Steve Henry 6 FOOT takeoff in a Highlander

Wild West Aircraft/ Just Aircraft Highlander with Edge Performance EPeX Yamaha power landing and taking off short!
Kevin Quinn is sponsoring a video STOL competition (I think because we’re all bored with this virus lockdown thing going on.) It’s a lot like they do at Valdez or Oshkosh but it does not have to be a takeoff and landing in the same set, it can be mix and match.
In this video I had about 10 to 15 mile an hour gusty, shifty wind. Had I done it about an hour earlier the wind was much better. Density altitude was 3500 feet.
Call me at 208-880-7887 to get started on your own awesome Highlander!

[@norbertfleck812]

When the runway is more than long enough, but you don't know why it has to be 2 miles wide. 🤔

[@SteveHenry]

🤣

[@amrithnunkoo5006]

Brilliant !!..😀👍..

[@garycunningham-lee6470]

Same idea, from one of Hawaii's classic comedians: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJiXemuiZ7yZrpI

[@robertf6523]

🤣

[@medom1786]

I don’t get it :(

[@ninerocks]

That helicopter looks a lot like a plane.

[@mgd09050]

This comment wins!

[@fdryer5116]

Nope, not a helicopter because he still needs to go forward before any lift is generated. Helicopters go straight up when lifting off. My ppl in rotorcraft says so...... However, this airplane makes navy pilots stand in awe. They all need a slingshot to launch from their aircraft carriers. This man just throttles up and takes off in less than 6 feet..........on land.

[@MrSanteeclaus]

What helicopters are you flying in.

[@jrfoleyjr]

@@fdryer5116 He could probably take off without the wing.... a helicopter. He is not going fast enough for the wing to be developing any lift.

[@MaximEck96]

@@jrfoleyjr The propeller is blasting air onto the wing thus creating lift ;)

[@Parents_of_Twins]

The performance of that aircraft is insane. I thought the title was a joke with 6 feet. The people who dislike the video are helicopter pilots who can't take off quicker than you.

[@SteveHenry]

😊

[@abitupthehudson]

Yea, that's what I thought. It was some kind of trick or deception. You gotta give credit to the people who are about pushing the limits.

[@KuntoHarjadjiBaiquni]

LoL... that's true

[@Nathand0992]

Helicopter pilots that need a runway.😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@SonorGeek05]

@@Nathand0992 I know right. Who needs a runway when you can takeoff from your driveway with that airplane?. 😂

[@ahdofu]

In the RC world where I operate, this is typically the norm as the model airplanes are way overpowered. This proves it that some people can also repeat this feat with real airplanes. Thanks for sharing.

[@SirFloofy001]

@Brian Wilson Yes its just much much harder to scale up that power to weight ratio of an RC plane because typically with lifesized scaled the components are much heavier for any given PWR of an RC. Balsa wood and foam board don't scale up very well strength wise.

[@ahdofu]

Quite right. In general real airplanes are designed for a mission say to carry a payload for a given range whilst meeting all the safety & certification requirements and they need to be producible at a profit. We don't have these constraints in RC airplanes. Everything is single threaded, the airframe is balsa with plastic covering and since economics don't matter, we typically go with the highest output engine that the airframe can withstand. There are exceptions of course where some people strive to be scale like but here I am talking sport/3D flyers. Coming to real airplanes, although the same aerodynamic principles apply, constraints and requirements are different and consequently this means that you just don't see an airplane that Steve Henry has created in practice.

[@Flyingdutchy33]

especially with a strong headwind. I cant believe how he created that.

[@DorkyThorpy]

@Brian Wilson Just like that guy in flight of the phoenix.

[@bentackett6299]

I operate in the RC world too but I think I'm a real pilot! 🤠

[@johncholmes643]

You really could take off and land on semi trailer. True James Bond.

[@TheFish711]

If it was driving through some calm air you might even be able to land vertically relative to that trailer.

[@leehaelters6182]

In low gear!

[@southern_merican]

Hell, he could visit the drive thru at McDonald's !

[@louf7178]

@@southern_merican LOL

[@royhsieh4307]

no, not semi but a small truck

[@richardkadar7673]

Point her in a 25 kt headwind and take off backwards! Any backwards flight, or hover over a spot video always amazes viewers! That under 6' T/O was pretty darn amazing itself!

[@SteveHenry]

One time on a windy day I descended nearly straight down from 1000 feet to a landing.

