Started my airline career in DC-3’s in 1966. Continental Airlines had their DC-3’s across the ramp. Ended my career in the left seat of the 747, what a fantastic career. WOW.
At least there remained one aspect I could be proud of in my Career. I started in 2016 (and still continue) on an old school aircraft with cables used for control surfaces. B737, I actually need to know how to fly.
As a Basler Turbo employee, it is cool to hear you talking about our product! I spend a lot of time in these guys usually sitting apart in a hanger for months. Cool to hear actual users and hope you enjoy your BT67!
They did the same on the Turbo Beaver. Turbine engines are WAY lighter than the old radials so you need to move weight forward to rebalance the airplane
They did once. Mustangs were converted for ground support aircraft and modified with wingtip pods and other goodies but were deemed as unnecessary. I think there is one left.
@@TomasAWalker53 But that was the F-51H that was converted not the P-51D. There were very few similarities between the two other than overall appearance.
@@GRIZZLY-nw9gh No that was an early ground attack version of the P-51A fitted with dive brakes. The one BC is referring to is the Piper PA-48 Enforcer. They unfortunately never entered service.
Thanks Mikey!! I appreciate the info / update. I am an older and a War Bird fan - you guys rock. As a kid we had Constellations flying over the house (we were in the pattern) and as silly kids we tried to race the shadows on our bicycles. A few years back I came out of building and heard a nostalgic sound, looked up, and discovered it was from a B-17!! I damn near shed a tear over that sight. Again thanks for taking the time to explain.
I almost did the same thing seeing a Privateer fly over my house, for the first and last time. Lucky for me, they were taking off from the 1 runway they don’t use unless absolutely needed.
I love the unique sound of the DC-3's props slapping the air . When I was in Air Force ROTC, I had a chance to co-pilot a DC-3 (as a C-47). That was 60 years ago and I still remember it well.
Many thanks Mikey for the insight. I love seeing that you’ve kept the Union Jack 🇬🇧 on the Electra. Humbles me greatly as being a Brit. Love to Canada 🇨🇦 and keep those old birds flying!
When I lived in Britain there was a mail service that was heard every night around 10PM that delivered to Manchester.The only aircraft that could do it consistently was the DC3. What a magnificent aircraft.
I knew a turbine conversion would be expensive but I had no idea of the extent that it would cost. Thanks for shining a light on that Mikey appreciate your sharing, "the economics of the situation."
Yeah, like he said, the engineering and conversion itself isn't too bad, but add in the cost of certification, and now we're talking about real money. I used to wonder why we still use old Continental and Lycomming old tech piston engines when it seems that new fuel injected automobile engines could be a real improvement, then I realized no one wants to go through the certification process.
The cost is mostly the full airframe overhaul. Some of these planes have been around for 80 years, and it shows in the corrosion. By the time Basler is done with the overhaul, pretty much the only thing still original is the data plate.
@@lukesebentsfeldt8384 It would be really interesting to see a graphic showing which parts of the Basler are entirely new parts, and in particular, which parts are modern composite rather than metal.
Great vid. From a TV guy, your editing has gotten really awesome. You've got a very good feel for pacing and where to cut. That time-cut you did of the C46 starting up was almost unnoticeable. Nice work!
In 1966 I was able to fly on ARCO's DC-3. Atlantic Richfield had several corporate aircraft at the time. That was such a fun aircraft to fly in. I could imagine if Basler outfitted a DC-3 with turboprops, they would have to do a major rebuild to strengthen the airframe to handle the increased power to extend the lifespan of the plane to make it worth the 8 million dollar price tag. I would not be surprised to see these planes flying on the 100th year of it's birth. The C-46 was also a workhorse and could carry almost double the weight of the DC-3. It was instrumental in flying over the HUMP in Burma/China in WW II. The fact that you have them still flying at 75 years is remarkable...
The only way Basler would touch one of these is to do a "down to parade Rest" rebuild. The question that premises this video is ignorant. Buffalo should send birds off, one by one for FULL BT-67 conversions (they're going to be forced to by market conditions if the dilly-dally around).
6:38 "Soon we are getting our own Basler" - Sounds like Buffalo Aiways will finally get a Basler, however, I do like the sound of the piston DC-3 way better
Mikey you are doing a fantastic job with these videos. When the show was going I never missed one minute of it. Probably some of the best coverage on WW2 aircraft that's ever been done. T56 turboprop mechanic here
It's not about looking right but how to run this transport business. If they can't get the necessary fuel anymore you have a nice looking aircraft on the ground - but which will be useless and won't earn them even one Penny. And such an Aircraft won't find buyers as well. Planespotter and Trainspotter live in a fantasy world...
@@carstenhemel2574 I am not a planespotter or trainspotter to begin with. I also know that turbines are more effective on a long term than original engines. It´s just interesting to know that your definition of living in a fantasy world is saying that it hurts seeing an old ( probably original 40s ) aircraft that is not in it´s original state. In fact, I was just waiting for someone to react to this comment while telling me smth. I know already like I was a 5-year old.Anyways, thankyou for this nice and very polite comment.
