Flying MYSELF 600 miles to work because Southwest CANCELLED my flight - Albuquerque Trip Part 1 of 2

[@WeirdNeville]

I think this video encapsulates 'living the dream'. Love the metrics/visual inlays, really helps us laymen understand what's going on. Thanks!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks for that feedback. So glad you enjoyed it.

[@jensonhartmann3630]

I love that you included your weather briefing with graphics. It really helps to understand what you're talking about as well as seeing as you go along your flight. Great work!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad it was helpful and that you enjoyed it!

[@kameronp2509]

Just can't stop thinking about that scene of Thanos going "fine.... I'll do it myself" after reading the title. Awesome video as usual :D

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Haha. Thank you!!!

[@goflychris]

Yikes! I’ve flown into KEED a couple of times and that fuel pump is extra special. You have to insert the nozzle into a thin slot inside the holding port in order to activate the pump. It works, but I spent 20 minutes figuring out the magic touch to get that sucker to work.

[@mattk.9589]

ATC here, always enjoy your vids bro. Always great to see yalls perspective

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks! The controllers in the US airspace system have always been amazing in my experience. :)

[@djpollo2474]

How did you get that job? I'm just exploring options and want to know different types of jobs

[@billfly2186]

Much respect. Compelling video in just 10 minutes running time. Well done. You're turning into quite a skilled pilot, too,

[@TheJoshTolleyChannel]

I have landed GA in Albuquerque a number of times. That turbulence is no joke.

[@ethanmiddleton5630]

Thank you for bringing part of your career’s production quality into your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@jimecee]

This is a 500k+ subscriber channel. Keep up the great content, thanks for putting your spare time and effort into these!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks so much for the encouragement!!

[@michaelsantopolo]

ABQ is definitely convenient being about 10 minutes to Netflix or downtown - another option for GA is Double Eagle II on the west side of town- about 15-20 minutes to the studios.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Oh yeah I flew over that airport. Another good option!

[@volkerjansen3901]

Beautiful! Looking forward to part 2 :)

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Its going to be a pretty good one!!!

[@boxoffisa]

I am learning about life and it’s exciting to see this video. Can’t have a single tire of a car to take me to hospital and man is in his plane to work. 🤩. This is beautiful to see. I feel excited about life again.

[@spelldaddy5386]

Was your employer going to comp your airline ticket (and did they instead comp the price of your flight)? If so, that would be even more incentive to fly GA since you don't have to worry about fuel prices

[@johncarolsapienza4540]

Another really good video. I like your continuous risk evaluation and monitoring. I’ve been able to take my plane a couple times for work when Commercial Air just didn’t work out and it always makes me smile!!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks! Yeah it's always great when we can use it for actual transportation for work or vacation as a substittute for a commercial flight!

[@aeroringordmngr8739]

Great to have a panel (and Foreflight) that keeps you so well informed and ahead of the flight. Beats getting that ATC call with surprise deviations which can be stressful. Thanks for the video. KAPF

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

For sure!!! Love the HDX and FF

[@rtco3706]

Dude it feels like I'm on that plane with you!!!! great Work!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thank you!

[@WillTunna]

Would be awesome to see a video explaining your journey and what you do outside of flying! :) Thanks for the awesome videos

[@PghGameFix]

Just stumbled onto your channel. Your story and mine are very similar. I started in 1992... had some life changes that took me away from it... collage, married, kids, so on. Kids are older, and I got a divorce, and said.... I want to fly again ! LOL. I also had almost everything, other than my long x-country in the 90's. Now I'm 2 flights back into it... and it feels great, and it's all coming back. Thanks for sharing your adventures. (I would patrion, but flying went from $27hr in the 90's to $150 hr. LOL)

[@gilessb]

Great video. That scenery is just amazing. Looking forward to part 2.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks! Part 2 should be a good one!!

[@stealhty1]

That was a beautiful flying, Piper Cherokee 6, Lancey,Saratoga,are the right horses to be hauling long distance,,great IMC

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Yes indeed!

