Life as a pilot after brain surgery

[@Icehippieviking1001]

Licensed VFR private pilot here. I'm also a 13 year breast cancer survivor. It's wonderful that you're getting better! Take your time and relax. You will get back in your airplane before you know it!

[@StefanDrury]

Thank you for the encouragement, and I’m so glad to hear you survived your health scare as well.

[@mittman9977]

Congrats Ice Hippie Viking 1001 on your wonderful health success!

[@aussiesmoko]

Remember Stefan.. You carnt stop the sun going down. You have no magical powers to turn thing in your favour. Where is the rule that says everything must go my way every time something happens. I was involved in a heavy vehicle crash that resulted in the death of 5 people. 1 year ago today actually, It was proven I was not at fault in any way . Just take your time Stefan, keep exercising. You'll know in yourself when you want to get back flying The last twelve months I've done more exercising than in the last 10 years. Was very sceptical of exercising. But I can see and feel the benefits. Another thing I got told by the trauma councillor was to quit caffeine, have decafe instead, nicotine, excessive sugar , alcohol. These drugs after even one cup of coffee can stay in your bloodstream up to 14 hours , effecting the chemical procedure of producing endorphins , and other chemicals that are needed to make your brain healthy and alert. Best wishes for your future. I wanted to be a pilot. But that dream probably won't come true now. I've been up in ages planes when the pilot was spreading fertiliser, what a ride that was I've had a few goes at the control of an aircraft. Just take your time Stefan , don't push yourself and you'll be back flying in no time Take care

[@harrysvideos625]

@@StefanDrury it’s your nephew, Harry

[@gtbart6764]

Hey Stefan. Really great to see you again and that the surgery was a success and is now behind you! Looking forward to seeing you in the air again when the time is right for you to start the next chapter!

[@madmoo2658]

A pause in life is just a pause, and I'm glad you've hit play again.

[@bugged120]

Oh Stefan I'm so happy to see your smiling face!!!!!!!!!! Take care legend!!!!!!

[@howietraining]

Sat morning, cup of coffee, empty the dishwasher, feed the cat and suddenly I’m watching this and I’m in tears. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the reality check. Hope the recovery is swift and you’re back in the air soon.

[@marty_k87]

Never clicked so fast! Glad to see you back.

[@anesukafesu7875]

Same

[@sweetiedarl6802]

Me too!

[@rogerdelisle]

Same here.

[@rjmilne1]

Hi Stef, I am a commercial pilot, own a Cirrus SR22 too and have been watching you for years. Your youtube content is something my wife and I can always agree on is great content. I lost my medical owing to an eye condition years ago and got it back against all odds. My wife is a breast cancer survivor and is doing so well despite being told otherwise. We just want to say you are an absolute legend, we love watching your videos and we wish you a fast recovery and know you will be back to flying before you know it. Go well!

[@Hex2906]

3:40 made me tear up. What a great video

[@ghostchips7204]

Stef definitely has the knack for storytelling! I had a tear or two at that point also.

[@Hex2906]

@@ghostchips7204 Its like listening to my dad giving advice to me

[@wernerwillemse3602]

Yup, I had a tear too. Stef’s story should be an inspiration to us all: cherish life, be positive, and fly more ✈️❤️

[@stewartmichie9798]

Was thinking about you just the other day as a Cirrus flew over my home. Glad you're well!

[@StefanDrury]

Haha, glad I've had that effect on the world of aviation! Thanks Stewart.

[@kareemmarwan7469]

On my mind and in my prayers Stefan. Kareem here, surgeon and student pilot. Huge fan of yours 💚

[@ivanb52]

good to hear. my wife (not a pilot) had a golf ball sized tumour removed 22 years back, and has been good ever since.

[@lexhofstetter]

This made my month. It always feels like Stef is a family member❤️ love this news.

[@williammickelson403]

Glad to hear the surgery was successful. God is great!

[@paulmark63]

so proud of you 🎉 look after yourself you are 100% right if something does not feel right get it check out . kindest Regard's Paul in Kent UK

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Paul

[@Stefmovie]

Glad you're doing well, If you don't mind, I would like to know if there was anything you did to help calm yourself before the surgery?

[@letsseeif]

I learnt to fly at Moorabbin in 1957. In 2000 I had a radical prostatectomy and two lots or ray treatment. I'm still going strong in 2024. Get well Stefan. We need you back flying.

[@hiravk]

More power to you

[@bigfelladave7897]

So good to hear all went well, keep fighting and you will be back up in the air in no time

[@djiflyer7577]

Nice to see you back! I always thought you have to shave all your hair off before brain surgery.