@@ilikethemp-4038 Sorry, but plainspooter want to see aircrafts flying arround like 7ß years ago. Trainspotter want to see steamlocos on duty, in 2020. So they live in a fantasy world. While their own car is mostprobably not even made in the 20th century anymore... If it comes to a business I see this with numbers and costs and how much to get out of it to keep a service running to help people who live in very remote areas.
My first commercial flight from Burbank to Sacramento in 1949. My parents waiting and wondering on the ground for this little kid that just had to talk to the pilots. Went on the bust knuckles on HU-16s, C-130, HH-52s. This is a great program, most informative. Tks :-)
You are an intelligent, personable and capable young man. As a presenter you were WELL prepared and had visuals that were fun and really make your points where a plane lover like me can relate. Your manner is engaging and draws us in as if we were there talking to you personally and walking around on that cold tarmac! I particularly love the old planes and the idea an 80 year old anything (I'm 71) can still be useful! I subscribed on this very first to view video so there you go! Hope for more soon.
Thanks for a really worthwhile explanation, Mike. I always knew the Basler's cost more, but I was astounded to hear the real difference. A lot of viewers who aren't in the business think you buy and trade-off working airplanes like cheap used pickup trucks. Buffalo has a huge investment in DC-3's engines, props and one of the world's largest collections of other spare parts (and KNOWLEDGE/TECHNICAL ABILITY) ... you just can't scrap a whole investment like that overnight.
This was a excellent explanation on powerplant conversions, -it changes the entire airframe, -the C.G. -everything..basically -there is very little that goes untouched. It doesn't make fiscal sense to even think about one of these turbine machines.
I work for a different northern airline, seen your hangar in Yellowknife, and familiar with Kenn Borek as well. Amazing to see this stuff from other peoples perspective. Best of luck!
RC M The truly amazing story of this historic aircraft is that it was first produced in 1935 and only had a US manufactured production run of 11 years. Licensed variants made by Russia and Japan brought the total production to over 16,000, and more than 400 still remained in commercial service in 1998. American Airlines inaugurated passenger service with the DC 3 on June 26, 1936, with simultaneous flights from Newark, New Jersey and Chicago. Early U.S. airlines like American, United, TWA, Eastern, and Delta ordered over 400 DC-3's. These fleets paved the way for the modern American air travel industry, which eventually replaced trains as the favored means of long-distance travel across the United States. It saw it's first war time military service with the designation C-47 in WW 2, and has served in every conflict afterwards right up through the Vietnam War. The US Air Force’s 6th Special Operations Squadron was still flying the C-47 until 2008, and it has served all branches of our military. It is an aviation legend and a true workhorse of the skies.
It is great to see the name Kenn Borek. I was working in a camp West of Tuk, owned by the Borek's when Kenn and his daughter were killed in a car accident. That was almost 19 years ago. I remember seeing all your tail draggers every time we took the milk run in or out of Inuvik.
Thanks Micky, nicely done I can understand why the cost variance due to the fact you have to ensure that the airframe is up to the increased power and stress and not just a quick fit and fly.
I actually used to work at Basler. I was there when That’s All Brother was discovered/acquired by the CAF. In fact, the first photos that the CAF used showing work on the plane were mine that I took with my cell phone.
Woolfman. It was just a funny observation and was not meant as a mean comment. I’m fully aware of what he has done for aviation and I really admire him for that and he seems like a stand up guy.
The C46 when it's idling sounds like my late grandmothers GMC Conversion Van idling it had such a similar exhaust sound! except her van had a GM 350 V8 but man did that idle sound bring back some good memories!
Worked in Antarctica at McMurdo Station as an ARFF firefighter and came across the baslers all the time. Hell of a workhorse for sure, but didn't realize they cost $8m a pop 😳 ol kenn borek had 8 or 10 of them down there while I was there. They had some serious money rolled up between those and the twin otters!
This sure brought back memories. Flying a C47 up the MacKenzie valley with Gordie Latham of Eldorado airways. A subsidiary of Eldorado Nuclear, which ran the mine that produced the raw material for Hiroshima. Another subsidiary was Northern Transportation, who I worked for. Their operating headquarters were in Hay River, and they ran barges up and down the MacKenzie. That was in 1971. Old Gordie was quite the character. A long career flying that route, which he eventually gave up, saying that even a cat only has nine lives!
Definitely. And the radials look much cooler too, a DC-3 with turbines looks awful. A B-17, on the other hand, is really nice with Merlin engines with the sleeker engine covers. It's funny how proportions appeal to our eyes or mind. Awesome these ancient machines still fly.
I hope the Basler has more cockpit leg room than the DC-3. I am average height 5'9" and have a hard time fitting my legs into the DC-3 flight deck. I had no idea that the Basler was so expensive. SHEESH! Gotta love those big radials.
