HVE to Hidden Splendor

[@flintstonefly]

It brings back memories, I built and flew a Harmon Rocket for a few years. A real thrill, But I'm old now and enjoy your ride, Thank You.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@Fred LaForge. Hi Fred, good to hear from you. Impressive that you built yours, I bought mine completed. I’m frequently reminded that my own flying days are numbered. In fact, that’s one of my motivations to make these videos. Just to record the memories of good times. I spent about 8 1/2 years in the military, and I might have two pictures. I thought those days would last forever. Most painful is, I don’t have a picture of the F-16 with my name painted on the side. So I make these videos in hopes of enjoying them someday and hope that others like you will enjoy them to. Thanks for checking in.

[@ToddDunning]

One of the best flying vids on YT period.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@Todd Dunning. Hi Todd. Thanks, that area is one of my favorite places to fly. I should get my butt in gear and get another video out. Thanks for watching.

[@mikethompson7406]

I would LOVE to get my PPL. I flew a Diamond DA-20 for my intro flight. I wish I could afford to get my PPL, it would be the most awesome thing I've ever accomplished, I think. Thank you for sharing this, we're headed to The Maze next month, looking forward to seeing this beautiful land, even if just from the ground.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@Mike Thompson. Hey Mike, should be amazing from the ground also. I couldn’t afford my license either. But every time I had a few bucks, I’d go get another lesson. Took a while, but eventually got it. I’ll be heading back down there soon, been waiting for my buddy to get his plane fixed. Have fun.

[@erniejessop9125]

I sure do love watching your videos. Super amazing!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@Ernie Jessop Thanks Ernie. That Southern Utah is an amazing place. As soon as it cools off I’m going to head back down there with my backcountry plane. Going to try taking the door off my 185 and see if I can get some good video with my big camera.

[@erniejessop7304]

@wheelsinthesky I used to live near St George and had a Cessna 172 and a 210 I moved back to my Bitterroot Valley MT home and now I’m flying a Mooney. If you’re ever up this way and want a co-pilot to go over the Selway wilderness with, look me up I would love to fly with you!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@erniejessop9125. Hey Ernie, I’ll hang on to your contact. I was up that way a few weeks ago. Probably head back to Idaho soon.

[@gary3283]

Beautiful !!!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@gary3283. Hi Gary, nothing like a flight thru the desert! Flying in Southern Utah is why I picked up a high wing, so I could land at some of those cool airstrips.

[@RV4aviator]

Brilliant again mate..! Superb production and Flying. ! BTW... I just tested my smoke system in my 4... Works well ... Paraffin oil , and a little extra secret ingredients....Cheers...Luv your Rocket...!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@RV4aviator. Hey Dave, thanks. Good to hear your smoke is working good. I like mine to, we attacked a train in the desert Saturday, I smoked the locomotive down low real good, hope they enjoyed it! I like flying down there in Southern Utah, that’s why I bought a backcountry plane. We go airplane camping down there a lot.

[@Alex-gj5ou]

Романтика !👍👍👍

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@Alex 005. Yes, I hope it never ends! Good to hear from you!

[@danielbasovitch5087]

Incredible Scenery ! It's most pilot's dream to fly around canyons and rivers as in this video! Anyway it's always been MY dream flight. My canyon is the Hudson river corridor flight in NYC, have done that dozens of times and still can't get enough of it.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hi Daniel. That was one of my most memorable flights. I’d like to go back down there this weekend in my 185 and camp and explore, If I can find another person with a backcountry plane to go with me. I’ve been thinking about it all summer. I always thought the Hudson river Corredor was pretty, especially at night. I use to go in and out of LaGuardia quite a bit.

[@propstrik3]

These are my favorite aviation videos by far. Love the Rocket

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@Dallas Drake. Thanks Dallas. Glad you enjoy them. I’ll try to put up more soon.

[@airbornCH]

"falling rocks hazard" flying an airplane... love it!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Lol. A new hazard ! That canyon really gets your attention. Thanks airbornCH.

[@KeithCreedy]

Hi Wheels, just dropping a comment to let you know how much I enjoy your flying videos. Your videos are filmed and edited in a way that allows me to enjoy them for the same reasons why I enjoy flying. Looking forward to the next one.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Thanks Keith. I haven’t done one for a while, but will start again soon. Thanks for letting me know you enjoy them.

