The Art of not crashing into the plane beside you: 1st Formation Debrief - Flight Training VLOG

[@theotherdave2005]

Steve, coming from a pax POV - albeit one with a long held, yet distant goal of flying some day - watching the evolution of your skills has been equal parts vicarious satisfaction and genuine inspiration. Thanks to you and your crew for sharing the journey.

[@FlightChops]

+TheOtherDave - I really appreciate the friendly feedback! Our goal is to be the best ambassadors of aviation we can - thanks for confirming we're on the right track :)

[@Chrizzletrizz]

You're on a right track and doing an absolute great, admirable, job representing aviation! Thanks :-D

[@danielteodorof7166]

YOU FLEW RIGHT ABOVE MY HOUSE OMG I WAS LIKE FLIGHTCHOPs

[@mikercflyer7383]

Good job Steve now we know that it is not as easy as it looks from the ground. You can really appreciate the Blue Angel and the Thunderbirds.

[@cinnamanstera6388]

Love the ATC chat at 5:15

[@FlightChops]

+Cinnamanster A - agreed - that is why I kept it

[@MrPeterthepilot]

I’m half way through my formation trainjmg and have precisely the same challenges - not looking ahead, keeping close to the lead in turns, keeping close formation. When you’ve spent your flying days, scanning the area, keeping a long way clear of other aircraft, especially in turns, you have to completely re-educate your aviation mind!

[@bobonacus]

Awesome, looked so much fun, the 4 split screen was really good

[@z1power]

Amazing video... this is one of the most underappreciated channels on youtube!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks! We're working hard to consistently make great aviation content - glad to hear you're enjoying it!

[@GamePlayWithNolan]

That camera angle where it shows you flying behind him is so amazing! That is one of the coolest things I have ever seen.

[@regressmenot]

Jeez the intensity of concentration must get mentaly exhausting.

[@Project-Air]

Awesome job! Looks mind-boggling!

[@CentristRN]

Super interesting to see how that is done . Thanks

[@Tracomaster]

I really dig the weekly upload scheme! I was like: huh another flightchops video? and the next emotion was: yay another flighchops video :D

[@FlightChops]

+Tracomaster - awesome :)

[@markthomas6045]

Having done this, can you imagine the skill of the Snowbird pilots or any of the guys that do those incredible formation shows? I was holding my breath for this entire video! Fantastic!!

[@oisiaa]

In the military in primary flight training we go right up to 90 degrees of bank in turns on our first or second formation flight for both wing formation and close trail. It's really hard past about 30 degrees of bank, but once you have the confidence to do 90º it makes normal 30º turns easy. Plus we're doing IFR formations through the weather where you have zero attitude reference other than the lead aircraft.

[@FlightChops]

+oisiaa - that's bonkers! What sort of aircraft where you flying?

[@oisiaa]

The T-6 Texan II.

[@goatflieg]

Dave was right... that was pretty impressive for a first formation flight. Man, I gotta get back over there sometime soon. Thanks for the reminder.

[@Booshka823]

Great job. The only thing I'll say after 10 years of RAF Chippie ownership is that it is a "fingertip" airplane. No need to strangle the stick. Trim it up right and RELAX! :) I've been flying formation now for over 10 years, and it never gets boring. :) If you are going to be in the Seattle area the end of June we are having a FAST formation clinic for an opportunity to see how we do it "South of the Border"... ;-)

[@FlightChops]

+Robert Hill - haha - thanks yeah - I need to relax a little more :). But it was a bit of a bumpy day in that case, so I didn't want to be too loose on my grip. Where are you based?

[@tom7601]

Many years ago, a friend of mine claimed he had an IFR rating. Later he admitted his IFR meant "I Follow Roads."

[@Rashbomb01]

Formation flying is the most stress and most fun I've ever had in an airplane. Not sure where you're at in training, but don't neglect the fun that can be had in an extended trail or loose formation. Cheers!

[@GamePlayWithNolan]

8:29 Can we just take a moment to realize how awesome this looks?

[@RCFlyBoy314]

That is so neat to watch your success with the formation! It's nothing like real life, but I was on an FSX simulator team. One of the guys who taught me how to fly on a wing was on the FSX Blue Angels. It took me hours, but it was so rewarding. I'd love to be able to learn someday

[@jackcollins6043]

I always enjoy watching FlightChop's videos, intriguing with flying opportunities not everyone gets ahold of. Cheers

[@mlhbrx96]

I love these videos! I have been an aviation buff my entire life (my first word was airplane), and these videos keep me focused on my goal - to get my pilot's license and ratings etc. KUDOS!

