I Flew Over America's Most Desolate Land

[@charlesabdouch3052]

Ryan, you might check the vents. Higher air pressure on one side can cause that side to feed faster. We see this mainly on planes with a single vent and a cross-feed that the tank with the vent drains about 20% faster. It could be that the left vent is aligned with the airflow better than the right side and getting higher pressure. You may be able to test this by twisting the left side slightly, or covering it with a thin cloth to reduce the airflow into it. An easy check is swap the fuel caps around and see if the problem moves with the cap

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

I did do a blow check and they felt the same

[@ugahenne]

Top character trait as a pilot is to acknowledge the fact that you have a lot to learn. Safe flying!

[@tobytoxd]

Yes, that's what i was thinking, too. Great pilot and attitude :)

[@BryanNichols]

I love how good you are at coms. You may be a “novice” at tail wheel but you’re definitely an expert in most of the other departments! Good luck on your journey!

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

I appreciate that!

[@ssnerd583]

Ryan, I am 60yo and have never been jealous of anyone or anything....until now. You are living the life I dreamed of and would have wanted to live, but couldn't/didn't. I have already decided to get my private pilot ticket, thanks to you, at some point in the near future, but I am too old to follow the path that I would have wanted to.

[@dbucciar]

Do it! No excuses! Find a good flight school and get your discovery flight. That’s what I did in July 2021, and I’m scheduled for my FAA private pilot checkride in November. I’m 60 years old, same as you.

[@ssnerd583]

@@dbucciar ......yeah....I have only one thing that can stop me, really. The physical. We'll see how that goes.

[@dbucciar]

Understandable. Sending positive vibes your way, good luck.

[@ssnerd583]

@@dbucciar ....and my best wished to you, too DJ.....us more experienced guys gotta step up and show that we can still do it.

[@robertmac5352]

I am 68 and am flying my dream job. It is not too late.

[@ryanawilson8549]

On the next episode. Ryan installs sun visors.

[@gabrielcastro4935]

I love the direction your channel has been going recently. I love the PNG content and the experiences that brings, but this is easier to relate to and the views/locations brings me closer in a way. Keep doing whatever makes you happy and I will be along for the ride!

[@ToddsDiscGolf]

Super happy you bought a Kitfox! I bought Parallel 42’s FreedomFox bundle and have loved flying the Kitfox SO much

[@iang.8601]

Ryan, sounds like your having fun.Keep an eye on those fuel tanks. I agree with the other gents comments, try changing fuel caps over. Stay safe my friend.

[@GabrielCox]

I'm expecting to see you land at Trent Palmer's house any moment 😀 -- then spend the rest of the day talking Kitfox! Looking forward to seeing this content. The PNG content has been just amazing, and I love the toggle switch checklist -- simple and genius! I'm thinking of putting one on my boat.

[@Jigsaw407]

That's something that definitely should happen at some point down the line!

[@rubenrempel2587]

I agree on that too

[@JeremySpeer]

It's very cool to you cruising the Oregon Outback. I do 90% of my sim flying in a Kodiak all around where you were... mostly because there are lots of Flight Sim Economy trips to be had. Great stuff.

[@squatch2461]

Spending time out there, on the ground, is humbling. I knew exactly where you were talking about as soon as I read the title.

[@Jason-Black]

Enjoying this journey, and I like the humility you show as a fairly high-time pilot who genuinely sounds cautious about flying a tailwheel airplane.

[@1d10talert]

an overabundance of caution with a 'new' plane is never a bad thing

[@jimchuk8511]

I didn't read all the comments, so likely this has been mentioned, but with the 4 Avid Flyers, and 2 Kitfoxes I've owned and flown, I only run on one wing tank at a time. That will stop any fuel transfer from one wing tank to the other. I see you have valves in the fuel lines between the wing tanks and header tank. Also, if you don't have a low fuel warning float switch in your header tank that will trigger an alarm light in the panel, that is a good idea to have. When the light starts flashing, you have a gallon of fuel left before the quiet sets in. Jim

[@danbeck6741]

Two things to check. Make sure the ram air vents in the fuel caps are facing directly forward. The other thing that causes it in my Kitfox is flying uncoordinated. Hope this helps!

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

thanks for the tips

[@rumbear1]

@@MissionaryBushPilot There is a header tank behind the seat. The wings flow into the header then to the engine. Dan is correct, uncoordinated flight will cause what looks like an uneven burn. Kick the ball around and watch your gauges!

[@janedr6400]

Really love watching your videos. It takes me away from all the doom and gloom of the news.

[@geoffmatero]

Love seeing you in my neighborhood. Blessings.