[@TheTerrypcurtin]

Get a twin 310 next. Night flying is great and smooooth. Vegas Is the only city in color. Cites under cloud layers. I love the night but only with 2 motors in the mountains

[@AV8OR51]

Some great flying, filming, editing and narration, Eric! Looking forward for the next video!

[@amywhite375]

Sometimes GA wins!! I diverted 3 hours out of my way when going to Oshkosh to pick up my boyfriend in St Louis when Southwest cancelled his flight and couldn't get him on another for 4 days. 3 extra hours for me versus 4 days waiting on southwest. And for Christmas, it was going to cost the two of us $1200 in airline tickets to go visit family. Well in the GlaStar, it's a $300 7 hour trip each way.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

That’s awesome. Sometimes GA makes total sense..and even when it doesn’t it’s way more fun. :)

[@andrewmgoss]

I think this the pinnacle of general aviation. Getting to use your own plane to travel for actual business. Very cool

[@davidfaulhaber16]

When I’m flying in thin cloud layers like that right at freezing levels, I get block altitudes. This way I can sit on top of the clouds and slightly climb out if need be.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

That’s a great tip. Thank you.

[@midlifeflyer]

Great point 👍🏻 The block altitude was one of a number of possibilities. Given the thin clouds, you could have asked for 12,000 if capable (the hemispheric "rule" doesn't present any more of a problem than a block). The MEA was 11 but Center's MIA could have been lower so you could have asked. Then there's VFR On Top (which doesn't have to literally be "on top" :) I've also been offered lower if able to maintain my own obstacle and terrain clearance. Not all might have worked but it's nice to have a big toolbox!

[@johnk9221]

Great video all around! Just superb. Thanks for your efforts to share your flying experiences with others.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Much appreciated!

[@bladeswelove]

We live in crazy times. I envy a person with a plane and the skill to fly themselves and loved ones out of harms way if need be. It's a good insurance plan especially for someone that lives in a huge urban area.

[@roberttejeiro3553]

That was awesome! Starting my instrument training soon so this was cool.

[@dennisd7292]

Such a great video Eric. Nice job on this flight. Would love to see a video on how to fly the LA basin navigating air space and ATC . Such fun watching your masterful work!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks so much! I’ll probably do some more videos on the L.A. airspace. Lots to look into there.

[@kiltedpiper98]

Nice explanation and demonstration of planning

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks!!

[@1212films]

Man love the cameras on the wings! Nice touch!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks!

[@GregiiFlieger]

An intense flight, then off to work…. Wow. You’ve got the power! Nice video.

[@KennethStringer1985]

Always enjoy your videos, thanks for sharing your journey.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks for watching!

[@dand2440]

Well done! And way to handle the weather stress like a pro!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks!

[@SvenKolb]

Love your vids. Keep 'em coming!

[@justanotheremdoc]

Such a beautiful flight! love it! Cloud busting is the dream

[@clarkac1]

Thanks, your videos are so interesting and (of course) so well produced.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Hey thanks so much! I really appreciate that.

[@Myfivestarsuccess]

Great story, great production.

[@ljthirtyfiver]

I’ve flying turbines for a lil and this video jus made me miss the thrill of the days of flying by myself with a light twin. Nice video man

[@keithmaxon9510]

Oh my gosh this was awesome. I love ABQ. If you ever need a co-pilot in the future, let me know. Nothing but time.

[@dreyerpictures9788]

Always love your video's; high quality and engaging.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks so much!

[@corylermo6545]

Love it, thanks for the flight

[@mattmalley]

Love your videos from a 399 Hollywood teamster who soloed a 150 on my 16th birthday and wants to get back into flying airplanes in my 50’s.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Hey thanks! Hope you can get back into it. It sure is fun!!!

[@TIO540S1]

I only flew into Albuquerque once. It was in my Saratoga, it was a night landing, mid-winter, hard IFR. Just for added sportiness, there was fresh snow on the runway. However, I cheated flaming death one more time.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad you survived!

[@MooneyM20J]

WOW that's awesome Eric.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks!

[@jamesmathews243]

Wait... you're giving me flying and mountain biking! yea baby

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

It’s a great combo and pretty much my favorite day when I can fly and ride.

