Prepping To Fly To The Arctic - Maybe.

Prepping To Fly To The Arctic - Maybe.
Summer 2024 and we set aside a month to take a trip we've been dreaming about for ages. Fly a few thousand miles roundtrip in our resto-modded 1961 Cessna 172 from our home near Toronto to the Arctic Ocean. First step - pack the plane for everything that might get thrown our way.
2024 summer trip playlist:
• 2024 Summer Vacation!
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ElectroAire electronic ignition: www.electroair.net
Helix folding bike: helix.ca
⚠️ NOTE: These videos are edited for time and entertainment. Editing removes context and can remove safety checklists in the interest of time. Do not use these videos for, or in lieu of flight training.⚠️
#CanucksUnlimited #GlensHanger

[@GlensHangar]

This is the first video in a series we shot in August of 2024... We had big plans; but as you'll see over the course of the next few weeks those unravelled because of things out of our control. In the end, we've never travelled with a checklist of things to see, or bucket list of things to do, We're more 'roll with it' type travellers; and roll with it we did. Had a blast, and saw / did things we never expected, met some amazing people and loved every minute of our travels.

[@lostmajesty]

I don't think I can wait - can you please just release all the videos - i'm begging ya Glen 😭

[@Minikahn1]

I've been watching these videos since the very first one. Can't wait to see the rest of the trip!

[@JerryB507]

I'm looking forward to this series. Thanks for posting.

[@jackieeastom8758]

I really enjoy your content, I really want to caution you about the accessibility of your emergency supplies. They should be accessible as your lifejackets and fire extinguisher, first aid kit, etc. Godspeed safe travels. You are in our prayers.

[@GlensHangar]

The survival bag was aft during the first couple of legs when we were still over populated areas. When we got more remote it moved forward. Everything in the survival bag was replicated in the camping gear which was forward right from the start.

[@nugrafik]

Thank you for showing this part of planning. This part is not shown often and it is an important step. This let's people see the reality of this type of flying. It's not a flying truck that you can weigh down with everything you want.

[@GlensHangar]

I wasn't sure if anyone would be interested in watching this part.

[@gordthompson4664]

@@GlensHangar I enjoy content like this. Same with the sailing channels I follow: I like seeing episodes about maintenance, planning, navigation, long crossings, etc. not just palm trees and beachfront bars. p.s. Nice spreadsheet, Jules! :)

[@agmin2098]

I LOVED this part..I had no idea of the intricacies of flying this way..learned so much, enjoyed every minute.

[@vickenator]

@@GlensHangar My brother used to work in Operations for Continental Airlines a couple decades ago and talked about weights and balances often, so this was fascinating for me. Thanks for sharing it.

[@happy_camper]

Oh, this is so cool you guys!! I love diving into the details for a trip like this, and I can’t wait to see more! I’ve always wanted to fly - several family members have done it, and I’ve definitely caught the bug. I absolutely love the main channel, and I’m so glad I happened upon this one too!

[@SusanLanger-cs1vr]

My dad did weights and measures for B52s back in the late 60's using a slide rule, a hand pull calculator, a lot of coffee, Lucky Strikes and creative language. He would have enjoyed watching this.

[@erikstephens34]

Great Video! After 20 years I have gotten back into camping - canoe/portage and backpacking. When I was watching your video I kept thinking - there is so much better stuff out there today! But then you mentioned you were not in the market for new camping gear. Though I will mention the really good stuff that has kept be quite comfortable. Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol are great mats for sleeping but also for keeping your knees conformable and warm. Nemo air mattress - packs very small and light - you can inflate it with a small USB chargeable air pump that you can get off Amazon. They can inflate and deflate two air mattresses (and camping pillows) for a week on a single charge Helinox chairs - packs small - light and quite robust. Mine with chair mat is fully packed at about 1.5lbs and fits in the side pocket of my backpack.