[@StefanDrury]

Thank you, it's amazing how little of an impact visually surgery like this can have nowadays. A testament to my amazing surgical team.

[@noelphilips]

Amazing to see you doing so well! Take your time, you'll be back in EYZ in no time. And poweruful, inspirational words at the end as well.

[@Lukesaviationaustralia]

Hello Noel

[@FastGuy1]

Hey Noel

[@nemosandman]

Quel plaisir de vous revoir mon cher Stefan! Pardon my French but I’m so happy to hear from you.

[@waflyingadventures]

Good to see mate , you are very positive, you’re a very strong man , lots of love from me . Regards Chris. ( WA Flying Adventures) ❤️✈️😊👍 take care, love your videos

[@MACADEMIAC]

So pleased for you! Blue skies ahead!

[@Nae395]

This news has made all of our year Stefan.

[@stevies.1975]

Stef. I am so pleased to see you survived your surgery fully and practically looking back to normal. Your positivity gives hope to all and I continue to love your posts. Hope to see you back piloting soon.

[@CalebICT]

Good to see you back. I hope all continues to go well.

Good to see you back looking so well. Godspeed on your new journey. You will get to where you need and want to be.

[@cottontop99]

Stefan, my late wife had 2 brain surgeries back to back to remove a Bowel Cancer tumour in 2022, so I can full appreciate what you've been through, well done.

[@ollydearden]

Look after yourself Stefan. Looking great. Really enjoy your videos.

[@DWNMC]

Was such an absolute privilege to meet you today and introduce you to our Son Jamie. He loved talking to a fellow brain tumour patient so thank you so so much. You are absolutely brilliant. Heal now and go be epic. 😎 take care

[@azzman75]

It's wonderful to see you back and I'm so glad the surgery went well.. 🙂

[@memomemo9966]

🎉🎉🎉 Happy ending in real life feels so much better than in hollywood! So glad to see you back here!

[@222amg]

I’m so happy surgery went well and thanks for sharing your news! We are all behind you wishing you well!

[@richard--s]

It's great that you are recovering good! Don't hurry, take your time. That's good for your health too. And don't worry about the background noise, it just adds some realism to your video. Yes, we are there with you when we watch the video, it's not a voice over in a studio, it was really recorded there, great! The microphone is so good, it records your voice very well and the background noise is just in the background. It's perfect! It's real!

[@anilsrivn14]

Congratulations on your successful surgery. Glad to have you back!

[@lew66999]

God bless and speedy recovery Stefan.

[@daveyp76]

G’day Stefan, glad you’re back mate. Hope all is well 🫡

[@across8339]

Do it, do it, do it, Stef! Take us with you around the world, we would all love to go.

[@caseylwr]

Great to see you are doing well. Good to see you back. Look after yourself .

[@danieldonker66]

I'm so happy that your back in action very soon

[@kriswicks8027]

The community as a whole are very happy that you made it out the other side tumourless 🙌 can’t wait to see you back in the blue mate ☀️

[@Travelingchefmark]

Brother !🎉 I can’t believe you’re filming and up already ! Man this makes my day! Thank God for you dude 👏

[@peterblackmore7560]

All the best Stefan - lucky for you and family that you listened to your body.

[@TimNjiru]

Always inspired by your videos. Just from my Medicals a few hours ago and now applying for my SPL to be back. Crossing fingers for that. Wishing you a quick recovery.

[@DebMoon17]

Very happy you’re on the mend and path to flying again - great advice! 🤗😘

[@romaniker]

Happy to hear you've already went through surgery and everything is coming out as you planned. Keep your good attitude and soon you'll be flying around the world🌍. Greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽🇦🇺

[@mv120m]

Der Traum von Fliegen geht weiter, Gott sei Dank das es solche guten Ärtzte gibt.

[@tttimok]

Hi Stefan, glad to see you’re doing well! Keep on keeping on!

[@askomgreal]

You just gained a sub! Glad you’re okay.

[@michaelroby6538]

This past weekend I turned 70. Six summers ago I was still hiking 14’ers. But my knees are gone now. Last year I had a blip on my medical that grounded me. Never take it for granted.

[@brucejones4383]

Good on you Stefan. Expect an even richer life after surgery. I had a triple bypass in 2014, followed by double stents 4 months later. Last year, I was riding my motorbike to work when I hit an oil spot with the bike landing on my leg and breaking both my tibia and fibula. Now I know a lot of people have far worse than me but in both cases, I did what I could to recover and each time I ended a better version of myself. A lot of it is doing what you can and according to advice. At 69, my balance is better than ever and I'm surprised how many people much younger than myself are not as fit as me when required. Do the yards. You'll be great!

