My Thrilling Ride in the U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey

This is what it's like to fly the CV-22 Osprey- a special operations tiltrotor aircraft operated by the United States Air Force.
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Huge thanks to the Cannon Air Force Base team for having me out!
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[e-mail]

[@SamEckholm]

For those interested in becoming an Air Force pilot, and even flying the V-22 Osprey yourself, one of the best routes you can take is to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. It's a 4-year tuition free university that graduates the most amount of pilots every year. I'm so excited to announce the release of my online course called The Air Force Academy Blueprint! I cover everything you need to do to prepare, apply, and survive the Air Force Academy. You'll have access to over 60+ video lessons, downloadable resources and checklists, access to a private community of other applicants, and so much more. Sign up here: www.academyblueprint.com/

[@scoopyrnoopers]

I'm really interested in trying to be an airforce pilot but I can't put my parents through having another kid in the military.

[@Krustykrab-fg8sj]

@@scoopyrnoopers At the end of the day it's your future not theirs.

[@chadnga8]

@sameckholm I'm only 51, and didn't find my love of aviation until a couple years after college.... but I'm willing to start over as a newbie/ freshman/ 1st year 😂I could probably even graduate the USAF Academy before my 55th bday. I got to check out a couple V22s at my hometown airshow, I'd be going every year, asking "when are you going to bring the Ospreys in?" One year we got real lucky and had a few here, one on static display that we couple get in and check everything out, the others few demos. The Marines at the static display were thrilled to show off their bird.... and answered every question we had, and even more that we didn't know. Awesome video as always Sam! ✌️

[@lloydzufelt7514]

Are you still active duty?

[@Dietz18]

I flew for 6 years in the air force as a loadmaster. This is one of the best videos I have ever seen in regards to showing a full mission from first getting your equipment from AFE, going to the Crew Briefing, stepping to the aircraft, even seeing a little Maintenace out there and showing the different aspects of flying from low level to a Halo jump all with comms and nice commentary. AMAZING!!

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks so much!

[@ronaldrice2936]

Agreed ,it was Tight from, start to finish 💯👍🇺🇲✌️

[@qboy3021]

That maintainer was me 😂

[@crewchief5144]

I'm a retired MV-22 Crewchief and that's better mission package footage than anything I've seen put out for us. It's always so poorly edited and shows the same stuff over and over. Great vid.

[@wonderz_808]

i hope to get loadmaster in the airforce when and if i join

[@qboy3021]

I was your crew chief that day, that’s me at 6:00 pushing the fire bottle and doing the preflight walk around, my parents were super proud to see me in the video

[@SamEckholm]

No way! Glad this video made it to you. Appreciate you helping launch us out. 🙌🏼

[@Ethanthemidwesternrailfan]

@qboy3021 hey I subscribed to your channel i think you should maybe should try and be and be a gun channel

[@henryblackburn3031]

Continuing on the Special forces theme and doing a video with the 160th SOAR (Night Stalkers) would be epic. The Little Bird is such a cool helicopter.

[@Mavsin5]

Keysysuwgwwv🎉😂😂❤😅🎉😮🎉😅❤😊

[@Hughjass-69420]

I think the Ah-6J is one of if not the best helicopter, small to fit in tight spaces, fast, highly maneuverable, and can be fitted with Miniguns, ATGMS and rocket pods. Super cool little helicopter

[@abunchofiguanaswithinterne2186]

I dont know if he does videos with army though

[@eddiethatsaboutit966]

That's what I'm saying

[@robberes6799]

I loved doing Little Birds on MC-130H Combat Talon IIs! Had a few kick ass missions with the 160th, and they could always hit the drouge on TAR, unlike the CV-22s😂

[@BuzzyBee11]

My condolences to the 3 marines killed today here in Australia. I saw this aircraft last week at the Gold Coast Air Show. 100s thousands of people watch their performance.

[@n3v3rforgott3n9]

Sad reality of military aviation. You can only learn from the incidents and try to not let them repeat.