Great Channel. Ever since my friends uncle showed me his 50 caliber machine gun that he cut out of the wing of a P- 51H that he claims is in a very cold freshwater lake. He said it landed there in the winter and fell through the ice. He always intended to try and salvage the plane but his health has never been good. I would like to do it but I haven't had the resources in awhile. I also remember from childhood of a place that had 50 P- 51s among other craft and I still dream of going and saving them. My coolest find was 3 Japanese Zeroes, 1 P- 51H with guns, 1 Corsair and a T- 28?... plus 25 Rolls Royce Engines, among others... One day I will save up and go for it. I did get the USAF permission for uncontested ownership of the plane if everything were to work out. They wouldn't guarantee how quickly the National Guard would show up and hack the guns out of the plane and also if the Guard finds it first , they may detonate the plane after the guns were hacked out... sad... If I were to pull it off.. I would float it, get it on shore, assess it , pull the engine and wings, then Use conduit to obscure the shape and tarp it all in separate loads. Then I would have a helicopter transport the pieces to a couple waiting semis and truck them back to humanity. Documenting every thing all the way through. I also have arranged one signature and would have a notary present , it would make the entire venture legal and clear ownership. Only other issue other than all the things that can go horribly wrong, is how to handle the guns... removal in sight and what needs to be done to be able to keep them. Pulling a firing pin , probably wouldn't do it and I actually haven't researched the diagram of the 50 cal. It's all a pipe dream anyway.. but you never know. I've pulled off quite a few pipe dreams in my life, always seemed to be what I was good at. Friends and Family still always say that if it's unbelievable and impossible, that I will figure it out, doesn't matter what .. So maybe there is some hope. I should probably quit typing my dreams out loud. ... It's fun tho....
Well done Mikey! You have found your calling and a new career! Well presented and the graphics in the cut outs are absolutely hilarious well worth watching.
I'm actually envious of the weather you have there. We've had a joke of a winter this year. The municipal ice skating rings here in Helsinki couldn't be frozen at all, because they require at least one week of continuous freezing temperatures, and we haven't had that at all this winter, and won't be having any more as we're in the middle of February. This has happened never before in recorded history. The sea hasn't frozen over properly at all, there have been a couple days when the inner bays have had a couple centimetres of ice and that's it. And we have had autumnal storms all winter. There hasn't been one day you could've gone cross country skiing, and they had to cancel a yearly skiing event in Lahti (100 km north from here) that has been organized every year for decades. A week or two of minus 34 would be a blessing.
Hi Mikey, that electra looks familiar, i remember this in atlantic airways livery, used to fly around the UK, in particular the Belfast Northern Ireland, to Liverpool, England run, i used to work at Aldregrove in N.I., from where i used to see it a lot. Good to see it still about.
Good explanation of the Basler conversion. Keep it up Mikey. Great to see partnerships like Buffalo and KBA. They are a 1st class company to deal with!! Lets do an episode on Flight Following one day soon.
You are really developing from the yum oung rambunctious Brian I met in earlier videos. Thank God. Youve arrived. Now your Dad can respect you more also.
Great vid, quick question, can your DC3 certified pilots jump out of a DC3 cockpit and climb into a Basler cockpit and fly? Or do they have to get rechecked as the two types are too different?
Hello again from Grimes Field! Our B-17G project aircraft (44-85813) was used to haul a Wright Typhoon turboprop aloft for flight tests: they lopped off the bombardier's compartment. Butt-ugly conversion, but it proved the concept.
First plane I flew in was a DC3 in outback Aust, bad hangover from the nights before celebrations, pilot must have knew as he banked 180 deg as we lifted, wing appear to brush the bushes, I will never forget my first flight, even though it was over 50 years ago, and have many thousand of Ks flying since.
Mikey, thanks for one best and most informative episodes in the series. I didn’t realize that Basler “plugged” their conversion-obviously, wt and bal a primary consideration as well prop placement. How much longer would you anticipate being able to operate the gasoline powered ships with respect to fuel and parts considerations? Thanks again for such great and informative entertainment and restorative efforts. Best wishes, MM
People just assume you have endless rivers of money just because you have a successful business. But there has to be some common sense mixed into your business decisions. I'm very happy for William. He will make a million memories.
First time on this channel, hell barely even know about planes (though enough to like the old DC series). Chuckled when I saw the printer paper graphics but then amazed at the moving parts and the little shake-to-change-color. Great simple editing here and I learned something new.
Really enjoyed this. I run a small crane business and while my older (1990’s) picker does consume a bit of maintenance dollars, its safe and paid off and I don’t have the stress of huge monthly payments in these trying times, so I totally get where your coming from :)
That was so interesting to an armchair pilot . Thanks for posting and remembering us who know nothing and putting it simple. Looks way to cold to fly there to me !
Basler is only a four hour drive from where I live.....was there just a few weeks ago. Lots of DC 3 hulks waiting in line for conversion. Nice people also..... stop in and buy a hat or t shirt!!
First time I ever saw a DC-3 with turboprops was at an Airshow at Centurion (near Pretoria) in South Africa back in 2000. I was absolutely flabbergasted!
