My First Flight Back After Brain Surgery

[@luis-qu1go]

Its amazing to see you up in the skies again. As a young teen who is an aspiring pilot, you have showed that as long as you push through you will get there in the end.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Luis, there are more steps to take for me but I'll share the journey and I'm glad to hear you're keen to get into aviation as well. I wish you all the best with your flying.

[@Skywolf76]

Beautiful shots of Melbourne. I wanted to tell you something: During the height of the pandemic, one of your videos convinced me to finally pull the trigger and learn to fly. It took me far longer than I had hoped it would, but yesterday, my RPLA was in the mailbox. Thank you very much.

[@StefanDrury]

Oh man, congratulations SkyWolf! That's a massive milestone for you, I bet you're really proud of yourself. I'm so glad I helped nudge you in that direction, but the hard work is all yours. Well done, I hope you always enjoy your flying.

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

G'day Stef from Sydney. I don't know what to say. Do you drink tea? 🌏🇦🇺

[@Neoburner]

To jump on this, it’s the same for me, I’m starting back my PPL again mainly due to the passion Stef shows, it brings out a side which must be followed! My local is EGKA in the UK, which is where a few videos ago Stef himself flew into finding the fun of the UK airspace at its finest, good luck with the pursuit!

[@richardsuttill54]

With a tear in my eye I say welcome home, what a great friend to do this and the earlier flight for you.

[@chrisvowell2890]

Said through my teary eyes too. Well done. Welcome back!!

[@becsterbrisbane6275]

How stunning is Melbourne at that time of dusk??!! Gorgeous! And shoutout to Steve for bringing our man back- great to see you in the skies again, Stef!

[@anthonyingram4848]

Stef - your unbridled joy is infectious. So glad that your journey back continues.

[@barrydraper]

It's so nice to see you getting back in the saddle, or at least beginning the process. Very smart move to rent out EYZ while you're not able to use her. It will all be worth it, in a very short time...

[@psuter80]

welcome back in the air stefan, so glad to see you "back home" i wish you a speedy recovery so you can get your medical back soon. thanks for taking us along

[@markbrown4442]

Nice to see the smile back, Stef. As further encouragement, I had NavEx 2 on Saturday. A TnG at Moorabbin then Essendon via Albert Park. And you helped that, mate. 3 years ago, I started watching the channel and in a couple of months, I'll be able to meet you at Melton for coffee ex-YMAY. I'll be able to thank you in person. And it's all because of you. So do what needs to be done, take it slowly but surely so I can film you landing in EYZ. All the best, mate.

[@GlenAndFriendsCooking]

1:20 Nothing wrong with being an over dramatic scaredy cat - Welcome back to the sky!

[@beagle7622]

“I’m good, I’m good ,really good: Thank you!” It was obvious those words were from the heart . Thank you Stefan fantastic video.

[@Chris_the_Muso]

You might not have had a tear in the eye Stefan, be we did. Welcome home.

[@jezkemp712]

Congrats Stef on making this significant milestone in your recovery process.

[@aggonzalezdc]

The only kind of surgery that isnt a serious surgery is one happening to someone else. Especially on such an important area. Never feel ashamed for being concerned about it. Im glad to see you back at it. Best wishes on the rest of your recovery.

[@rogerclarke3291]

Hi from the UK. It has made my day to see you back in your plane. Well done. Praise the lord.

[@lukemolloy2971]

Massive milestone Stef... Sunset, mates, and EYZ... What's not to love??

[@BarneyLeith]

Hooray for your recovery and hooray for good friends!

[@emmaisapilot]

It's so great to see your humour and joy back in full swing, and it won't be long until you're back in the left hand seat.

[@kevincollins8014]

I'm so glad to see you're healing up nicely. It's also wonderful to see you already back in your aircraft for a beautiful evening flight. Thanks for sharing us along.

[@Peacewind152]

Attaboy Steph! Welcome back home. I know if I was in your shoes, I would be doing the same thing. Fighting for that space in the sky to stay mine. Hopefully your recovery is speedy and you're back as PIC soon!

[@tjjoseph333]

So Happy for you Stefan and selfishly happy for us!

[@hualani6785]

One of the wonderful blessings of those who work as professional commerical pilots- twice a year complete and thorough physicals are indeed required for ALL commercial passenger pilots! No passenger should EVER have the fears that thier cockpit crew have health problems, they dont.