[@RileyTech]

Fun fact: there's a statue of Glenn Frey standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona. They put it up shortly after after his death. There's also a flat bed Ford parked there.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I didn’t know that and I’ve driven through there! :)

[@RileyTech]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey It's within walking/skateboarding/biking distance from the local airport, too. Fun stop next time you find yourself over Arizona.

[@gubioh1302]

Another awesome video! And guess who just got an awesome SOCalflying sweatshirt just in time for the cold weather!!! THIS GUY!!! Tagged you on Twitter with a picture even though I see you are not very active there! Thanks for the videos and now sweat gear/sweatshirt

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks for supporting the channel through the store! Hope you enjoy the hoodie. I’m active on Instagram so tag me there. :) glad you enjoyed this video.

[@sniper887]

Saw that you flew through the Antelope Valley. I’m doing PPL training out of Fox field.

[@hamrepair3815]

Hope you were working on Better call Saul. haha As always, your productions are great!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

:)

[@williamha8679]

Was looking for this comment!

[@michal3980]

Hay I just followed you and I love how you fly a your adventures. I think you a great avaition KZbin page.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy the back catalogue!

[@nicktaylor1003]

i used to live in havasu!!

[@blueyonder360]

Love the content and production value. Great job.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thank you very much!!

[@legoboyM]

Content is superior as always. Lookin' forward to the next one

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks so much!!! working on it :)

[@Danehavenlane]

WX or autopilot causing the constant back and forth roll. Nice plane nice flight.

[@gustavodurazodnp]

very awesome flight!! Perks of having your own plane.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Indeed!! Thanks for the comment.

[@danielpeterson2758]

Nice hat! Been living in Bend for six years!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Love it there!

[@seckencegroup4339]

Loved your videos! make us travel and discover aviations, thank you!

[@TheTerrypcurtin]

Plus fuel has to be cheaper outside of CA.

[@FlyByGarrett]

I love your content man! Keep em coming!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Appreciate it! Thanks!

[@FallLineJP]

Love it! Thanks for sharing. Life goals! 🤣🤘🏻

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks for watching!

[@lifeinthefl94]

Nice video! Ice accumulates first on the tail.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Good point!!

[@zachk4561]

Studying digital media production in college right now, already have my PPL, safe to say you are living my dream :)

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Keep working hard!!! That’s amazing you already have your PPL!

[@tnflygirl]

Id rather fly my own plane too over commercial any day. It would take me longer in my piper 150 lol. Love your videos. Oh and I installed the autopilot like yours and watched your videos on it before I had it installed. You cant beat it for the money. I LOVE it!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I agree with you- i'd take 5 hours in my plane over 2 in an airline any day! :) How is the Trutrak working out for you?

[@tnflygirl]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey I love it! I don’t mind the trimming. The only thing is I wish it would connect to my G5 for altitude setting. Apparently I’m told I have to have dual G5’s. Or the HSI version. Other than that it’s fantastic. Thanks again for the video about its features. It’s the best one I have come across on KZbin :)

[@bigal0172]

9 minute video is such a tease! More. More. More. 😆😆😆

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Haha thanks!

[@paratyshow]

☑👍Your videos are always so enjoyable, Tks!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thank you very much!

[@DaReal_Julian]

Happy landings sir, ❤️ from india

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks! You as well!

[@lohphat]

What's your personal limits for SE ops over mountain terrain, and why no cargo net over your bike in case of unexpected rough turbulence tossing stuff around?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I try not to fly at night over mountains and try to plan flights over airports and roads when possible

[@tedsaylor6016]

Dead fuel pumps happened on my PP Long Cross County and I can assure you it was not on any notam... (always account for "no gas" in your XC planning)

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

That’s a good tip. I’ve had that happen before when I was a lot lower on fuel and it was not a good feeling!

[@smssllc]

I used to fly on Cessna 441 Conquest II at my last job as a passenger. It had these inflatable tubes on on the wings to break any ice. Do smaller planes like yours have that option?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

My plane does not have de-ice boots. There are few piston singles that do. It is more common in a twin engine plane or a turbine.

