My Dad bought a 1946 Chief when we lived very close to Nome Alaska in 1964. I was 14 and took lessons and was also his "starter" motor. The plane had an 85 hp Continental, an aluminum climb prop, oversized tires, a dry cell powered radio, toe brakes and the extra rear tank.We sold it a few years later when we moved to another village. Very easy to fly and learn how to make cross wind landings in!
The nineteen seventy five class project was an ironica chief rebuild. We completely recovered it and completely rehab the engine. It was a fun experience... Went on to horizon and Delta. Thank you chief.
How nice! My first airplane was a 1946 Chief. Got my tailwheel endorsement in it. Purchased in Ontario and eventually flew across the water to my home base in Newfoundland.(13hr)air time. Loved that plane. Eventually lost it in a hanger mishap during a hurricane. Since then I've has a Luscombe and then a Champ on floats. The Chief was my favorite Thanks for the memories!
Great airplane, great video! Congratulations on becoming the newest caretaker of a very special piece of history. Owning an antique tailwheel aircraft takes a lot of heart and commitment. But, as you may have already discovered, there is nothing like the feeling you get when you become part of the legacy. Over 30 years, I’ve flown a lot of different airplanes….but nothing beats my ‘47 Cessna 140 which I’ve owned for 13 years. Been coast to coast in it. Twice! Be careful with your flight up north. Mountain flying in a 65 HP airplane requires that you plan your route extra carefully and that you make sure you know exactly where you are at all times. Watch the canyons and plan your fuel stops with plenty of gas to spare. Don’t be afraid to wait the weather out. Bottom line ….You’ll love it. Best experience you could ever have.
Max, I almost fell out of my chair when I saw this. Have watched several of your videos reviewing guitars (I'm 71 and play), and never pictured you being a pilot. I've been flying since a kid, grew up around planes and using them as people use cars. Don't do stupid stuff showing off, listen to your instructor, leave a safety margin, and you will become an old pilot like myself and others. The Chief is a great plane. Flew Champs myself, ended up in a C421 as the high point. I have a KR2 now for going g on 20 years. Keep going. I'm impressed with your talent. Maybe some day will run it you on a trip to the west coast. I'm on the east coast. Looking forward to more videos on your progress. Later my good man.
I'm also your age and and a long time guitar player, and had the same realization from seeing his guitar related channel. I think it's a good channel, too. Props to him, and to you for flying advice.
46 Aeronca Chief was also the first plane I purchased. Loved that plane and had a lot of fun flying it. Once owned a third part of a Cub also but always liked flying the Chief best.
Absolutely Perfect! We had a Luscomb 46 8a, totally in tune with everything you are describing, A rudder, stick, and a simple plane, keeping the simplicity of FLYING! Have been in all of the vintage planes you've mentioned, even owned a Tri-Pacer., FUN! Miss my dad, Sat. a.m. was our fly time "Where do you want to go for breakfast?" North, South or wherever? Pilots out there, if you have kids, or know a kid ,take 'em! Nice to know YOU fulfilled your dream.!
What a great little video and a nice looking Chief. I own a 1949 Aeronca Champ 7CCM and can definitely relate on everything you said in regards of caring for a vintage aircraft. I have subscribed and look forward to seeing more!
I learned to fly a Cessna 140 at Santa Paula, began in 1975. Flew it to Southern IN in '79. [85 continental, Radio had very few Vhf chanels but had an VOR That worked very well. Also, I'm KB9LAX General, here in Indiana!
I had a 1941 J4 Cub. Loved it. One day a tube fatigued and broke in the horizontal stabilizer. Tube frames that old have many hidden surprises. today that Cub is in a museum, a perfect place for it.
GREAT airplane! Many hours instructing in the “Chief.” Inspect those oleos carefully and use early stall recovery techniques (pre1950) too. The sweetheart spins beautifully. Have fun.
Holy crow! My experience was so similar. I bought a 46 Chief, sight unseen, for a great price. I had the same experience finding an AME to inspect it. I decided to chance it. Since it was clear across the country I'd have to drive out (Didsbury Alberta to North Bay Ontario) Maybe I could fly it home. Ooppps. The wings were full of mouse poop, the engine hadn't been started in 5 years. No way I was flying this home. So on a trailer it went. I was then faced with rebuilding the entire aircraft. The only problem I faced was a complete lack of knowledge and experience. But as you said, it's a simple machine. I'm now in the third year and just finishing the fuselage. I cannot wait to sit in the button of the runway and push that throttle forward!
