Where did all the Hercs go?

[@TomBass411]

How come I have learned more with a Mikey YT video than a entire Discovery series starring the man himself? Boy they missed the mark, but I'm super happy to see you all doing well and the warbirds still working. Super grateful to learn more about our country and our aerospace history at the same time!

[@MikeyMcBryan]

Tom you are just too kind bud!!

[@CMDRSweeper]

I totally agree on that, I guess that is why TV just misses the mark these days. They are like trying to land 747s on short gravel strips with obvious results :D

[@jbrown3547]

Some of the best content is on KZbin!

[@Someguy0013]

@@MikeyMcBryan Instead of converting your DC-3 to BT-67's, convert them like the South Africans did to their DC-3s.

[@MikeyMcBryan]

There is a company. That is working on Certification right now. Preferred air parts

[@DKWalser]

My father flew Hercs in both the military and commercially. His last duty station was in Angola, where the airline had a contract to service the mines. My parents lived in Utah and once a month Dad would make the commute to Angola. Just before he was to retire, the Angolan government threatened to nationalize the airline. So, Dad's last mission for the airline was to organize the rest of the pilots and mechanics to load up as many spare parts as the planes could carry and fly out all the planes under the radar in the dead of night. You can nationalize a steel mill or an oil field. It's harder to do with an airline.

[@hibiki54]

That was a good job escaping communism.

[@flywithcaptainjoe]

Yet again an amazing video!!! Well done Mikey!

[@MikeyMcBryan]

Thanks Capt!!!

[@rodrigollamas8]

Rest in peace Captain Ian H. McBeth, 44, from Montana, Officer Paul Hudson, 42 from Arizona, and Flight Engineer Rick A. DeMorgan Jr.,43, from Florida. Crew of Coulson tanker 134. Lost them this year fighting the Australian wild fires.

[@wyattfamily8997]

We were very gratefull to these brave individuals for their assistance in our time of great need, always remembered. From Queensland Australia.

[@juancarlosalmiron2055]

RIP TO THOSE HEROES !

[@jesserice7777]

🫡

[@tylerandrew8081]

Whenever Joe speaks, I feel like like a kid listening to a wise elder, I'd love to hear more of his stories and anecdotes.

[@honkhonk8009]

same

[@normcameron2316]

Brings back memories, the "Old Fella's' comments about mining and the NEP/National Energy Program are bang on. I was in Resolute Bay when PWA was flying Hercs, shuttling stuff hither and tither 24/7. Helped load a D7 onto a Herc and that's when I realized what a huge magnificent craft it was. Also ran the loader installing an engine on a DC3. Later I was in Tuktoyaktuk at both Dome Petroleum and Esso bases. I was in the Dome shop listening to CBC North [that's all the communication we had] when the NEP was announced by the government of the day, Justin's dad. I knew as I listened to that broadcast the energy boom was over. Threw north eastern BC, Alberta and other places into a depression for 1 to 2 decades. I really learned to dislike Liberal, Central Canada Politicians. An almost forgotten piece of Canadian history.

[@AFmedic]

Came across this by accident and loved it. As an old (69 yrs) USAF Vet, sure brought back memories. The Herc was and is one hell of an aircraft.

[@280StJohnsPl]

Flew 14 times on 130s.....fantastic aircraft ! USAF Vet as well :)

[@AFmedic]

@@280StJohnsPl Despite my admiration of the Herc, as a former AeroMed, the C9 Nightingale will always be #1 in my heart. I swear, those C9 pilot's touch downs were as soft as thistledown no matter the weather.

[@280StJohnsPl]

@@AFmedic Sounds good to me :)

[@daodemocracy6200]

Love that Joe is more involved with the channel now a days. Great work Mikey.

[@glenmoss02]

I really enjoy listening to your father's stories. If he hasn't written a book, maybe he should. 👍

[@jimkleiss1020]

100%

[@JimOHalloran]

Yeah, someone needs to spend some time with Joe and extract all the stories he wants to tell, before he can't tell them anymore. Whether it comes out as a book, or a KZbin or podcast series, or whatever, doesn't matter. But it'd be a shame if it was all lost.

[@graham2631]

I think mikey has been listening to joe and looks like he pays attention hopfully he will. I don't think Joe's a horn blower so we may have to wait for publishing. Joe reminds me of my first boss he had a fleet of tugs and a few bigger fish boats and equipment from Sooke to Masset great guy. Men of few words when they speak pays to listen.

[@jodybennett6720]

Yes, definitely his autobiography would be a great book.

[@e-rj8984]

Agree!

[@MrFurriephillips]

That seems completely ridiculous, in an age where we’re trying to conserve our natural resources - not making full use of perfectly serviceable aircraft.

[@davecrupel2817]

Completely agree.