[@kevinryan739]

fly straight. If you fly with any amount of ball on either side, fuel can (and does) cross flow from one tank to another. This appears as if fuel is being preferentially being burn from one side.

[@johnboller7621]

Me too...bush will miss the people he flew before. Sure more is to come!

[@cameronwick]

Getting to follow along with you on this new journey is exceptional aviation content, and a real treat. Here’s wishing clear skies and tail-winds to you brother!

[@IanFlyer100]

Nice series of videos, thank you. Once something has gone wrong, it niggles away for a while after. Hope you enjoy your new toy! 😀

[@randyerickson2568]

Following your flight with prayer from Thailand. God bless.

[@scambuster1172]

Ryan you are definitely in your element and are having a blast it seems! so happy for you, can't wait to see you join some group flights landing at tiny strips!

[@David-vf9de]

sounds like a cross feed vent problem. Once at altitude, switch to the tank that seems to stay full just to make sure you have access to that fuel. have a safe flight and tailwinds in both directions :)

[@handoromper7987]

This is brilliant stuff. I fly MSFS 2020 and it’s just like this flight without the stress of a sus fuel tank. 👍🏻

[@brianrhodes9366]

Once you get those modifications done, there are 3 guys that would be fantastic collaboration videos with. You MUST head up to Mike Patey, he's not far from your home base, and that man is a force of inspiration! Also Kevin Quinn and Trent Palmer for off airport training in the back country. I'd love to see you do some videos with those guys!!! Enjoy the plane Ryan, thanks for so much great content!

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Thats my plan

[@brianrhodes9366]

@@MissionaryBushPilot those will be epic!! God Bless Ryan 🙏

[@kd5nrh]

Take a cue from the crop dusters and strap a Wright Cyclone on that critter. Might only have a couple minutes of fuel, but you'd make a lot of power before you ran dry.

[@ChiliStyles]

This content is just as good to watch as your PNG content. I miss seeing the villages but every video you put out I will watch. I’m used to my sr-20 and a 172 and some smaller planes. It’s nice to see how you transition from a turboprop to small experimental.

[@jonathanspruell5753]

I spent a few days at the Bend airport. I bought my bush plane from a couple guys there that built it.

[@snowblazed3442]

Hey Ryan, Would be awesome if you capture the planned mods for bush flying on the video. Looking forward to your adventures!

[@rsdw1190]

Great video and fantastic looking trip. If it is any consolation we used to have the exact same issue with our venerable C177 - gravity fed. Fuel would start to feed from one tank only usually due to an early bank after take-off then it continued from that side with the crossfill picking up from the other - always made us nervous as one fuel gauge would start to run down faster than the other! Happy flying....

[@danielprinsloo2917]

Ryan , an absolute WELL DONE to you, I am super happy that you have accomplished your dream. Be safe and continue to be blessed. And to all those who are not posting the best comments , be blessed too.

[@brianballard1729]

Good aircraft for the wide open spaces of Australia... Best wishes, Brian & Pearl...

[@w0schmidt]

With over 400 hours on Cubs, Super Cubs and nearly 200 on De-Havilland Beaver, I get you. The P & W 350 BHP engine was comforting. I had a lot of fun to be flying taildraggers. It improved my flying out a sight. Principles Of Flight rules !! OK the moment you hop in. You do learn why you have to use your feet. Now how about demoing a wheel landing. Have fun.

[@FunPlacesToFly]

Excellent new series with the Kitfox. Keep it up!

[@darylh8657]

Now that you do have your own airplane, you can now mod it to incorporate a 5V system to power all your cameras, phones, tablets, and other accessories.

[@NathanElcoate]

Awesome, Ryan! Look forward to following these new adventures!

[@philchimbolo]

Congrats on the purchase Ryan! Definitely enjoying the new content! Your enjoyment of the aircraft is obvious! I'd be curious to know if you keep in contact with the team in PNG, and how they're doing. Keep the vids coming!

[@bmontgomery746]

Awww. Man!!!! I live in Bend!!!! Unfortunately I was probably visiting my son and grandkids in Boston when you came through…. But it would have been great to see you…

[@damonmcknight]

You got me to get the Kodiak for Flight Simulator.. After watching the last couple of your videos and looking at other videos of this plane I'm gonna have to buy the Kit Fox from Orbx for the game and take it for a spin around the Great Lakes since I can't actually afford to fly a real plane... Anyway, I've been a fan for ages even if I don't comment often and I'm loving the new content in the US and can't wait to see what exciting videos you make now that you're home State-side with this wonderful little plane you've got now!

[@lrparrish227]

Loved the flight so happy for you getting that plane very cool.

