Shortest Runway in the world? Part 2, length correction, tall grass, & real talk with Jon!

Join me as I show more footage from the ground, explain why my runway is laid out the way it is, and see some more cool clips. There should be enough details in this video for you to make your own "informed" conclusions about how long the useful portion of this runway really is.
I never once said this strip is the most sketchy or difficult.
I'm not sure why a handful of my fellow STOL pilots seemed so offended by the first video. Maybe it is because of the shortest runway title, or maybe because the Super701 cost less than 1/3 of some of the other high-class STOL planes and the fun factor is just as high?
Whatever it is, just remember, when someone who thinks they are way up high on the totem pole tells you that "You don't even know what you don't know"; that saying goes both ways sometimes. ;)
Anyway, I strive to remain a pretty humble guy and try to follow the rule: "Be nice to me and I'll be nice to you."
I don't care if you fly a $5000 ultralight, a million dollar jet, or don't fly at all. I genuinely try to treat everyone, with respect, in the same way.
You can see the first "Shortest Runway" video here:
• Shortest regularly use...
Thanks to my fans, followers, and friends for all the amazing positive feedback!
I hope you enjoy these videos and please take the time to Subscribe, Like, and Comment. Thanks!
Also, don't forget to check out and follow the Super701 and the STOL Bandits on Facebook!
Super701
groups/STOLBandits

[@shanekennethjamesaustin3949]

Hi from Down Under Jon. Keep up the great work. Haters will be haters, there’s nothing you can do about that. Love your aircraft!

[@joebruey]

Great job, Jon. The way you handled this is admirable. Too much negativity out there and not enough mentoring. Stay positive and find good people to surround yourself with.

[@HookedOnUtah]

Jon, don't sweat the small stuff. You have a super cool plane, and a super cool farm and stip. Love it. Fly safe and keep making the cool videos.

[@KitfoxPilot]

Jon thanks for you calm comments, shows what kind of a guy you are. I was a fan of the other guy but he really showed his self IMO running you and your plane down for no reason other than he must be the south end of a north bound horse. I'm no longer subscribed to him but I do enjoy your content. Keep it up!

[@SMcda]

Yeh, don't listen to the negative BS. I have close to a 1,000 hrs in a turbo 206 flying the backcountry of Idaho. I have seen some hairy stuff. What you are doing in your front yard is incredible. Keep it up, no need to change what is not broken. Love your enthusiasm.

[@foesfly3047]

I say this world is a better place because my brother, Jon Humberd is here, doing exactly he does. Don't you ever be anything except exactly who you are. And please, keep doing what you do. I love seeing it.

[@scotth985]

I watched the video in question and it got in my crawl as well. It was just the plain arrogance in his attitude and I was a fan before I saw that particular one. I watched his attempt to be humble and I guess it's just not in him. Aviation needs new blood encouraged by the older more experienced pilots. If everyone had his attitude it would detract from vs add to the hobby. I will say this for him though. He led me to your channel and I have thoroughly enjoyed. All I see is a polite and well mannered southerner enthusiastic about his hobby. That is infectious. You got a new subscriber out of his temper tantrum or blow to his ego that made him look silly. I simply wouldn't want to hang out with him. You on the other hand I know for a fact I would enjoy. I've got a farm in the Ms delta just west of the hills that has me wanting to get into aviation so I can get from my home in south louisiana in 2 hours vs 4 hours. Don't be surprised if we cross paths one day. Hope that day comes sooner than later.

[@storchman7314]

Totally agree Scot after watching the video I went and measured my own runway and it's still twice the length of Jon's runway., I have alot of respect for his flying abilities so I made a video to compare kzbin.info/www/bejne/goPNo418nK-dh6s

[@scotth985]

@@storchman7314 That's a really cool plane and runway. What part of the country are you in?

[@storchman7314]

Thanks Scott I live Central NSW Australia close to a town called Dubbo.

[@randyechols3356]

Im right there with you on that!! I'm not a fun of the arrogant better then everyone else watch me land my 90,000 dollar airp[lane over basketball size rock just because I:m dumb enough to do it.