[@flip66five]

My dad likes to park in the wind in his ultralight... I ask him what happens when the wind stops blowing... He says with a chuckle, you go down😂😂

[@leehaelters6182]

Steve Henry, hah! No trouble believing, I just really want to see that!

[@dougmangum9218]

The best comment I've seen yet is that: "That helicopter sure looks a lot like an airplane!" For you folks that haven't been to Nampa, meeting the Henry's in their home is as remarkable as the Highlanders he crafts. My boys & I count it well worth the trip from southern Arizona. Our Highlander's build was interrupted by a long waltz with Covid, but we are looking to get back to real life in the coming weeks. So thankful for the hard work on the video productions. So pleasant and "rich" the viewing experience. I actually think it helps in recovery. There's a role you didn't anticipate Steve: THERAPEUTICS !! Thanks also for our family's new "pet".

[@darrendanger6853]

Landing in under 30' is pretty impressive too.

[@lki34442]

This man can land an airplane in a smaller space than many need to park a compact car !

[@spankthemonkey3437]

lki34442 good I could use this plane to park beside bank and take off quickly 🤤😉

[@winstonparkes433]

Spank Themonkey LOL new way to rob stuff

[@Acheiropoietos]

I resent this remark.

[@ooklamoc4411]

“Highlander 4-23, cleared for taxi to runway”. “Ehh, that’s really not necessary, over”

[@SteveHenry]

😊

[@bjw4859]

Stop landing on bloody pickups !.

[@squirehaggard4749]

...flies out of the hangar lol

[@beasbeesrva2615]

@@squirehaggard4749 BD Maule would be jealous.

[@sebione3576]

I own 0.97 acres of land. I'm thinking of building an airstrip on it.

[@johndavidtackett]

And I have a drive way with enough space behind my car for at least 1 large van... already set. 😉😂

[@johndavidtackett]

Providing this guy gives me his plane and teaches me how on earth he did that 😂

[@Ken-rk3by]

@@johndavidtackett -- Simple it's called headwind.

[@georgiobenelli4854]

You could build an STOL dulles intl with that much land, control tower is the top of the playground slide.

[@johnnybarbar7435]

@@Ken-rk3by Downgrading the aircraft and pilot performance as headwind is missing what they are capable of. Let's say in 0 wind he can do 25' to 30'...are you happy with that?

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

There went my big-eyed being impressed by the C-130 STOL in the hills. Well, not completely. Thanks for the aircopter demo. Just drop in my front yard for a visit any time.

[@Jontheexec777]

I'm actually shocked. I have no idea how this happened but it's the shortest takeoff iv'e ever seen in my life!

[@mikemccormick8115]

40 mph headwind standing still is the same as going 40mph in a vehicle in calm winds, as far as an airplane is concerned.

[@chuckitaway466]

This is the equivalent of Bruce Lee's 1 inch punch

[@aciagriculturalconstructio2264]

I guess you wont be wearing out those tires anytime soon

[@steveperreira5850]

ACI Agricultural Construction INC Very funny, thank you, don’t you wish your heavy equipment was that light on the tires?

[@regressmenot]

You're gonna spoil us with all the amount of videos you've been posting lately. Thanks for uploading, hope to see many more.

[@kevintucker3354]

There’s nothing cooler than a young lady driving a 4x4 with her dirt bike in the back!

[@SteveHenry]

Yeah that really is pretty cool isn’t it!

[@MrJimbo327]

@@SteveHenry It's a ZR2. Way cool. I have a '95 and a '18 diesel.

[@hatsjie2]

She even looks cool...;-)

[@Doellimann]

Exactly what I’ve thought 😄

[@mrhoffame]

I was thinking the same thing!! Where do you find such special ladies like that!!?? :( LOL

[@redlywaxer]

Absolutely amazing STOL performance!

[@meals24u]

It’s always a good day when Steve posts a video! Love these ones, keep em coming our way! Good job..

[@markstrain8989]

Amen.

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks 😊

[@stanbearup9200]

That's some crazy and totally amazing stuff right there! Thanks for filming and sharing it with us, Steve & Sara!

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks Stan Bearup, We’re gonna try to put out a little video every so often.

[@williamwilliam728]

"Good job Dad!" Awesome relationship you 2 have...and oh yeah, congrats on the great take-off and landing!!!

[@norbertfleck812]

"Hey, you are rectangular to the runway. Turn 90 degree" "Never mind, I just want to take off" "????"