Great illustration. Very few people who are aware of these conversions realize they actually stretch the fuselage (the appropriate and successful ones anyways) as you pointed out. DC3 is still one of my favorite airplanes to fly, even though I fly large business jets everyday....well I DID anyways. Now it’s more like once a week if I’m lucky. Good work!
Those huge megaphones on the C-46 exhaust give it a very distinct sound - nothing else sounds like a "gooney bird!" And from the rear, inside, it's overwhelming, especially when you don't have ear protection (I wonder how I know that?). Rode Detroit, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, Meford Oregon, then returned to Detroit. We ride-on mechanics were assigned to a fold-up military bench seat in the rear cabin. On the return trip I had purchased ear plugs. . .
There are two companies down here in Miami FL that run DC'3's almost on a daily basis between Opa-locka Airport and the Bahama islands. There's also a company that runs three Covairs C 131F Planes also out of Opa-Locka airport. All of them with radial engines. A few months back one of the Kenn Berek Air Basler BT67 was flying around here for over a week. C-FBKB.
I am VERY glad that the turbine conversions are SO expensive. The radial engines are THE reason the DC-3 is SO cool, and the fewer of them that are ruined the better. We also need to keep the demand for aviation gasoline UP so they’ll keep making it!
Started my airline career in DC-3’s in 1966. Continental Airlines had their DC-3’s across the ramp. Ended my career in the left seat of the 747, what a fantastic career. WOW.
Lucky You ! - I am green with envy. Regards from Alaska!
It makes me sad to think that the 747 will be a thing of the past in 20 years just like the DC3.
I miss Continental.
Parabéns
At least there remained one aspect I could be proud of in my Career. I started in 2016 (and still continue) on an old school aircraft with cables used for control surfaces. B737, I actually need to know how to fly.
As a Basler Turbo employee, it is cool to hear you talking about our product! I spend a lot of time in these guys usually sitting apart in a hanger for months. Cool to hear actual users and hope you enjoy your BT67!
The reason the fuselage is extended is to keep the CG (centre of gravity) in the same place as the turbines weigh a lot less than the radial engines.
They did the same on the Turbo Beaver. Turbine engines are WAY lighter than the old radials so you need to move weight forward to rebalance the airplane
But turbos need more fuel! To maintain the same range, tankage needs to be increased.
1:33 that’s why they don’t put turbines on warbirds
They did once. Mustangs were converted for ground support aircraft and modified with wingtip pods and other goodies but were deemed as unnecessary. I think there is one left.
@@TomasAWalker53 But that was the F-51H that was converted not the P-51D. There were very few similarities between the two other than overall appearance.
Sounds kinda like a cammed big block V8.
@@TomasAWalker53 , It's the A-36 Apache, right?
@@GRIZZLY-nw9gh No that was an early ground attack version of the P-51A fitted with dive brakes. The one BC is referring to is the Piper PA-48 Enforcer. They unfortunately never entered service.
Thanks Mikey!! I appreciate the info / update. I am an older and a War Bird fan - you guys rock. As a kid we had Constellations flying over the house (we were in the pattern) and as silly kids we tried to race the shadows on our bicycles. A few years back I came out of building and heard a nostalgic sound, looked up, and discovered it was from a B-17!! I damn near shed a tear over that sight. Again thanks for taking the time to explain.
I almost did the same thing seeing a Privateer fly over my house, for the first and last time. Lucky for me, they were taking off from the 1 runway they don’t use unless absolutely needed.
Your thumbnail game is STRONG buddy! I haven't watched yet, but that thumbnail made me ask questions I wanted answered!
Haha thanks bud!! :). I’m happy to see your last video doing very well!!!!
Flightchops your brown nose game is STRONG buddy... Ha ha. I agree great video.
FlightChops wait u watch him too
I love the unique sound of the DC-3's props slapping the air . When I was in Air Force ROTC, I had a chance to co-pilot a DC-3 (as a C-47). That was 60 years ago and I still remember it well.
Many thanks Mikey for the insight. I love seeing that you’ve kept the Union Jack 🇬🇧 on the Electra. Humbles me greatly as being a Brit. Love to Canada 🇨🇦 and keep those old birds flying!
Who doesn’t love the sounds of the old piston bangers!
transport canada
I was just about to say the same thing, esp the DC3
After thousands of hours in them I don’t care to ever hear them again.
But those old radials guzzle gas like crazy. Far more than any workable turbine.
@@drizler Actually, turbos need more fuel tankage.
I’m a Quebec native... watch you guys evolve... you make me proud to be Canadian. Cheers and health to Buffalo Airways and to all in the company.
Basler uses engines made and designed in Montreal
When I lived in Britain there was a mail service that was heard every night around 10PM that delivered to Manchester.The only aircraft that could do it consistently was the DC3. What a magnificent aircraft.
Into the 1990's, there was a DC-3 flying car parts more or less nightly in and out of Oshawa, east of Toronto. I believe it eventually crashed.
@@awuma how it crash
I knew a turbine conversion would be expensive but I had no idea of the extent that it would cost. Thanks for shining a light on that Mikey appreciate your sharing, "the economics of the situation."
