Flying the Twin Beech (Beech 18)

The "Twin Beech", or Beechcraft Model 18 as it is officially known, is an impressive airplane which has served many feeder airlines, cargo companies and militaries around the world over the decades. Over 9,000 were built, and quite a few of them are still flying today - such as this one in Milwaukee, WI, owned by Jeff Schulz. Jeff took me for a ride during Oshkosh 2019, meaning that in this video you will not just fly in a beautiful historic airplane, but also experience the Warbird procedures at Oshkosh's AirVenture and see a lot of other cool aircraft on the ground while we taxi in Oshkosh. Come along for the ride!
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[@JAleksandr]

The 18 to me is the most beautiful plane!

[@Foontflaky]

Wow what a generous soul to let everybody have a hands on the controls of his pride and joy, awesome.

[@vfr2imc]

Thank you for sharing your Beech 18, nice flying given the time and location! Too, pretty sharp of you giving your friends hands on exposure along with a lasting aviation experience.

[@dodougla]

I love seeing the 18's heritage showing in modern big Beech's-- the King Air's flaps, various knobs, switch layouts-- the older Barons' Prop/Throttle/Mixture arrangement-- windows are a mix off 99's/Queen/King Airs-- The cabin door and on and on. It reminds me of how the MD-80's cockpit window hardware is straight off the DC-3 line. Decades of good, solid designs.

[@martinpauly]

I agree!

[@geoffreypowell9220]

Dear Martin' I could talk to you all day on aviation but this aircraft has me looking always at the beautiful cockpit windows.. Truly great... Geoff

[@Dick_Shinn]

You captured the tone and aura of the radial engines perfectly!

[@martinpauly]

Thank you, Dick. I like how it turned out! - Martin

[@jimhuntington8692]

Wow... One of my favorite planes but I don't recall anyone ever working so hard just to taxi. Awesome command of an aircraft.

[@martinpauly]

I told Jeff today how much work this airplane is, in terms of managing all the systems and the thousands of levers, gauges and switches. Looks a lot more complicated than my Bonanza. - Martin

[@neilsheldon8355]

I've always loved and dreamed about Beech twins. Thanks for the ride!

[@martinpauly]

You are welcome, Neil. - Martin

[@lenperkins5724]

Great job recording and sharing excitement. Enjoyed.

[@bigmotter001]

What a sweet ride. Another great adventure Martin, thanks and take care.

[@martinpauly]

Thanks, John! - Martin

[@donc9751]

Man flying anything around Oshkosh during the big flying would be nerve-wracking but even more so with all those gyrations you have to go thru taxiing those wide wings around out there in the heat!

[@martinpauly]

It's not relaxing, that's for sure - but quite doable, especially with two people in the cockpit. - Martin

[@highrevs6110]

Had the co pilots seat in one of these during a sunset parachute drop in Australia. I fly myself but this was magic.

[@mikes3174]

Man that looked like fun. Thanks for bringing us along!!

[@martinpauly]

Glad you liked it, Mike! - Martin

[@MachTuck]

woow what a nice ride!! beautiful airplane, nice flight! thanks 4 sharing

[@martinpauly]

Yes, she's a beauty. I feel fortunate I got to fly in her. - Martin

[@mikeburch2998]

That was a smooth landing. Well done. Greetings from Arizona.

[@bruceerwin2541]

Gorgeous and pristine D-18! Love the sound of those twin round engines. Brought back lots of fond FBO memories of my young adulthood. Nice job of flying it. Thanks for sharing.

[@martinpauly]

Thanks for the kind feedback, Bruce! - Martin

[@davewitter6565]

The red Beech-18 aerobatic airshow at Oshkosh is one of the best flight demonstrations I've ever seen.

[@martinpauly]

Hopefully we'll get to see it again in 2021. - Martin

[@kevinphillips9408]

Wonderful video of a magnificent aircraft at Oshkosh which is a very special place in my heart. Thank you for sharing this. 👏👏👏👏

[@maverick1685]

Very Sweet Aircraft! Thank you for this wonderful video.