[@FlightChops]

Awesome thanks!

[@joshualandry3160]

Cool! I remember my first formation flight. 4 instructors in 2 arrows. Seriously fun stuff. Keep it up!

[@amirawadalla5866]

Might go flying in one for air cadet summer training

[@captainsman]

Man, fantastic flying, full on concentration, especially with someone constantly in your ear like that. Must've been intense and exhilarating. Good stuff.

[@garyschraa7947]

awesome , totally awesome . I'm 54 now , I don't pilot or train but during my mid twenties had the very good fortune of tagging along with a mechanic that balanced propellers ( on the plane at various rpm's) and we worked on a 1938 stearman bi-plane for 4 hours . wheels chocked and pilot and I standing on the brakes . when it was over he asked me if I'd ever flown . I said no , and he said "you will today " we went up he shook the stick and put his hands in the air! it was great . the pilot took over and did a turn -on-a-dime over his house ! most exhilarating time of my life. [ at the time the equipment was prototype . strobe light pointed at reflective 7's on the prop a bulls eye chart was used to take readings add weights in increments until it all zero'd out . every pilot after having this done commented similarly . . . what once flew like a vw now felt like a cadilac . not that it was like a vw just the difference between rough and smooth

[@saito125]

See my photo? That's a '39 Stearman. Best time of my life in an airplane.

[@garyschraa7947]

makes us think about being alive in a different way . thanks

[@elainethorne4344]

Really great coaching on this one. You guys are all amazing!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Amazing flying. Well done.

[@leeCann]

that was incredible footage. Very professional production and oh, btw; I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. with you as you experienced formation flying. Thanks, for taking us along. INCREDIBLE!

[@call911forcookies2]

Mr. Steve! that was an incredible video! Formation flying is so cool i really want to try it too one day. But you did a super job staying in position and all, fantastic job!

[@FlightChops]

+Call 911 For Cookies - thanks!

[@hygri]

Sweet video Steve, and awesome flying! Well done!

[@Payne2view]

Congratulations. Your training with them is progressing well. Fascinating to see how complicated/involved formation flying is.

[@AlexFeldstein]

Really awesome footage Steve! Loved the editing too. Great work, if tiring.

[@PL4GU3d]

Was a great video, looks like awesome fun! Thanks as always for the great videos!!

[@Andym8910]

Awesome, I've been on the receiving end of someone forming on my wing. Would love to learn to do it properly

[@GeneralJackRipper]

That was great. I never got the oppourtunity to do any formation flying at school. Looks exhausting.

[@jjgist3000]

Great video, thank you for sharing, being a student pilot these videos always inspire me. There is so much to do and so much to learn, your work really shows me no matter how much you know there is always something new to do and learn in aviation. I sympathize with you a lot in this video, my instructor is constantly telling me to be more assertive with the throttle. I always feel like smooth deliberate movement is the key but sometimes they just want us to jam on the power haha. Thanks again for sharing such a fun and informative flying experience!

[@djkuhl]

You are so close to 100k subs. Looking forward to the celebration!

[@davidhilven1753]

To be honest, I just discovered your KZbin Channel and I must say, I'm really impressed about what you have accomplished so far. A great addition to the aviation community, showing all aspects of aviation. I haven't gone through all the videos yet, but I really liked this episode and the one where you did some solo touch 'n go approaches on the grass strip. Being a Piper Cub pilot and loving to fly formation myself, I definitely picked up some useful tips in the few videos I've seen so far. Formation flying, for me, is by far the most challenging thing I've done in an airplane. Thanks for sharing your experiences and contribution to the flying community. Best regards from Belgium #BoseA20

[@deanswann8084]

As always loving the videos.

[@alanhughes9075]

love these videos chops. keep them coming.

[@no1herebutuschickens]

Another fine kettle of fish you got through.... Good job.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Great video, the videos were we get to watch you learn are by far by fav.

[@FlightChops]

+Mrcaffinebean - cool yeah, I have lots more to learn, and will be capturing and sharing all kinds of other training :)

[@oisiaa]

Stack, line, spacing!

[@flexplexico480]

Love these vids! Following in your footsteps at spectrum getting my Rec licence to start :) great group

[@FlightChops]

+Flex Plexico - awesome! Keep in touch through your training!

