EPIC SOLO Cross-Country Flight in a Waco YMF-5

Finally! Here's Part 3 of the EPIC Cross-Country Flight of the Waco YMF-5 from Casa Grande, Arizona to its new home at Fantasy of Flight in Orlampa, Florida. It's been a long time coming, but after weeks and weeks of epic edit sessions, befitting the project . . . many, many hours of tweaking footage, adding maps, adding photos and doing layered voice-overs . . . it's finally here! We think the effort was more than worth it, as we have produced not only an engrossing flight adventure of the Waco across America, but I think we have also reemphasized and reinforced the basic tenets of my "BRAND" in the content of this video . . .
For those of you that don’t yet comprehend what I am trying to do with Fantasy of Flight, you’ll get a taste of it at the ending. Fantasy of Flight is NOT about airplanes, it’s about flight of the Human Spirit, where we will use airplanes, and great stories of aviation, to tell timeless stories of the Human Experience!
Hope you enjoy the video.
Kermit
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe with link above for notification of future Kermit Weeks videos.
Follow Kermit on Facebook...
/ kermitweeks
Watch all the other Kermit Weeks videos and Kermie Cam's here...
/ kermitweeks444
--------------------------------------------------------------------
We welcome and appreciate the comments of our viewers. Voice your opinion freely and have fun, but please keep the comments civil. We won't allow name calling, bullying or foul language.
Thanks for watching and making our channel possible.
Kermit Weeks

[@Grossman2868]

I think we all who are viewing this series are the people who would have come out to see the plane and pilot. Great job Kermit, loved every minute of it!

[@Leesbiz52]

That was fun to ride along! Reminds me of my solo trip in my Ryan P.T.-22 back in 1976 from Mobile Al. to Orlando. It was January and it was 22 degrees outside! Two long johns, 4 sweatshirts, and a flight suit over that with a jacket on top of that and a ski mask under my helmet. Unforgettable.

[@russellharris5072]

Very pleased to see you were packin' silk Kermit and a backup chart..........................

[@Curiosity-NZ]

Kermit is very qualified in visual IFR (I Follow Roads). Safest form of IFR to be had. An excellent series, Kermit.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

Strange no one came out to greet you, and sad how things change. I’m 52 and to this day, I still want a window seat on any plane like I’m still a kid. I’ve watched a ton of your videos, but this is easily one of my top favorites. I enjoyed taking this trip with you so much.

[@darylpickett2580]

Got checked out in a Cessna 206 at Crestview airport back in 1974. Then a day or so later took the 206 along with 5 other folks and cross country to Kissimmee Fl and spent the day at Walt Disney World, On the way back to Crestview we stopped at Deland, Fl stayed the night and then on Sunday flew back to Crestview. Did my first night time landing during the flight down to Kissimmee. A great time.

[@The_Real_Indiana_Joe]

Kermit you are living a lot of our dreams. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@DBartWest]

So true ... it is not about getting anywhere, it's about the journey. You made this journey very enjoyable. Great travelog. Enjoy.

[@mwash5779]

This was the coolest trip ever…..

[@ernestguzman2108]

i glad i went with you, what a fantastic trip. god bless

[@artd.]

A most excellent adventure, Thanks Mr. Kermit :-)

[@pwrplnt1975]

I can't imagine being at an airport and not coming out to check out the aircraft! I don't care if it's a Cessna 150, I'm still coming out to meet and greet. People have their heads buried in phones or laptops and not enjoying the wonderful things life has to offer and it's a shame!!

[@BunnyR13]

I'd go as far as saying: That's the most stylish way to travel ever invented. Priceless.

[@lon602]

Pinal ("Pa-nel"), AZ native here. We're going to miss seein the Waco flyin over Sedona!