[@rudipack1551]

Welcome back to where you belong, thank you for making me smile

[@haniff4277]

Stef, God bless you with a quick recovery

[@DWNMC]

I’ll let Jamie know you made it back up into the sky like the star you are. ⭐️ Recover well and know we are thinking of you. You’ve got this. Jamie was so happy to talk to a fellow craniotomy patient. Be well xx

[@Neoburner]

Being an avid viewer of your channel for many years, and heavy into flight simulation as well as real world myself, it’s honestly wonderful to see you back where you belong, here’s to a speedy recovery all round to you get back to leaning that mixture yourself soon 👍 - from a rainy, low cloud United Kingdom 🇬🇧

[@ThatBobGuy850]

Ohhhh, great video, Stef! Your smile at the mere prospect of going flying is brilliant and speaks volumes of your love for aviation. We wish you a speedy recover and return to being PIC. Your flight did illustrate something good. Around Christmas, a lot of pilots like to go up and view Christmas lights. I've found that if you go up right at sunset, before it gets pitch-black, you can see the lights clearly but still see the surrounding terrain. It makes for a very special experience. Anyway, I'm happy you got to go flying again in EYZ. We look forward to seeing you again in the "proper" seat.

[@RobertShaw-fl3os]

Stef wishing you a speedy recovery so you can get back to flying the skies of Melbourne as the Pic . Cheers mate!!

[@marvinsmith4322]

Great to see you back in the air, no tears maybe but the smile said everything, ‘welcome home’

[@papics]

Glad and happy to see you back where you belong, Stef!

[@pcoussa]

I caught myself smiling when you were smiling! Welcome back Stef and Steve.

[@Tourn4x4]

Who’s cutting up onions around me?, glad to see you back in the sky Stef!

[@eoinshimizu967]

Hey Stefan! I'm SO DELIGHTED to see this video. I didn't know anything of your situation when we went flying and to me it was just such a fun day out, doing something we all loved and in very good company. I can't even imagine the emotions you must have been feeling. Thanks for a wonderful trip. Now, seeing this, I'm excited that it might happen again when everything all aligns 😁😁 take care and wishing you a safe, steady, speedy recovery.

[@melissanoonan3301]

Our city is really quite beautiful at dusk 💗nicer from the sky. Great to see you back up there Stef - onward and upward!

[@tomg6214]

Welcome back to flying in the beautiful skies in EYZ! What wonderful friends you have like Stephen!

[@reallynotpc]

It would have been tough having so much time to anticipate the operation. With the best advice and doctors in the world, it still gives you time to wind yourself up unless you are extremely careful. I had a heart aneurysm, found on a Thursday and fixed the following Tuesday so no time to get scared, which was much the best way. Now that you know they re-fitted you with the non-exploding brain, you'll be PIC before you know it!

[@jasonrwilkinson9216]

Nice one Stef and big shout out to Steven for helping you and taking you flying. Aviation is a great community of different people from so many different walks of life and experience so it's nice when we all come together to support each other.

[@odril]

Great to have you back in the blue. If I wasn't on the wrong hemisphere, I'd take you up any time. Make sure to get your medical back, soon!

[@markjones2781]

Brilliant!!

[@caltitude]

Welcome back to the sky Stef! Glad that you are recovering well and your positivity is wonderful. Class act mate.

[@Laz_Arus]

Thanks for the view of my city. I did a similar lap of the bay about 45 years ago with a pilot friend and still remember that thrill. The landscape has matured a lot since then! So good to see your head didn't explode, though it would have increased the view numbers considerably. Looking forward to seeing the episode when you're PIC. 👍

[@lexhofstetter]

Stefan, your presence is truly inspiring and your kindness shines through. It's a reminder for all of us to be gentle with ourselves and cherish each moment as we navigate our existence in this vast world. The views of Melbourne are mesmerizing; I could stare at them for hours.

[@joecastro2153]

So happy for you Buddy! Keep it coming little by little and you will make it!! We miss you

[@MrYono73]

Well done for getting back up there so soon Stefan. And thanks to your mate Steven for making it possible. Lovely to see you back onboard EYZ. May your swift recovery continue.

[@eileendoyle6537]

Glad to see you back in your happy place. I'm glad you know that you still have to take it nice and easy to end up flying again.