[@storchman7314]

Ha ha well said Randy I was a big fan of the flying ego your talking about but have since unsubscribed and now watch Jon's videos instead.

[@stubby4317]

Thanks for the update and explanation. I started watching one of the videos that was in response to your previous one but didn't make it very far due to a total lack of humility on their part. It's unfortunate that there are a few like that but I can honestly say that as a new pilot, everyone in the aviation community has been supportive in spite of my lack of experience. That's how we all need to be. Be helpful, be humble, be safe and enjoy the privilege.

[@chetbeckley3414]

John, love your videos and if you’re runway works for you, great! Thanks for your rising above all the nasty! God Bless

[@deanyoungblood9033]

Jon, Someone always has to be better, just don’t let the negativity bother you. I enjoy the videos and love the Zenith. Stay safe

[@DirkHav]

You are an honnest, entertaining young pilot, and a very good one ! You have so much years to go, so keep informing us what you do.

[@JaviRP97]

Jon, love your content. Keep doing it your way and keep humble. We much enjoy it like that 👍

[@Joe_Not_A_Fed]

You are an inspiration. You have fun and you post fun, interesting content. You seem to love what you do and it shows. Keep doing whatever the hell makes you feel good. Thanks for sharing.

[@round167]

come on up to Kansas Jon you are always welcome at our strip (0KS8) its a little bigger than you are used to but we like it (1700 x 75) nice rolled smooth grass!

[@boisebadboy93]

You're honestly living my dream. I'm from upstate South Carolina and I want my own larger piece of property with a small grass strip and a small hangar. Jealous!

[@Sam_Holt]

Hey Jon, keep the videos coming! Don't let the naysayers get you down. Everyone loves aviation content - please keep it coming!!!!

[@qrplife]

Your plane, your runway, do what you want. Thanks for the cool videos though.

[@dsyncd555]

Man I use to think my back field was too short for a runway until I saw this. :)

[@dfallt22]

Great to chat with you at KSQI and see the 701 in person. We always keep learning, and it's awesome to have you take us along for the journey. Safe travels on to KOSH!

[@paulmccurley7083]

Hey Jon, I'm impressed with your flying ability, don't let the negitive comments get to you! You and Trent Palmer have got me wanting to get into STOL. I recently bought an older 701 with a 100hp rotax that I'm redoing but I'm putting a 2000' runway on my farm. I only hope to be as good as you some day. I get to Chattanooga quite often I would love to see you plane some time.

[@Neilazbiker]

Jon, you're an awesome inspiring pilot. Just keep doing what you're doing. I commented to Mauleguy that he defined the length of his runway. On Google Earth, it looks longer, but it's not fully usable as the end of his runway is too steep for any practical purpose. You define your runway. Either way, both of you guys are doing some outstanding flying.

[@darrielmccarter957]

keep up the great work love that plane ps. tennessee here also

[@bobbyhaynes5116]

You work with what you have and you have a place to land at home, don't worry about the haters...

[@clintgosch2306]

Hang in there Jon! Just keep doing what you are doing, making great videos and building airplanes! How about an Idaho trip?

[@AeroworksProductions]

Nice video Jon, look forward to seeing you at KOSH.

[@caaront]

Loved it and subscribed. There wi9ll always be jerks out there, and I'm going to not say what I think of them, lol. Love the plane and the strip, it is awesome.

[@MACE1-1]

The friends you make mean more and last longer than any 1 stinky ego you will encounter. Keep making those videos, sharing content, and enjoy yourself. I encounter those who enjoy looking down their nose quite often. Makes me wonder whats going on inside that keeps them from being friendly...

[@ThePikeywayne]

Keep it coming ✌️

[@doncatchpole7370]

Good stuff

[@tracysmith6657]

John love ur videos

[@johnreed8872]

Hey Jon!... I live on 50 acres in SE Ohio , I'm almost ready to begin a 750 STOL and in the process of planning a grass strip. Fortunately I have about a 3-400' X 2200' area of quite rolling pasture to work with. I've been keeping an informal record of the prevailing winds so I can choose the best ' line ' to grade and seed. You would be able to put your 701 on my driveway , it's almost 100 yards long. I live a few miles from where Cory Robins put his Cub in the river , If you are ever up this way, drop by and I'll buy you lunch! Thanks for the videos and Blue Skies brotherman!

