Restoring a Cessna 172 over four years

This video chronicles the restoration of N3813L Cessna 172G from June 2016- October 2020. When I approached my A&P/IA about restoring this airplane under his supervision, he strongly advised me that, “This project is not economically feasible”. No truer words were spoken but Joe stood by me.
Why do the project in the first place? I simply wanted an airplane project and a Cessna is a great airplane. And I love that smooth running great sounding Continental O300D.
Finally, my father kept very close tabs on the project. He would ponder different challenges that I was struggling with and would call back a couple days later. He’d start the conversation with, “Dave... I have a solution to your problem but...it’s going to cost you money...” Ugh!
Enjoy

[@michaelahern3006]

Beautiful job. Actually brought tears to my eyes. Your perseverance shows a lot about your character. Having a supportive wife like that says a lot about your marriage.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

She's the best wife ever. Thank you for watching.

[@THEGOGETTERSINVEST]

You definitely have a keeper! So much hard work, congrats on everything!

[@gregoryburridge7226]

I wish my wife would say those words! Great restoration video, the best I’ve seen yet!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Gregory, thank you for the kind words and, yes, I am a lucky man.

[@eugeneweaver3199]

LOL!

[@lmfarms4611]

There are so many Aircraft abandoned across this world and there are so many A&P schools that would love to have them to teach there students. It is great to see her fly again, it brought tears to my eyes, beautiful.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks so much for watching. I’m really glad you liked it. If you get a chance, please follow my progress on the J5 cub I’m working on now. It will be a long haul but I’m enjoying the process.

[@Dave5500]

Absolutely beautiful!!! And the adoration of the pilot from his lady, is amazing!!!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

She’s the best…!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

She’s the best…!

[@BrettMcNary]

I got goosebumps at the end! Holy labor of love! The amount of energy put into a project like this is amazing! Way to film it along the way too!

[@bobninemire5154]

Nice job David.....Another Skyhawk saved from the scrap heap. Really like to see people preserve these old birds.

[@twistedyogert]

Why do people throw them out? They last forever. How many cars made that same year are on the streets?

[@chester8420]

@@twistedyogert If you had any idea the amount of money and time he put into it, you would understand why. He spent 4 years of his life on it! He could have bought a much newer model 172 with decent avionics and a low time engine for the same money, 4 years less work and been flying it those 4 years instead of working on it. Now he has a very nice, near perfect aircraft, but it is still 50+ years old and it cost him.

[@twistedyogert]

@@chester8420 I wonder why it was put in a boneyard to begin with.

[@chester8420]

@@twistedyogert I have never seen this plane in person, but judging from the pictures I would say it got abandoned because it WAS a worn out, old, broken, outdated piece of crap that needed 10X its value just to get airworthy. I do not know any facts about the plane, but I will make a few speculations.. It is a 60's model 172 and those aren't the most sought after years. I am assuming its continental motor was probably run out, and those aren't the most desirable engine anyway. Those physical damage issues in the photos may seem like easy to fix, but in the USA repair work like that has to be done by (or approved by) a certified aircraft mechanic. It would cost a person many thousands of dollars just to repair the skins. The interior was trash, the avionics and radios were dinosaurs even assuming they are working. I could go on. He has probably over $50k worth of hard parts put on the plane plus paint. Also 4 years worth of labor and a buddy IA to give a signature and do paperwork. Now he has a beautiful masterpiece plane, but not really a desirable model, a low horsepower engine, non ADSB compliant avionics, and an iPad for navigation. I don't know whether the plane was sentimental, or if the guy just likes a project, but the end results looks AWESOME!!!! I hope I don't sound critical, cause I am not. I am impressed!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Ask me if I prefer restoring airplanes vs. flying them….

[@carlbroker]

Thank you for sharing. I chocked up when you guys put the wings on at the airfield. Forever blue skys my friend.

[@madthewirdo4236]

Congratulations, what a beautiful job you did. So many of those start out with the best intentions and never get finished. Wish you many safe hours of flying.

[@chriswinton]

The care and detail you put into this shows amazing character, and the supportive words from your wife are inspirational. To watch something go from a eye sore to a thing of beauty made my day. It is beautiful! I pray for many years of enjoyment and happiness for you both! Kudos sir, job well done.

[@bittnerbs]

Wow! This brought tears to my eyes!!! Seeing a man undertake such a huge endeavor and beautifully accomplish his goals, with the love & support of family and friends is what succeeding in life is all about. Congratulations, sir!