Yeah, like he said, the engineering and conversion itself isn't too bad, but add in the cost of certification, and now we're talking about real money.
I used to wonder why we still use old Continental and Lycomming old tech piston engines when it seems that new fuel injected automobile engines could be a real improvement, then I realized no one wants to go through the certification process.
The cost is mostly the full airframe overhaul. Some of these planes have been around for 80 years, and it shows in the corrosion. By the time Basler is done with the overhaul, pretty much the only thing still original is the data plate.
@@lukesebentsfeldt8384 It would be really interesting to see a graphic showing which parts of the Basler are entirely new parts, and in particular, which parts are modern composite rather than metal.
Great vid. From a TV guy, your editing has gotten really awesome. You've got a very good feel for pacing and where to cut. That time-cut you did of the C46 starting up was almost unnoticeable. Nice work!
Thank you bud :)
I NEED A PW120 powered C-46 Commando
In 1966 I was able to fly on ARCO's DC-3. Atlantic Richfield had several corporate aircraft at the time. That was such a fun aircraft to fly in. I could imagine if Basler outfitted a DC-3 with turboprops, they would have to do a major rebuild to strengthen the airframe to handle the increased power to extend the lifespan of the plane to make it worth the 8 million dollar price tag. I would not be surprised to see these planes flying on the 100th year of it's birth. The C-46 was also a workhorse and could carry almost double the weight of the DC-3. It was instrumental in flying over the HUMP in Burma/China in WW II. The fact that you have them still flying at 75 years is remarkable...
The only way Basler would touch one of these is to do a "down to parade Rest" rebuild.
The question that premises this video is ignorant.
Buffalo should send birds off, one by one for FULL BT-67 conversions (they're going to be forced to by market conditions if the dilly-dally around).
6:38 "Soon we are getting our own Basler" - Sounds like Buffalo Aiways will finally get a Basler, however, I do like the sound of the piston DC-3 way better
@Per Tjärnström - Haha, probably
Great info. Explained well
@Mark Grudt Yes, me too. I like these old piston bangers
Turbines sound nasty. Radial sound is the sound of history, adventure and romance. In other words, awesome.
@@apuuvah Yes I agree
Dude I love your "old school photoshop" with paper cut outs. It really helped me visualize and understand the changes.
Mikey you are doing a fantastic job with these videos. When the show was going I never missed one minute of it. Probably some of the best coverage on WW2 aircraft that's ever been done. T56 turboprop mechanic here
The sound of them pistion engines ❤❤❤❤
AvGeek NZ just for that it isn’t worth it!
The stop animation was top notch!
I prefer the classic version of the DC-3. For me, a turbine on a DC-3 is like installing a propeller on a 737. It just doesn´t look right. ^^
It's not about looking right but how to run this transport business. If they can't get the necessary fuel anymore you have a nice looking aircraft on the ground - but which will be useless and won't earn them even one Penny.
And such an Aircraft won't find buyers as well.
Planespotter and Trainspotter live in a fantasy world...
Turbines also require less maintenance so the aircraft spends less time in the hangar in more time in the air and making money
@@carstenhemel2574 I am not a planespotter or trainspotter to begin with. I also know that turbines are more effective on a long term than original engines. It´s just interesting to know that your definition of living in a fantasy world is saying that it hurts seeing an old ( probably original 40s ) aircraft that is not in it´s original state. In fact, I was just waiting for someone to react to this comment while telling me smth. I know already like I was a 5-year old.Anyways, thankyou for this nice and very polite comment.
@@ilikethemp-4038 Sorry, but plainspooter want to see aircrafts flying arround like 7ß years ago. Trainspotter want to see steamlocos on duty, in 2020. So they live in a fantasy world.
While their own car is mostprobably not even made in the 20th century anymore...
If it comes to a business I see this with numbers and costs and how much to get out of it to keep a service running to help people who live in very remote areas.
@Agent J Nice answer man ^^
My conpany North Star Air has Baslers and they are amazing! So cool and great to see an old bird rebuilt and even better than it was before!
My first commercial flight from Burbank to Sacramento in 1949. My parents waiting and wondering on the ground for this little kid that just had to talk to the pilots. Went on the bust knuckles on HU-16s, C-130, HH-52s. This is a great program, most informative. Tks :-)
Thanks Micky. That explains a lot and I love what you did with the cardboard cut outs.. very creative!! 👍🏼👍🏼
Another great one! I didn't know the Basler had the fuselage plug and that it cost $6M!!!!!
You are an intelligent, personable and capable young man. As a presenter you were WELL prepared and had visuals that were fun and really make your points where a plane lover like me can relate. Your manner is engaging and draws us in as if we were there talking to you personally and walking around on that cold tarmac!
I particularly love the old planes and the idea an 80 year old anything (I'm 71) can still be useful!
I subscribed on this very first to view video so there you go! Hope for more soon.
Nice job Mikey! Your Dad and I used to work together 60 years ago . Good times! PJ Weston
I almost never comment on youtube, but I felt like I had to compliment your creative editing and transitions. Good job!