[@gregvonruden464]

i was a lineboy at 17 , got free flying lessons in slack time from a couple former cropdusters. the airport operator had a van anyone could use...the keys were in in. you are right , times have changed

[@hawkeye681]

Ohhhh man,,,, WHAT A TREAT TO WATCH!! Your flight brought up sooo many memories of my aviation career! I drove I-10 from Tucson to my home in Louisiana way back in 1984 after completing my first tour in the Navy in San Diego as a jet mech all of 20 years old. Spent the night in Ft. Stockton. Then u got gas at St Landry airport which is one of the places I flew into when I was flying 172’s from my home in Lafayette. Then you flew right through my training areas at P’cola when I was a Student Naval Aviator in the later 80’s. I hope one day I get to do this after I retire from flying professionally. Such a joy to watch you having a ball in this beautiful machine. And I completely agree about this new world…. All the shades go down EXCEPT MINE!!! I still Love to watch the wing and all it’s devices working as we climb out and then come into land. Pretty depressing to see no one interested in things like this, or any curiosity at the wonder of flight. It’s all just iPads n iPhones and people glued to their screens. Great Job Kermit, hope to meet u someday. Greying Aviator.

[@drummer42050]

nice flyin with ya Kermit....thanks for the WACO ride !!!

[@haraldweltzin5117]

Flew along I10 from Tuscon to Ft. HUACHUCA in a commercial plane at night which flew so low that I could see t hose peaks in the moon light above the plane and the headlights on Highway 10 bothered me as a passenger. This was back in 1970. Enjoy seeing the scenery in daylight and uptodate.

[@pauledhlund4350]

Thanks for taking us along. Fun trip!

[@tinlizzie37]

Hi Mr. Weeks, Love your videos, and watch them whenever I can. Sure like the older aircraft you have. I never had the chance to fly a Waco, but a year after I got my ticket to fly, three of us bought an old Stearman, in 1965. My first tail-dragger I learned to fly. My Stearman wasn't as fast as the Waco, since the Stearman was much larger. We burned about 11 gal/hr. Your cross-country reminds me of the times we used to take the Stearman for a tour of the State(Ohio). I have yet to find anything more peaceful than to be flying in an open cock-pit, with the prop blast hitting you right in the face. I'm too old to fly now, but I still have the memories! Stay safe.....Bob

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

This is real good old fashioned flying! 1930s era IFR.... ( I Follow Roads ) Magnificent views.. I love seeing the geology.

[@waltgiddens8235]

I had to chuckle about your comment on the instruments in the panel. Those are the ones I learned on. Times have changed. I think every pilot was dreamed of cross country flying in an open cockpit biplane. Well, at least I have . I loved the videos on your Waco.

[@T8ERS]

Watched every minute. Loved the play by play narrative. Thanks Mr. Weeks!

[@angelreading5098]

Well Kermit you sure have got yourself a reliable old red biplane with a big round engine,enjoyed every second of this video and loved all of those little out in the sticks aerodromes,you passed by Lakeland where my father learned to fly with the U.S.Army Air Corps in PT-17 Kaydets on the famous Arnold scheme,he used to mention the crocodiles in the Everglades too ! look forward to following the restoration and re-fabric of your lovely Waco YMF-5 she really is a beauty,thank you.

[@jofido]

Wonderful cross country. Thanks for sharing this classic flight.

[@peterthorpe7986]

Mr. weeks, I am a armchair pilot . I live in southeastern PA. I watched parts 1 and 2 at least 3 times, will watch part 3 over and over. The cross-country flight home was worth the wait, simply awesome. What a beautiful airplane! stay safe and healthy.

[@jamesburns2232]

Headed East is good for having both the wind and the sun at your back. Easy Peasey!

[@Pauls-World]

I acquired a 1961 GM bus in February. I drove it from Tucson Az back to Orlando and had a blast. Flying a biplane back to FOF is super cool. Thanks for the upload Mr. Weeks. Be safe and take care!

[@KermitWeeks444]

Very cool!

[@jetdoctn]

Kermit this has to be about the best one of your videos. Thanks so much for taking us along. You are so right about it being a different world out there. People and kids nowadays just aren't interested. I remember when FBO's never closed. Came into Jackson,TN late one night dodging thunderstorms and the terminal was completely locked up. Thought we were gonna have to shelter in the plane but luckily the Madison County Sheriff's dept aviation unit was next door and they let us put our plane in their hangar and then we got to hang out with them for a few hours till the weather cleared. Gonna take our Comanche 260B to Alaska next year and come back across the west can't wait. Had planned to do it this year but yeah that kinda got nixed. Once again thanks what an epic journey low and slow.