[@rudipack1551]

You are an amazing guy. I felt your emotion, I had an Operation back in 2018 after a massive heart attack. It is still something that is very emotional for me. When you mentioned the 'count down' as they knock you out, I went through all the different Starship Enterprise, never got them all. Very happy to see you back and as always, love your video's, thank you.

[@classiccomputing]

I’m so glad to hear you are well on your way to recovery. Takeaway #1 is SO IMPORTANT! Three years ago I wasn’t feeling well and I was recommended to get a CT scan. I hesitated, but did after convincing. It was found a two inch tumor on my kidney which was removed. Had I not seen the doctor and gotten the scan, I may not be here today. Take care of yourself.

[@StefanDrury]

Wow, so glad you went for that scan and you've recovered since your surgery as well. Thanks for sharing that, and all the best for a positive future for you.

[@HoltAircraft]

great to see you back mate! Can't wait to see you fly again

[@michaelstanley6947]

Wonderful news Stefan. Great to hear surgery and recovery are going well.

[@mikeBlinthicum]

So glad to see you being yourself! So happy for you.

[@elitutucanphillopphen1989]

I’m really happy to hear that you are recovering and doing well! I wish you all the best!

[@deansiracusa3966]

So glad to hear that you’re on the mend

[@curtisgarcia5767]

Never commented on a KZbin video in my life, but had to say I was very happy to see this update. Came across your channel a few weeks ago (I can’t remember how 😂). I’m 41 with a newborn baby girl and you’ve definitely made me stop and think! Here’s to you getting your medical and confidence back! Cheers

[@Maviation]

Just so lovely to hear back from you! You will get back in your airplane before you know it! Keep your spirit up!

[@juanescobedo5528]

Hi Stef, I'm a Canadian Prive Pilot working on my commercial and Instrument rating and have been following you for a few years now. I'm so glad that you are doing well and most important in such a good spirit. Let me tell you that you have been my inspiration in a few things, and one of them is that I have been planning a trip from Vancouver Canada to Australia. Reason being is that my daughter got married in Australia and she has been living there since. We were not able to go to her wedding due to COVID but I have been planning this trip since then. Unfortunately with the Russian Air Space close down it has make it a more difficult but as soon as restrictions are lifted, I will pay you and EYZ a visit. You are truly a tuper. Hang on there and don't lose faith. You will be flying in an instance.

[@cesarm1347]

So happy to hear such good news. Hugs from Florida!

[@Flying_Jay]

I was wondering how long till we would have an update, great news. Looking forward to sharing the sky with you again soon 🙏

[@bruceharper8149]

Feeling so emotional and happy for you Stef! You have got this mate.

[@FrancoVettor]

Good to see you back in the videos. The best of wishes for complete and quick recovery.

[@jc.f111]

"Nothing in life is permanent" Absolutely love it. It goes both ways, for the good and the bad things. I understand what you've been through, its good to see you back!

[@intimkalo]

This is the healthy mindset of a strong man! I hope you will overcome all the following challenges! Fly safe and keep doing what you believe needs to be done, thank you!

[@benderrodrigues7730]

So happy for you Stef. Can't wait for you to get back in the air and exploring our wonderful country.

[@baron1405]

I will say to you what my instructor wrote on my shirt after I solo'd 40+ years ago: FANTASTIC!

[@nizamulhaqfani]

Well, it’s nice to know you are feeling better. Good to have you back ❤

[@snip3d]

Let's go Stefan! Wishing you the best.

[@Gui_G]

Way to go Stefan! We are all happy for you!

[@johnspeirs5173]

Welcome back Stef, great to hear it all went well.

[@juxe393]

Super happy for you Stefan. I am doing my training on the c172 in Brisbane and I solo soon in July, and your videos always motivate me to keep going on with my training. Can’t wait to see you back in the cirrus.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Juxe393, keep going with your flight training, enjoy every step of your journey.

[@Big_Worm141]

That's some good news. Take your time to recover properly.❤

[@hkss14]

So happy to see you back and in full recovery 🎉

[@paratyshow]

👍✅👏Go Stef, your our favorite KZbinr!