[@dcxplant]

Because new aircraft manufacturers decided you can't. I see the CA government can be bought by corporations just like in the US.

[@CrusaderSports250]

The more you hear of things like this the more I come to the opinion that "green " policies are basically meaningless, its only green if the government and corporations can profit by it, and all the time the government acknowledge the environmental organizations they will fall into line because they to make out of it, the whole system is rotten and corrupt.

[@gettogo0159]

@@davidhoffman1278 They are proven to work & operate in 3rd world country no problem....... just give them life service over hall - cheaper than a brand new version. Thinks B1 & F111........ High polluting engines are the least of a a operators worries - time to get off your liberal green snow flake mindset & get with real world ! Everything is possible if you upgrade or life extension service.

[@gettogo0159]

@@davidhoffman1278 I'll make my point again they'll either bought for use in a 3rd world use (full service) or for parts to make few good ones in private hands..... just like DC3's in south America with no time hours being counted & providing good service until replaced. They'll be put into service again either way so watch this space if need arises. Modern aircraft ain't up to the job with small a private operator cost wise + Canada is total lost cause since the liberals have taken over... green this & that - it doesn't work.

[@theblackhundreds7124]

Ah, so corruption and bribery. Cool, cool.

[@frederickmoller]

@@andytaylor1588 it runs in "it's" family I'm figuring!

[@aghauler1964]

@var1328 "The Prime Minister is a Priest?"

[@thehandlesticks66]

It's called capitalism thank you

[@justplanecrazy5575]

The Black Hundreds airbus in a nutshell

[@mikediamond353]

But Andy, if that were true, shouldn't he be getting nervous about now? He looks relaxed and care-free...

[@leoallor2779]

The C-47 was a DC-3 first built in the 30's and converted to military use for WWII.

[@andrewalexander9492]

The C-47 was not a conversion. C-47's were built expressly for military service. The first C-47 was built in 1941.

[@AMStationEngineer]

Each, and every time I cast eyes upon those Commandos, I just can't get over what fine looking aircraft they are; their designers had to have been avid Buck Rogers fans.

[@wrightflyer7855]

One of Mikey's videos was suggested by KZbin and....I was hooked and subscribed. When I was stationed at Takhli and Ubon Thailand during the war I spent many hours flying all over the country in C-130s making the daily shuttle run from base to base, carrying troops and supplies. For this lifelong airplane nut it was like heaven. Thanks for the excellent presentations Mikey. Wright Flyer, USAF (1968-1972).

[@Verb130]

As a C-130 and L-382 pilot, I can tell you there are differences in the two aircraft. They both went down the same assembly line, and as they were built, the L-382 had additional things added to make it compliant with FAA Part 25, Certification of Transport Category Aircraft. A military C-130 does not meet Part 25 standards. It could be converted, but to my knowledge no one has done the work to get a STC to convert C-130s to L-382s. That would require a lot of man hours just to be certified to do that. As an example, some of the Saudi Hercules are not C-130s, but L-382s. Some commercially operated L-382s currently flying started as state owned aircraft around the world, and are eventually sold on the market to commercial operators of transport category aircraft.

[@blancolirio]

Great background and explanations! (BTW You don't want them old A models...)

[@NesconProductions]

Bottom line: Change the laws. The C-130 would be very well suited for such a role flying freight (again) in Canada. Can land a C-130 on an aircraft carrier or Antarctica. The C-130 can also do heavy lifting that other platforms simply can't do. Manufactures want you to buy their latest product (see the LM-100J). Was a reason they chopped up all the C-141's up after retirement :-P.

[@paulmentzer7658]

A report I read is that the C-130s are at the end of their expected life do to many takeoff and landings. They need to be replaced by newer C-130s. The type of plane is not obsolete, it is the planes have been abused and need scraped.

[@obstinatejack]

never heard c130 landing on carriers before

[@xcalibertrekker6693]

Since when did canada have aircraft carriers? ;-)

[@obstinatejack]

@@ReptilianLepton hokay, that's what i figured. i wonder if this was done before c2 greyhound was available.

[@NesconProductions]

@@obstinatejack Almost 56 years ago and the C-130 has been much improved since then kzbin.info/www/bejne/q36YcnxpjriJaa8.

[@mwales2112]

Wow the Herc at 1:01 64-0498 is a bird I flew on while stationed at Poep AFB. back in the mid. 80's.. At 1:04 the first bird on the right is 62-1810 that we received from a fire fighting unit back around 1986 and the inside was covered in red fire fight agent. I was assigned to it as the DCC (Dedicated Crew Chief) when our squadron acquired it. Put in many hours/days/months getting her up to our standards and many more going TDY with her...... Crazy seeing her again... Thank you and love your show..