🎉congrats on your new-old plane....love your candid review of your Aeonica.....I have been an aviation entusiast since I was a boy watching F4 Phantoms do touch and gos from my roof at Scott's AFB Illinois where my Dad was stationed at.....at 72 I wont be flying/owning a full scale airplane but I am a qualified (RC) radio control pilot and own a couple of RC Cubs and fly them often....keep the videos coming.....thanks.....
I'm a Ham radio operator and would be very interested in how you set up your radio. I am flying an Aeronca Champ and the unshielded ignition is wreaking havoc on the radio xmit/recv. Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the Aeronca family!
Swedish pilot here, been flying for like 5 years now.... Just stumbled into this video, such a cool little plane. Really awsome. Allso happens to like heavy metal...
Congratulations!!!! That is awesome!. I'm a retired A&P .that was always my dream. And I had my chances. BUT life got in the way. So I went the safe route. A 1954 pick up Rod.ak Ol'Beater. Just out of moth balls. 30 years in my garage.
I solo'd a Chamion Citabria at Oakland on my 16th birthday and later bought a wrecked Champion 7FC tricycle aircraft with my dad. Building hours in these old Champs really enhances your opportunity to develop solid "stick and rudder" skills. Fond memories. Have fun Max but fly by the book. You will never forget these days. I play guitar too and I'm also KC5SMH. You have good taste in hobbies.
I'm Chief shopping at the moment. I started my vintage aircraft quest with J3 Cub, and would still like to have one. But you can get a really nice Chief for about 20k less than a similar condition J3. And I've got 3 daughters to take flying, so the bench seating made more sense than the tandem. That's a really nice one, the first that I've seen with a wooden panel. One of the videos I was watching stated that we don't really own these vintage aircraft. Rather, we are the custodians of them, until they get passed on to someone else. Hopefully, whatever I buy will stay in the family long after I'm gone. I wish you many enjoyable adventures in your Chief.
Hey thanks! And good luck with your shopping. There's a Chief on Trade-a-plane right now for 19k. Even has the A75 so probably a little better climb performance. Only warning I would give you is the Chief (bench seat) has a shorter fuselage so it's a little more squirrely on the ground compared to a Champ or a Cub. Just takes a little more dancing with the feet.
I learned to fly in a chief and a champ in 1958. I had over 18000 hours in my log book when retired. my three favourite aircraft were the 65champ, a Cessna 150 manual flaps and and a Falcon 20. All together I flew 42 different types including wide body Airbus. It was very nice to revisit the champ through your video.
I recently bought a 1946 Aeronca Champ and soloed two weeks ago. I’m also a rock recording artist who’s recently gotten into Ham radio as well. Who’d have guessed I’d find a YT channel that’s perfectly suited to my passions! 🤘😎🤘
Congratulations on your purchase. I too bought my first airplane recently. A 76’ Grumman Cheetah and the seller was very patient with me. About 2 1/2 month process.
Got my PPL last year and got my tailwheel endorsement as a student in 2021. Did all my training in a 172 but I am fortunate to have access to my dad's 46 Chief and have about 80 hours in it now. Such a great airplane! Congrats to you, btw!
Great video. I would like to see more of the interior, I know there is not much. I say this because I like that the top of interior was exposed and you can see the structure. Look forward to the trip videos.
I know I’m way. Behind here and probably missed a great deal of things as they happened but we’ll be catching up to it. Your channel just found me how bout that. Anyway I wish you nothing but the best and many happy flights and great fun. God bless and Greetings from far West Texas. Oh yeah and I subbed also.👍
Congratulations! I made an observation years ago, that music and flying go together. I found that many pilots are musical people. You're Just another person who is confirming my theory. Great informative video!