[@davisjohnson3621]

Obviously this is after the fact, but interesting to see the planning as an adult. My father took us on a similar trip nearly 50 years ago, JOT to FYU (farthest north point) in a Cherokee 6 260. We spent 3 weeks on the trip, camping nearly every night. Highlights were (to me) McKinley (now renamed to Denali), Dawson City, and Valdez.

[@CantankerousDave]

This is eerily similar to the opening stages of Oregon Trail. Watch out for dysentery!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good Evening to Both Of You Good Folks, Planning Is Everything and It Is THE Vital Factor In Any Types Of Flying🧐👌👍 Outstanding Husband and Wife Team Work Cheers 👍👍👌👌😇😇Cheers 🍻🍻

[@susanboon4605]

I'm looking forward to watching your adventure unfold!

[@WavzonRox39]

Air mattresses with rechargeable blower? On top of the pads for protection from sharps... Thank you for bringing your camera gear and sharing your trip!

[@penelopedeotte6127]

This was so interesting. Thanks for explaining tjis in such great detail.

[@incapture3936]

Good mission for a Cessna 206 ;)

[@guyst-gelais2210]

G'Day!Suggestion! change you black plastic crate to a other orange bucket place the stock in it and your gain will be a seat when lunch you have already one! All loose stock ca (should) be in a other 5gal plastic bucket (small table) more idea to come!! Guy (flingwing driver) in Quebec City

[@billbrisson]

Sounds like an adventure for sure. You MUST stop in at the Field of Dreams next summer and stay at the cabin!

[@midhudsonmarketing6484]

So interesting! Thanks for planning to film this for us. A lot more challenging than baking a cake, huh? Will be watching you. Thanks again. - Marilyn

[@MSI2k]

oooooh I can sense the adventure!

[@grahamballantyne1129]

I loved the video, but what I really want to know about is Julie’s bagged milk shirt!

[@MrNatWhilk]

“For just one time, I would take the northwest passage, to find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea…”

[@MeMe-Moi]

I appreciate the thought process behind packing your plane. As a pilot's kid, I do a similar process when packing a road vehicle and trailer, and it's surprising the difference that proper weight and balance makes in the handling characteristics in a road vehicle. Also, my dad gets twitchy when I don't properly manage the weight and balance on a road trip. But explaining that to my friends when packing for a road trip is hard sometimes.

[@Richard-nq5pj]

uhm, my first thought is "this is sorta nuts", my second thought is "great planning", my third thought is "I wish you the best of luck and hope that this adventure turns out to be everything (good) that you anticipate. And to place my thoughts in context, 50 some odd years ago when my girl friend and I decided to go to the Kickapoo Rock Festival, and she said "Let's camp!", my response (which is probably still valid today) was, "My idea of camping is the Holiday Inn."

[@ArieGBoom]

This will not only be a very interesting but also a challenging adventure, for you as well as for us who will follow you along on the trip to the Arctic. It would be great if you could share more details on the flight plans later on as well. Many thanks and safe travels.

[@jackieeastom8758]

Prayers and support from Oklahoma! I’m not a pilot. I’m not a survival expert. But I noticed that you put your emergency survival bag at the very very back of the plane. Running the scenario of going down over big water. How are you ever going to get to it before the plane sinks‽ You put your lifejackets where they are easily accessible., it just makes sense to me that your survival bag/emergency supplies, should be in the same location as your lifejackets so you could reach it and escape with it easily! I think you’re doing a wonderful job and I appreciate you sharing your experiences with an old man, You should consider accessibility to emergency supplies first. Godspeed and prayers. I hope y’all have a wonderful trip. We will be praying for safe travels. I look forward to the videos.

[@GlensHangar]

The survival bag went in the back for the first couple of legs where we were over populated areas. Once we got more remote it moved froward - but pretty much everything in the 'Survival' bag was replicated in our camping gear which was forward the whole trip.

