Grumman TBM Avenger - Arrival at Fantasy of Flight

My Grumman TBM Avenger was the last plane to leave the Weeks Air Museum in Miami, after it was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. After some time and repairs, I flew the plane to Fantasy of Flight in 2009. In this clip I arrive at FoF, and do a few passes, before landing at its new home. At the end of the clip, there's an interview I did when George H.W. Bush passed away. Besides being the 41st President of the United States, he was also famous for being a TBM Avenger pilot in WW2. Check it out.
Kermit Weeks
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Kermit Weeks

[@dancoffman5681]

As a 17 year old Naval Reserve seaman recruit at NARTU Memphis in June 1950 right after North Korea invaded South Korea, I got a ride in the turret of a TBM. The Reserve pilot scared me when he started pulling a few Gs, but I was hooked. Come August 1955 I was designated a Naval Aviator, flying the Douglas AD-5N Skyraider in All Weather Attack Squadron 35. I am now 88 and still flying my Cessna 172M. Can’t give it up.

[@blueboats7530]

If the TBM had an engine oil smoke trail, this would have been even more of an accomplishment

[@redjetsen1002]

60 gallons an Hr? 120 x $5 a gallon? imagine all the oil needed

[@drummer42050]

bailed on crew not knowing their condition...both too injured to exit...

[@dianeswift]

You preserve much of our history in the most tangible way. Thank you again Kermit.

[@yes_head]

"They had to dive at the target for the torpedo to be accurate"... what?

[@robertmorey4104]

I think what he meant was fly straight at the target. TBM didn't really dive, although late war US torpedo could be dropped from higher altitude allowing the pilot to turn around and escape. You still had to lead the target (moving ship) to launch the fish. All guns would be on you- that part is correct.

[@morlock2086]

Reporters often don't know what they are saying. They just want copy that sounds good.

[@busterdee8228]

Dive torpedo-ing. Right.

[@craigpennington1251]

P.S. Thanks Kermit for all you do to preserve our history in aviation. A huge undertaking with today's insane pricing on everything. Also, very much respect for the pilots who went head on at enemy shipping in these and the ground crews who kept them flying.

[@charlie1571]

My father was a turret gunner on an Avenger during WW2. He served off Newfoundland and off the coast of Africa on submarine search.Then his escort carrier VC 13 went through the Panama Canal and he served in the Pacific eventually ended up at the battle of Okinawa. He never talked much about his service. I wish he were here today.

[@1boortzfan]

Kermit, it is a great thing you do to bring honor to all these veterans. Thank you,

[@haroldmclean3755]

President Bush was a very Good President , The Avenger has a Nice sounding engine 👍

[@TSemasFl]

I saw that Avenger down at Tamiami, years ago. I'm glad it's still flying

[@kevinwilliams287]

I can only imagine the sound of an entire Squadron flying over.!

[@WilliamParmley]

I lived in Idaho years ago and there was one at the Rexburg airport. I remember working outside one day and hearing a distant rumble -- I was sure it was a radial engine. Sure enough, here came the Avenger and passed right overhead.

[@ednesbit2988]

I can't wait for when you bring the a-26 home from chino that plane is one of my favorites in your collection

[@angusmotorsports4715]

Chino/Cal Aero/PoF isn’t that far away from me. It would be cool for Kermit to do a meet and greet with the fans.

[@pac1fic055]

There’s one at the American Air Power museum in Long Island. The plane is absolutely gigantic. It’s hard to believe it operated from carriers.

[@davef.2811]

Off-topic: I think the old 1649 Starliner is still parked out there in the back yard, as it's seen in this video. It would be a monumental task, but do think she'll ever see the skies again?

[@eamo106]

A great post and you flew it so well, the TBM behaved knowing it was her last flight perhaps behaved herself. Kudos to you and President Bush Snr. What is her and other planes futures ? You are a great custodian, but what is the future for you and your collection ? We will all pass but they will remain ? Any thoughts and news about the future ?

[@LCMNUNES1962]

BEAUTIFUL SOUND ENGINE RADIAL 14 CILINDERs

[@tankacebo9128]

I think it's funny how the news crew cut Kermit off while explaining how a torpedo bomber makes an attack run, and then explained how a DIVE BOMBER makes an attack run, which the TBM is not a dive bomber lmao...

[@Heathh49008]

Whenever you watch a news program regarding a subject you know about, it's always that way. Which is a good indicator of why you should never trust the news on ANY subject.

[@leeroyholloway4277]

Aviation to the media is like Kryptonite to Superman.