[@christhirion9474]

Poep air force base? In Dutch and Afrkaans it means fart air force base😂😂

[@Jerryberry172]

We love Hercs! They are a workhorse!!! But there isn’t a replacement for the sound of a huge radial engine!

[@byloyuripka9624]

every hercules variant ive ever seen is equipped with turboshaft of some manufature.. a radial wouldnt even fit?

[@danmcbride6258]

The Canadian Aerial Firefighting Company, Coulson Aviation has purchased the last 2 from the Norwegian Air Force and have imported them to Canada.

[@andrewalexander9492]

Coulson operates them under a restricted category airworthiness certificate for firefighting. You wouldn't be able to do that as a cargo airline.

[@danmcbride6258]

@@andrewalexander9492 thanks for the info. Glad it works for their use. Go RADS go

[@whiggins101]

Thank you for answering these type of questions. It's so neat to get the insiders view of the industry. Keep involving your dad, he really adds great content to your episodes. Again, my favorite KZbin channel!

[@MikeyMcBryan]

Thank you!!!!

[@vannicholas1180]

I flew “A’s” in Africa in the late 80’s, then TransAfrik around Africa in the late 90’s to 2001. TransAfrik had quite a few L-382’s and L-100-20’s, and bought several more when SouthernAirTransport went out of business. In the ensuing few years after 1996, several were crashed or shot down in various enterprises, so that now they appear out of the Herk business.

[@Zany4God]

It was a C-130 A model, that lost both wings while fighting fires in Northern California, and it is my understanding the A model has more than it's share of woes. Best wishes, Mikey. I'm happy to see you again.

[@dalecomer5951]

It's fine when properly maintained. The one which crashed wasn't

[@mannypuerta5086]

The A models had bad wings, a short fuselage and had DC electrical systems. The civilian G model was the one to have for cargo ops.

[@dalecomer5951]

@Manny Puerta: What do you mean by "bad wings." What is a "civilian G model?" Say what you will about the C-130A, that tanker crew died because of negligent operation of the aircraft which appears to be all too common in that business.

[@mannypuerta5086]

Dale Comer The original Herc was only built for 5,000 hrs of airframe time. It was essentially a throwaway airplane. Success of the aircraft then kicked in and the design evolved. Still being manufactured since the late 50’s. Some of our TIA/Transamerica aircraft, all civilian, double-stretch G models, had over 60,000 hours in the 80’s. We were on our third generation wing, which included a new center wing box section. Tanker Hercs, if I am not mistaken, are all ex-military, single-stretch, E models (with a better wing). The A models should stay parked. You can only maintain a part with a design limited lifetime so much, then whatever you do you’re on borrowed time.

[@dalecomer5951]

@Manny Puerta-- The tanker crews fly on borrowed time. There will be no more USAF C-130 released for air tanker service because of the poor record of the mom and pop tanker operators. As Mikey points out ad nauseum there are no L-382G for sale and if there were I'd be very surprised if old Joe could swing a deal for it.

[@quazz79]

it's nice to see two ex-Atlantic Airways Electras still flying

[@Agwings1960]

Lynden was mainly a trucking company in Alaska, they got the hercs during the 90's, getting into the air cargo business

[@keithpither2892]

Mikey don't want to take anything away from you, but you've got one of the most entertaining and coolest dad's I've ever had the fortune of listening to. I really hope he writes his memoirs when he retires. May you, your family and your company last forever.

[@joelbosso1331]

I was a Marine Corps KC-130 mechanic from 94-2014...There will always be a place in my heart for the legacy birds.

[@grandcrappy]

Great skill you learned.

[@CHULAIa4-6667]

VMGR 152 was in NAM when I had my tour and had a few flights on them from CHU LAI to DANANG.

[@josephorr5175]

Boy I do miss the regular series episodes, but frankly, Mickey, these are great! Keep them coming. You folks represent the real world of industrial aviation. How things work in the trenches. I've been involved in aviation for over 40 years and I still learn a lot from your videos. And its especially cool that I "know" the faces you present in the videos as if they were close friends. Best of luck to you folks and keep em flying!

[@craigdoran6811]

Just found this video today 28/9/21 so happy to see the cargo electras still being loved by buffalo. I live in coventry in the uk and loved to see them on cargo flights. I miss these a lot. Id love to come to canada one day and show my sons these aircraft flying, i wax lyrical about them all the time to my boys. I think i bore them! One day guys, just keep them flying eh

[@FreedomFighter-cr5xg]

When in the Military I flew in the Hercs quite a few times .. Never got tired of doing that

[@FreedomFighter-cr5xg]

blackzed ...the ‘ Box Lunches ‘ given when flying on board the Herc were surprisingly good also

[@065Tim]

I was in more take-offs than landings in a C130.