[@Pilotc180]

Great trip low and slow and fun👍

[@Russell_G]

Its just a shame I can only like this once. Epic trip Kermit, thanks for taking us along!!

[@JC-wr7mu]

You came through my neck of the woods. The old timer who taught me to fly told me when following roads to keep the road to your left, like you were driving, because back in the day, traffic following the road going the opposite direction would be doing the same.

[@stevencarter2900]

Kermit you are Not Odd I too can not understand how people can sit in a plane and just stare at movies and miss the Mechanics and science of flight, and flying at the low levels you do the world is wide open and upclose.

[@ChpTrxtr]

What a great video! Thanks for taking us along!

[@herbm8709]

Great video!! I sat down and had a couple cocktails! had me mesmerized from start to finish! She is beautiful!

[@chrismate2805]

Wow,...222...and Conner will remermber this forever.

[@steini6771]

Just wonderful! Love your humor as well Sir. Thanks -

[@johncheney3670]

Great video, Kermit. You're right, times have changed.

[@MrWarwick15]

Excellent Kermit! I really enjoyed this! Very relaxing. Thanks so much. Rich.

[@1musicsearcher]

What a great video. Cross country in a biplane. Thanks.

[@danielkeirsteadsr6939]

That was a lot of fun from my lazyboy. Thank you Kermit

[@michaelconnolly6170]

Excellent video - fantastic trip. Thanks for sharing!

[@JJNSMN1]

Loved all three parts. What a plane!

[@brucemayo1892]

Enjoyed watching the videos. I was lucky enough to visit Fantasy of Flight a few years back when it was still open to the public. One of the guides that showed me around had been a wing walker! What a fantastic collection and facility!

[@chuckleon5366]

Thank you Kermit for letting us vicariously ride along.

[@firechak115]

Love the kermie cam video. Very great to watch and very interesting

[@chrisjohnson-yt8nq]

I broke a crankshaft in a cherokee 180 departing Tucson international. You're right no place for an off field landing. I was able to power glide back to the runway., lucky. Love the videos!

[@men4skirts]

Nice to share the trip. Fun and I love your new ride as well!

[@dan7389]

Thank You Kermit For A Great Ride From Sedona Too Florida In Your Waco😊😊

[@markbarnhill6300]

Way it supposed to be! Good one Kermit!

[@mrbob92679]

Wow what a cool plane and a trip. Reminds me of my solo cross country back in the 80's in a 152 up through central California. And if i knew you since i live in Houston i would of came and got you. Thanks for the epic trip in your WACO.

[@Mike-01234]

I like how you fly with paper map. Watched the series twice this is how I want to fly to small airports. I live in Phoenix some years ago I wanted to take a flied in the Waco over Sedona wish I had would have flown in your plane.

[@kennygee6627]

Thanks for the ride across the country. Awesome trip! Would have loved to be in that empty seat 🤟🏽👍🏽

[@richardcrouse4644]

Wow! Cleveland isn't that far away from us. If we'd only known we'd have been there to take you to supper & home for the night. We live west of there in a small hamlet called Cut and Shoot. ~ Richard&Barbara. Wow! Jim Bowie passed through Opelousas. I grew up about 15 miles south of there.

[@vipertwenty249]

What an absolutely wonderful video! Thanks so much. Keep safe.

[@stevemowat4294]

Just beautiful. Thanks Kermit

[@michellemaher6144]

She's a sweet little aeroplane. 👍💞

[@somedude2630]

Kermit is just plain class....

[@duanequam7709]

What a great video. Thanks so very much for sharing your story .

[@danielbasovitch5087]

Kermit, this was an unusual video for you BUT it was excellent! LOW & SLOW is so different than most cross country flying today. GET THERE is the problem, no one wants to go slow and see the country below them, that's such a shame.

[@Voncid]

Great tour of you trip Kermit thanks for the ride.

[@jggmobile]

Great video Kermit! One of my favorite airplanes. It was really fun flying along with you.