[@outlawflyer7868]

@@Heathh49008 funny you say that. Then why is it that there is a lot of those who are believing what the media is saying that isn't really true news to begin with. New stations that came to be after a certain someone was elected. Hmmm, how ironic.

[@doctorwigglespank8933]

Surprised they didn't call it a "fighter jet". Every military plane is a "fighter jet" to a "journalist".

[@samsignorelli]

@@doctorwigglespank8933 Even a Fokker Eindecker....

[@TheSonicfrog]

What a sound! Brute power driving a tank of an aircraft...

[@johndavey72]

Lots of lovely comments and deservedly so . Kermits passion keeps many warbirds flying we would never have the opportunity to otherwise see . Thanks Keemit .

[@longtimepittsowner5589]

K: Your a class act. I did not know Pres Bush was downed twice. Anyway, you know what it takes to fly one of these. You explained your time with the President perfectly. He acted just like a pilot does when seeing his favorite airplane.

[@George-pp2hr]

Wow! That looks fantastic in natural metal. First time ever. It's a monster of a bird but very much loved. I will build a model version of this metal finish. I'll have to guess my own ID letters and number. I have a few models of the Avenger and a large scale 1/32 of George H.W Bush's Aircraft. The other models I have received one and waiting for a second to build the Flight 19 Avengers lost in the Bermuda Triangle. But it's a wonderful flying machine. I hope to see what it looks like in its new paint coat.😮😯😲😳👍🇭🇲🦘🐨✌️

[@Mike-01234]

Don't realize just how massive they are until he gets out on the wing and looks like he is only 3 feet tall

[@lionfish1232]

WW2 vets are in a league of their own

[@henrykuhn5096]

TedK Love the all of your videos and the fact that you are preserving history by restoring all the various aircraft you own. I spent 43 years working on Grumman (later Northrup Grumman) aircraft including the C2A, A6E, EA-6B and F-14. President George H.W. Bush at 18 was the youngest Navy pilot during WWII, by 1944 he had flown 58 combat missions from 1942 to 1944 when he was shot down. His biography can define the Greatest Generation.

[@tellyonthewall8751]

@6:38: "They had to dive down to be accurate ..."??? Hmmm A TBM has to fly on top of the waves in a straight line to get an aim on the ship to torpedo .... but what to expect from a "desk jokey" in suit and belt & braces

[@nicholasroberts6954]

US torpedo bombing tactics were different to the British, 'cause the British Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm pilots that were trained in the U.S. had to be re-trained in British Torpedo tactics before being deployed, something to do with differences in the way they let down from altitude prior to attacking. One method incorporated "Staging" at set altitude points, where angle of descent was adjusted on the way down the other method involved just a continuous steady rate of descent. I was told, but I can't remember who "Owned" which tactic.

[@barryscott6222]

At this point... Would Kermit be number 2, after Winkle Brown, for number of different types flown ?

[@Bigsky1991]

President Bush flew the TBM in WW2 and TBM transition training for Naval Aviators after getting their basic flight instruction and Wings at Pensacola was down in DeLand Florida...formerly NAS DeLand.

[@dufus7396]

Im a Democrat ..mucho respect for Pres Bush senior..going back after being shot down

[@nonamesplease6288]

That big radial engine sounds like someone tearing a big old sheet of canvas. People talk about the Merlin engine being the classic warbird noise, but to me, nothing beats that radial sound.

[@gonuts4donuts]

Absolutely! People love the Merlin, whether it is a Spit, Hurricane, or Mustang, two on the Mosquito or four on the Lancaster, but the sounds from radial engines just evoke pure power. I love the sound of a Hellcat, Corsair, Thunderbolt, or even an FW-190. The Merlin powered fighters are akin to a sports car, but the radials are like a bad ass muscle car.

[@nonamesplease6288]

The ultimate radial sound is a B29 at full tilt going overhead.

[@axispowerdiesel]

Dang Kermit, that is one sweet bird

[@whalesong999]

Wright R2600s are the "growliest" sounding radials to me, especially in B-25s.

[@rcpilot9963]

Theese naval bombers looks like bigger brothers of naval grumman fighters.

[@willamcombs1106]

Imagine what the sound was like when 30+ of these Aircraft were in the air at one time. Then add 30+ SBD's and 40 - 50 F4F's heading out on a mission during WWII.

[@harterbob]

George Bush was a class act. I met Barbara and Jeb Bush at Signature at Boston Logan when I was flying for the fractionals. I used to wear my company ID badge on an Army lanyard. When she saw that she hurried over to introduce herself and Jeb and thanked me for my military service (I was career Army). I laughed and told her thanks, and that I knew who she and her son were. The entire Bush family represents the best about the United States.