[@johnnelsen3947]

Twist in for an assault landing?

[@johnnelsen3947]

Ahh the good ole days. I enjoyed them as well.

[@briggsquantum]

@@065Tim Which reminds me of an old song with the line "The sergeant was the last to jump, the first to hit the ground". I was artillery, Hercs took me into Shilo and Wainwright a few times. Respect for Airborne!

[@BCnAK]

I can’t let this go. After reading all the comments there are some hard headed people who either didn’t watch the video or didn’t pay attention. There are tons of C-130’s in the boneyards around the world. Yes obviously that is known. However as Mikey explained you can’t just register a military airplane for civilian use as revenue. (Yes there are certain exceptions, but for the general cargo operator military aircraft is NOT an option) There are wayyy too many people commenting on here about C-130’s/L100’s that obviously have no clue what they are talking about. Stop saying stuff if you really aren’t sure of what you are saying. This was a well explained video!! Good job. Too bad most people didn’t really comprehend what you were saying.

[@robertw.anderson6102]

What he was saying was this is another case of the Canadian government stifling competition within its borders. They do the same in nearly every industry up to and including entertainment. They want you to buy the $20,000,000 Canadian made airplane.

[@BCnAK]

@Robert W. Anderson. Then why does the same apply to the US? Instead of bashing governments, have you ever thought it might just be manufacturers? How about Lockheed wanting the aging aircraft parked so THEY can make 70-90 mil on selling a new J model? Or Boeing not wanting to be responsible for the war birds they inherited? It takes a lot of paperwork, resources, and manpower on the manufacturers side of the house to keep aging aircraft in the sky. Just some food for thought.

[@petemcfadyen1697]

So can you detail why a military Herc, which is spec'd out to the max, cannot be certified for civilian service? Is it flight ops stuff or other tech?

[@BCnAK]

@Pete McFadyen I hate to be that guy that is spewing useless or false information. I can not tell you for a fact why it is hard to register military aircraft for civilian use. I will tell you what I think some of the logic is. I may be dead wrong and way off, but this is what I think. In the eyes of the FAA, the Feds are there to protect the people on the ground. The military uses some of their aircraft hard and heavy and sometimes they use them for what the manufacturer never intended. As a buyer I would not know the full history of the aircraft and neither will the feds. So it is hard for the feds to protect people on the ground if they certify an aircraft that may or may not be safe in the sky. The manufacturers may not be willing to help in that they would rather sell new airplanes than help certify an old one. Again the manufacturers are putting their name on the line if they do not know the full history of the aircraft. As far as Part 121 goes, everything has to be traced or be traceable. Military does not work like that. So if I bought a military aircraft I would not have the records I need to trace back where parts came from and therefor can not be certified under part 121. Let’s think this way for a second. If it were easy to certify military aircraft for civilian use what’s stopping some weirdo from flying a used fighter jet around? I do believe there are a lot of reasons. Just my two cents. Take it for what you want.

[@gilbertreeves2084]

@@BCnAK ..It makes sense to me.

[@davestarr7112]

Many people don't realize that when the US military sends surplus aircraft to the boneyard, only the woerst, hughest maintenance examples go to Davis-Montham (the USAF boneyard). The best flying ones normally get "snapped up" by allied air forces or folks like Coulson who can use them in the Restricted category (essentially non-commercial use only). Taking an A model Herk from the boneyard to air wirthy would easuly run $20 to $30 million depending on the status of the wing box and other very high cost time change items. People also are not considering Buffalo's "bread and butter" loads. To substitue a Herk on one of the C-46's daily grocery runs would be like running a $120k custom 18-wheeler Kenworth on a trip that could be done by a Ford dually pickup. Fuel mileage is NOT the Herk's forte'. That's why it can do tricky things like land and take off from aircraft carriers, they are massively overpowered for everyday cargo use.

[@MickPosch]

It's amazing that they're still making and using these planes after all these years...if only everything were so well designed.

[@artbgjohn123]

Yep I work for Lynden and we now have 14 Hercules, I'm a truck driver for Lynden but the reason I came to work here was that my father was a C130 squadron commander (of the A model) in Vietnam and Okinawa ,1964-68 Turkey 1968 as well as Vandenberg AFB CA 69-70 and Scott AFB Illinois 1970-71

[@artbgjohn123]

He also flew the DC3-C-47 for TDY with the FAA

[@MisterHolaMan]

My grand-uncle who passed away a month ago flew C130s to Antarctica and did crazy cold war paratrooper drops

[@Michael-zr9mh]

In 91-92 time frame I was working in Kuwait and the Kuwaitis were using a Herc out of Yellowknife for recovery of equipment out of Iraq. Great bunch of guys who really maintained the aircraft well.