[@Georgewrigley]

Brilliant adventure film. Enjoyed it very much. Cheers 👍✈️😊

[@keithnichols7926]

Really enjoyable flight. I've been watching youngsters fly twin-engine jets that shoot up to forty thousand feet and seem to be standing still. No scenery, no sense of movement until they shut off the autopilot and hook up with a radio signal that leads them into a big airport somewhere.

[@yassermasood3423]

That is a gorgeous plane, very educational commentary, beautiful land and views. Thanks for taking us along.

[@yassermasood3423]

Same airport picture and different names at 23:37 and 27:31 but that's not important

[@Payne2view]

What a great way to get to know an aircraft.

[@shreddinjoe]

Someday id love to be able to make such a trip..in a plane of course...i envy you Kermit...you get to live your dream everyday

[@pilot_evan]

A great series, Kermit. Thanks for sharing!

[@Beechwood18]

Dear Kermit, thanks for taking the time and effort to share such an epic trip. Normally that's as close as we mortals normally get, but I happened to find your trilogy, after hearing about the Carenado version of the WACO coming available for the new Microsoft Simulator, so I watched your flights closely and am following you in the sim, I've just landed Pinal to look at the boneyard and I'm doing it in the Waco and enjoying the "IFR" flying. Great video - Thanks.

[@andresgarcia7757]

Thank you for sharing this video! Amazing! What a great way to make memories. You got a beautiful airplane added to the collection.

[@allens7476]

Now that's flying!

[@onenesswithJesus]

I truly enjoy this fly thank`s Mr. Weeks.

[@monkeyboy8424]

"It's a different world today" - but thanks to people like you the passion is being kept alive. I have watched your Waco trip video many times - wonderful. Thank you Kermit.

[@Marty43ful]

Totally my kind of flying👍👍👍

[@fastsandpops]

Awesome shots that you don't get from the ground!

[@darkredvan]

This is really an epic trip. It is obvious why it took so much time to edit the video. Thank you for your effort! A very nice plane you got yourself there. 👍😎

[@MrVerno1960]

Great story and trip, one of your best I would say! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@dudieland]

Loved your trip, thanks Kermis!

[@cesargrado7534]

Admirable el Señor Kermit!!!

[@manta1969manta]

Nice trip on a pretty bird! Thanks for video!

[@markbattista6857]

Thanks so much for the ride along and yes it is a different world

[@dennymk6454]

You were way down upon the Suwanee River lol. Thanks for taking us along Kermit!

[@jackkreighbaum783]

Very interesting and entertaining. I was a line boy at the old Army base at Blythe, CA. I got to fuel some of the Powder Puff ladies on their cross-country jaunts.

[@Kappytan]

Enjoyed that trip immensely thanks Kermit

[@arnhemseptember2009]

A cool and great adventure! Thanks for sharing!!

[@jazzukes]

Thank you! Love the way you travel. Thank you

[@kevinstone9638]

I love the Casa Grande area, was there a couple years ago getting the best job I have ever had at Walmart Transportation as a professional driver. My dream is to own a WACO someday.

[@sunnyray7819]

It is definitely a different world.... Been watching it change since I can remember....

[@davidrobertson996]

Thanks Kermit... I had my fingers crossed hoping you would take the I-20 route and fly over KGGG. Thanks again, love that Waco!!!

[@shaunroberts9361]

Well I am a native of AZ. That was really really kool Kermit. You got the life man.....Thank you for Sharing

[@scbart22]

Man, I loved this trip Kermit!

[@Majesticflyer]

Great Video Kermit. Epic journey! Thanks for sharing

[@AlisonFort]

Great adventure - great sights

[@noyfub]

Great, Fun Trip. Thanks for sharing.

[@jeff9104]

Great video !......Thanks for the Kool ride

[@txnetcop]

That Waco is in amazing condition!

[@dwb345]

Great trip, nice to see your adventures and watch some uplifting content during this pandemic

[@armandobetancourt8488]

Nice trip and excellent video

[@Grnrvrklr]

Love the color scheme.

[@845SiM]

This is one of the new planes added to Microsoft flight sim 2020, this plane is stunning.