[@faustobaptista8555]

It's a fantastic visual machina, and so ir das for your ex-presidente. A great vídeo for sure.

[@stringfellowbalk2654]

Really nice anecdote. That moment he was that young aviator again.

[@nicklambing9268]

As a young lad back in the 1950's there were two TBM Avengers that had been converted into agricultural spray planes and at that time they were both located on the west side of the airport at Wikes Air Service in Hillsboro, Oregon. I was helping my uncle sand rust off of the air frame of a Steerman he was renovating and installed a canopy conversion to cover the open cockpits. Like most of the comments, I was amazed at the size of the TBM's. I clearly recall the spray nozzle system below the wings, but do not recall ever actually seeing them spraying anything, possibly not so great being so large and not very agile.

[@gordonormiston3233]

What a lovely sounding engine in a beautiful plane

[@David-yo5ws]

Wright R-2600-20

[@RealWoutLies]

My neighbor has one of these. Wish I could go up with him....

[@mikehalm164]

A friend told me that she and her husband (both are pilots) attended a open house at a local airfield where ten TBMs had gathered. At dusk all of them were lined up abreast of each other well away from the crowd. All engines were started. At idle their chests were throbbing from the noise. After engine temps came up, power was increased on all - the sensation she said was almost chrushing, and the exhaust flames lit up the field. Wish I could have been there.

[@K-Effect]

I remember correctly there's an old KZbin video that about what you're talking about, I don't know if it's the actual same day but they're doing the same thing. If I can find it I'll leave a link

[@craigpennington1251]

Love these aircraft because of their versatility. That (bomb bay) can be used as intended, a water tanker set up, or an extra fuel tank set up for extended flight. You can fit 3 people in (a small family) for a trip, etc. They look fab and sound same. Good luck on getting it back to pristine flying condition. These are like a big 68 Caddy Coupe De Ville. Smooth and powerful that maneuvers well, and very stabile.

[@hansgruber650]

My Dad was on one from the USS Franklin CV-13

[@ditzydoo4378]

One would think as big as the TBM is, it should have gotten a four bladed paddle prop.

[@carlosmerlin8727]

It's the first time I've seen this model converting its wings. A really beautiful aircraft. It looks like a P47 Thunderbolt.

[@newtnewton6721]

Really cool Kermit and made me remember the first one I saw in Kissimmee Florida at a air museum in 1992 and the tour guide told the story of president Bush also and after the tour I went for my very first warbird ride in a at6 with a older pilot named Jack and he let me fly it from the back seat and when we landed I had to have my smile surgically removed lol!!

[@cameron1975williams]

The grand-daddy of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat?

[@gordonrogers4616]

When i heard the engine doing flyovers, It ran a chill down my spine. So awesome. Thank you Kermit. Really love what you do!

[@victorhodgson8767]

Kermit, My uncle, John Gaunt (Royal Navy) flew one of those from a aircraft carrier during the last war, unfortunately he, and the crew perished when he was shot down while attacking a German warship, or installation ( can't remember which!) in one of Norway's Fjords

[@nicholasroberts6954]

10th August 1944, Operation Offspring, the largest aerial mining operation conducted by the Royal Navy Home Fleet during WW2. This operation was conducted just before the intended operation (Goodwood 4) against the battleship Tirpitz moored, at that time, in Kaa/Alten fjord. On Op Offspring, Forty-Seven anti-shipping mines were dropped by Fleet Air Arm 852 and 856 squadrons, from HMCS Nabob and HMS Trumpeter respectively, in the area between Haarhamsfjord and Lepsorev, and shipping at anchor straffed. One Avenger shot down. This may have been your uncle, as this was the only operation in which Fleet Air Arm Avengers actually flew off Norway - they were scheduled to perform minelaying against Tirpitz as part of Operation Goodwood 4, but the minelaying op was cancelled after Nabob was torpedoed and it and the Trumpeter were ordered to withdraw to the UK. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Goodwood_(naval) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Nabob_(D77) - construction and career, paragraph 4. The Avenger shot down during Op Offspring was possibly 856 squadron and this I believed occurred, following the usual practice of seeking targets of opportunity for straffing, once the main mission (The dropping of sea mines) had been completed. My dad, a pilot in 852, witnessed the crash. These Avengers, however, were designated TBF 1C's so presumably were Grumman (TBF) built not General Motors (TBM), Fleet Air-Arm name Tarpon 1

[@darkredvan]

I watched one TBM at a regional airshow in Germany about 10 years ago. This is the only one airworthy in Europe, based in Switzerland. It is a big, intimidating airplane up close. Really impressing size and sound.