[@bbillbill3919]

The RNZAF currently operates five C-130(NZ) Hercules. It took delivery of the first three Hercules (NZ7001 - NZ7003) in 1965. These were the first C-130H production models off the Lockheed production line. A further two C-130H, (NZ7004 - NZ7005) were added in 1969.

[@citabria808]

When in A&P school we were taught that under U.S. Law, ex-military aircraft had to sit 25 years after decommissioning before being available for sale. This was exactly so these aircraft would not compete with civilian aircraft being built by the manufactures.

[@DutchThackers]

Loving the videos Mikey. Really enjoy how you just walk around the place and film as you go. Have a great weekend.

[@adamjones2025]

Big hello from Australia, I have much respect for you guys, And your dad reminds me of people i once knew hard as a rock but had time for those who bothered to listen. Your dad seems more chilled than when the cameras were rolling years ago.

[@mylesspear]

This video definitely made me smile! I live close to the Ravenna arsenal in Ohio and every monday night, there'll be at least one C-130 in the area doing VOR approaches AT TREETOP LEVEL! It's definitely a sight to behold (especially when it makes my house shake)! Thanks for the informative video mikey! I definitely enjoyed it!

[@steveb7310]

Myles Spear I sometimes see those same C-130s running maneuvers over the lake, operating out of Burke.

[@MikeyMcBryan]

Thanks Myles!!

[@mikeL5183]

I live and work near Stratton ANG Base where the 109th is based, the group that flies the ski-equipped Hercs (the only ones still flying them) to Antarctica. See them flying over several times a month.

[@mylesspear]

Mikey McBryan you’re quite welcome!

[@mylesspear]

Steve B wow neat!

[@davidevans6528]

I flew in USMC Hercs between Cherry Point North Carolina and Danang Vietnam and back in 1967 and again in 1968, and made a few short hops in-country between Danang, Hue and Dong airstrips. I Also flew as a passenger in a few of Piedmont Airlines' DC3s back in the day. Both were really remarkable airplanes with surprisingly powerful takeoff thrust for their era. We lost engine power in one of the 130s somewhere between Wake Island and Hawaii, fully loaded with bazillion pounds of cargo and marines, but except for a mild loss of airspeed, no sweat. The crew seemed like it was no big deal, and it wasn't . I love these two venerable old birds. Thanks for the memories!

[@Papershields001]

It’s funny, I liked ice pilots and they introduced the public to Buffalo air, but I really like Mikey’s channel a lot more than the reality tv format. Consistently great stuff.

[@MikeyMcBryan]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@eprn1n2]

I arrived in Yellowknife 1979 just when Wardair pulled out. The Wardair hangar was then purchased by Echo Bay and they used a Herc to set up the operation at Lupin Mines. I worked at Ptarmigan Airways after they purchased some of Wardair's Twin Otters. Exciting times.

[@raitchison]

Never heard of this channel before but the algorithm knows I love the Hercules so here I am.

[@MikeyMcBryan]

Thanks for Stoping by! 👋

[@wanderer5581]

The herc is a specialist aircraft,, remote conditions, no ground support, worst place scenario,, and there are still a few flying..

[@connorzantop9990]

My family owned Zantop International Airlines and we had 22 Lockheed L-188 Electra’s.

[@tomsamuelson8512]

I use to work at MSP. I remember we had a Zantop hanger there.Use to have a daily run to Detroit if I remember right. Once in awhile a Convair 640 would show up.Did you not get some Electra's from Hawaiian airlines??

[@chrismc7205]

I miss seeing the Zantop electras.

[@BetterAircraftFabric]

Yeah ! Those were the days ! When working for airlines was fun! When owners cared about the stuff. Also Mr.Zantop had a Republic Seabee! Who owns a Seabee must be a good guy! Regards from Alaska

[@VMCAviationVideos]

I remember the good old Zantop days 👍

[@None-zc5vg]

@@bfc3057 Didn't Zantop use some British turboprop "Argosy" freighters in the '60s ?

[@GarbledStork3b]

So happy I found your KZbin!!! Miss the show tons I've rewatched all six seasons 3 times now

[@richardskermer8485]

That was a nice video Mikey. The L-100 was Dad's plane and the best years of his PWA career. I sponsored the last Herc Rats reunion to help get that team together as Dad had just passed and those that hold the memories are leaving us at too fast of a rate. The stories are amazing, getting to see a small part was amazing, and the fact that the L-100 fleet did amazing things worldwide and made such a name for PWA and the Herc Rats is a story that needs to be kept alive. I'm hoping to convince Lockheed to show an L-100J at this year's Airshow...fingers crossed. I'll just be sad Dad isn't there to see it. Oh, and yes, if the far north opens up...$77M USD isn't bad for a kick ass certified big rig with wings...