[@surlyogre1476]

*perpendicular Same joke told another way: "This is the shortest runway I've ever seen... also the widest!"

[@bobsmith5209]

How to deal with a bad crosswind

[@Curtis.Carpenter]

@@surlyogre1476 😂

[@VidarrKerr]

@@surlyogre1476 It took me a few seconds to figure out what he meant. "Rectangular" LOL.

[@pioboss9823]

I usually only take off triangular to runways

[@davescheer5038]

I’ve seen this done with a old piper cub it had to be 20 yrs ago at a local air field , I was like 40 ‘ from it , it stuck in my head all these yrs I just sat there with my mouth open , amazing ! And yes it was windy !

[@georgiawalker4320]

Take off in less than one rev of the wheels - amazing!

[@Bunyips_Baits]

this simple amazes me it makes the complexity of flight look like baking a cake...awesome aircraft

[@goneflying140]

Wow, that was some precision flying! You set the mains down RIGHT between the cones on touchdown. Awesome!!

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you, I have practiced it a few thousand times. 😉

[@mikercflyer7383]

Amazing performance. Good luck at Dead Cow.

[@ghost19144]

Absolutely amazing young man, that’s gonna be very hard to beat. I am just getting into STOL, when I say just. I don’t even have a license yet but am working towards it. I like your configuration and I’m looking forward to learning more about the Yamaha sled engine setup. And you’re correct, I almost didn’t recognize you with your C-19 hairstyle. Thank you and your daughter for creating great content.

[@lonniehargrove1524]

Father daughter time is the best. Thank you

[@SteveHenry]

I agree with you wholeheartedly, I love doing things with my daughters!

[@mwhitelaw8569]

The surface area increase with those Is pretty darn substantial Solid stuff All the best from the evergreen state!

[@glennstocker487]

Yamaha Apex + Skytrax & Steve Henry = Highlander VTOL! Great work Steve (and Sarah) always heart warming to see our kids sharing and being involved in our passion, Hope to be a customer one day, Cheers from Down Under.

[@SteveHenry]

Glenn Stocker I love how Sara has gotten involved too even though she’s not really into flying.

[@ghost19144]

Glenn Stocker nice, VTOL, it really was almost that wasn’t it

[@tom8592]

Countless ways that aircraft could be used, delivering food,medicines,to hard to reach places. kudos!

[@TmanT321]

That's why they're called "bush planes" because you can land them in a bush.

[@oskarrunhaar6607]

After helicopter parents, here come the highlander daddys to drop the children off at school.

[@donalfinn4205]

Absolutely incredible! 👍☘️

[@danny-li6io]

Very rarely am I jealous of other people, but there are exceptions!!! AWESOME VIDEO my friend!!!

[@rizzywizzy]

Steve, that's amazing. Wow!!

[@JasonRiley276]

How come you dont have to obey the laws of physics and gravity like everyone else does? Otherwise, WOW!!!

[@rolandtamaccio3285]

I don't think it's "lift" when you "hang " it on the prop .

[@dwarden3]

@Fred Smith I think his "practical" plane was in the hanger behind this one. Every body needs a daily driver and a weekend toy!

[@freednighthawk]

@Fred Smith I think a better comparison would be a 5 second pro-street dragster to a daily driver.

[@leomuniz27]

Gravity????

[@center4nerds]

With enough power you can abuse the laws of physics

[@danielcondon8]

Never knew that could be done... just great!

[@asamakowski8316]

Everyone gangsta until the airplane takes off on a 6 foot runway

[@Sodabowski]

Or an helipad!

[@smile768]

Next task: Aircraft carrier, or ‘surf board’ as some people describe them. Good job!

[@rolandprepose9124]

No need runway, just takeoff directly from the garage

[@paulpasternak2026]

Running under the net

[@moimeme7839]

Garage is not high enough

[@robertcarpenter8077]

Love the color combo especially the red wheel hubs and yellow body paint which calls to mind the Estes truck color scheme :)

[@Mrsournotes]

I remember when a 75’ takeoff seemed unbeatable. Thanks for the video Steve.

[@SteveHenry]

You are welcome!

[@Snailmailtrucker]

Back in 1967 I went TDY to George AFB Calif (I think it was George...may have been March AFB ) to welcome the C-141 Starlifter squadron to the base...I was a USAF Aerial Photographer out of Vandenberg, AFB. They did a Short Takeoff Demonstration...It was Friggin Awesome !