[@foxmoth5477]

I had heard the PBY had the heaviest controls of any aircraft - i see it in the video - wonder if Kermit means single engine aircraft heaviest ailerons...

[@robertmorey4104]

The story i read about Lt HW Bush was they were supporting assault on Iwo Jima (carrying bombs instead of torpedo) and were shot up by ground fire. Bush held the plane to try and allow his crew to get out, no easy feat in Avenger out the side door. But they bailed out and were captured by Japanese. The crew were executed by beheading by Japanese. Bush was picked up by US submarine. The man is a hero in my eyes for serving his nation in WW2. Thanks for vid, I hope the naked Turkey gets Lt HW Bush's markings again some day.

[@torbendinesen7121]

It looks and sounds like a tractor with wings.

[@diggr13]

I've been an airline mechanic for decades but my first job as an apprentice in 1988 was on the world's last commercially operated fleet of Avengers. We had seventeen that year of which twelve were airworthy and used to spray the forests of New Brunswick in the battle against the spruce budworm. Great memories.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

You lie about something as basic as your real adult name! Why should I believe a word of what you type?

[@thecitizen49]

Never feel sorry for anyone that owns an airplane.

[@olsonspeed]

An impressive machine, a lot of airplane to hang on one prop. Making a combat torpedo run must have been terrifying, amazing any crew survived.

[@ToreDL87]

Actually, 1941-1943 allowed the MK.13 torpedo to be dropped at speeds of only 150 knots, FAR below what the TBM was capable of :) There was Midway, sure, but firstly, that was more due to poor deployment (and little to no fighter cover). And the Japanese (even if they hadnt lost carriers needed to recover their torpedo bombers) likely lost just as many to USN surface fire & fighter cover on that day. It wasnt until the latter 2 years of the war that the Mark 13's kinks and quirks were worked out, to allow for reliable use, so much so, in fact, to earn universal praise as best aircraft borne torpedo, with most kills (including the Musashi and Yamato) attributed to TBM drops (and high survivability rate).

[@mindeloman]

Unfortunately that reporter got the combat explanation wrong on the Avenger. It didn't dive. It had to come in level and low for the torpedo drop. Absolute sitting ducks on the way in and on the way out as they had no kinetic energy from a dive. They had to climb out on only engine power.

[@dingo8babym20]

you are correct, sir

[@danielkeirsteadsr6939]

Kermit, I love you and Jay Leno.

[@imbok]

I've seen several TBMs over the years and one impression they always give is that they are B I G. It took brass balls to point one of those at a Japanese warship and drop that fish in the water. Much respect to those who served.

[@regmason2329]

Saw an Avenger several years ago at the Naval Museum in Pensacola. What struck me was its size relative to the prop. If you didn't know better you would swear it could not fly!

[@flyingfortressrc1794]

Great video. Thanks Kermit

[@dennisud]

I've been to FoF once and the old Weeks Air Museum back in the day a few times. I really hope to see more hangers used for displaying AND seeing you fly these old birds again!

[@davelewandoski4292]

would love a Kermie Cam Pre and Flight of this Kermit! Thanks for sharing.

[@On-Our-Radar-24News]

Who hasn't Kermit Weeks met? Your the wizard of knowing important people as well the wizard of orlampo

[@ianashton886]

Amazing plane, a tank with wings !

[@billwilliams9527]

Wow Kermit, thanks for sharing that, you are 'the man'. As a native Polk County resident, I think how great it is to have you and Fantasy of Flight here. I was there several years ago, what a thrill it was, hope to do it again soon.

[@irishshintoshi8213]

The plane couldn't be in better hands. Thanks Kermit

[@NigelsModellingBench]

What a brilliant video!! Thank you.

[@jimschnurr3512]

I really love your museum and displays. I used to travel in the area on business and took quite a few customers to lunch there. I took a flight in the Stearman since I had never flown a tail dragger. Great place and I hope to see it again.

[@woof3598]

thats one big plane

[@unclemike1206]

You got it made

[@Mercmad]

When I was little kid in New Zealand in the 1960's there was an avenger parked at the local Aerodrome. As far as i know it changed hands a few times and eventually fell into disrepair and fell apart. It was an interesting thing to play on as an 8 year old.

[@Kaless215]

I just love the look of those old World War 2 airplanes. There's just something about them.