[@colinwallace5286]

I like to think that somewhere two guys named Vic and Clyde have a smile on their face and a tear in their eyes. It turned out amazing.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks for saying so, Colin.

[@PastorKwangle]

I loved this video! She is a great plane! Thanks for sharing your long journey with us!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks, if you get a chance watch my Piper J5A series

[@mariofachinsky5639]

I dropped a couple of tears in the end... beautiful story. I own a C172K I imported from TX in 2012 (Im in Argentina), and spent almost 2yrs working on it until she finally turned from N46406 into LV-CWK and got the airworthiness certification, so I know very well what all of this means to you. Great work my friend, having a supporting wife is a pilar for a project like this, and having good friends to lend you a hand is priceless. Enjoy! Fly safe and good winds!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you! You DO know the joy in the transformation of LV-CWK. Did you fly it down to Argentina from Texas?

[@wallymurray620]

What a wonderful video, you brought that ole gal back to life. Great job and congrats sir.

[@bernardanderson3758]

Beautiful aircraft and a Great time of family gathering and friends to accompany one another for this special 4 years of the love that each of you all did and thank God for allowing for this day to come to fly and what a fantastic paint job and congratulations

[@Rosspilot]

I was fascinated by this . . . it takes a lot to do it for sure but I have no doubt that the pride and sense of achievement is a great reward. I have owned my 67 172h w/ Cont O-300d for 23 years . . . you got yourself a beauty!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks for your kind words. The first time i flew in a Cessna 170 with an O300 I was smitten and i was just a kid. Such a nice engine! Thanks again.

[@arrowpilotii8397]

WOW, amazing job. I am always amazed to see so many planes that sit on the ramp and this happens. Great job.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Dear Arrow pilot, glad you watched. Working on a 1941 Piper J5A currently

[@flyingnp4924]

Wow, that is awesome. great to see the support you had along the way as well

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

John, thanks for watching, try out my Piper J5A series if you’re interested.

[@grahamshamrock4424]

Congratulations on an outstanding achievement Dave! And thank you for showing us what pure inspiration can achieve! First plane I ever flew was an old 172, just gotta love them!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Graham, Thanks for you kind words. If you haven't done so, check out my other Piper J-5 series...long road ahead but good clean fun.

[@dannybryant4459]

Nice to see you flying thank you for the video have a great day

[@finneire2358]

What an incredible story, David. A well deserved moment at the end, taking off. Beautiful livery too. Thanks for uploading👍

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Many thanks!

[@joegranata7936]

I'm shivering. Pure emotions! Thank you David! I never pilot an airplane in my life and that's a great thing to do... but piloting something you took care so much with your own hands should be one of the greatest emotion in life.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Joe, Thanks for the nice note...The first flight definitely had my attention.

[@gdhubert]

This was a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it. I have a 1957 172. Love the sound of that O-300. Best wishes for many hours of flight.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks Greg, I love those straight tail 172’s.

[@williamtrusler1508]

What a great restoration and an equally great video of the process.

[@skyking4230]

David....congratulations on your restoration, your video, and wonderful and supportive wife and crew. I have watched your video many times and I'm inspired by your dedication.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Skyking, thank you for your kind words. We should say supportive and BEAUTIFUL wife...Thanks again.

[@renegarza7703]

Tears to eyes……good job….congratulations to you and your wife….many years of flying 👍🏼

[@brumm2589]

David - fantastic work and you are an inspiration. I fly my 66-g every chance I get and love every minute of it. Stay safe and enjoy!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Mine was test flown 12/29/1965. Thanks for watching.

[@ThomasGrillo]

Congratulations on completing this awesome project! Thanks for sharing.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Good times

[@hosegooseman5]

Outstanding work. Congrats!!!

[@SI-lg2vp]

My you and your wife enjoy many years of flying your plane. This project was equal to having build a kit plane. Lots of time and effort that will always be remembered by its owner.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Very true and thank you for the blessing.

[@go2sh]

Amazing! Your dedication and hard work for this project is remarkable. Doing this all by your self is absolutely stunning. Many happy landings!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks for watching, I like working on long term projects so doing it myself was very comfortable. Thanks again.

[@ronechols]

Inspires me to start flying again !, Great job, admire your persistence to see the job through.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Ron, go start flying again! Persistence...hum. I just wanted to recover my investment. Thanks for watching.

[@steveoh7465]

Awesome video. What great memories you've got during the restoration, and the future memories with your flying adventures to come.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Steve, thanks for your kind words and thanks for watching.

[@carambola88]

well done! love everything about this project.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Flew it out to Block Island last weekend.