[@ang5568]

Hi Glen, I purchased and carry a folding plastic step stool that is 18" tall and at 3 lbs that you may want to consider vs the 9lb step stool. That weight reduction will give you an additional gallon of fuel. I keep it in the plane because I don't have steps built in like later 172s to get onto the wing to refuel on my 1958 172, it doubles as a seat when I'm somewhere remote. Could also use 5 gal buckets instead for storing things inside and flip over as a stool, seat or makeshift table like mentioned below. The impression I get from the replies below is that you may have already completed your trip so these ideas are probably moot at this point. Eager to follow your progress on the trip.

[@Jsal6748]

2 things... Julie canoeing! What a fun video series that would be! Second, what an important video Glen. New aviators could learn so much from this. I'm a pretty big avgeek and this is easily the most detailed packing video I've seen. Very few youtubers even show this side of things and I fear that some don't take it nearly as seriously as you do. You're a class act.

[@MyFocusVaries]

I would take Julie's spreadsheet course!

[@welshchris45]

I have great admiration for you doing this trip. I have a Cessna 182 and do some long haul trips but nothing as adventurous as this.

[@WingsOverTO]

Great video, Glen! I went through something similar before my Bahamas trip and had to make some tough tradeoffs, too; it's good to see how you went through it, for comparison. A couple of questions/suggestions if I could: 1. Does your plane's W&B formula have a left/right component? You were distinguishing between putting stuff on the back L vs R seat, and I was wondering if that mattered or if that was more for your mental math. 2. I'd suggest keeping your ditch/emergency supplies bag right behind you instead of way back in the extra storage area. If you do have to go down for some reason - especially over water - you want that stuff easy to grab as you're exiting the plane.

[@GlensHangar]

There's no Left / Right distinction for the W&B with this airplane - That was just me trying to keep it even. Good point about the Survival bag - for the first legs where we'd be over population, it was stuffed way back. Especially since everything in the bag was replicated in our camp gear bag closer to the front. But when I get 'past radar coverage' I move it behind the seat. The PFDs are always on the seat backs, along with the Personal Locator Beacons.

[@Girruuth]

Loading Aircraft is why the USAF (and I presume every Air Force) has a career field with lots of training dedicated to loading aircraft. They are called Loadmasters.

[@patmcc19]

Hello from the cooking channel. As a person that has little interest in flying a plane I would never had thought you would have to worry about the weight of the stuff in the plane.

[@Philipnrobbins]

Having a plane and licence (plus skill) must be so freeing. To just go places (with proper planning and materials).

[@healerf18]

Great fun. Really appreciate you sharing this part of the planning process.

[@KilkennyGirl716]

I'm looking forward to watching your adventures!

[@bmkay]

Excited for the journey!

[@Pembroke1]

Wait you can't get fuel in Yellowknife. That's sucks

[@mrsaskriders]

Looking forward to more videos ❤ Subbed and definitely liked! 😊 Very safe travels and don't have get there itis! and have a blast!

[@deettetripp9227]

Be Safe and Enjoy your journey!!

[@dlphnsfn2830]

If it was just you and Julie going on a trip and not recording and didn't bring the camera equipment. What things would you bring in it's place or upgrade?

[@geraldwhite6029]

God speed, have fun ,stay safe.

[@cherylgaston7229]

Looking forward to watching!!

[@Lorene-g7q]

We have a Stearman….our luggage box is small. My husband built a cushion suitcase for use to set on when we fly.

[@G.L.McCarthy-vr1oe]

Have fun, safe travels🛩

[@theresathomas1258]

This is me prepping for winter GO trip to Toronto from Hamilton 😂

[@Cory-Stewart-]

I'd love to know what was in the camera case. You could possible shave weight with something like a small solar charger instead of additional batteries, testing for charge / discharge times required. Frameless flexible panels are fairly light compared to their ridgid counterparts and possibly could be rolled up, test again may have a maximum bend radius, not sure.

[@Cory-Stewart-]

20x 500gb sd cards weigh less than a computer and accompanying power storage. Could bulk dump once back where power is available.

[@Cory-Stewart-]

hmm, how feasible for flexible panels on the aircraft itself? Would decrease weight by a small margin and add a little drag increasing fuel usage. But planes battery could be permanently topped up.