I learned to glide in 1955 (on the Sedbergh and T-21 wooden gliders, winch launched) and to fly powered aircraft in 1956 (at Croydon). My ab initio aircraft was the DH82a Tiger Moth, by far the best trainer ever because you had to fly it all the time - you couldn't trim it and take your hands and feet off like you can in a Cessna 150/152/172. The DH82a has no wheel brakes, a sprung metal skid in place of a tail wheel, basic electrics are optional, the mag toggle switches are located on the outside of the open cockpit aircraft, the fuel gauge is a manometer tube protruding from the tank in the centre section of the upper wing (the walk around included lifting the tail to the straight and level flight position to get an accurate fuel reading - pure magic. But it's not cheap now - either to buy or maintain.
YES👍👍 I grew up in one of those .!. My dad got his right after he got out of the service after WW2. We used to go to Fly-In breakfasts & airshows in it. Overall Excellent plane & many great memories
@@HeavyMetalHorizons actually I believe I still have 1photo left. maybe from the 1970s. Ours was an actual tail dragger with a skid, at least you have a wheel LoL. Ours had no heat or lights or radio or electric start. Used to terrify me to watch my dad prop start it. At least with those if the engine quits while airborne you can glide around for a while. I think you're going to enjoy be-boppin around in that ☺️
@@HeavyMetalHorizons on a whim I just typed the reg. number into Google & it popped right up 1946Aeronca. It is still flying & owned by the family my dad sold it to. I am happy & very sad at the same time, but I bet my dad is grinning from Arlington 🇺🇸
CONGRADULATIONS MAX, I LIKE YOUR NEW OLD AIRLPNAE AND A GREAT CHOICE. I MISS FLYING A LOT AND I TOO LOVE CLASSIC FORD CARS. AFTER I GET ONE I TOO WILL RENEW MY PRIVATE PILOT LICIENCE AND GET MY OWN AFFORDABLE AIRPLANE. HAPPY TRAILS AND ENJOY FLYING YOUR AERONCA CHIEF. MARK FROM SAN FRANCISCO CALIF.
Excellent! Well done, and happy, happy sailing!! You come over as a really decent man, and I wish you all the best in everything you do. I live in the UK, where all things aviation are prohibitively expensive, most sadly, or I would give it a shot.
Inspiring. Wonderful milestone. Beautiful aircraft. Thanks for sharing the moment with us. I would love to make a vhf contact with you here in the PNW.
Awesome video. Congratulations on your first airplane. I hope one day I will buy one too. A Cub or a Husky are my type of plane . I look forward to see great footages from you flying your new plane . Congratulations again. Cheers from Texas . 👍🏻
Great video, great plane. Agree with you regarding "stars having to be aligned ". I've been shopping around for my first plane and it's quite the process.
Pretty cool, man!!! I just bought a 1940 Chief. I'm freaking out. It is also my first airplane purchase. I have to trailer mine home, but I'm bringing it home on Saturday.
Great, Flew a '41 Chief in the 80's the 65hp Continental was definitely a challenge, make sure you fly the wing when landing, constantly getting citations from Transport Canada for solo starts and flying, chocking the wheels and hand propping, OBTW the 5 gal tank was a bummer...
Good vid Max!… I’ve had an 11AC for 24 years ow and still in love with her! My name’s Joe, I’m up in Santa Maria N86166, and I fly to Flabob every May for the Low & Slow Fly-in … you should go it’s a blast! … these little airplanes are truly the golden age of “grass-roots” aviation!… enjoy my brotha, & keep the shiny side up!👍🏻
as a pilot and a ham radio operator. it's great... i dont have my own airplane, but we are lucky over here in that we can use /AM and i've done that a couple of times with someone else flying, but i've also had my aprs radio sitting in the luggage shelf running as well a couple of times.
Congrats on your aquisition. You'll find it's a blast to putter through the air a near *super subsonic speeds* 🙂. A tailwheel will make a great pilot out of you. Get plenty of dual before you go solo. Also, would stronly suggest mounting an external radio antenna, as handhelds just don't cut it on a rubber ducky antenna. Going up and down the west coast with no radio would be a challenge navigatating aroud crowded airspace. Even at uncontrolled airports it's very nice (and others in the same area) to at least hear your radio call. I had an Aeronca 65-TAC back in the early 80's for years, then went off radar and 12 years ago decided to buy a J3-65. Low and slow! Good Luck!