[@markbarrett7520]

I enjoyed seeing the open county side you flew over. The mods you will be doing will definitely be good for a bush plane. I'm looking forward to seeing more back country landings and exploring. Thanks Ryan! Great video.

[@bryansfamtime112]

We’re so excited for you and your new to you plane.🎉 Thank you for sharing your experience’s here in the state’s, we love all your videos. God Bless!

[@patrickheavirland3599]

Hello from Minnesota!! Great episode!

[@joerobilotta2199]

This is so fun to watch, can't wait. Thanks Ryan.

[@K1W1fly]

Uneven tank feed is very common on little aircraft like this. If you are aware of it and plan accordingly its not a big issue. Can be caused by tiny variations in fuel venting etc, you can chase the cause for ages, or you can manage it and get on with flying. Good, fun flying!

[@christophed4579]

Your aircraft is really elegant.

[@robfive2555]

Another excellent video. . Thanks Ryan

[@alexanderirungu5626]

Good camera work and excellent flying skills 👍., Congratulations my brother 👏👏

[@StevenKelley]

Landing on river beds would be my end goal. So much fun!

[@lrparrish227]

Be safe and have fun!

[@jesusgomezcanada7169]

Te deseo que tengas mucha suerte en esta nueva aventura........I wish you the best of luck in this new adventure.

[@michaelyoungTheAV8TOR]

I am loving this fresh content you are putting out right now! I hope it continues like this.

[@Jack-ne8vm]

Thanks for the ride.

[@kam70111]

Thank you, Ryan. This hip-hopping is also fun.

[@samuelpolden5207]

I'm so excited! this has been awesome 👌

[@stoutmasta]

I wish I knew you were in Fallon. Only about an hour from Reno. Amazing area you will learn to love as you spend more time around it. Are you only VFR right now and where are you based out of? Miss the kodiak? Such and extreme from what you were doing but so happy you are keeping the channel alive! Hoping to have my private in the next few years. You are an inspiration to me.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

yes VFR only in the Kitfox. I"m out of kingman az

[@CC_FPV]

I love these videos. Keep them coming and stay safe.

[@waldoinaz]

That terrain below you reminds me so much of Papau New Guinea…except it is totally different.

[@grantgarlington7ACDriver]

You are taking to that Kit Fox like duck to water! This is super fun to tag along with you

[@Vansaircraftbuilders]

Can't wait to see the fat tires! Great Video!

[@MrMarkguth]

I had a c150a and flew it around western Queensland, with 84 litres useable and 90 kts, I had to get used to looking at small figures and any diversion due weather could easily end up costing me valuable fuel, and not every airfield here has fuel

[@grahamhosking8148]

Ryan you should check out Trent Palmer's channel.. He flies a kit fox near Reno Nevada..Enjoy! I used to tow gliders with a Super Cub and a Pawnee..Tailwheels are awesome

[@idktbh7108]

i finally landed at jarrs in waxhaw. short and narrow but so beautiful.

[@edmoore3910]

I would definitely ditch them caps.

[@paulliebenberg3410]

Try flying from the right seat and see if the left tank begins reading low, it may be that your weight is causing a slight bank to the side you're sitting on.

[@bushtherapy7655]

Looks like real fun flying ryan

[@Captndarty]

It’s quite normal to have one wing drain more than the other. Happens on mine all the time especially if it’s not flying perfectly coordinated. Different lengths and hoses too. Can have an effect on how much fuel gets pushed into the header or cross feeds too another tank.

[@ewathoughts8476]

The fuel caps seem to have small pitot tubes facing forward. I guess that is to pressurize the tanks so fuel feeds to the engine. If that is so, then if one tube may be partially blocked or smaller than the other, and the air pressure will make a pressure imbalance and the higher pressure tank will cross feed the fuel to the opposite tank. Isn't there a crossfeed valve you can control to test this situation? If there are just 2 shutoff valves, make sure the engine runs from each tank independently. Then you can select to feed from the fuller of the tanks. Sometimes prop wash can cause one tank to receive more bleed air than the other.

[@MiloFortin]

Loving the Kitfox, Ryan! After so many years flying the Kodiak and really having that nailed down, what is it like to be learning something new (tailwheel)? I'd imagine its pretty invigorating and brings back good memories of learning how to fly.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Yes I always love learning something nee

[@jscomputerservicesanpcpart5772]

looks like a great flight mate. Have fun \o/

[@skyepilotte11]

I love your new stateside content alinf with your new wings...looking forward to all your videos.

[@bdshort]

Enjoying seeing you learn the new plane and look forward to whatever adventures you have with it!