[@omegaflameZ]

On the bike/tire pump front, have you considered using CO2 cartridges like some cyclists like to use? The bit that connects to the valve stem and a few cartridges are probably quite light though you'd need to find out how many would get you from flat or soft to usable pressure. Not sure if carrying something pressurized like that would be problematic from a regulatory point of view, but may be worth the research to have as a back-up that lives in FMVU for when the hand pump doesn't make sense (or breaks!).

[@quirahikari2060]

A little late, but as a budding Excel enthusiast/nerd, I would love to see the actual spreadsheet. Is there any way that could be shared with viewers? Thank you!

[@EntirelyTom1]

This is so cool and I'm excited to see the rest of the series and live vicariously through you. One thing I've always wondered though when it comes to communicating with flight control(?), is the quality as bad as it comes off in recordings, or is it easier to understand in real life? Because I swear every recording I've heard(Not just on this channel) it's impossible to understand what the person on the other end is saying.

[@GlensHangar]

For the most part you get used to it. But there are times where it can be tough, and you’ll see a few of those coming up in the series. In parts of Canada the controllers flip between English and French, so an accent (mine and theirs) can be a barrier.

[@SnoopytheAce]

There is AvGas in Yellowknife!!!

[@GlensHangar]

When we were planning this trip there wasn't - I read the NOTAM, I called the FBO's, I called the flying club, I called COPA. No 100LL for sale to itinerant aircraft. As I type this on Sept 9 (two months after the start of our trip) the NOTAM is still in place; no 100LL AvGas for Itinerant aircraft.

[@Kinkajou1015]

Honestly, this is one of the most interesting videos from C-FMVU, getting to see you load it out. I wish you had more capacity, even an extra 50 pounds. Is there any way you could increase the weight limits in the future or is it limited by the airframe?

[@GlensHangar]

When I put on the wing extensions I got a 50 pound increase of Max weight - so I'm already ahead from the standard. The only way I can get another increase is if I put the larger engine in. If I do that I get another 300 pounds.

[@Cory-Stewart-]

​@@GlensHangar I'm assuming unless you're actively planning on "frequent" large &/ longer trips, that's waiting for the engine to reach a more end of life stage.

[@GlenAndFriendsCooking]

@@Cory-Stewart- Yeah the larger engine isn't really an option for my budget, even when this engine reaches EOL I'll really only be able to rebuild it.

[@noelwade]

Can't wait to see the adventure unfold! I'm curious, though, why you chose jerry cans instead of a fuel bladder or two?

[@GlensHangar]

I had the cans. Simple as that. I looked at bladders, but the cost was too much to buy something that replicated what I already owned. I borrowed a couple of 5 gallon bladders from someone at the airport and found that I couldn't stack other gear around and on top of them as easy as I could with the rigid cans. I also looked at the Turtle Pack fuel bladder - but it cost more than the budget for the entire trip.

[@noelwade]

@@GlensHangar - Yeah the Turtle Pac units look amazing, but $$$$$... Interesting note about stackability, though! Not a consideration with my teensy Sonex baggage compartment. 😀

[@KajahaX]

First! Also so much camera gear to bring!

[@markvanherk1425]

Awesome video. Do you think it would be wise to put survival bag within arms reach while flying in case of a forced landing you can get it out before plane burns up?

[@GlensHangar]

I move it around depending on where we are. Once I leave RADAR coverage the bag moves forward to behind the seats. Also on this journey, everything in the bag was replicated in our camping equipment which was forward already.

[@markvanherk1425]

@@GlensHangar You look well prepared! I fly a 66' c-172 out of Newton, ON. I love watching your videos and look forward to seeing this venture you are on, as I would like to do similar one day. Good luck, enjoy!