[@wiljam1968]

As I like to say, don’t do a rejoin with your shadow. Great video!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Lol. Hi wiljam1968. Yep. So many hazards…and we still do it. It’s not a mission requirement- but we still do it. We know the risks, we try to be smart- but we do it anyway! We’re always discussing contingencies and backups. But in the end, it is so much safer flying higher. By all definitions, we’re old guys that should be out fishing. Thanks for watching, I’ll keep a safe distance from my shadow!

[@jcheck6]

LOL good one wiljam! Once on a night AAR lead tried to rejoin on Venus vs the -135. After that we got smart and plugged right at official sunset.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@@jcheck6 Lol. Yeah, we had a guy rejoin on a train in the desert. After that all night rejoins you had to keep a radar lock- and check altitude and speed.

[@jcheck6]

@@WheelsInTheSky At least you radar, our RF-4C's radar was ground mapping/TFR only.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@@jcheck6 I didn’t know that. But the F4 was sure cool. I’d sure like to fly the new stuff they’ve got now days!

[@ravimohil8969]

Getting my Carbon Cub FX3 in March; can't wait to discover all these backcountry airstrips. Keep these beautiful videos coming!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@ravi mohil. That’s awesome!! If your in the area, let me know. I just picked up a Husky up in Toronto and flew it home last week. I should have the new N numbers on by next week and hopefully a US airworthiness certificate the following week. I can’t wait to take it down to southern Utah. I just took my 185 to a place down there called Mexican Mountain, pretty cool! Then there’s another spot called Temple Mountain, if I can find some other flyers I’ll go there this weekend. Thanks for checking in. Congratulations on the Carbon Cub!

[@ravimohil8969]

@@WheelsInTheSky What airport are you based out of in SLC?

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@@ravimohil8969 I’m at Bountiful SkyPark- KBTF You should be getting that Carbon Cub soon! We should have some nice days in March.

[@ravimohil8969]

@@WheelsInTheSky Yes, getting delivery on the 7th, but then I have to put 40 hours within a 70 mile radius of Yakima as per FAA requirements. My intended route back to Chicago was going to be through Grand Junction, Co; thought I'd swing by KBTF; will keep you posted.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@@ravimohil8969 Yeah, keep me posted. 70 hrs around Yakima will be fun! There’s a couple places around the Cascades I’ve been wanting to check out. I can’t remember the name of the strip. I’ll look it up. I remember you make your approach over a lake and then turn around and takeoff over the lake.

[@thomasgreen1688]

Thanks for sharing Chris! Beautiful scenery and beautiful F1 and 185. 👍🏻

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Thomas Green, Hi Thomas, thanks you very much. That’s called Hidden Splendor, one of the most amazing places. I’ve been waiting all summer for it to cool off enough to go back in my 185 and land. It was spectacular getting out and walking around there with those huge cliffs.

[@timothyirvine2842]

Great trip, thanks

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@Timothy Irvine. Hi Timothy, Thanks for watching. I had the best time that day.

[@darrenkerns2478]

Outstanding video again. I could watch your flights all day long. Stay safe my friend!!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hi Darren. Thanks for those kind comments. So glad you enjoyed it.

[@jcheck6]

@@WheelsInTheSky Beautiful countryside. Wished I had considered your area for retirement but being a NERD hadn't really thought about it. I think my FP O-360 -8 would be underpowered in the high country. Thanks for producing these great vids.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@@jcheck6 Thanks . SLC has its good and not so good. But the wide range of scenery is incredible. Just the other day I took a friend flying through the mountains and forests, then out in the desert in an area we call Little Sahara. Amazing sand dunes.

[@CaptainCharlieBravo]

I’m really enjoying your videos. I’m in the process of building an RV-14 and can’t wait to do some flying like this. Keep em comin!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Thanks Captain Charlie Bravo. That RV14 is really something to look forward to !!

[@vincentmolloy5660]

Very nice video. Love the low level high speed stuff. No rolls in this one😲.. maybe next time. Fly safe😉

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hi Vincent Malloy. Thanks, glad you liked it. Yeah, I should of done at least one roll !