[@martinpauly]

Glad you enjoyed it, Bob. Thanks, Martin

[@glenanders5267]

I too love the sound of 985's. In the early 70's I was a lineboy for a guy that had a dozen or so twin beeches which he used on mail contracts. Us lineboys would help load the mail and then ride along. I did manage to bounce one once but never ground looped. Only airplane the owner ever had wrecked was when someone ran one off the side of the runway for an unknown reason. Bobby Younkin used to fly the mail before he started in the air show business.

[@karhukivi]

Lovely aircraft and great flying! I was pressing imaginary rudder pedals all the way .....smooth landing too - thanks!

[@martinpauly]

Thanks, George - glad you enjoyed it. - Martin

[@ahmadtheaviationlover1937]

@@martinpauly dam you must have enjoyed listening to the beautiful sound of the engines

[@easttexan2933]

I first fell in love with radial sound when I was in HS back in 1960. Crop dusters in their stearmans would work my uncle's rice and soy bean fields in Daisetta, TX (near Beaumont) and I would help load and refuel them. When I was a Sr in HS I flagged for one summer season. Truly there is no sound quite like a 985 or a 1340. Man, such great memories.

[@sallyframe5152]

I was traveling salesman for a milling co. during the late 50's and early 60's. Our company owned a Twin Beech identical to this on. I enjoyed the many hours I traveled in this sweet plane,

[@martinpauly]

It sure felt like a comfortable ride in the back! - Martin

[@Danstaafl]

I used to jump out of an 18 in So. Cal. But it certainly wasn't as cherry as this one. Beautiful Bird this.. Took off in one many a time but never rode one back to the runway so this was a unique experience in a way. I totally agree about the sound of those engines. They never disappoint. Thank You for Posting!

[@mikercflyer7383]

Martin this was awesome what a treat to get a ride on a classic.

[@martinpauly]

Glad you liked it, Michael. - Martin

[@markottoson7189]

Fantastic video. Just loved it ! Thanks !

[@martinpauly]

Thank you, Mark. - Martin

[@garyhand4701]

Wow, really nice video. I went right seat to deliver a small load of Roller bearings to NJ from Akron Canton (Cak) for the Timken Co. in 1973. It was a really dark night over the trip to NJ. Beech 18 is an amazing plane. Thanks for the memories.

[@martinpauly]

My pleasure, Gary. - Martin

[@CaptainDucman777]

I flew single pilot freight in Ds and Es to build time... Yours is much nicer than anything I flew but the sounds, the procedures, and the fact that everyone stops to watch when you taxi out/in. Thank you for the trip down memory lane

[@martinpauly]

Glad you enjoyed the video and the memories! Regards, Martin

[@spokanetomcat1]

Used to service a yellow an black painted Beech for UPS Airlines. It was once used as a skydiving plane. We called it the Bumblebeech.

[@mickemike2148]

What an amazing bird! Pure love!

[@martinpauly]

Agree 100%! - Martin

[@JamesWilliams-jb5uq]

Yes another great video thanks so much for your refreshing presentation and knowledge.

[@martinpauly]

Glad you enjoyed it, James. - Martin

[@shortribslongbow5312]

Very nice flight thanks for taking me along.

[@martinpauly]

My pleasure - glad you enjoyed it! - Martin

[@sam28600]

Great video! Thanks for the experience. I felt almost as I was there :)

[@martinpauly]

My pleasure - thanks for riding along! - Martin

[@ripper8771]

Thanks for sharing Martin great video, love the Beech 18. Don't you just love the sound of radial engines!

[@Dino-fz6ub]

*Ear Candy!*

[@martinpauly]

Yes - the radials are music to my ears! - Martin

[@paddyboy1959]

Great video Martin. Thanks.

[@martinpauly]

My pleasure, Pat. - Martin

[@angelreading5098]

Great video Martin,love the Beech 18.

[@martinpauly]

Thanks, Angel. A beautiful airplane indeed! - Martin

[@donaldreach760]

I admired your beautiful bird at Oshkosh. This video made my day. I flew in on Hairless Joe, a C-47, out of Willow Run in Ypsilanti, Michigan. So the vibes came through while watching. Bravo.

[@martinpauly]

Thank you very much - glad you enjoyed watching it. Still not quite like actually flying it, but at least you got a chance to look at the real thing in Oshkosh. Best, Martin

[@Outofcontrol39]

Superb! Many thanks for uploading.