Thanks for a really worthwhile explanation, Mike. I always knew the Basler's cost more, but I was astounded to hear the real difference. A lot of viewers who aren't in the business think you buy and trade-off working airplanes like cheap used pickup trucks. Buffalo has a huge investment in DC-3's engines, props and one of the world's largest collections of other spare parts (and KNOWLEDGE/TECHNICAL ABILITY) ... you just can't scrap a whole investment like that overnight.
Thank you for explaining the background economics so well Mikey, you have a talent!
On the lessed aircraft Basil how high is insurance if thete is a tailstrike or other damage from sliding on ice ?
Loved today’s episode Mikey and very interesting. You really are getting very proficient and these now with the animation and pictures etc.
This was a excellent explanation on powerplant conversions, -it changes the entire airframe, -the C.G. -everything..basically -there is very little that goes untouched. It doesn't make fiscal sense to even think about one of these turbine machines.
I work for a different northern airline, seen your hangar in Yellowknife, and familiar with Kenn Borek as well. Amazing to see this stuff from other peoples perspective. Best of luck!
RC M
The truly amazing story of this historic aircraft is that it was first produced in 1935 and only had a US manufactured production run of 11 years. Licensed variants made by Russia and Japan brought the total production to over 16,000, and more than 400 still remained in commercial service in 1998. American Airlines inaugurated passenger service with the DC 3 on June 26, 1936, with simultaneous flights from Newark, New Jersey and Chicago. Early U.S. airlines like American, United, TWA, Eastern, and Delta ordered over 400 DC-3's. These fleets paved the way for the modern American air travel industry, which eventually replaced trains as the favored means of long-distance travel across the United States. It saw it's first war time military service with the designation C-47 in WW 2, and has served in every conflict afterwards right up through the Vietnam War. The US Air Force’s 6th Special Operations Squadron was still flying the C-47 until 2008, and it has served all branches of our military. It is an aviation legend and a true workhorse of the skies.
You know what ? Your cut paper switches were far more entertaining than most photoshops ! It looked pretty dynamic tbh
Nice video, loved the paper trick!
It is great to see the name Kenn Borek. I was working in a camp West of Tuk, owned by the Borek's when Kenn and his daughter were killed in a car accident. That was almost 19 years ago. I remember seeing all your tail draggers every time we took the milk run in or out of Inuvik.
So glad your're doing videos here Mike! Loved the show and I'm thrilled to be able to continue getting content on Buffalo Air!
Thanks Micky, nicely done I can understand why the cost variance due to the fact you have to ensure that the airframe is up to the increased power and stress and not just a quick fit and fly.
I actually used to work at Basler. I was there when That’s All Brother was discovered/acquired by the CAF. In fact, the first photos that the CAF used showing work on the plane were mine that I took with my cell phone.
His cut and paste technology matches his air planes...i love it !
Wow, I just found your channel by chance. I loved watching Ice Pilots when I lived in Canada. We all love you, Mike!
My girlfriend, not watching the video: “are you watching the muppets?”
Hahaha it's so true.
My wife said the same thing from the other room!
😂 My girlfriend asked if kirmit the frog was on😂
Mikey is a modern day Canadian hero. He has made leaps and bounds of preservation in the aviation industry. Please don't make fun of him.
Woolfman. It was just a funny observation and was not meant as a mean comment. I’m fully aware of what he has done for aviation and I really admire him for that and he seems like a stand up guy.
The C46 when it's idling sounds like my late grandmothers GMC Conversion Van idling it had such a similar exhaust sound! except her van had a GM 350 V8 but man did that idle sound bring back some good memories!
got a truck rn with a GM 350, sounds the same as what you described
@@alexneufeld2738 got a 96 LT1 camaro Z28 with the LT1 and a SLP loudmouth..... basically a muffler with no baffling...… it sounds pissed off LOL
Worked in Antarctica at McMurdo Station as an ARFF firefighter and came across the baslers all the time. Hell of a workhorse for sure, but didn't realize they cost $8m a pop 😳 ol kenn borek had 8 or 10 of them down there while I was there. They had some serious money rolled up between those and the twin otters!
This sure brought back memories. Flying a C47 up the MacKenzie valley with Gordie Latham of Eldorado airways. A subsidiary of Eldorado Nuclear, which ran the mine that produced the raw material for Hiroshima. Another subsidiary was Northern Transportation, who I worked for. Their operating headquarters were in Hay River, and they ran barges up and down the MacKenzie. That was in 1971.
Old Gordie was quite the character. A long career flying that route, which he eventually gave up, saying that even a cat only has nine lives!
The reason you do not fit turbines on the old planes is the awesome sound of the radial.
Like the c46 in your video.
I concur. :) lol
Definitely. And the radials look much cooler too, a DC-3 with turbines looks awful. A B-17, on the other hand, is really nice with Merlin engines with the sleeker engine covers. It's funny how proportions appeal to our eyes or mind.
Awesome these ancient machines still fly.
Great to see you Mikey! If I ever came up there, it wouldn't be to experience the cold, it would be to tour Buffalo.