[@jamesriordan7]

Great video once again Wheels!! Hope to see you down here around Kanab sometime!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hi James. Thanks. I’m going to hike Hidden Splendor as soon as it cools off. I’ll let you know, maybe can come over.

[@reckemroysrc3764]

Awesome ride thanks for taking me along good job explaining how you keep your eyes on the ball at all times hope to see some videos from Idaho and the 185. Thanks wheels 👍👍😎👊✌

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hey Reckem Roys RC. Thanks. I figure we all need a reminder once in a while. I just got back from camping up in Idaho. Getting ready to head back next week, so I’ll make sure to get some video.

[@rainasavage3613]

Amazing!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hi Raina! So glad you liked it. So much fun! Me and Ben took the 185 to Idaho last week for four days and landed at several small strips. Hope to go back this weekend. Can’t wait to camp out at Hidden Splendor and hike that canyon as soon as it cools off some.

[@watchfordpilot]

Great video, beautiful countryside. As you rightly point out, beware task saturation ;) Cheers!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hi Watchfordpilot, good to hear from you. Thanks. For some reason I felt compelled to throw in that comment, just as a reminder for us all. It seems that accidents happen when they’re the furthest thing on our minds. Glad you watched. That sure was a fun day!

[@drummondgrinalds1524]

That’s one of your best! I was also thinking of your judgement after T&G on 17 - fortunately you’re flying Rocket! Hope to see some scenes from ID if you bring plane up there. Drum

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Thanks Drum. That was such a fun day !! Glad you liked it. I’ll be sure to get some video of Idaho.

[@davidpeters5362]

You fly in some WILD countryside!!!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@David Peters. I’m reminded every day just how luck I am. We like to use our Rocket to scout out new places. Then return in our slow backcountry planes and land. Right now we can’t imagine life being any better than this!!!

[@erikpmort]

Awesome

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@erikpmort. Thanks. Glad you liked it. The weather is supposed to be nice this next week,. So I’m hoping to head back down there. It’s an amazing place. So many sights to see.

[@shannonnickoloff6138]

Hidden splendor.... Fantastic 😊 fyi chris .. no music played... Not necessarily needed... But thought u may want to know....hope you enjoy your trips to PNW!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hi Shannon. Thanks. Yeah, I didn’t use any music. But, since you mention it, I’ll give it a try.

[@shannonnickoloff6138]

@@WheelsInTheSky the video said music playing.... It would be awesome n fun to find just the right lyrics n music to fit....

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Wow, I didn’t know it said that! I’m not real musically inclined, but I’m going to give it a try soon. In fact, a friend of mine composed some music for me. So, I guess I need to build a video to fit it! Lol My friends and I are taking four airplanes to Oshkosh Wisconsin early in the morning, so I’m off to bed. good night.

[@josesbox9555]

I’m thinking of driving out there in my van. Camping for a night.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@joses box. That would be really cool. Plus, on your van, you could take more gear with you.

[@garryhewes5153]

Really enjoying your videos. Will you be at Oshkosh 2021?

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hi Gary, thanks. Yeah, four of us are planning on heading out on the 26th, 3 Rockets and a Cessna 310. Be in the camping section. Can’t wait. You going?

[@garryhewes5153]

@@WheelsInTheSky Yes, I served in the Blacksheep 214 squadron in the Marines in the 80s, I am picking up 2 Marine buddies flying in to Chicago on the way to Oshkosh.They are pilots as well. I am looking to order a RV8 and stumbled on your videos. Probably watched all of them now. Fly safe

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@@garryhewes5153 That’s great, I really like the RV8. I almost went Marines, (PLC 1977), but went in the AF in 81. See you at Oshkosh!

[@fredhassett8390]

Another great video. I look forward to them so much. That land is so different than what we see here in South Carolina and it is a treat to see it at such a low level. I’m going to watch this video many times. Thumbs up on your safety reminders. What size tires are you running on your 185? Take care in Idaho.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hi Fred Hassett. Thanks so much for the kind comments. Yes, that land in southern Utah looks like another planet. It just amazes me every time I go down there. I just got the 185 March 30th. It has 8.50’s, should work for the time being. Last week me and my 17 yr old boy took it to Idaho. It was worth buying it just to spend 4 days with him!! Planning on going back on the 9th of July. Hope to get some good video this time. Thanks again!