[@gameelthesecond1218]

hate to say this but another one went down in japan and we lost a Marine (1/8)

[@n3v3rforgott3n9]

@@gameelthesecond1218 Do you track each and every Black Hawk crash as well?

[@sydwelglobal1439]

Another group just died in Japanese waters

[@n3v3rforgott3n9]

@@sydwelglobal1439 still statistically safer than the majority of aircraft the navy flies.

[@rhamburglar2689]

I’m a Crew Chief at Cannon, special thanks to our Maintainers for keeping these incredible machines flying! ;) Definitely not an easy task, trust me :)

[@clemson1013]

thanks to y’all for keeping the lost dangerous air craft flying. these things are dangerous as shit

[@richardrose9943]

Wrong

[@foxtrotflies]

@@clemson1013 lawn darts

[@Primedprepper]

@@clemson1013guess you was right!!!

[@andyfriederichsen]

@@clemson1013 The MH-53E has had far more accidents than the Osprey. The amount of crashes the V-22 Osprey has had isn't even that much higher than other helicopter-type aircraft.

[@sullivanpecharka3830]

I was a crewchief on ospreys for 4 years. I still dream about flying, comms, and all the cool stuff I did. sweet video man.

[@spaceshark]

Incredible as always. Great support of the United States Air Force - and an excellent tribute to all of the hard work and training.Thank you Sam!

[@thewizzzzard]

So stoked to see this come out! This one and the new helicopter one have been my favorite so far.

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks David!

[@Normal_nato-u]

​@@SamEckholm did you try to make a video about a warship

[@stanglvr6781]

When the Osprey was first being flown and wasn't really known about yet I was lucky enough to be at Amarillo,TX Airport and see them! It was a sound I had never heard and so unique, I knew it had to be something special. When they came around the hangers onto the taxiway, I was awestruck! What an amazing Aircraft and definitely was happy to be able to see this marvel take off and land...

[@adamfischer6768]

Damm...I'm 62 years old but after watching your video I'm ready to enlist! Great Job Sam and to all your air crew mates that made it happen🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@LauRoot892]

Yep, Are you married ??😮

[@SamEckholm]

Quite possibly the most fun I've ever had filming a video. What should I film next?

[@swastikarya941]

Ah 64 Apache

[@hyperion-0148]

C-17 Globemaster III

[@Endumattis]

Black/pave hawk :)

[@pyeitme508]

Wow

[@WilsonLove.]

You should do the Firefighting C-130

[@mycroft16]

I remember when this thing debuted and everyone said how ugly and stupid it was. I've loved it from the very start. It's so unique, and extremely overpowered to be able to get in and out FAST and easy. Nape of the Earth flying looks like a ton of fun, but spectating and doing. Amazing opportunity. Thanks for taking us along. My favorite photos from troops on deployment are almost always the ones out the side or back of aircraft. That tail spot would be so cool to just chill in and watch the landscapes go by.

[@Salmon_Toastie]

It looks so sci fi and cool as well.

[@Simbor-rh1dj]

It’s ugly and dangerous. A few died in Australia today.

[@meteorknight999]

Its stupid and ppl died in japan today

[@idleeric8556]

The Osprey is an extremely cool looking machine 👍 🇺🇳🗽🇺🇦🗽🇺🇳

[@leaveorlibertyfishing7670]

I have always been so fascinated by this incredible flying machine it’s truly amazing ! Thanks for putting this together for us Sam.

[@paulschab8152]

It's killed a lot of soldiers...

[@lukereyes6266]

@@paulschab8152 so have a lot of things, gonna keep complaining?

[@NotJustAnotherAverageJoe]

@@lukereyes6266 It's not really complaining, the Osprey is really the most unreliable and dangerous rotary the military has in service.