[@flycory]

So amazing. I’m not even going to bother!!!!

[@lancethrustworthy]

Like wow. Your very own serious short take off and landing craft. Very nice.

[@bulletproofpepper2]

I had no idea that was possible!!! I was think 30 foot, 25 foot, 20 foot tops. Wow!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@maxbootstrap7397]

This takeoff is so spectacular! I just love watching this over and over and over again. I love watching this so much I can't even get jealous for never getting close to that short a takeoff. Well, except that time I had a 40mph headwind and took-off & landed straight up and down! :-) But obviously that doesn't count. Hahaha.

[@SteveHenry]

I’m hoping we get a real windy day sometime soon to play in!😊

[@flyingmaniac3827]

it never ceases to amaze me, this is just great Steve

[@SteveHenry]

Flying Maniac My Highlander is amazing!

[@flyingmaniac3827]

@@SteveHenry it certainly is a amazing airplane with a great power plant that you fly with skills my friend .

[@johndewey7243]

Wonderful! Just what we needed.

[@mumblesbadly7708]

Wow! That looks like a lot of fun!

[@charlieodom9107]

Who needs a runway when you can take off and land on a trailer!

[@skygorider]

Charlie Odom a girl with her own dirt bike on the back of her truck.

[@MrBuschytail]

That’s nuts I can’t believe my eyes,!!!

[@SteveHenry]

Yeah, it’s one of those things you pretty much have to see to believe.

[@andersjakobsen9906]

I have a ppl. Never tried something like this, but I find it very cool to watch. Excelente piloting 😊

[@mikelumbreras4903]

It surely take an amazing amount of skills and dexterity. When I started to fly back in 90's I never thought it be possible to realize such short take off. I understand why this discipline has become so popular. Thanks for sharing your upload and friendly comments. Have fun.

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you! 😁

[@dwdjr6937]

Steve. That looked more like a 5 foot take off. Your tire made a 2 thirds rotation which would be 5.3 feet. Nicely done!

[@SteveHenry]

DWD JR6 Yeah I think it actually was slightly shorter than 6 feet.

[@garrykennedy5484]

@@SteveHenry I noticed that also. The line wasn't at 6 O'clock before you pushed the plane back.

[@jrfoleyjr]

@@SteveHenry I am waiting to see you do a hover and vertical landing to complete the helicopter demonstration for STOL. ;)

[@SteveHenry]

DWD JR6 yeah I think it was actually just a little under 6 feet.

[@slickrock1371]

Yeah, I was going to say that last take off started at 4 o'clock and airborne by 8 o'clock.

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

Central Texas afternoon breeze is about 40mph, down a hill I'm not sure you'd even have to have the engine running today lol!

[@daviddredge1178]

Incredible. Thanks for sharing.

[@robertterrell3065]

I just love this YouT :) Watching the plane Take off the second he lets off the brakes is so fun! And it Could land in my parent's driveway, I think!

[@ananda_miaoyin]

When your driveway is a runway.

[@user-rd4gz1nc4e]

Who in the world would give this vid a thumbs down? That is awesome!

[@VidarrKerr]

People that fly helicopters.

[@ParkerUAS]

The guy that got his Carbon Cub to do a 7 foot take off.

[@TheJhtlag]

I see a few "rich people with expensive toys" comments, so yeah jealous.

[@trje246]

Well i did *not* 'dislike' the video, BUT... there was a lot of chit chat and then the when it eventually came to the take off and landing they did slow mo and speed up edit, like, why? It's the skill in flying is what most would come to see. but anyway...

[@tboman4128]

Because of the crap music.

[@richarddyson4380]

it’s like a giant blowfly! 😊. I’ve been involved in aviation for over 42 years and that is one of the coolest stunts I’ve seen. Both aircraft and pilot were outstanding.

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you Richard!

[@c.j.6891]

WOW!!!! Someday...soon I hope!!!💙🙏

[@steveday2868]

If and when I build a mini aircraft carrier I'm going to keep this plane in mind.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Steve Day If you are at all serious, and have funds, talk to me.... I have been wanting to do that for years, but don’t have the funds.

[@DanSlotea]

You can use a boat. A rowing boat.

[@jeffmartin3406]

A bass boat with a 4x8 sheet of plywood would jump start your own NAVY.