[@EinfachLuap]

A small fun fact about 2 of the electras you guys have: my flight instructor I started flying with used to operate them for Amerer Air in Austria and he always used to tell me stories about them and I just love that I actually get so see them thriving with you guys!!

[@johnbruckner4681]

This is the most original , informative You Tube airplane program!

[@MikeyMcBryan]

Thank you john.

[@jasongrant7211]

Worked for Bradley Air years ago and shared that hanger. Was always spotless in there.

[@1944chevytruck]

WOW!...lots of hoops to jump through!...thanks for video!...be kind!

[@axeman3d]

That C46 is seriously beautiful looking.

[@jimkleiss1020]

That was awesome....these aircraft history lessons might be my favorite episodes. I'd love to learn more about the Electras.

[@ShadowOppsRC]

Electras are what the p-3 Orion and Canadian Aurora were built off of.

[@MikeyMcBryan]

Thanks Jim!!

[@hatman4818]

@@ShadowOppsRC Still a few P-3s knocking around my flightline last couple of years, they mighta been replaced entirely by P-8s by now though. Ive been seeing them less and less often.

[@clark57225]

I took off as a passenger/cargo from Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, in C-130 Hercules about a dozen times. Never got to land in one. Our 17-ton M-551 Sheridan "tanks" were extracted from Hercules while in flight. Great airplane.

[@stanbrow]

Delta used to have some for cargo. I actually got material shipped on them that physically would not fit on other planes.

[@fredmoore8661]

Delta is where the designation L-100 originated. The actual Lockheed Type designation is L-382. L-100 sounded better for PR.

[@ervmoore1111]

Wow! I’m an old C130 maintainer, had not heard this story. Tks for sharing! Good stuff!

[@BrianHurleyCanada]

Great video; I always wondered why there weren't more military Hercules in private operation.

[@gymbo230970]

Thanks!

[@ralphholiman7401]

No need to compete in the free market when you can just pay to get laws passed to give you an unfair advantage.

[@obelic71]

just use the callsign Janet and nobody dares to ask questions 😁

[@NemoBlank]

And then you go ahead and double the price anyway. Business is good!

[@Doan84]

That's how Harley Davidson became popular

[@JSBIRD69]

I was lucky enough to attend the World Freefall Convention in Quincy Illinois in 1986 and 1987. Roger Nelson, the organizer, bet on having a large turnout, and had SafAir ferry an L-100 to the USA for the event. There were no seatbelts installed, so near the tailgate was a rigger handing out belts that we ran through our harnesses, then clipped into the floor. The bird held 150 jumpers, and within 30 seconds of takeoff, we were instructed to unclip from the floor, and pass our 'belt' to either side of the plane for stowage on a cable. It was August, unbelievably hot, and we couldn't have been more .surprised to see frosty cold air coming from ducts in the cargo area roof. Two more turns, and a look at the rear confirmed that we were nearly on jump run, as the huge tailgate began to open. There was a guy in full airline dress, standing in a small cage right on the edge of the opening...with NO RIG ON!!! I guess he was the regular loadmaster, because we soon heard him shout..."Bill's 20 way!" then a brief pause..."Steve's 16 way!"...pause..."Jay's 10 way!"...until all 150 of us were in freefall. The sky was more crowded than I had ever seen it, because in addition to the C130, Roger had booked at least 8 DC3/C47's as airlift. One of the DC3's had a starboard side rear door, which took me a second to confirm that I was gonna turn left at the door, instead of right, as I had done so many times before. I ended up with 6 jumps from the big beast, and wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Now Roger has gone to his reward, like so many more of my skydiving and BASE jumping friends. I'll always remember them for the great young men and women they were. I'm sneaking up on 70 pretty quickly now, and have decided to resume my drag bike racing, something I gave up in the mid 1970's, to pursue a career in aviation.

[@ClarinoI]

Thanks for answering my question Mikey! I didn't even expect you to notice it. TBH, I didn't realise the Electras you currently operate were related to the Hercules. I just thought the large back door would make loading and unloading easier than the side door you currently have to use, plus they have turboprop engines rather than pistons, which would make finding fuel easier for you. It really sucks that you can't just buy ex-military aircraft. I didn't realise Canada's government was in the pockets of big businesses the way the US government seems to be.

[@21jlxi]

New Zealand is just about to get rid of a few Hercs next year. The ones we've got flying around here were the same actual aircraft that brought our troops to Vietnam in 1969! They are legendary aircraft and we're finally replacing them with new Hercs, being built right now.