[@ludgerschlotmann8111]

Good to see you back in the plane again 🙏 I wish you a speedy recovery and all the best. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 D-EYCD

[@CalebICT]

Good to see you flying again & soon enough you’ll be back at the controls. And your head didn’t explode!

[@reneklein6049]

Glad that you are doing well, and are allowed to be a flight passenger. It's very cool. Wishing you a continuing recovery. You'll be flying solo before you know it. 😊

[@andrewl3655]

Great footage and editing as always Stef. Great to see you felling better too!

[@renejaraobregon]

Stefan….. I’am happy for you….. from Chile..!!!!

[@rustyknight6190]

Nice to see you back in the skies!

[@krisdevalle]

When you get down over Aspendale/Edithvale I could immediately recognise it - that strip of the Nepean where there's a ladder of streets heading down to the beach with only about 4-6 houses on each 'rung'. Nice part of Melbs.

[@JonMulveyGuitar]

Congratulations Stephen! Very happy to see you back in the air! Come to the states and I will give you the controls.😎✈️

[@bluedog1052]

Awesome stuff Stef, it's just great you're able to get back up in the air, baby steps and you'll have your dreams and freedom back. I have to say though, after living on and off, in Melbourne, for a combined 8 years, looking at that traffic below, I am seriously grateful I don't live there anymore although the city does look beautiful from the air at dusk. Good onya mate! And a shoutout to Steve for doing a solid for Stef and all us fans.

[@chrisreagan8651]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I've enjoyed your previous videos but this one reminds me even more, what a privilege it is for us to be able to fly and how quickly it can be taken away. Live for the moment and fly every chance we get. I can't wait to see you controlling EYZ again in the future. You are such an inspiration!

[@anil_taneja]

Stefan, stay strong! So excited to see what the future holds for you.

[@IanDaniel-DataAnalytics]

You look a lot better, colour in your face etc. I am glad you are recovering.

[@152clive]

welcome back home stef its good to see you again .

[@Ian.Jarmos]

MANNNNNN, I am so so so happy for you, you were in my prayers, glad you're good now

[@Michael-oy3pz]

Welcome back Stef, fabulous news that you’re recovered and are back flying ✈️

[@tonybeam]

What wonderful news, Stef. Really exciting!

[@Mara3560]

I am VERY HAPPY to see you back again on the air! All best wishes!

[@Pumuggl64]

So good to see you back in the air, Stef, even if it's in the right hand seat. Many more steps to come, for sure, but now you can tick THAT step off your list. And be sure that the community is with you pressing thumbs and knocking on wood for you! Have a good recovery, and hoping to see you in control of EYZ soon again. But of course, don't rush it but take all the time you need. Best wishes from the other side of the globe, Joe @EDDF

[@darkofc]

👍👍 Good to see you back in cockpit - and well and happy !

[@damiencooper1050]

So happy you’re back in the air! And it’s great you’re making content again around our beautiful city

[@oziflyer]

Brilliant. I smiled all the way through that video. Welcome back, mate.

[@PedroPepeDk]

Welcome back , you will be just fine 😎🙌🤗🤙

[@rkmyersuk]

Bless you, it’s genuinely made me happy to see you back in the air! You’ll be back in the right seat before you know it 🤞

[@richardgreen6857]

….every journey begins with a single step…keep putting one foot ahead of the last, and the very best of luck from Canada 🇨🇦

[@ranh71]

Nice one, great to see you in the air, yes take it easy!! Great video, Melbourne looked amazing especially with all the lights. Good old Steven!!

[@RH-og2qy]

So Glad you are back at it! Always moving forward.

[@johnshares]

Welcome back Stefan, good to see you up in the air again. Regards

[@Soyayabb]

So glad to be witnessing your recovery 🎉! Hopefully you’ll be flying again in the near future Stef❤❤

[@cavok1984]

Welcome back into the air. One little step closer and it's great to see your recovery is going well. 👍👍

[@derrick021]

ah your music choice, it is always so happy and soothing

[@mikeforslund7375]

Super happy for you Stefan. Love to see it!

[@seanmcerlean]

Awesome vlog Stefan. It looked stunning up there Equally that will have done your morale the power of good & that alone helps with any recovery. Believe me we are all happy to see you back even of not PIC. Take care & very much looking forward to subsequent vlogs. Nothing better than aviation.