[@michaelhetrick6835]

Thanks for posting this up. It was very enjoyable to watch. I especially enjoyed your wife's reaction on the first flight.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Glad you enjoyed it, She really surprised me with her reaction! We were both biting our nails that morning!

[@hanspetterstue9175]

What a fine story, great restoration and a beautiful plane. Well done to you, your good helpers and not to forget your wife. Happy landings from Norway.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Dear Hans from the ice and snow. Thank you for watching

[@Estebanserrano96]

Congratulations! Your video is very inspiring and you have a beautiful family, friends and Cessna 172G.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks! I am the luckiest man alive

[@007camera]

You also refurbished my soul! Congrats fo doing such a great job ! 💜

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you!!!

[@mefly389]

Well done. Reminds me of my 4 year restoration of my 1950 Bonanza. Wish i had documented my journey as well as you did. Congratulations!!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

I’d love to do a Bonanza, I just love the way they look and sound.

[@khombol69]

Well done Dave! I loved the video. Beautiful plane all over again

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@EJWash57]

Just came across your video. The dedication involved in this project deserves nothing but respect. Congrats all the way around.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Much appreciated!

[@johnswilley6764]

Beautiful! Congratulations Sir! I wishes you many hours of enjoyment. CAVU to you.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

John, Many thanks and CAVU to you also.

[@davidjessee7701]

What a transformation!!! Interior is WOW!! Now new avionics!!! Great job!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks, maybe just ADSB out.

[@alby426]

Fantastic looking airplane and, great work. Thanks for sharing and, happy flying.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Many thanks, but do'nt look too closely, LOL.

[@larcredab]

Outstanding accomplishment and beautiful work. She will serve your mission for years to come. Great to see another Cessna back in the air.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

That's the plan!

[@reyesben]

Wow. Incredible documentary. What dedication!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

I enjoyed everything but the interminable paint stripping

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks

[@airbill1]

Love this! Great work and perseverance. We have a 1966 fully restored G model, N3815L. Smiled when I saw the n-number on your panel.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Wow! Likely two serial numbers apart. Mine was test flown on 12/29/1965. I really don’t know if it’s a 65 or 66. Thanks for watching

[@airbill1]

@@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a I’m in Blairstown, NJ but run a corporate flight department and fly out of Bedford, MA (Global 6000). I commute past you to work and often fly up instead of driving. Would love to get these two birds together for a picture and share stories. Email me at [e-mail] and I can swap contact info. PS. If you want a tour of the Global, happy to provide.

[@timothyward1310]

Thanks for a heart warming story. Congratulations and please accept my condolences for the passing of your friend Sal. Wonderful video!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks for watching, Sal was a great friend and was a trusted advisor on this project. He always advised me to, "stay within the tolerance", meaning, if my intent at the outset of the project was to restore this an make it a show plane then do whatever it take to accomplish that goal. In my case the objective was to make a highly airworthy airplane that was presentable. Definitely not a show piece but presentable and safe.

[@timbeinert4976]

Only way I can describe it is simply inspirational, thank you so much for sharing!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you for saying so

[@mightymaligator9738]

Very nice work. Congratulations on a beautiful C 172.

[@marcumb]

Congratulations and what a special memory to have your father assist. Excellent video production.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks, I assisted him on his home built when I was a teenager.

[@paully08]

Great video! Hopefully we'll get to see some more flight time videos of this great Cessna.

[@TomFly]

You did a great job 🪄and it was amazing to watch! Congratulations from good old Germany. 🇩🇪🎉

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Tom, Thank you for your kind words...from one old hang glider pilot to another.

[@benc1103]

Always nice to see an airplane brought back to life

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

It was even nicer for me. Check out my new Piper J-5 series that I'm currently working on....good clean(dirty) fun.

[@fahnestockjohn]

Wow - just WOW! As if the restoration wasn't enough then you had to put together this amazing video presentation to share. GREAT JOB!! No clue how this showed up in my feed, but so glad it did. Tailwinds!!!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks, I'm glad it ended up in your feed. Thanks again.

[@billyduggins5272]

Great job and great support from the wife. Nice looking 172.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Billy, Thanks, couldn't have done it without her.

[@markma9058]

Absolutely stunning job! So glad to see that bird get a new lease on life. Kudos to you sir 👏👏👏

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you! just don't look TOO closely.

[@scottybear6265]

It makes my heart so full of good feelings to see a bunch of guys take on the job of bringing her back to life I have a lotta respect for you guys and lady’s , I have many memories in a 152 I learns to fly and many hours in a 172, there’s a special place in my heart for those memories and thank you for bringing those memories back to me. God bless

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Wow!, I'm glad you liked it.