Part of the reason the annual took so long was because the spar inspection panels needed to be added to the wing. You're right though, I should have mentioned that for other prospective buyers.
Congratulations Max !!!! I remember the video where you was thinking about getting your pilot certificate or something else ( can't remember what it was ) Have fun and video all you can, I love watching these videos even more so than the guitar stuff and I really love guitar if that tells you anything LoL
If you can use auto gas or get the stc. Do it! It will save u so much headache in the future dealing with stuck valves. Those small engines don’t do well with 100LL. U will never have a stuck valve with Mogas (no alcohol) & cool simple little bird u got!
My friend Bob and I flew out to Yuma to check out this exact plane a week or so before you bought it. We made the mistake of flying through the MOA and got in a little trouble. I ended up flying home and after deciding to buy the plane, we found out that you had already bought it. Snooze you looose sometimes 😊. It’s a great little plane, good luck with it and enjoy your adventures.
Thanks! The seller did mention some others had looked at it but I guess I was the first one to actually put forward the money. Hopefully you'll find something else to your liking.
Many congratulations on your airplane purchase Mr. Max. It kind of seems like the Volkswagen Beetle of airplanes, and I mean that in the complementary way. Again, congratulations. William C. central Indiana.
Interesting choice! You picked a very economical airplane. My bet is, you will soon want more speed, and bling of modern electronics. (-: My 1979 Archer II is for sale...... Original IFR (no new gps) and IIIB autopilot. 1500 hours TT airframe and engine....
My Dad bought a 1946 Chief when we lived very close to Nome Alaska in 1964. I was 14 and took lessons and was also his "starter" motor. The plane had an 85 hp Continental, an aluminum climb prop, oversized tires, a dry cell powered radio, toe brakes and the extra rear tank.We sold it a few years later when we moved to another village. Very easy to fly and learn how to make cross wind landings in!
The nineteen seventy five class project was an ironica chief rebuild. We completely recovered it and completely rehab the engine. It was a fun experience... Went on to horizon and Delta. Thank you chief.
How nice! My first airplane was a 1946 Chief. Got my tailwheel endorsement in it. Purchased in Ontario and eventually flew across the water to my home base in Newfoundland.(13hr)air time. Loved that plane. Eventually lost it in a hanger mishap during a hurricane. Since then I've has a Luscombe and then a Champ on floats. The Chief was my favorite Thanks for the memories!
You now own a plane, life will never be the same. One of the best things I ever did in my life.
It makes such a pleasant change to see a video so well presented. Clear, concise and to the point. And bonus - what a beautiful aircraft the Chief is.
Many thanks!
Great airplane, great video! Congratulations on becoming the newest caretaker of a very special piece of history. Owning an antique tailwheel aircraft takes a lot of heart and commitment. But, as you may have already discovered, there is nothing like the feeling you get when you become part of the legacy. Over 30 years, I’ve flown a lot of different airplanes….but nothing beats my ‘47 Cessna 140 which I’ve owned for 13 years. Been coast to coast in it. Twice!
Be careful with your flight up north. Mountain flying in a 65 HP airplane requires that you plan your route extra carefully and that you make sure you know exactly where you are at all times. Watch the canyons and plan your fuel stops with plenty of gas to spare. Don’t be afraid to wait the weather out. Bottom line ….You’ll love it. Best experience you could ever have.
Thanks so much! I'll probably make a video just about the flight planning before I go on that actual trip. I appreciate the advice!
Max, I almost fell out of my chair when I saw this. Have watched several of your videos reviewing guitars (I'm 71 and play), and never pictured you being a pilot. I've been flying since a kid, grew up around planes and using them as people use cars.
Don't do stupid stuff showing off, listen to your instructor, leave a safety margin, and you will become an old pilot like myself and others.
The Chief is a great plane. Flew Champs myself, ended up in a C421 as the high point. I have a KR2 now for going g on 20 years.
Keep going. I'm impressed with your talent. Maybe some day will run it you on a trip to the west coast. I'm on the east coast. Looking forward to more videos on your progress.
Later my good man.
I'm also your age and and a long time guitar player, and had the same realization from seeing his guitar related channel. I think it's a good channel, too. Props to him, and to you for flying advice.