Thanks Mikey that was a short and sweet polite briefing on the subject. You do a great job mate.
2:39 that super cold makes airplanes sound awesome
I hope the Basler has more cockpit leg room than the DC-3. I am average height 5'9" and have a hard time fitting my legs into the DC-3 flight deck. I had no idea that the Basler was so expensive. SHEESH! Gotta love those big radials.
I want to go to Canada and visit you guys and just photograph your vintage planes with my equally vintage film cameras.
The startup of the C46 engine was timed perfectly with your piece to camera!
Excellent video, excellent production and thumbs up 👍 for answering viewers questions - nailed it
Great Channel. Ever since my friends uncle showed me his 50 caliber machine gun that he cut out of the wing of a P- 51H that he claims is in a very cold freshwater lake. He said it landed there in the winter and fell through the ice. He always intended to try and salvage the plane but his health has never been good.
I would like to do it but I haven't had the resources in awhile.
I also remember from childhood of a place that had 50 P- 51s among other craft and I still dream of going and saving them.
My coolest find was 3 Japanese Zeroes, 1 P- 51H with guns, 1 Corsair and a T- 28?... plus 25 Rolls Royce Engines, among others...
One day I will save up and go for it.
I did get the USAF permission for uncontested ownership of the plane if everything were to work out. They wouldn't guarantee how quickly the National Guard would show up and hack the guns out of the plane and also if the Guard finds it first , they may detonate the plane after the guns were hacked out... sad...
If I were to pull it off.. I would float it, get it on shore, assess it , pull the engine and wings, then Use conduit to obscure the shape and tarp it all in separate loads. Then I would have a helicopter transport the pieces to a couple waiting semis and truck them back to humanity. Documenting every thing all the way through. I also have arranged one signature and would have a notary present , it would make the entire venture legal and clear ownership. Only other issue other than all the things that can go horribly wrong, is how to handle the guns... removal in sight and what needs to be done to be able to keep them. Pulling a firing pin , probably wouldn't do it and I actually haven't researched the diagram of the 50 cal.
It's all a pipe dream anyway.. but you never know. I've pulled off quite a few pipe dreams in my life, always seemed to be what I was good at. Friends and Family still always say that if it's unbelievable and impossible, that I will figure it out, doesn't matter what .. So maybe there is some hope.
I should probably quit typing my dreams out loud. ...
It's fun tho....
Well done Mikey! You have found your calling and a new career! Well presented and the graphics in the cut outs are absolutely hilarious well worth watching.
Price is unreal for those!
Love watching your channel
I'm actually envious of the weather you have there. We've had a joke of a winter this year. The municipal ice skating rings here in Helsinki couldn't be frozen at all, because they require at least one week of continuous freezing temperatures, and we haven't had that at all this winter, and won't be having any more as we're in the middle of February. This has happened never before in recorded history. The sea hasn't frozen over properly at all, there have been a couple days when the inner bays have had a couple centimetres of ice and that's it. And we have had autumnal storms all winter. There hasn't been one day you could've gone cross country skiing, and they had to cancel a yearly skiing event in Lahti (100 km north from here) that has been organized every year for decades.
A week or two of minus 34 would be a blessing.
Hi Mikey, that electra looks familiar, i remember this in atlantic airways livery, used to fly around the UK, in particular the Belfast Northern Ireland, to Liverpool, England run, i used to work at Aldregrove in N.I., from where i used to see it a lot. Good to see it still about.
Thanks for keeping them running.
I love to that you guys are still flying those old brutes! Shows how tough they built these things
Mikey you are awesome. Grew up as a teen watching you on discovery. Im 29 now still love aviation
The C46 is becoming my favorite plane.
Good explanation of the Basler conversion. Keep it up Mikey. Great to see partnerships like Buffalo and KBA. They are a 1st class company to deal with!! Lets do an episode on Flight Following one day soon.
If you go to Oshkosh, Basler just down the street.
Nicely explained Mikey! I've been lucky enough to fly in three DC3s in my time and I'm delighted that you are keeping them flying.
You are really developing from the yum oung rambunctious Brian I met in earlier videos. Thank God. Youve arrived. Now your Dad can respect you more also.
Excellent video comparing and contrasting DC-3s and Baslers. Great information. Mikey is an excellent presenter.
Cant wait for the focker update buddy, and the fox moth please Mikey that would be awesome ✈✈👍👍😋😋
I'm working on that now :)
Please replace either the 'o' or the 'c'... your choice.
@@maxmaxmaxmaxmaxmaxmaxmaxmax1 . Don't you mean just the c. Making it Fokker
@@MartintheTinman He means it's one letter away from being either Fokker or Fucker.
Great vid, quick question, can your DC3 certified pilots jump out of a DC3 cockpit and climb into a Basler cockpit and fly? Or do they have to get rechecked as the two types are too different?
Well, Mikey, I know that it's a lot easier said than done.
But good on you for explaining it to the curious people out there.