[@berniebrown9115]

This brings me so much joy. God bless

[@silviozanforlin9785]

Hi Stefan, I’m only new to your channel, however it’s good to see that you are ok and on the way to full recovery after what you have gone through. Yes, I was living in Melbourne for work, now have retired to Phillip Island, sea change I suppose. I have studied Aeronautical Engineering at RMIT a long while ago and still keep up with the new ‘developments’ in aviation. When I first started my course in the early 80’s, civil aviation was at its infancy; look at it now, such a difference. Ever thought of flying from Moorabbin to Phillip island? Although the strip is not sealed, I think a Cirrus aircraft could land there; don’t really know. Anyway just a thought. Stay well Stefan, I hope you’ll get your ‘wings’ back soon. Stay safe we are all rooting for you.

[@lesleywallace5748]

Great to see you flying again , enjoy and take care

[@aussiegarbo752]

Just Awesome to see you above ground level I hope your recovery still goes well so I'll stay tuned! Same flight time! Same flight channel!

[@foxiedogitchypaws7141]

milkshake may need to get her pilot's' licence in case you are flying and pass out. She's been on a lot of trips so she's a good one to trust. You may have to go for facial reconstruction with your smile from ear to ear ! your happiness is very clear for your love of flying. 🤗🤗🐮🛩🦊 BEAUTIFUL flight!!

[@bmkay]

Great to see you in the air again! I enjoyed the conversation between you and Stephen.

[@loveplanes]

So happy for you! Blue skies!

[@TOPCyber]

You will get there Stefan! No doubt about it! But it is a process you need to go through. My partner had a CVA (brain attack) 2 years ago and he had to learn everything again. But he is doing fine now. And so will you. I know that for you being in the air is almost everything, your happy place. One day you will be the pilot in command again and that will mean the world to you

[@davidhunt3808]

Great to see you back in the air doing what you love !!! Next stop flying yourself eventually !! Always enjoy your aviation videos . Flying and aircraft get into your blood you are right its your happy place mine too !

[@Coops777]

Thankyou for sharing your joy with us Stef. Stunning scenery. Loved the video

[@AV8R767]

One step in the right direction! Great news, cant wait for the next instalment.

[@peterjoyce7198]

It's great to see you back in "the office" once again. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery.

[@Rvcoops]

Glad you are back in the air Stef!! Keep up the good fight all the way to the left hand seat.

[@flyingkah7223]

Good to see you back in the air.

[@RandoCommando]

Glad you're back in the air Stefan! You'll be PIC in no time. Love your content and always look forward to your videos. BTW, you look and sound great after having such a major surgery!

[@CHARLESCRANFORD]

Stef, Another great video! Good to see you recovering quickly and sharing beautiful Melbourne with the world. That traffic on Punt road makes it live up to it's nickname. Nice to have friends to fly you around and burn your fuel. I can't' wait to see you get back to piloting again. And who knows, maybe you have had time to think about a certain trip that shall not be mentioned. Thanks again for another great video.

[@stephengreen6719]

Good on you steve for helping out a mate well done, giddy up Stef looking forward to seeing you in the correct seat in EYZ🙂

[@lawdpleasehelpmeno]

Glad you're back in the air. I hope you get cleared to fly the aircraft yourself again soon.

[@kiltedpiper98]

So great to see you back in the air. Keep fighting! Very excite!

[@catherinekilgour2563]

It is great to see you back up in EYZ. Now while I haven't had brain surgery my flight last week, with an instructor, was my first since the end of September last year. Yes six months with no flying and yes I agree with you it just feels so great to be back up in the air again doesn't it. I look forward to following your recovery journey and seeing you up in the skies again.

[@Hola-ri9lz]

Glad you’re all okay again.

[@kevchilton908]

Grrat to see you in the skies again, Stef 👍🏻

[@scottymack7523]

Stef, your approach to aviation content is so unique and truly inspiring. In fact, your videos helped motivate me to purchase my first plane and get my certificate last year. So glad to see you back in the sky! If you ever make it to Texas you've got a wing man waiting for you!

[@rmd4209]

Very nice to see you back in the sky after your surgery. 😍😍

[@shelleysflyingdreams]

I’m so glad you had such perfect weather for your return to the skies. The hour before and after sunset is my favourite time of the day. I love watching the colours change. I didn’t know the rules regarding handling flight controls here on oz. If I, an unqualified person, were to have the privilege of flying with you, could I do anything like make radio calls or get the atis for you? I’m so grateful to you for sharing your journey. It was great to see you home again.