46 Aeronca Chief was also the first plane I purchased. Loved that plane and had a lot of fun flying it. Once owned a third part of a Cub also but always liked flying the Chief best.
Absolutely Perfect! We had a Luscomb 46 8a, totally in tune with everything you are describing, A rudder, stick, and a simple plane, keeping the simplicity of FLYING! Have been in all of the vintage planes you've mentioned, even owned a Tri-Pacer., FUN! Miss my dad, Sat. a.m. was our fly time "Where do you want to go for breakfast?" North, South or wherever? Pilots out there, if you have kids, or know a kid ,take 'em!
Nice to know YOU fulfilled your dream.!
My instructor used to say "Trust the airplane, it's been flying a LOT longer than you have!"
Good advice!
I like that advice but beware!
Learned to fly in a Champ in 1955 in Arizona. Brings back a lot of memories. Look forward to seeing more of your Chief.
I also learned to fly and soloed in a 1946 Champ.
Congrats...they are super airplanes. Good luck and many happy hours flying.
I have a 1946 Luscombe 8A, I love the old bird.
Love your channel, Blue Skies and Blessings my friend.
Beautiful plane! Your going to have a great time. It's all about flying. As long as your off the ground speed doesn't matter.
My Harley Road King weighs more than that! Nice!!! I wish someday to do what you have done
What a great little video and a nice looking Chief. I own a 1949 Aeronca Champ 7CCM and can definitely relate on everything you said in regards of caring for a vintage aircraft. I have subscribed and look forward to seeing more!
I have 600 hours in an identical Chief, except we had skis for our Canadian winters, which is even more fun. You will fall in love with this plane.
Wow! Skis! I can only imagine that.
dont worry about stopping the engine in flight it will keep windmilling over unless you stall it to intentionally stop the prop
I learned to fly a Cessna 140 at Santa Paula, began in 1975. Flew it to Southern IN in '79. [85 continental, Radio had very few Vhf chanels but had an VOR That worked very well. Also, I'm KB9LAX General, here in Indiana!
I had a 1941 J4 Cub. Loved it. One day a tube fatigued and broke in the horizontal stabilizer. Tube frames that old have many hidden surprises. today that Cub is in a museum, a perfect place for it.
GREAT airplane! Many hours instructing in the “Chief.” Inspect those oleos carefully and use early stall recovery techniques (pre1950) too. The sweetheart spins beautifully. Have fun.
Thank you for the advice!
well spoken
Holy crow! My experience was so similar. I bought a 46 Chief, sight unseen, for a great price. I had the same experience finding an AME to inspect it. I decided to chance it. Since it was clear across the country I'd have to drive out (Didsbury Alberta to North Bay Ontario) Maybe I could fly it home. Ooppps.
The wings were full of mouse poop, the engine hadn't been started in 5 years. No way I was flying this home. So on a trailer it went. I was then faced with rebuilding the entire aircraft. The only problem I faced was a complete lack of knowledge and experience. But as you said, it's a simple machine. I'm now in the third year and just finishing the fuselage.
I cannot wait to sit in the button of the runway and push that throttle forward!
Sweet! Congratulations!
The Chiefs are ancestors to the Decathalons and Citabrias. You are going to have lots of fun with this one. 👍
My first GA flight was in a Decathalon! Thank you!
🎉congrats on your new-old plane....love your candid review of your Aeonica.....I have been an aviation entusiast since I was a boy watching F4 Phantoms do touch and gos from my roof at Scott's AFB Illinois where my Dad was stationed at.....at 72 I wont be flying/owning a full scale airplane but I am a qualified (RC) radio control pilot and own a couple of RC Cubs and fly them often....keep the videos coming.....thanks.....
What an awesome aircraft. Can’t believe it’s 77 years old. Doesn’t look that old at all. Looks like a great investment.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Beautiful plane! Congratulations!!! I'd be at Santa Paula having breakfast every weekend in that.
😎👍
Got it from Somerton! Nice video!
Yep, right by the border!
I'm a Ham radio operator and would be very interested in how you set up your radio. I am flying an Aeronca Champ and the unshielded ignition is wreaking havoc on the radio xmit/recv. Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the Aeronca family!
Swedish pilot here, been flying for like 5 years now.... Just stumbled into this video, such a cool little plane. Really awsome. Allso happens to like heavy metal...
