect balance of views, local scenes, music and video length. You are an inspiration both in terms of flying and life. Keep up the good work. Greetings from a fellow European from Chicago.

[@davidgilpin5200]

Niko - once again, fantastic production. The music selection from the Epidemic catalog was spot-on and very moving. Your audio and video production are now in the lofty "Premier 1 Driver" and "Steveo1 Kinevo" class! Thanks to all the Oshkosh 21 Social Aviators for supporting Gold Star Families and the AOPA Air Safety Institute.

[@zacharynorman397]

Love the dobro music at the beginning. And such a nice video and cause. Very nice ending too. Cheers Niko.

[@MichaelLloyd]

Loved the dedication at the end. Martin is good people. I met Martin, Bryan (Just Plane Silly), Josh (Aviation101), and some others a couple of years ago at Dan's (Taking Off) studio shoot. The common thread seems to be all are genuine, what you see is what you get plus a bit more, people. It's good to see you making videos Niko. It almost feels like normal again :o)

[@MichaelLloyd]

Loved the dedication at the end. Martin is good people. I met Martin, Bryan (Just Plane Silly), Josh (Aviation101), and some others a couple of years ago at Dan's (Taking Off) studio shoot. The common thread seems to be all are genuine, what you see is what you get plus a bit more, people. It's good to see you making videos Niko. It almost feels like normal again :o)

[@js207802]

Hey Niko! Great video. I hate to see people flying drones too close to an airport. It makes a bad rep for us law abiding drone operators. Anyways that is a great cause! 👍

[@christophermichaelson9050]

It has always struck me how much of a patriot Niko is and how much he loves our country. Great video, and wonderful dedication at the end.

[@kenbryant2570]

That was wonderful. I have not flown with you for a while. What a great cause. I thought the guitar music was very good. I really enjoyed it.

[@CalBart42]

YOu're a Good Man Niko... love your vids and your big heart

[@kevincollins8014]

Your videos are always amazing and this one is no exception. Even flying in all that smoke you still capture great footage. Thanks for taking part in the poster raffle and everything else you do for aviation Niko.

[@jameshyatte7230]

Very nice video Niko. Really enjoyed the music on this one also. Your editing skills are top notch.

[@chester8420]

I enjoy your videos! I am a farmer in Georgia and I am outside all day, every day. I always keep an eye on the sky for you and your gold Cirrus!

[@jimsimpson4385]

Niko the Greek. Thank you for all you do. You are a unique person in so many ways.