[@Dee-cannon]

Popular TV show + Albuquerque = "better call saul" me thinks

[@vankai06]

Virgin airlines started because of a cancelled flight.....😌 S.. the Zimbabwean in me is saying that if you see this and decide next time your flight has been canceeld and you start a new ariline (after flying out stranded passengers)...i want 1% heck i can even design the logos hehe Love the videos!!

[@leegiat5550]

Just noticed your red door handle on the Cherokee! What kind of paint did you use for that?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I'm not sure what the paint shop used. that part seems to be holding up ok.

[@melvinsmith9128]

So question, when you ‘park’ your plane at other airports traveling, do you preschedule a spot for you to leave the plan at the airport?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

i usually call ahead if it is a bigger airport with only FBO parking but otherwise there are generally transient spaces available.

[@JustSayN2O]

Popular TV show. Albuquerque. Better Call SoCal.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Haha love this!!! :)

[@OregonBroker]

Great video!

[@davewilliams639]

Love your subject matter and the high quality of your videos. I'd like to shoot some video of my musician sons performances and edit them myself. Any recommendations would be helpful. My son is an accomplished recording artist and this would be for my own learning experience and to share with friends.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

There are lots of tutorials on KZbin for Davinci resolve. It is a free app and amazing in its features. iPhones are so good now you can probably just use the phone to capture the video to start out.

[@davewilliams639]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey Thanks for the reply....

[@chancesaviation3367]

Have you flown your plane to Bend, Oregon because I live there. I see it on your hat and if so where did you land?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Yes we have. In the episode “Trapped Above wildfire…” we fly to Bend. Landed at Bend. Love it there.

[@pixelum2023]

Where is part 2? It doesn't show-up in searches

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Flying into storms when the weather forecast is COMPLETELY WRONG....Albuquerque Trip Part 2 of 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJLVeZeFiL-KeNk This is it…

[@Madmun357]

As soon as you said Winslow, AZ I knew a dad joke was coming.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

haha. you know it!

[@beasley1984]

Love your videos! I know how much work post-editing can be and I can only imagine he number of hours these videos take you to do. Thank you so much for sharing and especially the detail you put into each one. I am trying to do the same, but with my Hero 9 GoPro, I cannot get the sharpness of your videos when viewing the panel. I'm working with settings, but so far I've not found the key. Are you using a macro lens to get your sharp videos?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

No macro lens. GoPro Hero 7s. I have a bunch of settings I have figured out and I do a lot of post production work. I cover all of this in multi video series about GoPros settings, mounts, and post production on our Patreon site. patreon.com/socalflyingmonkey if you are interested in some tips and techniques to improve your footage.

[@beasley1984]

Awesome-thanks so much!

[@cgfilm9561]

You are literally my dream. Flying myself to a film job is going to be me one day.. one. Day…

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Make it happen!

[@cgfilm9561]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey I will.

[@DISOPtv]

Did you see the meteor crater by Winslow? It's an amazing sight! My wife made the Winslow dad joke, I didn't get it cause I don't like country music :D

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I didn’t see it on this flight but I have been there on a road trip. :)

[@nicklong3052]

Very cool videos

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks!!

[@palaskecea]

My freaking hero!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Haha thanks

[@JXS63J]

You coulda got a lot cheaper gas at E98, just 20 or so miles south of ABQ. Plus we're a friendly bunch. Now my question - given the visibility shown in the post, did you think of going VFR with flight following to avoid that layer?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I considered it but there was an airmet for mountain obscuration earlier and I thought since the area was unfamiliar I should try to not scud run as my primary plan. I think a VFR flight would have totally been doable.

[@hewhohasnoidentity4377]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey not a pilot but I think you chose the best option. I'm sure you could have stayed out of cloud fine with minimal risk of getting trapped. My concern would be traffic ATC doesn't see also occupying the airspace.