[@lukereyes6266]

@@NotJustAnotherAverageJoe then why is it still used💀💀💀

[@crewchief5144]

@@lukereyes6266 Because it's actually very reliable and the training of personnel and manufacturing of replacement parts has caught up to the technology. Don't believe the media hype from 20 years ago. It's not as nice as the CH-53K but it's still the best at it's mission roles.

[@victormanuelpolanco922]

Amazing video, Sam. Beautiful aircraft, high- paced environment, professionals at their finest. I actually love everything about the Osprey so this footage was a royal treat for my Osprey - craving eyes!!!!. Osprey, the Huey of the 21st Century!!!.

[@txtworld]

The Army's recently chosen our 21st century Huey. It's the Osprey's little brother - the Bell V-280 Valor

[@savage_boi_2356]

El😊

[@savage_boi_2356]

@@txtworldyuhhuhh

[@PhotographyNStuff]

Sam is the type of guy to have a banger vid every vid

[@cruzmakaveli9891]

Bruh that is the coolest experience one can have. Spending the day hanging out with the pilots & Special Ops and firing a 50 Cal. from a freaking plane.........dang !

[@perniciousreaper4393]

When I was in the AF many moons ago, I was an aerial gunner on the Pave Low (and transitioned to the Pave Hawk after the 53 was retired). When I was at Hurlburt and they were bringing these CV-22s in, first time ever in service...must have been 2005 or 2006...I got a chance to ride one. It was terrifying during certain phases of flight. I remember thinking it seemed super unstable, which was odd, because helicopters, which is what I was used to, are inherently unstable. Understand, that's not an indictment of the aircraft. At that time, there weren't many pilots with a substantial number of hours under their belt on the Osprey. It was mostly simulator time. They had installed sims at Hurlburt way before they brought the actual birds in. But there were things the simulators couldn't replicate as well back then. So a lot of things were learned on the job behind the stick of the actual aircraft in those days as pilots (who had transitioned in from other types) got a feel for the difference between the Osprey and more conventional aircraft. It's really cool to see how far the program has come.

[@pcwizardstech]

Dude that was an amazing video. Loved everything about the Osprey. Such an incredible machine. Fan from Cincinnati.

[@LauRoot892]

Absolutely 😮

[@mjohnson9563]

Great video Sam. Professional. It took a long time to develop the Osprey but it is a crucial piece of equipment for special forces, special ops, rangers and seals as well as medevac. When seconds matter in any situation this is one thing that can get the specialized staff members to the spot in a hurry to get the job done. It filled a huge void in our military's weakness.

[@txtworld]

You're spot on. That's why the Army's chosen the Osprey's little brother - the Bell V-280 Valor

[@emery254]

Oh my gosh , what an experience for me -- that Osprey is really unbelievable -- That trip was so amazing for me . Thanks Sam .

[@realuncertain]

Oh my gosh! I was waiting for this video for so long!!! Thank you Sam Eckholm!

[@andrewreynolds912]

I saw the Osprey irl years ago, and omg it's big! I'll never forget such a view of being so up close to this beautiful aircraft

[@Adventuregirl96]

Amazing video as always. Hearing you talk about the wind from the Osprey reminded me of the wind from a MH-60 Jayhawk. It also produces hurricane force winds and when you are floating in the water it can be overwhelming.

[@Contest4Freedom]

I’m a machinist and have manufactured components for the Osprey. It’s easily the hardest components I’ve even made in my life. What an incredible piece of equipment though. 😊

[@rajuaditya1914]

Nicee! Which all parts?

[@pappaflammyboi5799]

Hardly the easiest, or easily the hardest? That's what she said.

[@WalrusWinking]

I made and inspected the armor panels for the V-22 and other helicopters the amount of work that goes into every little part is insane.

[@tylerslepicka156]

@@WalrusWinkingwhy not mount the engines in the fuselage and run shafts to the wing tip props , instead of having all that engine weight way out on the end of the wing

[@zeeyeds]

​@@pappaflammyboi5799bro 💀

[@keith_jones]

I managed to squeeze it in on a break. Great video as always. Bravi to you, the film crew, the flight crews, and the special forces involved in this undertaking. I pray we never need them, but am certainly happy to have them at the ready these days.