[@AirhogSA]

Hi Jon, how about a video of your amazing camera setup on the Super701?

[@toddfranke1712]

Checked your plane out in Middleton WI. Wife thought was prettiest bird on flight line. I think your runway looks harder not to mention Greg's plane is at least double the cost. Keep living the dream!

[@robertwalker2568]

Ready for you to come over for a visit.

[@billhauck6425]

I raise Zoysia glass. It is a short growing grass and needs to be cut about once a month. It is also draught resistant.

[@n206ja]

Hi Jon! Would cutting some of those trees at the end of your strip allow a go-around or is there another obstacle behind them? Enjoy all your videos and see you at the Zenith Homecoming in Mexico, MO in September!

[@lisariddle695]

Awesome videos. I am blown away by the abilities you have. I am working on a remote strip at our home in the grassy fields of WA zip code 99223. I have a flat section that is 600 feet or a uphill strip that is 450ft. Both are really one way strips. We get some decent wind out west with no trees. Would love to hear your thoughts...

[@prof.heinous191]

Don't even bother responding to the armchair judges, who are they if they think they know it all just because they've got Google Earth and a ruler. By the way, I'm thinking I might even be able to see that jug on GE?!!

[@quadpop4643]

Tennessee doesn't have many flat places your lucky your strip is as flat as it is I'd say you've put it where you can personally I really like your strip and cudoes for landing there regularly.

[@danjones7876]

still think y'all need to fly each other's strips and compare notes over beverages. anyway, excellent job jon. just the facts, mam, nothing but the facts. excellent.

[@michaelt5082]

you know I want to build that airplane and I have 760 feet on my property to use and I also have a mile of a dirt road in front of the property. Thanks for the measurements.

[@Joe_Not_A_Fed]

When I first saw this vid, I didn't have a clue what you were talking about. I couldn't find anything in your first vid that should put anyone's nose out of joint. A couple of weeks ago, I stumbled upon the vid you must have been talking about. Damn. Somehow, you kicked open a hornet's nest. That vid was mean and insulting. It bowled me over. Normally, I advise to ignore stuff like that but a guy just can't let lies go unchallenged. That sh!t and the comments that followed, were everything I hate about the internet rolled into one vid. It was brutal. At the moment, I'm stuck up in Soviet Kanuckistan, but I'm planning to escape to the South in the spring. One of my goals is to meander around, say howdy to people doing good things. I'd be tickled to crack open a couple with you some time. Keep it groovy, Jon.

[@portnuefflyer]

Don't sweat it, and if you ever get to Idaho, you are welcome to land my 400' x 18' strip, with a 14 degree slope, at 5640' ASL. I currently lay claim to it being PROBABLY the shortest US strip, that is actually on the sectional as a "real" airstrip.

[@Infidel1967]

Sounds like envy to me.

[@sleepnsouth]

At 8:26 mark the 1st pic have thought about taking out those trees @ the (1st white dot @ the top of the 1st pic) u may be able to put in a rd style drain for run off and fill it in (i know that its hard to tell from a pic) could use the trees that u cut down as a retainer wall poss. It looks like it may would give u a couple hundred feet at least just buy taking those trees out and filling in it if it's possible. Oh and dont let the NAH-SAYERS get to ya brother chances are THERE PILOT'S LICENSES IS FOR A THE NEW LINE OF AIRCRAFT CALL (A SIDE STICK NO-WING LAZY BOY WITH A SINGLE POP UP RUDDER PEDAL) THAT FLYS OFF OF A CARPETED RUNWAY IN THERE LIVING ROOM. LOL

[@wb6anp]

You need to remember the first rule of youtube, "Don't read the comments" lol

[@JeffJordan-nw3fl]

Hi Jon. you have a bobcat... why not level the runway up a little bit? Okay, I see you've done a little bit more. Congrats on your Zenith sponsorship.