[@martinpauly]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it! - Martin

[@davidstearns9664]

Another fine video Martin!

[@martinpauly]

Thank you, David. - Martin

[@rickharris323]

Nice job by Jeff. Operating a Twin Beach demo flight in that busy environment gave me a bit of a pucker ...

[@danayentzer1899]

This is one of the finest and most fun aviation videos I have watched in a long time. This is a quality video!

[@geoffreypowell9220]

Dear Martin Beautiful, This aircraft built and designed before i'ts time in my view ...

[@martinpauly]

It sure set direction for the future. If you look at all the big cabin class twins built since then - the King Air, the Cessna 300s and 400s, etc. - they all more or less look like the Twin Beech. Regards, Martin

[@palefire]

Great -- beautifully filmed too!

[@martinpauly]

Thank you, Frans - and yes, if Avgas prices go negative like crude oil already has, this plane will make any owner rich! - Martin

[@MrSunlander]

Well done, MP!

[@martinpauly]

Thank you, glad you liked it! - Martin

[@jackkreighbaum783]

In 1955 or 6 I worked part-time at a FBO at Blythe, CA, and rubbed out new wing panels on an unknown year twin Beech. What a workout on the underneath. Basically I worked for a couple of flights. I also worked at least one Powder Puff Derby in that time frame, servicing those who needed fuel or breaks.

[@allens7476]

That's beautiful! Looks better than new!

[@martinpauly]

Yes, Jeff (and the previous owners) have taken really good care of this airplane. - Martin

[@MichaelLloyd]

What a gorgeous Beech18! I think the Beech 18 is one of the most gorgeous aircraft flying today :) The Staggerwing may be THE most gorgeous. Tough call

[@martinpauly]

Hard to argue with your "most beautiful airplane" ranking, Michael! - Martin

[@mstsasrs]

3000+ hours in beech flying freight for May Air. DFW-LBB,MAF,SHV. Thank you for the memories . I miss that bird. 9682R , 41A , Nice video.

[@martinpauly]

Thanks, Tiffany. Glad to hear you enjoyed the video. - Martin

[@dmack1827]

Nice. I flew them on floats where you could carry 10 passengers, provisions for a week, a 12 foot aluminum boat strapped to the belly and a whole lot of gas.

[@monoon7959]

Qqqqqqqqqqqq111 q

[@MegaPeedee]

Wonderful. Enjoyed all of that. Thanks.

[@martinpauly]

My pleasure! - Martin

[@richardschindler8822]

Ahh, i remember these well. I flew a dirty old cargo one way back in the 70’s in Texas. Thanks for the video.

[@darwinawardcommittee]

My father in law owned one for his charter/cargo business in the 70s. He told a story of having it so filled with boxes he and his wife had to crawl through the windows. they were coming back from I think Arizona - he said he would trim it out and take a nap to the sound of the radials. We still have a fold out desk assembly with the tail number on it. I looked it up and the old plane is still flying. I was considering reaching out to see if the owner wanted the table. He passed away a couple years ago. I really miss his stories

[@martinpauly]

You are welcome, Richard - glad you enjoyed the video. - Martin

[@hasnpeterbraun]

What a beautyful airplane, what a wonderful viedeo! Thanks a lot!

[@martinpauly]

My pleasure - glad you liked it, Hanspeter. - Martin

[@wagonmaster1974]

Many years ago, when I was young and full of overconfidence, I flew an H with tricycle gear to show to a potential buyer at his home airport. 1st flight in an 18, I was the pilot. What could happen, right? I had about 30 hours twin time - in a Cessna 310. Tried to land the Beech like I'd landed the 310. Found the 18 had the glide capability of a boulder. Very fortunate those P&W engines came back to life quickly. I survived the only obstacle landing I ever unknowingly attempted in a Twin Beech. Have flown a couple since, got some dual time first. Love the aircraft! Great video, Martin. Thanks for putting it up.

[@Trottelheimer]

What a wonderful plane - Thanks for the virtual ride! :)

[@martinpauly]

You are very welcome - glad you enjoyed the virtual flight in this beauty! - Martin

[@davidsheriff8989]

This plane has been in the skies for decades

[@srichards9707]

Amazing aircraft. Incredibly busy ATC! Nice work. Thanks for the video.