[@davidjones8680]

Hell Mikey, you sure crammed a lot of useful information into this episode of Plane Savers. It was great to see Dan Jones again too, you always know that you're gonna get great and interesting info when we see him in an episode. Likewise from Joe too, their knowledge of the industry is second to none. I find it amazing that you and everyone else is prevented from flying C-130s because of government policy. A classic case of incredulous ineptitude. Regards David Jones Coventry UK.

[@MikeyMcBryan]

Thank you David Jones!!!!!

[@marcliebhold9625]

Mikey, Thank You So Much!!! I always wondered why you and your Dad never picked up surplus or civilian cargo C-130’s! I’m a former military jumper, both static line and freefall and I LOVED jumping from 130’s! I even got a little stick time on a 130, while we were “outside” the USA! Great fun to fly! I also heard about how unbelievably expensive the Basler Turbine Conversion is! OUCH! I just hope you and your Dad will get the aircraft you want & need for your Amazing Airline! Best of luck, and regards to your Dad!

[@rogergusty1802]

Now .... that was very, very interesting. Thanks Mikey.

[@mmouseav8r402]

I’m in Miami, and was pursuing the idea of a cargo company using the L-100 to fly to the islands. Everything going there gets on a C-208 Caravan, C-47, or a Saab 340. Or a ship if you want it there in a day or two. A Hurc could have largo amounts in a small field in a short amount of time.

[@karaayers2867]

You can always blame government with greased palms for high prices of new aircraft, exorbitant certification costs, and extra hurdles to jump. Makes you feel like a free man when they say you can't do something because we say so.

[@aserta]

"You can't do something, because they said so." Says X country government, pointing towards BigCorpo with a wad of cash and slightly brown lips.

[@onebadapple83]

Kara Ayers Yep!!!

[@KB4QAA]

Always the conspiracy theory whackos.

[@techobsessed1]

@Jake Haynes a fool calling others sheep.

[@KB4QAA]

@EpiDemic117 The FAA? Really? I've been a pilot for 38 years. Flown around the world, operated and maintained planes. The FAA, overall does an excellent job. There have been no evidence of corruption in my lifetime. They have excellent record for certification systems and US standards are accepted and copied the world over by other governments. The FAA certification standards are neither tortuous, nor excessively expensive, nor created to frustrate technology advancement. BTW go soak your head, you know-nothing.

[@johndoogan3712]

Mike, Heavylift operated the Shorts SC5 Belfast which started life as a large military four turboprop engined transport aircraft which is even larger than the Hercules.

[@tomsamuelson8512]

Did you know at one time , Delta Airlines operated a small fleet of Hercs for their cargo operations. Probably at least 50 years ago thou....

[@davef.2811]

C-46's, too.

[@crashweaverda]

That Electra has a military conter part was the P3 Orion. Zantop had the biggest fleet of Electras until they went bankrupt in the 90s.

[@williamedmonds9581]

Great video Mikey. Very informative and enjoyable. Keep’em coming since we can’t see you guys anymore except in reruns.

[@sewskates]

I watched Ice Pilots so much and never remember seeing all the cool stuff on the walls and hanging from the rafters. I wish you would do a video of just the cool stuff in the building. Great video Mikey!

[@marsgal42]

I've heard (through an ex-CP Air colleague) that PWA's Hercules fleet was extremely maintenance-intensive.

[@henryrollins9177]

Ask the guy that wrote right up ...

[@mannypuerta5086]

I flew Trans International/Transamerica Hercs during the 70’s and 80’s. Great airline, great airplane. We went all over the world back then with 17 Hercs.

[@Prairietrucker]

If only Ottawa took the restraints off the west and north, the oilfields and mines would boom again! Would be cool to see a whole fleet of new buffalo green hercs! LOL

[@killman369547]

+JoshKro. Good luck with that with the current commie dictator wannabe PM.

[@fitz3540]

Oil? Someone said oil? Looks like Canada needs liberating...

[@captianmorgan7627]

Yes, just like the fracking is doing here in the states. Oh, wait. With prices being what they are the fracking boom has died down. Availability does not equal use.

[@zoidberg444]

Ottawa take restraints off something? Ha. This is the assistant drama teacher and part time ski instructor in chief we're talking about here.

[@henryknepp]

Not now,🥺

[@patrickfirst5614]

I mentioned previously, being an ex military aircraft mech, my last assessment was on c130 H. It certainly is a solid aircraft.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

FWIW: While watching this vido, _something_ popped up in my memory. Back in the 1960s, *some* Lockheed officials got *caught* paying bribes to members of other world governments while trying to sell Lockheed's F-104 Starfighter aircraft. I would LIKE to think that has NOT been the case with C-130s -- or lack therof -- in Canada....

[@zoidberg444]

You know i always thought Canadas decision to buy the F104 starfighter reeked of bribery. It really wasn't a very suitable aircraft for the RCAF - The Dassault Mirage III and Blackburn Buccaneer would have been more suitable. The SAAF were using them to deadly effect against modern MIG's in the late 80's and i think Mirage 3's were being used by the French in Afghanistan for ground attack in the late 00's.