[@phathaus]

What a pleasure to watch!! Wishing you blue skies and safe flying

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you for watching.

[@nathane9289]

Wow! Is all i can say. No words can describe the love and care that went into this restoration. Great job!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks for watching Nathan, I’m glad you liked it. Watch my other series on a Piper J5A I’m working on currently.

[@RobertForslund]

What a wonderful video, it's nice to see old airplanes get back into the air! Amazing work, it looks fantastic! 😛👍

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@leosemnardo]

Congratulations! Nice job!! Thanks for sharing

[@eclipser2004]

One of the guys in our COPA 97 group bought a baffed out C-172 a few years back and stripped it down then rebuilt it and registered it as an amateur built. It has worked out great for him. He loves it. Had a Piper Tri-Pacer that was registered as an amateur built before that.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

I was under the impression that converting a type certificated aircraft to Experimental was a big deal. Thanks for watching.

[@philoshaughnessy906]

Gorgeous restoration. Love the colour scheme. Happy flying!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@jayscheick7408]

Wonderful job, David. Truly a labor of love with a tear in my eye watching you take off at the end. I’m near Bayport Airport on Long Island which has an occasional pancake breakfast. I’m sure people would love to hear your story and see the great work you’ve done. Congratulations!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Jay, I'll watch the calendar this year on fly-ins on LI. I actually haven't ventured that far yet from home base. Thanks for watching.

[@jayscheick7408]

@@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a you’re welcome. If you venture this way, I can send find a link for Bayport arrivals and departures. It’s a cut out of the ISP Class C.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Please do send that link. Looking forward to a post covid world.

[@everettfarr8036]

I am an engineer. I've built so much stuff in my life. Im 67. Amazing job. Its back to life.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you for watching.

[@waynegilchrist3535]

Awesome! That's one lucky Cessna to be found by you. It looks better than new. I know you are very proud, take care and stay safe.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you for your kind words, I did very much miss not having a project.

[@av8tore71]

Very nice, I'm about to do this with my dad's 1965 Mooney M20C I inherited when he passed. I used my Montgomery GI and Post 9/11 GI (I grandfathered in since I was in service before 9/11) and just finished A&P school at Rock Valley College. I will have to doc my restoration just like you too I guess

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

How’s your project going?

[@garywilliams9678]

Well done David. Nothing more impressive from taking a long gone airplane and giving it new life. Well done.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Good clean(but expensive) fun...Thanks for watching.

[@fettlerjohn3419]

What a pleasent well made video, nice music too. Much love in the air! Thanks for posting it ✨

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you too! I liked the music also...but I must warn you that I'm a bit of a Dead Head...Just sayin.

[@fettlerjohn3419]

@@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a I've heard of a Dead Head sticker on a Cadilac, how about a Dead Head sticker on a Cessna! 👍

[@musman2379]

Felt like a love story ! Thanks for sharing, amazing journey ❤️

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Haha, it was a love story. Thanks for watching

[@beekangkang7150]

Now days. Everything is considered with money.but the true Love for thr GENARAL AVIATION ? I am very impressed. And looks very good. You have enough reason to get proud of your self. Thank you for sharing your story

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Not the best investment, but that was never the intention. I just wanted a project

[@lisajohnson8566]

Loved your video and I share your excitement getting it all back together. I admire your patience and I opted to just buy outright a 1977 Hawk XP but I know what it's like to love your airplane and make it all yours. I wish you guys many happy hours together in that beautiful 172. CONGRATULATIONS on the finished project!! Also thanks for sharing it with us.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Lisa, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. You're much smarter than I am by just going out and buying one. I enjoyed the process. Thanks for watching.

[@lisajohnson8566]

For me it was all timing and good timing that I could swing that purchase. Before that I was a member of the EAA and getting ready to build my own. But I was lucky that things worked out and with some family financing I did it. Your project was beautiful as you know every single inch of your "new" airplane. Again, thanks for sharing your story.

[@AbreedApart123]

Beautiful job on your Cessna sir. Very inspirational!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Alexei, thanks for watching and thanks for you kind words.

[@TNels]

Absolutely fantastic job! Excellent work and attention to detail. Hope you're enjoying many hours of flight with it now.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you, T. Nelson, I'm glad you enjoyed the process...I sure did.

[@bobderuyter9961]

that is a beautiful plane, you should be so proud of what you and your friends have done . enjoy the skies

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

I enjoyed it very much. I’m a serial offender with my new(Old) project

[@FarkyDave]

What a cool restoration. You must be the most patient man in the world. Great job!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank Dave.