[@martinpauly]

You are welcome - glad you liked it! - Martin

[@tboltjohn]

The sweet music of the 985's with 2-bladers..quite hypnotic.

[@martinpauly]

Nothing quite like the sound of a radial engine! - Martin

[@cpy]

Really enjoyed the video, thanks!

[@trainroomgary]

Very nice aircraft with an interesting history. Looks good and sounds good, Classic • Cheers from Mettetal Airport. Canton - Plymouth Michigan ✈️

[@martinpauly]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video! - Martin

[@BluesImprov]

Built many years ago at Beech Aircraft right here in Wichita, Kansas. . .More than 7000 Beech 18's were produced here during World War II.

[@joaosantucci7126]

Beautiful airplane! Inspiring video!

[@davidjohnson3166]

Martin, thanks for yet another great video. Never been to the fly-in but flew my twin Travelair for many years and your camera work did it up right. Congratulations, my friend. Dave in Phoenix Arizona USA

[@martinpauly]

Thanks for the kind words, Dave. - Martin

[@billstevenson1623]

Had the privilege of getting a ride in what the military called the C-45 at NAS Saufley Field back in 67. Loved the ride and the plane.

[@martinpauly]

I bet that was fun, Steve! 👍 - Martin

[@gregalanharper]

Martin, I rarely comment on KZbin but that video you made was really special. I’m 51 and, after 33 years of flying, I finally got to Oshkosh this year for the first time. Obviously it was an amazing experience. Your video showed a whole new perspective of what the show’s like. I’m so glad you put this together. And a real classic machine as well! Thanks.

[@martinpauly]

Thank you, Greg. And welcome to Oshkosh! Will you be back next year? - Martin

[@gregalanharper]

Martin Pauly I’d like to think so. Certainly my 12 year old son was pretty peeved that I went without him! So I gotta come back. The only thing is it’s a fair trek from Melbourne, Australia. Still, Qantas starts direct flights to Chicago next year so it can’t get easier than that. 👍

[@prestonmiller9552]

Nice Video Martin.

[@martinpauly]

Thank you, Preston! - Martin

[@Dino-fz6ub]

What a beautiful bird! One of my all time favorites. A flight sim model building genius named Milton Shupe made a fantastic beech18 for Microsoft flight sim FS2004 and updated to work in Microsoft FSX. I know it's nothing like real world flying, but I spent many hours in the cockpit of his awesome FS model. Lot of fun!

[@martinpauly]

Awesome! Flight Simulator is how I started learning about instrument flying back when I was a teenager - the graphics back then were really nothing to write home about, and it's amazing how good the scenery and also the airplanes themselves look in the modern version of Flight Simulator. You've probably seen the previews of MS Flight Simulator 2020 - unbelievable! Best regards, Martin

[@jb6027]

Amazing airplane!

[@martinpauly]

It sure is! - Martin

[@UKPete]

One Beautiful Plane, meticulously maintained wow!.

[@martinpauly]

Absolutely, Peter. - Martin

[@ahmadtheaviationlover1937]

@@martinpauly this plane the beech18 sounds so awesome

[@martinpauly]

@@ahmadtheaviationlover1937 I agree 100% - Martin

[@benny6289]

Sweet video thx, lovely plane!!

[@martinpauly]

Agreed! - Martin

[@garymorris1856]

An absolutely beautiful aircraft.

[@martinpauly]

I agree, Gary. - Martin

[@thesteveprichard]

Pampa, Texas, appreciates the video!!

[@martinpauly]

Glad you enjoyed it, Steve! - Martin

[@johnmoore8016]

In the marines we called this bird an SNB. I used to catch hops in it around the field. I remember they used it a few time for GCA training when I rode in it. they would cover the windscreen and windows so the pilot could see out and the GCA people would talk him down

[@kevdupuis]

Gives me a few memories of flying in the CWH's Beech 18.

[@tonygasperson4952]

Now that must have been awesome

[@othersv9758]

Lovely aircraft and great flying! Greetings from an old Pilot 79 y..soon 80,,,,

[@martinpauly]

Thanks, Karl. - Martin

[@alexandrelefebvre3847]

Big thanks from Québec Canada 🇨🇦

[@martinpauly]

You are welcome! - Martin

[@chrisr4815]

Incredible video!