[@AmenYeshua]

Love these Hercs, while a serving in the SADF, our Mortar Platoon was ‘given a lift’ by a Safair Hercules from the Northern Cape to Rundu on the border with Angola. As I remember it was 1980. Enjoyed the flight, and always recognize that sound. Great video!! I wonder if that was Dan Jones’s Herc!? 🛫😎

[@Mikey101160]

Makes sense Mikey, but sucks. Smacks of government over-regulation.

[@davidhollenshead4892]

Except for the small issue that the Commercial version is not the same as the Military version.

[@alexcook2206]

to be fair, ive worked for envoy air and they have crappy regulations placed upon them trust me, over-regulation is far better then under regulation (at least for the workers)

[@arielaye3648]

I kinda do love the way the people around you talk to in the office or the shop seem to be some kind of npc waiting for you to interact to them and then wait for you to go about for a bit and then do something in the background. Always the content we need and want!

[@GeekRex]

Shows who owns your politicians and it isn't the voters.

[@trapp88]

Here in the States the Electra was the civilian model of what became the P-3 Orion military patrol and cargo plane. The C-130 (and variants)is a beast. What a workhorse. I don't know the particulars but the Blue Angels had to give up their 130 because of the model being grounded in the U.S. Coulson is pulling one out of the Boneyard in Tucson as we speak. Just my 2 cents ...... Love seeing the old C-47's. Always love the videos.

[@nofider1]

Thanks for the explanation Mikey, Very interesting...... Oh! ... Hey Chuckey!. You sneaked him in again lol :-)

[@markthompson4885]

But not long enough.

[@Ophy-y1i]

4:53 the flag appears to be upside down, which is the international maritime sign of distress.

[@MikeyMcBryan]

Amy Walker my fault. That video clip is mirrored as Dan was sticking his head out the Co-pilots window. I flipped it in post. Never noticed the flag orientation changed.

[@Ophy-y1i]

@@MikeyMcBryan aaah! I did wonder! Now I could be really anal and say that flags should be painted in the direction the wind blows them from the imaginary pole... 😅🤣 Love you guys! Hopefully after I've emigrated to Canada and converted my license I can fly in to Yellowknife and say hi and ogle all the amazing hardware you guys fly.

[@Kigen763]

What an informative and friendly video. Charisma & smarts all of you!

[@markdavis2475]

Great episode thanks! Was that all one continuous shot?! You have become a Pro filmmaker!

[@MikeyMcBryan]

Thanks Mark!

[@Tillerman56]

Cool picture of Hercules C-FPWK. The pic was taken at Rotterdam, the Netherlands. I worked there 1979-2003. Great times!

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

1:12 The Electra truly has airbrakes like no other.

[@nicholasoliver]

Love your videos Mikey. I rewatch them often. Learned so much from you and your Dad. Thanks, from SW UK.

[@larrytornetta9764]

Smart. Cap already drilled wells. The Saudis are laughing.

[@mafmaf6417]

And a Trudeau did it. A little dejaveau.

[@thewheelieguy]

Canada was, is, and will continue to be, an *exporter* of oil.

[@pennise]

There is another big field that is due west of Prudhoe Bay that was capped. Kissinger did it to tie up the Saudis with buying our debt back in the 70s. It is has bigger reserves than Prudhoe Bay. Straight from the mouth of a former ARCO Alaska VP.

[@WitchidWitchid]

I absolutely love that green/turquoise colour you use. It's sort of retro in a good way.

[@hopeshefloats8489]

Nice big door,,,heavy floor and ready for war !

[@billestes4335]

Hey Mikey, watch your show all the time and can relate. The saying here in the U.S. is when they fly the latest whiz bang cargo airplane to the bone yard in AZ. they will fly the crew back home in a C-130. Worked on Herks 30 years in the A.F. Nothing better!!

[@MetaView7]

I flew in a Herc to CFS Alert.

[@doncyr3332]

About two years ago I took the tour of the arizona grave yard. The guy kept saying how much better the new J model is. I asked about the rows and rows and rows of the mothballed Herc. He said they are either out of airframe time, or had a hard life while in a war zone. He said some have had hard landings, and some have rivets popping out. The Hercs at Davis Monthan are just used up. They are being saved only for salvage parts.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Great info... The 'why' is important history to keep alive.

[@SixStringflyboy]

Great info, thanks for sharing. Good to see Joe & Chuck still around & looking healthy.

[@billhanna8838]

$70 mill Hell that makes the F35 110 mill + 80 mill upgrades over 8 years look like a bargain hahahah