[@AnthonyPuca]

Would love to see TAS and VSI readouts on that bird as you fly it.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@Anthony Puca. Yeah, that would be cool. I’ve seen guys do that. I run a G3X, I’ll have to see what it would take to get that info recorded.

[@AnthonyPuca]

@@WheelsInTheSky I'm building a fast RV-10 and wondering how it will compare to what the Harmons can do. I live outside Denver so similar DA challenges.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@Anthony Puca. I would imagine it would be pretty comparable. I find that extra power is more noticeable in the climb than in gaining extra airspeed. I’m sure you’ll love that 10

[@thomasaltruda]

Is it a little too rough to land 5 inch tires?

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@Thomas Altruda. Yes is is. So many amazing backcountry airstrips though, you really need two airplanes. One to go explore from the air and one to come back and land.

[@tinolino58]

Very inspiring! 🌈

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Thanks Martin. Amazing scenery. Can’t wait to go back and hike thru that first canyon !

[@experimental_av]

Amazing video as always. What is the difference between an F1 Rocket and a Harmon Rocket if you don't mind me asking?

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hi Jan. Not a lot of difference. The Harmon is more of an RV4 that has been modified and the F1 is a different kit with RV4 wings. They both have a Lycoming IO540. Usually you will see the Harmon with a 2 blade prop and the F1 with a 3 blade. A few differences to the fuselage. The F1 has a little longer nose. I need to S turn a lot when taxing my F1 to see, whereas in the Harmon I can see over the nose when taxing. Thanks for your comments. I had such a good time at Hidden Splendor just checking it out. Can't wait till it cools off so I can go back in the 185 and camp and hike that canyon !

[@experimental_av]

@@WheelsInTheSky Thanks for the info. Enjoy your camping trip!

[@askee2572]

I’m thinking the same thing

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@askee2572. Yeah. I went up to Idaho 3 times this last summer. Twice in the 185 and once I’m my Husky. Nothing like it!!

[@danblumel]

What 360 camera is that ? What's the cost ?

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hey Dan, I use the “Insta 360 one X2”. I believe they cost about $430. When GoPro comes out with a new 360 camera, I’ll try try one. But right now their GoPro Max is a couple years old and I didn’t think it was as good as the new Insta. I used one for a couple weeks and sent it back to GoPro. Thanks for watching.

[@scarter176]

Quite a bit of bouncing, is that turbulence?

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@sreve Carter. Hi Steve, it’s always bumpy in the summer afternoons. Plus, that camera is out on a long pole. But the in camera stabilization works pretty good. Also, I’m not a professional photographer, I’m just luck I know how to turn on this camera.

[@stephanstrydom8608]

That was so “Lekkerrrrrrrr”😄

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hi Stephan. Thanks for watching. I’m glad you liked it

[@Jack-ne8vm]

2:16 engine out willys !

[@WheelsInTheSky]

Hi Jack. It’s always on my mind. Although I didn’t think it was that good ?? I’ve pulled the power a few times and zoomed, simulating engine out. I pull the prop control back, it does help a lot. I’ve tried 70, 80 and 90kts. I wish I had an ejection seat. In the end, birds, wires and engine fail are the hazards of flying low. Thanks for watching. Good comment.

[@billbinnings4347]

Breathtaking scenery by air, no doubt about it. BUT....not as breathtaking as an engine failure !! Just sayin'.

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@Bill Binnings. Hi Bill. Yep, that’s certainly a risk to keep in mind when flying low. There are a few ways to mitigate the risk, but it’s still a risk. Thanks for checking in.

[@billbinnings4347]

@@WheelsInTheSky Yes...I was a CFI-I and stressed having an "out" to my students. Some of those canyons and landscapes are tough !!

[@WheelsInTheSky]

@Bill Binnings. Yeah, some of that terrain is just plain scary!! We talk about an escape route regularly while flying. Lately we’ve been discussing getting helmets just to increase our odds in a crash landing. But you have a good point and I may discuss a few considerations in future videos, just so everyone understands the risks.