Welcome aboard!
Congratulations on your purchase. . . have lots of fun.
Guitars and planes. All we need to be happy! Congrats Max!!
Wow, that thing is in great shape! I’m extremely jealous! 😁
Congratulations!!!! That is awesome!. I'm a retired A&P .that was always my dream. And I had my chances. BUT life got in the way. So I went the safe route. A 1954 pick up Rod.ak Ol'Beater. Just out of moth balls. 30 years in my garage.
I will be watching for the ham stuff. I’m a general and enjoy flying and ham.
I solo'd a Chamion Citabria at Oakland on my 16th birthday and later bought a wrecked Champion 7FC tricycle aircraft with my dad. Building hours in these old Champs really enhances your opportunity to develop solid "stick and rudder" skills. Fond memories. Have fun Max but fly by the book. You will never forget these days. I play guitar too and I'm also KC5SMH. You have good taste in hobbies.
Congratulations! She's a classic beauty. Enjoy!
Congratulations, Max! You made a great choice. Have fun and stay safe..
Congratulations, what a BEAUTIFUL Chief!! Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.
Thank you!
I'm Chief shopping at the moment. I started my vintage aircraft quest with J3 Cub, and would still like to have one. But you can get a really nice Chief for about 20k less than a similar condition J3. And I've got 3 daughters to take flying, so the bench seating made more sense than the tandem. That's a really nice one, the first that I've seen with a wooden panel. One of the videos I was watching stated that we don't really own these vintage aircraft. Rather, we are the custodians of them, until they get passed on to someone else. Hopefully, whatever I buy will stay in the family long after I'm gone. I wish you many enjoyable adventures in your Chief.
Hey thanks! And good luck with your shopping. There's a Chief on Trade-a-plane right now for 19k. Even has the A75 so probably a little better climb performance. Only warning I would give you is the Chief (bench seat) has a shorter fuselage so it's a little more squirrely on the ground compared to a Champ or a Cub. Just takes a little more dancing with the feet.
Nice presentation! A good one to check out for anyone buying their first plane.
I learned to fly in a chief and a champ in 1958. I had over 18000 hours in my log book when retired. my three favourite aircraft were the 65champ, a Cessna 150 manual flaps and and a Falcon 20. All together I flew 42 different types including wide body Airbus. It was very nice to revisit the champ through your video.
That's great to hear that it was one of your favorites out of all those. I'll have more airplane videos coming soon!
This is awesome. A thorough and informative video on a topic that interests me greatly
Thank you
Ugh you are so lucky, I love chiefs and want one so bad!! I’m glad you got one and get to enjoy such a wonderful plane!!
Nice plane I have a 46 taylocraft very similar to the chief. I really enjoy flying mine I am sure you will also 😊.
I recently bought a 1946 Aeronca Champ and soloed two weeks ago. I’m also a rock recording artist who’s recently gotten into Ham radio as well. Who’d have guessed I’d find a YT channel that’s perfectly suited to my passions! 🤘😎🤘
Excellent! Welcome to the channel! \m/
Congratulations on your purchase. I too bought my first airplane recently. A 76’ Grumman Cheetah and the seller was very patient with me. About 2 1/2 month process.
Got my PPL last year and got my tailwheel endorsement as a student in 2021. Did all my training in a 172 but I am fortunate to have access to my dad's 46 Chief and have about 80 hours in it now. Such a great airplane! Congrats to you, btw!
That is awesome! And thanks!
I am so very happy for you. Enjoy!!! Looking forward to seeing your adventures!!!🎉🎉🎉
Congrats! Beautiful plane!
Great video. I would like to see more of the interior, I know there is not much. I say this because I like that the top of interior was exposed and you can see the structure. Look forward to the trip videos.
🎉Awesome Max.Its a great bird. Freedom in the sky.
I'm a long time pilot. That was a nice presentation.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Congratulations Max. Blue skies buddy.
I know I’m way. Behind here and probably missed a great deal of things as they happened but we’ll be catching up to it. Your channel just found me how bout that. Anyway I wish you nothing but the best and many happy flights and great fun. God bless and Greetings from far West Texas. Oh yeah and I subbed also.👍
Looks like you chose a great plane. I love it!