[@Chrizzletrizz]

Thank you for sharing! I think you are doing a great job making the videos, it's a true pleasure to follow you. Happy landings :-D

[@larry351]

Think this just might be my new favorite vid of yours...Almost felt like I was up there too.

[@crankychicks]

Nicely presented

[@barneyfive-0404]

Not crashing into other objects is always a positive thing

[@MrLikeke]

Great video from beginning to end. After watching this and the Chipmunk vid it occurs to me that of numerous CFIs I've only had one truly professional instructor. And that's not me going cheap on instruction. The guys at CHA2 are awesome.

[@FlightChops]

+Richard H - I'll definitely pass this along to them - they'll appreciate it! Also - glad to hear you made it to the end - I struggled with the sound quality on this one. I got it to place I felt was "acceptably audible", but wish it was cleaner. I've since stopped flying with the canopy open for flights on which I wanted to get clean audio recordings :)

[@nandezfj]

Just Great Steve! thank you.

[@AviatorGeek]

Just, wow.

[@TheAirbusa340300]

Great video!

[@bluecollarphil7064]

Great flying!

[@stan.rarick8556]

Very informative, for a non-pilot. Good production

[@easttexan2933]

Awesome video man. Very enjoyable. Living the dream right? Keep 'em coming.

[@clearofcloud2038]

Fantastic!!! I've always wanted to do this!! Great angles and information. Definitely heading over to Patreon to catch the full shoot!!!

[@FlightChops]

+ClearOfCloud - sweet! Let me know if you have trouble finding it - the raw one was uploaded a month or two ago.

[@clearofcloud2038]

FlightChops Dunno how I missed that one but Ihave found it ob Patreon now Thanks ....and thanks for sharing all these experiences!!

[@clearofcloud2038]

Oh and as for the gum chewing, strap flapping Stearman lead- all I can think of is that old crop-dusting vet in "Independence Day"...."me, I'm pilot"

[@thehoeser]

LOL. Russle K! "I can fly... I'm pilot" - I've been using that quote since college.

[@clearofcloud2038]

Classic line!!!

[@bleachme8165]

R.I.P. Hat.

[@bleachme8165]

www.trade-a-plane.com/mobile/search?category_level1=Single+Engine+Piston&make=DEHAVILLAND&model=DHC-1B-2-S3&listing_id=2065541&s-type=aircraft

[@FlightChops]

looks like that one in the listing has an engine mod? I'm kind of a purist with these things... Part of the charm of the Chippy is the Gipsy Major

[@RichWellner]

That is crazy that you hadn't had a formation flight lesson yet. I never would have guessed that with all the formation flying you have (apparently) been a passenger on in various videos.

[@FlightChops]

+Rich Wellner - it's more a function of the way the footage back log is fitting into my publishing schedule. This lesson happened more than 6 months ago.

[@Mavrick1509]

Is that you flying above Windsor in the 3 craft formation again today? I see them going over my house repeatedly lol.

[@TheWindigomonster]

I live in the northern US, but it would be so cool to fly vintage aircraft for a group like this.

[@sailingeric]

Do you think your prior glider flying helped with formation flying since following a tow plane is somewhat similar?

[@FlightChops]

+Eric Cothern - for sure, to some degree it is still in there - my flying primacy definitely comes from soaring... Although I only did it for the first season of my flying career, it definitely had a big impact on me.

[@Jangle2007]

Great video. Takes me back to primary glider days just trying to fly on tow. This looks 5X more demanding....I could feel myself in the cockpit trying to fly the stick and rudder while at my desk. You brought a nice touch to the work so early in your training. [EDIT] Question: Assume that you are in straight, level, and stable flight formation in the low-right-rear quadrant behind the lead plane, as in most of this video. Is there any combination of stick-and-rudder where you could actually hit the lead plane WITHOUT any increase in the power setting?

[@thehoeser]

In normal position, I suppose yes with a significant bank into the lead you could hit him without increasing your power. If your example you said "behind the lead" but that is not really "in position"... so I'm not sure what you meant.