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks for watching!

[@StratoArt]

This is an amazing look into the Osprey, thank you for this amazing coverage!

[@capcapt23]

Another amazing video. I really enjoy these and it always looks like you are having an amazing time doing what you love. Keep up the good work

[@Dab11082]

If I wasn't already a tad over 24 years in the Air Force (four active-duty, three year break in service, and 17+ in the Reserves) your videos would have already decided for me to join. And it is super cool interviewing or even mentioning the enlisted ground-crew members.

[@sillygoosedude3674]

Buddy is flying the Avenger 💀💀💀

[@DOMINICAAVIATION]

Incredible video! Thank you for taking us behind the scenes!

[@aivc9331]

Always fantastic content from you. Thank you for your dedication to excellent work!

[@jess_o]

I was lucky enough to get a short ride-along in the back of one of HMX-1's Ospreys after one of their changes of command, was an absolute blast. Seeing the earth rapidly zoom out from the bay door when the pilot pulled the stick back and punched it was like nothing else. Great video, thanks for reminding me of the experience.

[@TOONMAN200]

WOW the best CV-22 video ever. Since the CV-22 was conceived, I always loved this aircraft. Excellent video keep up the good work.

[@oliverf3746]

This was incredible, KZbin content at its absolute best, thanks for bringing such great videos.

[@axeman3d]

I've just started flying the MV-22 in Microsoft Flightsim and it's a bit of a beast to get the hang of. The hardest part is slowing the damn thing down, it's so fast compared to a standard helo and learning when to transition is going to take practice. It's quite a machine.

[@Calebs_Aviation]

This looks like an awesome plane and this should be an EPIC VIDEO SAM! I cannot wait to see it! 👍✈️😎

[@Sovereignty420]

The V-22 is an absolute amazing feat of engineering. So much went into it its design and it's an impressive machine.

[@Jengoboys603]

It's a death trap

[@andyfriederichsen]

@@Jengoboys603 The CH-53E and even the UH-60 Blackhawk have had far more accidents compared to the only 40 Osprey accidents ever since the V-22 Osprey entered service.

[@donnstambaugh1506]

So stoked to see this channel grow, great job.,.

[@LauRoot892]

Yeppers

[@helmikureng]

Amazing video, Sam. Beautiful aircraft, high- paced environment, professionals at their finest. I actually love everything about the Osprey so this footage was a royal treat for my Osprey - craving eyes!!!!. Osprey...

[@tgabe2868]

Sam, thanks for making this video. It gives us a glimpse of what our son is doing as he is currently training to fly the Osprey. So impressed. Great job!

[@PrimaMartij]

One needs something to believe in, something for which one can have whole-hearted enthusiasm. One needs to feel that ones life has meaning, that one is needed in this world.

[@SHINR__]

I just caught some pictures of one yesterday, really amazing aircraft.

[@robbiereynoldsvara5977]

This channel deserves more recognition

[@maddiejacobson2478]

The Osprey gives a whole new meaning to “airplane mode”

[@KarlenBell]

First knew about this aircraft back in 2007 when the first Transformers movie came out and was amazed by how cool it looked! Now looking at the entire operation from this video is just so cool!

[@TheNukedNacho]

Honestly, I’m still astounded that the Osprey exists. It isn’t just something in a video game. It’s actually real. It’s actually used. It’s so cool.

[@FitWithJuliana]

this is AMAZING thank you so much for giving us this kind of view!!

[@RhinoZone305]

Great job Sam - this was 🔥🔥🔥 on every level!!! The USAF needs to give you your own MOS - F22X Video AWESOMEness Officer !!!!