[@RobertForslund]

Sorta sounds you might need a bigger plane Glen? 😉 Seriously though, the camera gear that you bring, is it really all that necessary? You would know better than most about that but it feels like a good modern phone would suffice is most scenarios for camping etc... It sort of feels like you're hauling a whole studio out in the bush but that's just me and my very limited knowledge about filming! 🤔 Regardless, I'll be looking forward seeing your content! 😁👍

[@GlensHangar]

The 'cameras' mostly GoPros don't weigh all that much. Most of the weight was for batteries. In our initial planning, we realised that a few of the places we'd end up there wouldn't be a chance to charge so we needed to have enough power to run the cameras and the computer + hard drives to offload footage. Overkill for sure, but that part of the planning is why I was able to make a career as a film maker shooting in some of the remotest parts of the globe.

[@RobertForslund]

@@GlensHangar absolutely, that sounds perfectly logical! 😊

[@Cory-Stewart-]

​@@GlensHangar 20x 500gb sd cards weigh less than a computer and accompanying power storage. Could bulk dump once back where power is available. Also I wonder about a small solar charger for cameras. Flexible panels are significantly lighter than rigid ones. You'd have to see about charge / discharge times however. hmm, how feasible for flexible panels on the aircraft itself? Would decrease weight by a small margin and add a little drag increasing fuel usage. But planes battery could be permanently topped up.

[@FrancSchiphorst]

Not a pilot but your casual remark triggered me. That liter of oil "under my seat". Is that safe? Could that end up somewhere in an emergency blocking controls?

[@GlensHangar]

There is a cage under the seat to hold items in.

[@michellerobert3238]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@SevenCostanza]

How do you get the aircraft maintained. I assume you have to have a licenced pro sign for it all. Cant just do it youreself yeah? Must cost an arm and a leg

[@GlensHangar]

Costs less than owning a boat or a snowmobile. The plane cost less to buy than a used Kia. If you spend your money wisely, there is some left over for a hobby.

[@GlensHangar]

@GWNHomestead YEP - I do as much as I can to keep the cost down. Chris (my certified mech) also lets me do a lot in his shop, while he watches over my shoulder and then signs off on it for the logbook - that also goes a long way to making this a reasonable endeavour.

[@nschwert]

What are you bringing for bear defence?

[@GlensHangar]

Bear banger flare guns. But mostly 'bear sense'. After working in the bush to put ourselves through University and taking countless survival courses; we're both pretty well versed in bear avoidance and defence.

[@dlewisa]

You guys are cute together. On this channel and the other. You should do a couple history or something. You're a good partnership. might be good content.

[@nschwert]

Do you have ADS-B like with a TailBeaconX? Would that be useful for the trip?

[@GlensHangar]

I have ADS-B in and out integrated with the panel - Sorta, kinda useful-ish. Canada hasn't mandated the use of ADS-B for General Aviation, at this point not many aircraft here have it. Also because of our geography, land based radio towers are not feasible and we're instead using a satellite based system. Which is great, but also presents some challenges for small aircraft like mine. Long discussion with many factors, caveats, and work arounds.

[@nschwert]

Why not AirBNB, VRBO?

[@GlensHangar]

Ahhh... Many of the 'airports' we plan to visit are just gravel strips in the middle of a forest. Population 0. Many of the places have no road access, only way in is by plane. No cell service, possibly no phone or internet at all. Maybe you've never been to this part of Canada?

[@nschwert]

@@GlensHangar 'Never made it to the territories. I have been to Moosonee /Moose Factory, Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Winisk ... oh and drove the Trans Labrador highway once too.

[@GlensHangar]

Even if those were options - flying isn't like driving. You can't fly a small plane like this and expect to stick to any kind of schedule. You think you're going to arrive on Tuesday...

[@billclisham8668]

Is there enough room inside the plane to sleep in and be able to not carry a tent?

[@GlensHangar]

I have slept in the plane, it can be done.

[@jkuntz667]

Glamping

[@davidhudson5452]

Maybe you can roast food over open fire

[@GlensHangar]

Most of the places we were going to fly over had complete fire bans in place. No Campfires allowed.

[@brianschalme1457]

Need a bigger plane. Honey…? 😂

[@AntManBee19]

Wouldn’t you want to include a fishing rod and some tackle and maybe a firearm in case of bears etc. ? Just curious.