[@onthemark40]

Awesome video Ryan. It is going to be great watching you become more proficient and confident with Kitfox to do off field landings. Do you have a 12volt plug-in so you can charge your GoPro camera? You can also buy a small portable charger which are very handy. Does the Kitfox have a retractable sun shade you can install like the Van’s aircraft?

[@clifffoster4733]

Headed to Fallon next week. I look forward to your comments on that airfield, since this will be my first flight through the high desert as well. KGNB to KGOO.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Not much is there. I landed on the gravel runway due to a strong crosswind.

[@malekodesouza7255]

Eastern WA and OR are relatively dry and flat. Once you cross the Cascade mountains…it’s boringly mundane.

[@rob_smith]

That is a beautiful (but very desolate) area to fly! I just flew from Bend along that exact same route in August in a Cessna 150, landing at Black Rock City. Lakeview was my fuel stop too, not many airports with services out there! You mentioned needing a better headset which makes sense, that headset isn't designed for loud piston airplanes. If you like in-ear headsets I've been happy with the CQ1, and it is half the price of a Bose which is nice.

[@amamascoffee3440]

loving following this journey! Thanks for letting us ride along.

[@OzzyInSpace]

So glad to be along for the experience and journey with this new aviation chapter. So cool! Thanks for sharing!!

[@kingfisch]

I'm enjoying your journey! I've driven highway 93 thru Nevada many times, so I am familiar with the area. Praying for a safe flight!🙏

[@joeroscillo4015]

Congrats on your own plain! Your enjoying the type of flying, I like! Great videos!

[@flashbazbo3932]

Try holding the stick with your fingers instead of a whole "fist." Fingertip gives you more feel and limits over control. Safe trip and fun adventures! Godspeed.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

thanks for the tip

[@ryanhostetler9437]

Uneven fuel is common, probably normal. Mine are never the same. Great video.

[@Jigsaw407]

I love that you are still very humble about your flying experience even though you flew that big Kodiak into some very insane strips back in PNG. Following you journey getting to know the Kitfox better will be fun!

[@rogerhankins9991]

Thanks for taking us along on your adventure Ryan. My first cross country was to Lakeview. Looks like the runway is in better shape than it was in 1985.

[@dfurtman]

Shame you weren't able to fly out to Reno to fly around with another well known kitfox vlogger, Trent Palmer. Loving your content!

[@Bill3558]

Nice to see you back here in the states. I fly a Rotax and have been to classes on them . Glad to answer any questions. It’s great motor. You just have to get used to that high rpm drone.

[@tobytoxd]

Congratulations on your new Bird! Looks like great fun!

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Thank you!

[@groningenparanormaal3642]

I guess a first ride along video with you're son in this plane would be fun to see his reaction :) Nice video again, save travels!

[@rickpellicciotti]

I had a RANS S-6 that did the same thing. It was nerve racking at first. I spent a lot of time circling the airport proving to myself that once one side was empty, it would draw from the remaining tank and not quit. I fiddled a lot with vents, making sure I was flying with the ball centered and so forth. The only way I ever got it to work was to install a shutoff valve in the one tank (in your case the left) feed line. I would burn down the other tank (right) and when it got low, turn the left tank valve on. Interestingly, I built another S-6 and it did not have the problem. Go figure.

[@Oz_Gnarly_One]

I wasn't sure if this next part of your life was going to be as good as PNG. So far it's been great. I wish you many safe flights in the future and look forward to you next instalment.

[@gottagetaname]

Awesome as always!

[@BushbabypilotSA]

Hey Ryan, good to see you are having a blast with your new plane. We have a stack of fun with ours here in South Africa. What happens with the fuel is that when you have a cross wind during en route phase the fuel flow favors one side over the other. So when ever your ball is not centered you can expect this in the fuel flow. Like you I also fly for a living and use the bushplane to enjoy the stick and rudder side and keep the hand flying skills in check. Check out one of my videos to see what fun we have with our bushplanes in South Africa. Cheers Trevor

[@kenmcleod8618]

That plane is so cool!

[@markstoll9636]

look into a constant speed propeller i think it will or can increase your cruise speed.

[@danbudd1046]

Thank you

[@mikecoffee100]

No Ignition , Condition here but good ol fashioned VFR Flight

[@MichaelWillems]

Funny, I was a passenger on a flight from Toronto to San Diego in August, and I marveled at the same desolate landscape. I’m not sure how happy of need in a single engined experimental aircraft, though.

[@godfreyduncan7783]

Your plane looks alot of fun to fly Ryan, safe journey

[@Reeltinyphish]

Ryan and CitationMax both new videos on the same day! Yay!