[@fabriciopetroni9684]

Yo are awesome Kermit !!! Your videos are full of historical information and planes in and incredible way. I hope one time can visit you. Greetings from Argentina! From a pilot and fan of warbirds.

[@artd.]

Another Historic Video Mr. Kermit, Thank You...:-)

[@CACTUS48]

Made in Trenton NJ...

[@sargepent9815]

Very cool. Nice to see it back in flying condition. Not too many dive/torpedo bombers still flying since most hobbyists seem to prefer fighters. Just needs a fresh coat of paint.

[@drcornelius8275]

You did a great job in that interview.... however, I had to laugh when the "news" showed footage from a dive bomber's perspective as if... it's always been fake hasn't it LOL

[@elosogonzalez8739]

You need to authorize some overtime for your video team! Not getting our "KERMIT" fix nearly enough. As always, I enjoyed this. Thanks!

[@mattharte7334]

There’s an Avenger at the Imperial War Museum Duxford and I think it’s named after Barbara Bush too. President Bush opened the American Hangar at Duxford, it’s an amazing place. George Bush and Ronald Reagan were two of the very best. Great video.

[@Haywain]

You don't realise how large these planes are. Until that shot of you standing on the wing, and you see just how large the front end is. Amazing.

[@robertjutton6079]

Very large beast for a single engine plane

[@Tactical_Tism]

I got to crawl through one. It's amazing and BIG

[@davidmurphy8190]

There was a TBM-3 at the VFW hall on a long concrete strip along with a F-84F Thunderstreak and F-94C Starfire. They were systematically ravaged by vandals over the years and were eventually scrapped. Still love those three warbirds.

[@edwardbennett2312]

Thank you again Kermit.

[@RXRSawdustStation]

I would have been tempted to toss HW the keys and turn my back ;-) Great video! Thank you for offering it up! All the very best!

[@paulslevinsky580]

Reading about Bush getting plucked out of the water by a submarine just before getting blown onto Chichi Jima was a pivotal moment in my understanding of historical events. Bush, son of Prescott Bush (the mastermind behind a failed American coupe), CIA director, 41st President, father of the 43rd President, Skull and Bones, Crowley(???). The Wright Brothers flew in 1903 and Armstrong stepped on the moon 66 years later. Hafele and Keating proved time travel was possible in 1971 and the most utterly remarkable coincidence occurred just 37 years prior. What are the odds? If there were ever a need to charge the flux capacitors and light the tires on the DeLorean...that was it.

[@David-uy6ch]

Awesome

[@David-uy6ch]

Awesome

[@Arch007]

👍😎👍

[@ihatecrackhead]

that lawnmower has it's blade on sideways

[@renehettinga6610]

Wow, great to see it flying, I use to see it all the time parked outside getting weathered.. you probably don't remember me Kermit but I use to talk to you in the Miami museum, mostly discussed WW2 aircraft and u were surprised by my luftwaffe knowledge.. "I would love to paint the me 109 when it's done".. I rarely see a restored one accurately painted..

[@rexmyers991]

First TBM I saw (in person) was in Casper, Wyoming in 1964. It was set up to drop slurry on forest fires (on contract with the Dept. of The Interior). It was painted an ugly color of yellow with large patches of paint peeling off. I thought it was the ugliest airplane I had ever seen. The pilot was standing there with an artist brush in hand. He had just painted (in 14” high letters) the name of his ship - Phyllis Diller. Sad note: several weeks later the engine quit on a training flight, crashed on top of Casper Mountain. All perished.

[@ColeAviation]

Every time I see or hear of a TBM Avenger I think about those that lost their lives in 🇺🇸Flight 19🇺🇸God rest their souls. Great video Kermit!!! Beautiful flying!!

[@MililaniJag]

Permission to buzz the tower?!?!?!

[@deadendfriends1975]

That 109 needs to be uncrated !

[@KermitWeeks444]

It’s going together at an off site facility. Check out my Facebook page for some recent photo posts.

[@deadendfriends1975]

@@KermitWeeks444 terrific news !

[@ednesbit2988]

Is when you all flew it during the Thanksgiving holiday a few years ago????? This plane is a beast one of my favorite warbirds that and your a-26 I c

[@massmike11]

I remember standing next to an Avenger and just being agog at how large it was. Grummen never did anything by halves.

[@toddeaton3269]

Most crash tested of all assuring best survivability... Still a friend & passenger bailed out of one recently over the Apache national forest, and still haven't heard of it being found (despite a reward offered for finding it)!

[@sneak6654]

CAVU to former President George HW Bush. 🇺🇸