[@eldahank]

Amazing job man, I enjoyed watching and what a great final product

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@patsadventures6381]

Excellent video and really enjoyed it. Loved the song in the background! Great job!!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Pat, Thanks! I'm a bit of a Dead head so I needed something...appropriate.

[@josephperkins4163]

Absolutely awesome job! I loved seeing you bring a beautiful girl back to life! Enjoy, you deserve it! Blue skies!!!!!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you so much!!

[@ej7131]

What an amazing accomplishment! I hope to do this one day. Congratulations!!!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

EJ, Just start if you can, keep the project home so you can work on it 10 minutes at a time. Good luck.

[@rogerd9150]

Well David, I must admit, this one made me misty eyed especially at the end. I know what kind of will power it takes to start and finish a long project like that because I just finished a 5 year body off restoration down to every nut and bolt on a 1972 Corvette. I have my pilot’s license also and I wish I could do a restoration like you just did on a 172 (my favorite plane). What choked me up the most is the adoration of your wife. You have a real sweetie pie right there. Don’t ever take her for granted and hug her real tight every chance you get. My wife was my greatest supporter. Sadly she passed in 2015. Liked and subscribed!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Rodger thank for subscribing. Somehow I missed responding to you. So you know a thing or two about sticking to a project through thick and thin. I’m very glad you liked the video but more importantly I’m sorry about the loss of your wife. I don’t know what I’d do without mine. Peace brother.

[@rogerd9150]

@@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a I really appreciate your thoughtful reply David! Yes although I made it through my long project, I’m not sure I could commit to another one like it. But perhaps someday I’ll run across that special project that I can’t resist doing. I wish you and your wife a continued long and special life together. Take care!

[@bobwhalen5017]

Good job, you are a very determined guy! I hope you and your wife have fun on your travels.....

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks for watching

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

It was lots of fun, thanks

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks for watching

[@djangofreeman3153]

Congratulations. This video encapsulates flying. work, support, love and respect.. i'm getting misty watching it again..

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks for the nice note.

[@Subgunman]

Fantastic work and Great video! You were blessed with the finest crew to help you restore this classic!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thanks, I do have the best support crew but mostly the bestest wife.

[@ptp79]

wow i clicked this video and couldn't stop watching it till the end. Loved your work. Bringing back this beautiful aircraft to life. I really inspire your love towards this project. My regards to your whole family. Love from Pakistan.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Syed, thank you for watching. It make me very happy to hear from people around the world. Love from America.

[@arpeltier]

Absolutely wonderful! Such an inspiring video. Your wife is hilarious too!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

She’s the best!

[@Ceemysix]

Well done sir! Awesome job on the airplane, and the video presentation was very nicely done. 36 year retired military aviator here.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your service.

[@devintichy3024]

Absolutely beautiful restoration! A labor of love to bring an old 172 back! also greetings from down the road at HVN ;)

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you very much! HVN is where i first soloed.

[@MrSlarba77]

Amazing work, spectacular result! Congratulations! I've restored an old sailplane (1961 Ka-6Cr) from similar condition to airworthy (basically rebuilt the right wing) Absolutely nothing beats the feeling on the maiden flight :)

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Isn't that work a blast! First flight definitely had my full attention! Thanks for watching.

[@MiguelVidalBalbi]

Simply amazing job!

[@justflyin2257]

Fantastic job! Congratulations to you and your bride anf your EAA Chapter!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you for watching. My EAA chapter 324 played a major role in this restoration. They gave me a venue to status the membership monthly as the project progressed and once the airplane was at the airport they inspected the airplane prior to the annual inspection. And...they found things...you never have too many eyes on an airplane. Thanks again.

[@tizwicky]

A true labor of love!

[@Wpilot673]

Well done ! I’m impressed

[@stevekathyrunion2204]

Just awesome! Congratulations.. That was a huge job and she looks beautiful!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you so much! You might like this also?

[@GeorgiaNFA]

Came out beautifully! Amazing work!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you.

[@johnjohn4003]

Wow, what a fantastic achievement, well done :)

[@gkbkansas]

What a great job, lots of dedication, time and hard earned money went into it but the results speak for themselves.

[@joedaviss9448]

Sir this is an absolutely wonderful video. Thank you for sharing it with us. It is amazing how much life is left in old, abandoned airplanes.

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you for watching, check out my others on a 1941 Piper J5

[@jbl7092]

You are such an inspiration! Beautiful!

[@DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a]

Thank you so much!