[@ic4miles]

Your a talented young man. Keep up the good work. My nephew is a retired Air Force photog and I just picked up the bug this past year myself. Shot my first Air Show featuring the Thunderbirdsa few months ago in Augusta, GA. I have a few shots I am really proud of and a bunch in the recycle bin. Hope to do it again sometime. Love your vids

[@duplicatedMJ]

Man collabed with the air force. But only has around 350 k subs. And I can already tell by the intro that this guy deserves way more subs.

[@raywhitehead730]

29 November, 2023. As of now 4 Ospreys crashed in a years time.each has had fatalities. Norway, Arizona, Australia and now Japan. Eye witness account of the latest Japan crash saw it coming down in flames.

[@GermanGreetings]

I am happy for you, Sam, getting this chance for a ride on such a giant aircraft ! And Thanks to all the guys, who let you `in` :)

[@tykeener]

Excellent video. Really inspiring, don’t stop making videos.

[@blankblank9117]

I've always loved the ospreys. The giant propellers are just so damn cool in flight.

[@ISuckATdemmons]

in being a death trap?

[@DMNSAV]

Sam, you are a rockstar! Thank you for sharing the great footage and knowledge!

[@SWN1975]

that synced clap at 1:11 to 1:14 is crazy

[@Jimmerca]

Incredible footage Sam no one else could’ve done it better👍🏻🇺🇸

[@LauRoot892]

Yep

[@goldenjets7080]

Bro I love that this video releases on my birthday

[@Pontiacman1964]

I'm old school Air Force... Back in the eighties we had a saying about Army and Marine jumpers. "Why would someone jump out of a perfectly good aircraft?" My how times have changed! I've got to add too that you have guts young man! I have no fear of flying because I'm from a flying family - but I don't like the Osprey. Awesome video. Thanks for posting.

[@pramusetyakanca1552]

Tiltrotors and VTOLs are my favorite types of aircraft. No doubt about it.

[@mylayoverlife]

This was sick man!! So cool.

[@historybricksbyd]

Awesome video as always! Great work!

[@Arab_aviation]

If one of those blades come loose that plane will get the frenck king treatment

[@Lá_Jacko]

This looks like an awesome VTOL can't wait to see the video!!!!!

[@LauRoot892]

Where ya from ??🥸

[@Ethanthemidwesternrailfan]

Hey Sam my papa served 20 years in the U.S Air Force he was a heavy equipment operator in the Air Force and question for you is heavy equipment still a thing in the Air Force he was in during Vietnam desert storm and possibly airlift rodeo love you’re videos and thank you for your service and “FLY,FIGHT,WIN” love the Air Force

[@HirschfeldWillamette]

Honestly the CV-22 is one of the most fascinating aircraft to me, and my absolute favorite non-supersonic aircraft of all time.

[@shenionify]

Love the narration on this one!

[@richardtibbitts3841]

Excellent video, Sam! Congratulations on your experience and praise for your production.

[@stew411]

That looks like so much fun. Great video

[@SaxonEdward-q3i]

No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.

[@charliecox6701]

Another great video with amazing cinematography

[@F4PhantomGaming]

Wow! Amazing! The closest I've gotten to even being close to one of these is seeing one flying over my house.

[@OMPrograms]

this is epic. absolutely epic that you were able to get to them to agree to a video

[@LauRoot892]

David

[@이재임-d8l]

V-22 and A10 is my most favorit aircraft in us army. Both of them are insane!!!

[@tylermorris84]

I was part of some of the first USMC Osprey operations in 2009 in Afghanistan... I think those larger rotors result in less violent downwash... we had big boys with full armor and ammo get fully chucked into the air while holding an M240... You got it pretty easy from what I saw- you sayed feed on ground.

[@lostgeneration6194]

Props to the cameraman on creative mode flying to capture those shots

[@rmp5s]

These were my all-time favorite means of travel when I was in the Corps.

[@brandonfasan]

This guy lived my DREAM!!!

[@anthonypittman9791]

Cool to support these as AIS, thanks for making a vid at the base!

[@rajuaditya1914]

I only recently got obsessed with the V22. First Tom Stanton's video, then this. Great timing.