Well done! Hope to see you at OSH.
Congratulations! I made an observation years ago, that music and flying go together. I found that many pilots are musical people. You're Just another person who is confirming my theory. Great informative video!
Low an slow!
Fine flying machine!
Love taildraggers
Nice kite, as Captain Slow would say. (James May)
I learned to glide in 1955 (on the Sedbergh and T-21 wooden gliders, winch launched) and to fly powered aircraft in 1956 (at Croydon). My ab initio aircraft was the DH82a Tiger Moth, by far the best trainer ever because you had to fly it all the time - you couldn't trim it and take your hands and feet off like you can in a Cessna 150/152/172. The DH82a has no wheel brakes, a sprung metal skid in place of a tail wheel, basic electrics are optional, the mag toggle switches are located on the outside of the open cockpit aircraft, the fuel gauge is a manometer tube protruding from the tank in the centre section of the upper wing (the walk around included lifting the tail to the straight and level flight position to get an accurate fuel reading - pure magic. But it's not cheap now - either to buy or maintain.
YES👍👍 I grew up in one of those .!. My dad got his right after he got out of the service after WW2. We used to go to Fly-In breakfasts & airshows in it. Overall
Excellent plane & many great memories
That's wonderful! Do you have any old pictures?
@@HeavyMetalHorizons actually I believe I still have 1photo left. maybe from the 1970s. Ours was an actual tail dragger with a skid, at least you have a wheel LoL.
Ours had no heat or lights or radio or electric start. Used to terrify me to watch my dad prop start it. At least with those if the engine quits while airborne you can glide around for a while. I think you're going to enjoy be-boppin around in that ☺️
@@HeavyMetalHorizons on a whim I just typed the reg. number into Google & it popped right up 1946Aeronca. It is still flying & owned by the family my dad sold it to. I am happy & very sad at the same time, but I bet my dad is grinning from Arlington 🇺🇸
That is fantastic that it's still flying!!
CONGRADULATIONS MAX, I LIKE YOUR NEW OLD AIRLPNAE AND A GREAT CHOICE. I MISS FLYING A LOT AND I TOO LOVE CLASSIC FORD CARS. AFTER I GET ONE I TOO WILL RENEW MY PRIVATE PILOT LICIENCE AND GET MY OWN AFFORDABLE AIRPLANE. HAPPY TRAILS AND ENJOY FLYING YOUR AERONCA CHIEF. MARK FROM SAN FRANCISCO CALIF.
Excellent! Well done, and happy, happy sailing!! You come over as a really decent man, and I wish you all the best in everything you do. I live in the UK, where all things aviation are prohibitively expensive, most sadly, or I would give it a shot.
Inspiring. Wonderful milestone. Beautiful aircraft. Thanks for sharing the moment with us. I would love to make a vhf contact with you here in the PNW.
Skip to 3:32
Loved your video. I love them for the same reason you do! Great plane. Have fun and play safe, stay safe, and enjoy!
That was an extremely well presented video. Lovely aeroplane.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The video is awesome! The story is awesome. This is exactly the experience I hope to have soon!!! Thanks for sharing!
Congrats purcesing it!
Awesome video. Congratulations on your first airplane. I hope one day I will buy one too. A Cub or a Husky are my type of plane . I look forward to see great footages from you flying your new plane . Congratulations again. Cheers from Texas . 👍🏻
Great video, great plane. Agree with you regarding "stars having to be aligned ". I've been shopping around for my first plane and it's quite the process.
Pretty cool, man!!! I just bought a 1940 Chief. I'm freaking out. It is also my first airplane purchase. I have to trailer mine home, but I'm bringing it home on Saturday.
That's terrific! Congrats. Hopefully we can fly Chief formation together someday!
Congrats. I got my tailwheel endorsement in a Champ…. I now own a zenith 601XL, taildragger, of course
Great, Flew a '41 Chief in the 80's the 65hp Continental was definitely a challenge, make sure you fly the wing when landing, constantly getting citations from Transport Canada for solo starts and flying, chocking the wheels and hand propping, OBTW the 5 gal tank was a bummer...
Hi Max, congrats, guitarist and aviation lover as well here, great fun friend!!!