[@Curtis.Carpenter]

@@jeffmartin3406 I've got an old seadoo, I to shall join the war effort. Where shall we station all of this heavy duty equipment? I

[@Curtis.Carpenter]

But on a serious note, watching these videos has really gotten me interested in flying.

[@tomzeman5964]

Would not have believed it if eye did not see it love 44!

[@agnaldoFSJ]

Unbelivable! Congrats

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks 😊

[@MrAllan9]

From driveway to runway in frickin incredible .

[@highqualityhomemaintenance7565]

That is impressive.

[@electronicsNmore]

Great video!

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks 😊

[@centralmexicodogsanctuarya4590]

Now that is incredible. Very interesting video.

[@Hockeyfan9884]

Even I can build a runway for this pilot, and it feels great knowing that .

[@triplethreatcga2358]

Need one of these "backyard" flyers to commute to work and back from my driveway.

[@milowagon]

This plane could compete with a Harrier jump jet. Amazing !

[@raymarcel1966]

Thanks for sharing Steve!! : )

[@13699111]

Thank you for posting this video wild impressive !!!

[@JohnVeitch1]

Love that helicopter

[@hassanabdullah6419]

yaaah, i think it is 👌👌

[@challenger2ultralightadventure]

Climbs like a homesick angel!

[@drawfark]

I am totally impressed!

[@kellingtonlink956]

Impressive indeed! Thanks for the video.

[@SloppyballsMcGuillicutty]

yup. I need one for the top of my house. no more traffic.

[@tiaanv]

This makes me giggle like a girl. Steve, you're a legend!

[@SteveHenry]

Well I don’t know about the legend part but I’m sure glad you liked it!

[@4vndd]

Simply superb... thanks for sharing and good luck...!!

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you!

[@fernandoenciso2548]

EXCELENTE.... Me gusta... Sin recorrer pistas... FELICITACIONES... Buen Trabajo...

[@scottwoods3997]

Absolutely awesome performance!!!!

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks Scott Woods 😊

[@unitedspacepirates9075]

Lifting suspension another 36 inch should point the nose up enough for near vertical take off. Perhaps airbag a suspension adjustment so it doesn't stay so tall except for take off

[@tyeman3039]

That plane is too cool! Wow!

[@88e303stanggt]

I’ve never seen the channel before, no NOTHING about flying; I love you twos father/daughter dynamic here, very sweet. You both should be proud.

[@SteveHenry]

Thank you so much!

[@AKSHAY-bu4ox]

This can literally takeoff on a bus roof

[@Whipple1]

A Volkswagen Bus roof, too!

[@Frostified]

So not figuratively?

[@marvinrayweast]

Looks like an UltraLight airfoil.

[@bobczz3919]

WOW...That power comes on fast.

[@nkimandi]

this is amazing...wishing you the best in all your endeavours..aerocopter is what came to mind

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks Eric. 😊

[@papac6831]

wow who needs a airport, well done.

[@mrolsen6987]

When you ask your Mom if we can get a helicopter.. -mom: we have one.. 😂 Beside the joke, that was awesome! 👍

[@sparky5860]

That thing would fly out of a well........... Thanks for the demonstration....👍🏼

[@colbykent57]

Love the greyhound cameo. Gorgeous pup

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks, he’s just an awesome sweet dog!

[@MrAllan9]

Saw the thumb nail 6' takeoff, no way. Wow , Way.

[@MrPaige222]

maritimer Man For some serious entertainment, look at some of the videos from the competition he talked about from Alaska.....10 foot landings....he's right, the conditions are ideal....sea level, dense air, and predictable head breeze. This guy would give them a serious run.

[@goriverman]

Wow, imagine with a good head wind you could just go Vertical

[@FilmcastentertainmentBlogspot]

Wow! That is a sweet STOL takeoff, shortest I ever seen. I imagine the flaps on the leading edge of the wings, along with engine power and low weight contribute for such short rotation ✈✈✈💯💯💯💯 Great video!

[@SteveHenry]

Thanks, yeah everything has to be really working well together to land or takeoff like this.

[@tombowers2020]

Wow, lots of fun with man melded to machine!

[@hugginkiss1027]

0:17 Lovely smile.

[@expfcwintergreenv2.02]

Imagine on a cold day, at sea level with skis and a headwind... could probably do a reverse take off

[@renascidoemcristo5642]

Take off and land in short space. Amazing!!

[@eromadroleromadrol5171]

Congratulations !