[@Cory-Stewart-]

Probably but weight, every little thing counts

[@GlensHangar]

SAR would find us long before we caught a fish. Every survival training course I've been on advises that fishing gear in a survival bag is only really for alleviating boredom.

[@AntManBee19]

@@GlensHangar Good point.

[@sennest]

🎉🎉🎉😎👍👍🍻

[@cdnc9871]

Please don't use those fuel cans in the plane. You need the military Scepter containers (same company) - you can buy them at Princess Auto

[@GlensHangar]

I have two of those 'Mil spec Sceptre' fuel cans... But, when I tried to fill them at an airport on a trial run; they wouldn't let me. However they would let me fill the red cans. So I figured if I can't fill the can, it's useless to carry.

[@cdnc9871]

Ridiculous- that just makes it so unsafe for you. You may want to share with them the actual specifications, including the detailed specs for Air Transportability. The specs for drop test, pressurization, and the requirement to not vent or contribute to fire makes them far superior. I'm actually shocked that an airport will allow you to use the red cans inside the passenger compartment. In any case, lived in Yellowknife for almost 10 years and loved it and was in an endless number of great aircraft - twin otters, otters, beavers, 172, 182, 206, Aztecs, Porter, Beach 18...all amazing and a great place to fly...and never saw a red can in any of them 😅

[@GlensHangar]

Some fights / arguments I just don't have the time or strength for. Someone at an airport made a rule, and you'll just never get it changed.

[@kmrtnsn]

For the love of God, buy some real poly gas cans! Milsurplus diesel made by Scepter! We used to throw them out of helicopters, they’re indestructible.

[@GlensHangar]

As I mentioned to the earlier comments - I own a couple of those cans, but getting them filled at some airports isn't possible. They will however fill the red sceptre cans - since I've had better luck with the red ones over the years I elected to bring them.

[@MayhemCanuck]

I enjoyed this, but I am scratching my head why you would take 52 lbs of camera and related gear for a first time flying this route. I know you want to document and share it with us, but a nice camera that does HD, less go-pros etc and batteries would have been just as good as a production in the end I believe, and you could have used that saved weight to be comfortable. Heck even a video of all stills would have satisfied me. Looking forward to the rest.

[@GlensHangar]

Realistically there was more in there than cameras. laptop, hard drives, cables, and enough battery power for 5-6 days in places where we knew we may not get to re-charge. My day job taught me how to pack a camera case for the toughest places (I've filmed everywhere from Mount Everest, to the Central American jungles, to Iceland and Greenland wilderness). It was probably overkill, but that makes me comfortable.

[@nickcentrone1679]

Put your batteries and stuff in freezer bags and get rid of that pelican box, weight savings

[@GlensHangar]

Definitely a thought process. But after 30 years of working in film, I just can't give up the security that a hard case brings to cameras, computers and hard drives. keeps everything in one place, easy to move, and safe. It's also a case made by Nanuk - 30% lighter than a Pelican.

[@SirJer]

Seems antiquated, but I have some friends in the Philippines who applied as stewardesses, and only 1 I know that qualified as she was the only one who met the physical qualifications. I won't say the airline (and no, it's not PAL in this case) but they were clear that they only hire attractive single women under a certain age.

[@margeryk000]

No sleeping bags?

[@GlensHangar]

Yes there are sleeping bags, at that point we hadn't decided which ones to bring.

[@margeryk000]

@@GlensHangar whew! I was worried there for a minute!

[@cmflyer]

@@margeryk000 We were too!

[@adamchess4543]

This whole idea is not prudent. You guys are going to be leaning heavily on luck.

[@GlensHangar]

Fascinating that you think that.

[@JerryB507]

Knowledge, skill, experience and preparation = Luck.

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

G,day Glen and Julie from Sydney Australia. With the calculation of weight including pilot and radio op what was the difference from the planes useful load? Packing the plane for the balance of CG? 🏗️