[@Jangle2007]

David - thanks for the info. Yes, I can see the confusion caused by my question. What I'm trying to understand is what are the margins of safety in formation flying...I.E. when something goes wrong with the second pilot/plane in formation flying, what are the absolute "do and don't" to avoid colliding with the lead plane (aside from the obvious which I presume is "don't hit the lead plane")? I tried to keep my example simple, i.e. straight and level flight. In the video, at 3:20 for example, second plane is positioned to the right of the lead tail, and slightly lower and slightly behind the tale. So, my question: assuming identical aircraft speeds in this position, and assuming NO increase in power setting, is their any combination of stick and rudder inputs that could result in 2nd plane colliding with lead plane? I can envision that when 2nd plane is on the inside of a formation turn, their is a high possibility of colliding with the lead, as illustrated by the need to reduce the 2nd plane's power setting to avoid over-running the lead position.

[@T25de]

Great stuff as always

[@brianthibault5929]

Sweet flight! Is Denis S still flying with them?

[@thehoeser]

Yup.

[@schwibbs1286]

4:16 - I hear you, man. Taking pictures of an airplane just a few yards away from you doesn't do it justice. It is a much better experience in person.

[@motorTranz]

That looks like a well managed airport.

[@anthonybellotti6062]

I've always been curious, why do you fly with the canopy open during formation flight

[@FlightChops]

+Anthony Bellotti - cool yeah - we fly with the open canopy when ever temps allow for it, because it is awesome :). But it kinda killed the sound recording on this one... So for filming I won't likely do it agsib

[@MrEddieG420]

the guy on the outside of the formation in a turn needs to do a few Knots faster to stay in position, the guy on the inside of a formation turn needs to go a few knots slower to stay in position. its like running on a track, the inside and outside lanes cover less and more distance respectively in a turn then the middle lane.

[@ericbitzer5247]

Damn, I always wanted to fly. My father took me up in Cherokee 140s when I was a kid. Retinitis pigmentosa will never allow it. :(

[@markthomas6045]

At 18:23, what is that large airliner in the distance?

[@andersonartan5621]

12:27 what watch is he wearing? Looks like a Citizen Skyhawk

[@aaronbarnhard8668]

Yup, that's is exactly!

[@cine_motard]

I want that plane in the background at 1:15

[@cmeGordy]

man that must have been freaky being that close to another aircraft at least the first couple times.

[@TheQballChannel]

My instructor and another instructor are both great pilots. Once I was getting a ride in a Steirman with my instructor(cause he is a nice guy) and we saw another one of the school's planes, which was a cub without a radio. We flew up to about 100 feet of it and both instructors started to fly in formation, without any trouble. They were doing position reversals and some fun (safe) maneuvers without radio contact. It was just pure fun

[@cmeGordy]

sounds fun but freaky to see how close you are to another airplane.

[@TheQballChannel]

It is not really that scary or freaky because it is fun. It is kinda like your first solo.

[@cmeGordy]

I see I have not gotten up to soloing yet I have almost 10 hours but not quiet soloing yet.

[@TheQballChannel]

Keep with it! It is really worth it!

[@sillylion14]

Is flight training with the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association in Windsor open to the public? How does the process of training work in Windsor? I'm currently based in Waterloo but this is something I'd definitely like to do. I've got my private with night rating..

[@thehoeser]

Drop me an e-mail. dfo at ch2a dot ca.

[@avro549B]

Dammit, now you've shown me something else I'd like to do. :-)* Seriously, very instructive.

[@flygtur7784]

I want to fly too. any tips abouth how to get started?

[@FlightChops]

+Flygtur - I have a video called "becoming a pilot..." Search that one - I tried to get most of what I know about the barriers to getting start with flying into that one

[@flygtur7784]

Thanks m8! :)

[@jackcollins6043]

Whatever happened to Steve flying on his own in the cub

[@FlightChops]

Been there done that? Also - it is currently broken... So I am enjoying additional training while waiting for it to come back. Are you not enjoying this stuff?

[@DaFlyingStrawberry]

i doubt he isnt enjoying it

[@jjgist3000]

I disagree Harper seal, I like the new content, seeing something new. These guys Steve is flying with are consummate professionals and I feel lucky just to watch them in action. This type of work not only brings us closer to steves heritage of flying, his father I believe flew spitfires, but it also shows us how those fly boys in WW2 kept their flight chops sharp in their warbirds of the era. Great video, great content, and keep 'em coming!!

[@FlightChops]

+Drkcrush - thanks! Well put! And it is my grampa that flew a spitfire :)

[@AlaskaSkidood]

Wheee!