[@petesachs1276]

I would love a stol airplane, my Cessna 206 takes about 1500 depending on temperature and stuff

[@KGFlyer55]

Having fun flying is what matters, it's a wonder some pilots can get off the ground with the ego and " knowledge " they carry around. If you,re satisfied you can manage the risks and are confident with your aircraft and skills then just get out there and have a blast! There's no better hobby in the world

[@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145]

Still flying John? 🇩🇪 is missing you.

[@kylewoodfill9875]

Lot of keyboard warriors out there.. I love your videos and you weigh your flights based on your skill and comfort. Don't worry about those who disagree with you as some people would never imagine landing off field to begin with.

[@ajggg]

👍

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

You will always have some one with negative comment. Thank you for all the positive comments and safety tips it’s a 10 star in my book⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍🏻🤠

[@petesachs1276]

My video is basically a very short takeoff of a couple hundred feet or less ,but it’s a powered paraglider and you’re really stuck on winds being in the right direction

[@mauleguy]

I am going to get beat up for this I am sure, especially with all of Jon's fans. I feel pretty safe in saying Jon has more room then what he is claiming. At the 8:00 minute mark he shows himself landing it for the first time at the road. If I go to google earth and type in 282 Mikel Rd Se Cleveland, TN.... If it was my place I would have it set up for landing at the road, just more options. You can always land long on calm days. I measure it from the road and it comes up over 400 feet. Still a short strip but if you choose to only mow 300 feet of a 400 foot area I guess that is just a way to limit what God gave you. What you leave behind you can never use and if it was me and I had a usable parcel of land I would mow it for those days when I come home and the winds are squirrely. I would mow it extra wide in the area that the wind can cause me to possibly drift to also. I should have followed the golden rule! I wish Jon the best, I will leave with one parting comment, take it for what it is worth. I would not do those radical steep climbs at low altitude, it is a good way to have a bad day. It was the first thing I noticed when I watched your video... Fly safe and keep making videos!

[@chetmyers7041]

Jon, I sure hope you wear a helmet that protects your jaw, face, and noggen when you are demonstrating the "rocket" extremely steep climb-outs. My worry is you and aircraft will experience a FACEPLANT when your engine stops one day. (Think of your wife and children.) Go to a good safe altitude and assume that "steep max power take-off" and turn the ignition OFF. Check what your vertical airspeed is when you have dropped ONLY 100 feet. Next, pull mixture to CUTOFF, open throttle, let it windmill a bit to clear full from the cylinders and muffler of FUEL.

[@chrisjamison376]

The little tire is on the wrong end, too!😂 just had to throw that in! #nosewheelsunited

[@KitfoxGrin]

Let me know when you want to drop in to my place! You'll have 950 feet to play with. :)

[@ToyManFlyer1100]

Heck...!!! That's what the plane is built for and 'spose to do...STOL...Short Take Off & Landing... Duuhh ??!!

[@bjs2022]

“Bad sound makes good video look bad.”

[@gyrojeffro2263]

jon went down to georgia, his airplane was a steal of a deal, he was in a bind cuz he was way behind the power curve that kills, so he tried out a different deal, after He came across a young fella landing hot!, jon let me tell you what ya need, you gotta get yourself some twenty fours, tires, vgs, and a reverse cg. The young fella landing hot said jon lemme tell ya what, I'm a airplane pilot too and I'm better than you, if you care to make a dare, I'll make a bet with you, I'm a better airplane pilot than you! the young fella landin hot said, well my names jon and I'll take your bet cause I'm the best theres ever been.

[@novicereloader]

People you don't know questioning your integrity is just noise in the breeze. Now, if those old timers that know what they're talking about give advice, listen.

[@Jack-ne8vm]

Make hay

[@pistoninthewind]

I saw his video about a month ago. He came across as a very arrogant person to keep it polite. I told him to put his money where his mouth is. I’m sure he’s an intelligent guy but is he as intelligent as a do it yourself Farmer that built his own plane ? I really doubt it!

[@foesfly3047]

Slow Biden gave this video a thumb down.