[@charlesbrewer6552]

Hi Stef, very glad to hear your surgery was a success. I got back to flying in 2015 after a fourteen year break, due to finances. I found using a quality home flight simulator, with yoke and rudder pedals invaluable for regaining by proficiency. I found models for ALL the aircraft i used to fly, singles and twins, as well as my current Jabiru. I treated the sim like a "real" aircraft, and flew many "real" cross countries using "real" maps and current weather ( all around Australia, in fact). it definitely minimised my airtime in the real aircraft as I went through my proficiency checks. The current sims are up to date with current VFR and IFR charts, i even had some "random" engine failures to deal with, in singles and twins (all successfully). Ground features a "real" and they are miles better than the sims I used to train on 40 years ago! You can't log them of course, but that is not the point. it is about getting your mind back up to aviation mode. Good luck getting back into the air!

[@MaverickAussie]

I'm so happy to see you're through the other side of your ordeal. I'm sure it's been difficult for you in many ways, and we're all wishing you the very best that you can one day return to EYZ. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us.

[@DaveMcIver]

Fantastic to see your enthusiastic face again Stefan on the other side of surgery. Go well, take care and look forward to more of your flying content when you're fully operational.

[@PlaneGeek007]

wonderful news!!!! glad to have you back. live a boring and happy life with no surprises. friendly and safe skies always for you. Cheers!

[@spiro5327]

You are back baby, haha. So glad to see you back mate. You are looking well and i hope you are feeling well. Maybe you can take us on one of your walks and stop at a local cafe for a chat. Thank you Stef

[@oscarwyer2771]

It’s cool that you could see the control tower at Melbourne airport!! That was a great thing about the Rydges hotel in Sydney Airport staying for my 15th birthday in October last year!!

[@lukemolloy2971]

Fantastic news for all of us to hear you are climbing above the weather again Stef! You really hit a nerve saying what you did about the time to act is now as we don't know what tomorrow brings.. So I guess that means I'm finally upgrading and buying a bigger plane to see more of this great country of ours. Can't wait to see you back in EYZ. Thanks for inspiring the rest of us mate..

[@AndyRRR0791]

Not gonna lie, Stef but I'm really happy you can make this video. Roll on the AVMED machine!

[@ranh71]

Very Happy for you Stefan!! Glad your on the mend. See you in the skies soon.

[@dabe1971]

Life can change in a second. I had my own little scare in January after suffering a heart attack - that I didn't know I was having - at the grand old age of 52. After my stent I'm all good (Thank you NHS) but you certainly gain a new perspective on life. Good to see your smile back on YT. Best wishes from the UK.

[@adampotrykus]

So good to hear about this. I was going to OZ for the Adelaide Fringe Festival and had just found out that I might have cancer. Got loads of scans and tests before leaving, and while IN Australia, I found out that it was a false alarm, BUT the world did stop for a while... With so many people around us getting cancer, your story gives others hope!

[@HossainSiddiqui]

Glad to see you back. Wishing you full recovery and want to see you in the sky soon!

[@gmonnig]

Stef, wishing you a speedy recovery all the way from the middle of the USA. Glad you're doing well. Cheers!!

[@JM87Fly]

Absolutely thrilled to hear surgery went well Stefan. Have always admired what you do with this channel, and the no-fuss, non-clickbait approach you take. It’s clear how much you love aviation, and I sincerely hope you get back to enjoying it to the fullest again soon, along with everything else this wonderful life has to offer.

[@GlenAndFriendsCooking]

So glad to see you back and healthy after surgery! 5:18 - Had this very discussion with Julie last week, there are trips we want to take in our plane and we've decided to do them this year. Because. Who knows what's next? 3:41 - Is that what passes for a vegan lunch in the hospital these days?

[@fumo7887]

Your positivity is amazing, Stefan! Best of luck to you in your FULL recovery and enjoying all parts of life... on the ground OR in the air!

[@JayA330]

Hope you have a smooth recovery and journey to flying again. Can't wait for you to join us in the skies once more!

[@esalenchik]

Really happy to see you back, Stef, and so glad you’re doing well after the surgery. I hope you’ve given Michael the opportunity to say “I told you so” 🤓

[@MasoudMorady]

Glad to see you well again and hope you get back up there as a PIC soon again, which we're all sure you will.

[@DavidCassidy-q6g]

So glad you're doing ok Stefan and just keep plodding. You'll be right. Looking forward to your future videos.

[@duncanwalker]

Great to see you post surgery and telling us your story. I am a cardiac survivor and agree with you, do it now! Keep getting better and more videos, please.

[@thecultureoffitness]

Great to have you back Stefan, take care of yourself.

[@anil_taneja]

Stef, so glad you're doing well!

[@miguelslade]

Great to see your smile Stef, looking forward to your next posts.