Enjoy you Chief. I rebuilt a Champ a few years ago and then sold it due knee issues. Wish I had it back.
Looks like a great Chief!
Good vid Max!… I’ve had an 11AC for 24 years ow and still in love with her! My name’s Joe, I’m up in Santa Maria N86166, and I fly to Flabob every May for the Low & Slow Fly-in … you should go it’s a blast! … these little airplanes are truly the golden age of “grass-roots” aviation!… enjoy my brotha, & keep the shiny side up!👍🏻
Thanks for the comment Joe! Would love to meet up some time!
That's pretty awesome. I especially liked your buying criteria.
Glad you enjoyed it!
total beauty!.. just don´t strap firextinguishers to your legs, man!
as a pilot and a ham radio operator. it's great... i dont have my own airplane, but we are lucky over here in that we can use /AM and i've done that a couple of times with someone else flying, but i've also had my aprs radio sitting in the luggage shelf running as well a couple of times.
Looking forward to the next video.
You achieved a goal I never will. I enjoy!
Congratulations Max. Very nice airplane.
Thank you!
AWESOME AWESOME video brother!!! What a BEAUTIFUL flight! Should have pulled a Maverick fly by. 🤣🤙🏼
Absolutely phenomenal!!.
Enjoy it Max. loved your guitar reviews too , another sub mate.
Awesome, thank you!
Congrats on your aquisition. You'll find it's a blast to putter through the air a near *super subsonic speeds* 🙂. A tailwheel will make a great pilot out of you. Get plenty of dual before you go solo. Also, would stronly suggest mounting an external radio antenna, as handhelds just don't cut it on a rubber ducky antenna. Going up and down the west coast with no radio would be a challenge navigatating aroud crowded airspace. Even at uncontrolled airports it's very nice (and others in the same area) to at least hear your radio call.
I had an Aeronca 65-TAC back in the early 80's for years, then went off radar and 12 years ago decided to buy a J3-65. Low and slow! Good Luck!
You are absolutely right.
A song comes to mind..
Steven Stills
Treetop Flyer!
You did not mention the AD on the Chiefs. I had the pleasure of flying a 47 Chief and I loved it
Part of the reason the annual took so long was because the spar inspection panels needed to be added to the wing. You're right though, I should have mentioned that for other prospective buyers.
Congratulations Max !!!! I remember the video where you was thinking about getting your pilot certificate or something else ( can't remember what it was ) Have fun and video all you can, I love watching these videos even more so than the guitar stuff and I really love guitar if that tells you anything LoL
Thanks so much Niles!
Thankyou max im happy for you im bent to build new type
If you can use auto gas or get the stc. Do it! It will save u so much headache in the future dealing with stuck valves. Those small engines don’t do well with 100LL. U will never have a stuck valve with Mogas (no alcohol) & cool simple little bird u got!
So cool! Guitars, and airplanes! I have some hours in Cubs and a Champ myself, but I don't own one yet. Loved this video!
Thank you!
Congrats! She's a beauty!
Thanks!
Nice oratory skills.. great sharing your passion. Signed, Inspired viewer..
My friend Bob and I flew out to Yuma to check out this exact plane a week or so before you bought it. We made the mistake of flying through the MOA and got in a little trouble. I ended up flying home and after deciding to buy the plane, we found out that you had already bought it. Snooze you looose sometimes 😊. It’s a great little plane, good luck with it and enjoy your adventures.
Thanks! The seller did mention some others had looked at it but I guess I was the first one to actually put forward the money. Hopefully you'll find something else to your liking.
@@HeavyMetalHorizons I have five airplanes now so it would’ve just been six. All is well. You got a great little plane.
Many congratulations on your airplane purchase Mr. Max. It kind of seems like the Volkswagen Beetle of airplanes, and I mean that in the complementary way. Again, congratulations. William C. central Indiana.
congrats, found you because of guitars, just bought a Baron myself, have fun!
A Baron! Awesome! I would love to get a twin someday.
Interesting choice! You picked a very economical airplane. My bet is, you will soon want more speed, and bling of modern electronics. (-: My 1979 Archer II is for sale...... Original IFR (no new gps) and IIIB autopilot. 1500 hours TT airframe and engine....