[@martinpauly]

Thank you, Chris - glad you enjoyed it! - Martin

[@chrisr4815]

@@martinpauly You're very welcome!

[@paradiseroad6405]

...now THAT'S an airplane...what a beautiful sound...

[@martinpauly]

No argument about the sound of those radial engines! - Martin

[@skycop56]

As the kids say today. "Sweet Ride". Thanks Martin.

[@martinpauly]

My pleasure, John. - Martin

[@leezinke4351]

Great video!

[@martinpauly]

Thank you, Lee. - Martin

[@leezinke4351]

@@martinpauly you welcome. 😊

[@richardramanana5136]

One of the best piston twin.

[@martinpauly]

Certainly one of the best-looking! - Martin

[@johnkorff1118]

That bird is good looking and seems to fly even better.

[@martinpauly]

Agreed! - Martin

[@scottwhite8036]

Awesome plane and the co-pilot had his crap together for somebody that was just getting a ride wow good job guys thank you very much

[@martinpauly]

Good observation Scott. The copilot on this take-off is actually a Beech 18 pilot himself, so he is quite familiar with everything. Regards, Martin

[@scottwhite8036]

@@martinpauly well that explains that thank you very much for the response may God bless

[@EVELYNEMIL]

Phenomenal!.

[@martinpauly]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bunkytony]

Beautiful old twin engine airplane of yesteryear

[@martinpauly]

Agree 100%. - Martin

[@deanmills5106]

What a beautiful machine.

[@martinpauly]

I agree, Dean. - Martin

[@jetdoctn]

Great video Martin! Sooooo jealous.

[@martinpauly]

Thanks, Mike - yes, I was very fortunate to get that ride in Oshkosh. I hope all is well with you - are you keeping those bit planes in Memphis in good shape? - Martin

[@jetdoctn]

@@martinpauly Yes we are been super busy lately.

[@ginginthing]

Looks like a great place for ADS-B IN and Out so everyone can see each other on a easy to see cockpit display. Always loved these 18's since I was a mech on them back in the early 70's. I've got about 100 hours taxi time and about 6 hours right seat in 18's. If someone can successfully taxi these things, learning to fly them is a piece of cake.

[@martinpauly]

Agree on all counts! - Martin

[@larryehrlich8702]

Interesting fact. When you raise the landing gear in a B-18 the center of gravity moves aft. Please fill the oil and check the gas...this is a Beach 18 with a radial engine.

[@steve91t]

Just awesome

[@martinpauly]

The Twin Beeches are lovely, aren't they? - Martin

[@bienvenidoreynoso4912]

Love this video 😎😊😅

[@peterhenman2662]

The traffic management on the ground is what struck me!

[@allensuski]

Great job with camera and audio to put us virtually right in the airplane. Thank you very much!

[@martinpauly]

Thanks, Allen - glad you enjoyed it. - Martin

[@ThePudgie123]

WOW! ....the closest I’ve ever come to flying in a Beech 18! Thanks, Martin!

[@martinpauly]

My pleasure - thanks for watching it! - Martin

[@ccserfas4629]

Just awsome

[@martinpauly]

Thank you, Chris. - Martin

[@sonora108]

That C47 at 42:50 is absolutely something to see, the history that aircraft has seen and the job it did.

[@platemod8465]

Scout Camps and Students Flying-great video - great ways to get students to look other places than their phone....pretty sure they just might learn something

[@propman3523]

If I could have a personal aircraft, this would be it. I sat in the co-pilot's seat on a Beechcraft 99 from FLL to EYW and it was the thrill of a lifetime!!

[@martinpauly]

The Twin Beech is a wonderful aircraft, for sure. It takes some effort to get it in the air, and the fuel burn makes it a bit expensive - but thoroughly enjoyable. Regards, Martin

[@irandoosty]

Takes guts flying an ancient bird like this one. Kudos.

[@douglasrodrigues9329]

"Ancient bird?" My plane was only 4 years newer, and it's still flying under new ownership.

[@paulolbrich1760]

Great Video.

[@martinpauly]

Thank you, Paul - glad you liked it. - Martin