[@darkyassin]

Did you go to Sedona with your family this year's thanks giving?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

yes we did. :)

[@fordboi8773]

The Eagles reference was 10/10

[@MikeKobb]

Aha! I spy a Boost can. 👍

[@mhowardweasel]

How do you mount your IPad? I have the 12inch IPAd and also fly the Cherokee Six PA32-300.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

It’s a MyGoFlight panel mount with universal cradle.

[@desertsoldier41]

Can you install a Deicing system on the Cherokee?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I think the later model Turbo Saratoga had an option for TKS de-ice but I dont know of any STC'd add on for the Cherokee 6.

[@desertsoldier41]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey So no de-icing boots or anything? That sucks.

[@kurtfox6429]

Does your autopilot disconnect actually make an R2D2 noise? Or was that added for the video?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Yes it does. I customized it with the FlightMate feature of the PMA450B audio panel. I covered that feature in my video review of the audio panel (also on my channel)... :)

[@waleed312312]

amazing

[@aidanpeck4247]

Hey SoCal Flying Monkey! I noticed you are at Whiteman Airport. I am flying with CAP flight training and love that you fly regularly out of there. Would you be open to messaging about flight school and recommendations for schools or training methods. I flew my first solo and completed my FAA Knowledge Test with a 90%. I’d love to talk about LA flying if you have the time.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

email me at [e-mail]

[@edyoung6563]

Whay camara equiptment do you use?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Mostly GoPro 7s and iPhone.

[@stephanielechuga4935]

Hey I'm dying to know if you could see some one from a cruising height. Like okay I was telling my boyfriend how I can see these airplanes like your type of airplanes flying over the riverbed where I ride my bike and I think they can see me like good and he said no that he doesn't think they could see me from that height but they're pretty low like would you be able to see somebody

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

It depends how high above ground the cruising height is. I would say up to about 4000 feet above ground you could probably see someone ok if you know exactly where to look. Over mountainous areas we are almost always at least 2000 above the ground.

[@redmondson27]

how are you keeping the cameras on the wings powered the entire flight? My gopro's die after 45 mins to an hour.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I use this: amzn.to/3cmWngB

[@redmondson27]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey awesome thanks, Can you still plug the nflightcam cable in to record headset/ATC audio with this battery pack? or what else do you use to record audio? I just did a long Cross Country flight (solo) and my hero 9 Black didn't record anything. So I have to use my Hero 7 black for it.

[@Nathan15038]

Damn, and you could do this all with a pilot’s license and your own plane yeah I need to get mines

[@Kaipeternicolas]

Love the video as always but I don't understand why you put yourself into that IMC situation, especially in freezing temps. You could have gone above and cancel our go underneath and cancel. Or am I missing something? Sorry not trying to be that backseat pilot but just trying to understand why you were so keen on flying IFR even it seemed to make it less safe. Looking forward to part 2!

[@AnonyMous-jf4lc]

Going above and cancelling IFR is a great way to run into a problem. If the layer is at 11k, you’ll be 12k plus to be clear. You need supplemental oxygen at 12.5 for any length greater than 30 min, and from his other vids we know he doesn’t have onboard O2. Chasing underneath VFR can funnel you into trouble. He had multiple planned outs if he ever got at risk. His choice gave him the most options and he had plenty of contingencies.

[@hewhohasnoidentity4377]

With the scattered cloud layers, the freezing level and the terrain level I think this was the safest option with the most options if needed.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Going above would mean transiting through a guaranteed freezing level in clouds above 11k amd into the icing airmet. I did not have O2 on board to go over 12.5. Could go underneath but rather not with an earlier mountain obscuration airmet and unfamiliar area. Would have been a little scud running but probably fine. I felt the IMC flight was the safest first choice with the most options based in the weather amd forecast.

[@petsmith7772]

@@AnonyMous-jf4lc you got some points but under the clouds it looked very clear and once the terrain raises too much he could have still picked up the IFR and climb. Don't say one way is right and the other wrong but I would have gone underneath the clouds personally.

[@rollingrock5143]

What kind of cameras and codecs are you using to get that amazing dynamic range?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Mostly GoPro7. I have a video series on our Patreon detailing all the settings and mounts amd post production techniques specifically for flying videos.