Hello again from Grimes Field! Our B-17G project aircraft (44-85813) was used to haul a Wright Typhoon turboprop aloft for flight tests: they lopped off the bombardier's compartment. Butt-ugly conversion, but it proved the concept.
Damn, I love the sound from those old radials.
First plane I flew in was a DC3 in outback Aust, bad hangover from the nights
before celebrations, pilot must have knew as he banked 180 deg as we lifted,
wing appear to brush the bushes, I will never forget my first flight, even though
it was over 50 years ago, and have many thousand of Ks flying since.
Mikey, thanks for one best and most informative episodes in the series. I didn’t realize that Basler “plugged” their conversion-obviously, wt and bal a primary consideration as well prop placement. How much longer would you anticipate being able to operate the gasoline powered ships with respect to fuel and parts considerations? Thanks again for such great and informative entertainment and restorative efforts.
Best wishes,
MM
Thats the million dollar question. The C-46 is still kicking butt.
DC3 is an icon. Basler is a classic. Oh decisions, decisions....
People just assume you have endless rivers of money just because you have a successful business. But there has to be some common sense mixed into your business decisions.
I'm very happy for William. He will make a million memories.
Analog cut and paste Photoshop. I like your style.
First time on this channel, hell barely even know about planes (though enough to like the old DC series). Chuckled when I saw the printer paper graphics but then amazed at the moving parts and the little shake-to-change-color. Great simple editing here and I learned something new.
Thanks for watching bud!
Great video and simple to understand. You forgot to mention the huge weight difference between a turbine and a Pratt plus the effect on the planes CG.
Good Point
I would guess this is why they add the plug section to the forward fuselage.
I love how all the alternate aircraft were displayed in Buffalo livery. Very cool! I wonder how much work that took.
And we love the DC-3 too! 😊😊 Greetings from brazilian fans. André.🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
The paper cutouts were spot on, also, I like the narration, must subscribe.
Buffalo Airways! I saw a TV show about that airline a few years ago.
Truly enjoy your channel and my Dad loves to watch the Ice Pilots because he loves the warbirds you fly.
Really enjoyed this. I run a small crane business and while my older (1990’s) picker does consume a bit of maintenance dollars, its safe and paid off and I don’t have the stress of huge monthly payments in these trying times, so I totally get where your coming from :)
The old school photoshop was funny and of course the C-46 radial sound is always golden
Mikey, I watch "Ice Pilots" on the Weather Channel here in the States, and I'm curious why you don't have a C-130 or a DHC Caribou in your fleet?
Or a C-27j Spartan, the biggest twin turbo prop transport plane currently in production.
Great video bro it explains a lot. All the best to everyone on the crew up your way. Going to be around 30c here in NZ today.
Sometimes you just have to leave it as it was originally intended. And appreciated them for what wonderful planes they are.
That was so interesting to an armchair pilot . Thanks for posting and remembering us who know nothing and putting it simple.
Looks way to cold to fly there to me !
Very interesting video with very good explanations.
I hope I get there one day to meet you and fly one of those jewels.
Basler is only a four hour drive from where I live.....was there just a few weeks ago. Lots of DC 3 hulks waiting in line for conversion. Nice people also..... stop in and buy a hat or t shirt!!
First time I ever saw a DC-3 with turboprops was at an Airshow at Centurion (near Pretoria) in South Africa back in 2000. I was absolutely flabbergasted!
01:30 Gotta love the sound of a big radial starting up! Charismatic magical machinery, science and art, or is that Art and Science?
Great illustration. Very few people who are aware of these conversions realize they actually stretch the fuselage (the appropriate and successful ones anyways) as you pointed out. DC3 is still one of my favorite airplanes to fly, even though I fly large business jets everyday....well I DID anyways. Now it’s more like once a week if I’m lucky. Good work!
Those huge megaphones on the C-46 exhaust give it a very distinct sound - nothing else sounds like a "gooney bird!" And from the rear, inside, it's overwhelming, especially when you don't have ear protection (I wonder how I know that?). Rode Detroit, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, Meford Oregon, then returned to Detroit. We ride-on mechanics were assigned to a fold-up military bench seat in the rear cabin. On the return trip I had purchased ear plugs. . .
There are two companies down here in Miami FL that run DC'3's almost on a daily basis between Opa-locka Airport and the Bahama islands. There's also a company that runs three Covairs C 131F Planes also out of Opa-Locka airport. All of them with radial engines. A few months back one of the Kenn Berek Air Basler BT67 was flying around here for over a week. C-FBKB.
1:34 - That's why.
2:29 - That's why.
I don't get it.
Y'all should come to Maine in the summer. We have a huge seaplane fly in at Moosehead Lake. You'll see a DC-3 on pontoons.
Chucky needs to work on a Jet-A APU and electric motor conversion kit.
I am VERY glad that the turbine conversions are SO expensive. The radial engines are THE reason the DC-3 is SO cool, and the fewer of them that are ruined the better. We also need to keep the demand for aviation gasoline UP so they’ll keep making it!
You sure pack a lot of quality content is a short time! I flew in DC 3 in Bolivia as 6 year old boy.