[@keith_jones]

This is sure to be a really great video. As usual, I will have to catch it later. I wish there was a way to do multiple premieres, kind of like East and West coast movie premieres.

[@FatGuyInaTruck]

If the manufacturer can ever figure out the hard clutch engagement issue, it'll be a great airframe again.

[@LauRoot892]

Hey 👋

[@revaequitas]

Already getting done, but yeah a bit of an oversight

[@ronaldmiller2740]

HI SAM YOU GOT A GREAT JOB!!!! AND FUN AND LEARNING .. IN THE 70S WE ONLY HAD THE C-47S , C123, AND AUH1 MEDI -VAC. ,,GREEN GIANT OR HUEYS ,, I THOUGHT THEY WERE GREAT !! I HAD GOOD TIMES AND BAD!!! NOW THE FUTURE HAS IT... THANKS,, KEEP FLYING SAVE..

[@quentintheriot18]

Wow! Truly amazing. Senior in high school looking to become an Air Force pilot. Applied to Air Force Academy and ROTC. If these don't work I'm thinking of enlisting for a few years then re-applying to USAFA to become a pilot. Would love to fly either a C-17, C-5, C-130 or even get crazy and fly an Osprey or some helicopter.

[@quentintheriot18]

@Tom Gulbranson Wow! That is definitely awesome. There's obviously not one path to achieve being a pilot. I have completed my congressmen nomination applications and my USAFA application. I am currently finishing up my Naval Academy Application as well. What your son has accomplished sounds awesome. I am definitely open to other things as I am one to take advantage of given opportunities. Thanks for the insight.

[@revaequitas]

Don't forget you can be a Warrant in the Army and fly that way

[@augl2702]

Look forward to all the videos, Sam!

[@Lagmaster33]

Very informative and cool footage!

[@strauss7151]

This is the most badass looking aircraft. Looks way better in the helicopter formation tbh.

[@MANPREETSINGH-bv2vz]

This vlog was like a scene from Topgun Maverick. I, though not from USA, got influenced to join the USAIR FORCE . Kudos to Sam.

[@justalpha9138]

I'm considering joining the AF. Is it worth the while?

[@williamsherman1942]

@@justalpha9138Depends, when signing your contract watch out and read it till the smallest letters. Recruiters tend to get you the easy jobs, ones you might not want. For the rest is good luck, the air force is one of the safest branches and made of the smartest really

[@justalpha9138]

@@williamsherman1942 I'm considering joining the reserves anyways, so I don't think I'll ever talk to a recruiter unless if I have very specific questions. Even then, I wouldn't accept anything they had to offer since I know what I want and I know they're getting paid to try to force me into something.

[@artoensio8055]

Yess, you are best Sam👍👍👍 Arto from Finland

[@DarrenEdwardsAviation]

Awesome video again Sam.

[@F3PIZZA]

On drop night I saw someone drop one of these and they collapsed to their knees in tears of joy. That says something.

[@justalpha9138]

That thing is mental. I know for a near certainty that I wouldn't be capable of doing work on the front lines, let alone do special operations, but I am considering joining the AF to become either an Aircraft Maintenance Officer or a pilot.

[@TheBassinPastor]

The Marines, from New River, run night low levels over my house, which is always loud but awesome.

[@taylorfranklin84]

Can you do a combat search and rescue unit next? Sick vid!

[@LauRoot892]

Yay 😂

[@irfaanhakim5736]

bro unlocked the VTOL's scorestreak

[@pabloendara5285]

Awesomeeeeeee the quality of this video is amazing

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks for watching!

[@remar-6]

Saw a pair of these going to and from Patrick’s AFB a few months back. So damn cool to be in your pool and look up and see these dudes buzzing over. 😂

[@SallyRhodes-rg7ni]

Without this playing with fantasy no creative work has ever yet come to birth. The debt we owe to the play of the imagination is incalculable.

[@SeamusHilleary]

This is going to be a banger!