[@RussellDayTranscendian]

The pain of flying formation is well depicted in Serenade to the Big Bird by Bert Stiles. He died in a P 51 on third tour as a pilot fighting Scientific Socialism. He is the strange patriot who saw the world as one without borders but fought for borders. His school was a great high school and the war was college. He got to me in his book. There was at least one girl he left behind who loved him.

[@ianmacdonald6350]

It's very skilful but it begs the question, why do the military fly in such close formation? Surely it must increase the risk of an airprox because only the lead pilot is looking out, everyone else is concentrating on formating. In wartime it must also increase the risk of being 'jumped' by an enemy. I believe that in the early stages of WW2 that actually arose, with tight formations of British pilots being easy pickings for roaming Me109s because they never saw the bandit coming, and even when they did, had to extricate themselves from formation (without colliding) before they could defend themselves.

[@monkeyboy4746]

My guess is that formation flying in combat evolved because in WWI the planes did not have radios, so they used hand signals and had to be close so everyone could see, and I think some of the planes had rear gunners that kept watch. But I agree in WWII it seems antiquated and tactics changed as the war continued.

[@MrJimmer1805]

Enjoyed this one Steve! #47 on the likes 👍

[@FlightChops]

+MrJimmer - haha - thanks Jim!

[@speedbird227]

Foxtrot Alpha Golf? Well that's an unfortunate callsign.

[@thehoeser]

Foxtrot alpha papa golf.

[@motorTranz]

That guy chewing Beemans? 😁

[@FlightChops]

+motorTranz - he definitely has "the right stuff", so, probably? :)

[@motorTranz]

Good job on the flying btw!

[@alaskawings9141]

Dude, I have to be honest. I feel so stupid when I shout "clear prop" to a lot of emptiness. Especially since I'm a heavy guy and it takes a bit of effort to close the window again.

[@FlightChops]

It is simply an SOP that we all need to adhere to. What bugs me though is people that yell it and then start up immediately with out actually checking that it is clear, or that a person that may not have been clear, has had time to move.

[@alaskawings9141]

Is it the same in Canada? Are there no "exceptions" within reason? Like being in an empty lot? I've always wondered what protocol was like up there.

[@FlightChops]

The reason there are no exceptions for SOPs, is that they are SOPs. If you decide to not do them all the time, they are no longer standard.

[@salvatoreshiggerino6810]

What's the Stearman guy eating?

[@FlightChops]

He is thoroughly murdering some gum.

[@salvatoreshiggerino6810]

Ah, that makes sense. I'm not a gum chewer, so it's not the first thing that comes to mind. A CFI of mine recommended eating carrots during night flights, but I later found out that was British propaganda to keep the Jerries in the dark about their use of radar. If it worked the followup question would be whether there is a root vegetable that could reduce glare during daytime.

[@GregHopp]

Just as I'm thinking your brain is mush, you say 'my brain is pretty much mush'. No wonder!

[@FlightChops]

haha - yes - totally

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

Glider pilots start flying in formation ON THE FIRST LESSON! Boo-ya..

[@danwilliams7354]

Ah, don't have time to watch this now but I'm liking it up front, it's a safe investment.

[@tristanmiller5215]

is it just me or does his chops make him look like a beaver

[@FlightChops]

+Tristan Miller - all Canadians aspire to resemble the mighty beaver! Thanks for the compliment

[@rccanuck4473]

if you ever want to take someone for a ride don't hesitate give me a shout btw this is the best channel I've come across well done

[@TheMarcomm97]

For whatever reason that lead pilot chewing gum made me feel nervous... Anyone else?

[@thehoeser]

A Sky Crawler Honestly he's about the only lead pilot that doesn't make me nervous.

[@TheMarcomm97]

Good to read from the wingman itself! Thanks for replying. I wrote that because looking him so relaxed and confident it provoked me the opposite feeling strangely. Plus chewing gum may be a risk factor being the PIC. idk it may be just me!

[@haraldschevik5213]

David Carrick David when are you going to upload a new video?

[@thehoeser]

I really don't shoot video that often, I leave that up to the professionals like Steve. I don't really enjoy the setup/teardown aspect of shooting. A ton of work goes into this stuff.

[@saito125]

From what I heard, chewing gum is for relieving inner ear pressure.

[@alexenns3203]

5th

[@FlightChops]

I clocked you in at 3rd actually :P

[@ryro8999]

First

[@jeff2380]

second