We Found a Big Dangerous Crack In My Blackhawk Airframe
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
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Heavy D. I have spent the last 39 years in Army Aviation. All of that time was dedicated to maintenance and flight crew operations. I wanted to say, I absolutely appreciate the fact that you have chosen to spend the money to get your aircraft airworthy. Also thanks for taking the time to explain how much of an effort it is to own and maintain a UH-60A and how much administration goes into owning your own aircraft.
I wanted to also give a separate shoutout for you putting forth the effort to burn the blade hours, by inviting and allowing veterans to get a ride on your aircraft.
@E H thank you for your awesome service and what you did to keep the birds in the air and everyone in them safe. Absolutely appreciate our Vets, my son and his dad both Navy vets.
Kudos to you man. Thanks.
Thank you for your Service!🫡
EH - How true that is. Owning and maintaining any rotor wing craft can be difficult, critical and expensive. A Ft. Rucker alum here...trained during the dark ages (1963) and we referred to the choppers as "fling wing death traps."
@@paulsullivan6392 Brother, I understand. Most helicopters back in those days, were very under powered, sensitive to heat and humidity.
I have friends that have retired that were in Rucker in the 60's. They told me about going from the H-13, 23 to the OH-6A Cayuse and from the H-19 to the UH-1 series. They thought they were in heaven because the new turbine style engines provided so much more power.
I know a guy by the name of Paul Chambers. He went to Bell back in 68-69 time frame and picked up a brand new UH-1H from the factory. He was the only crew chief on that aircraft throughout it's life span.
My Father Was A Crew Chief- Gunner On A Huey Slick With The 119th Assault Helicopter Division Out Of Plekilu Vietnam...He Unfortunately Is No Longer Of This World, But I'm Sure He Would Have Loved A Ride...Thank You For What You Are Doing For Those Soldiers And Others. Stay Strong Brother.
My Dad flew Cobras in the 114th Vinn Long
Sure he was
Oh yea I was in 101st airborne division air assault and repel out of black hawks for a living well not anymore I can barely walk I can walk but it’s like an electric shock every step oh fantastic
Why Do You Type Like This?
Tell your dad I said thanks for his selfless service I have all the respect in the world for Vietnam vets . I fought ok to e streets of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan and it’s nothing like what he went through thank you sir
I'm glad you're creating a neat program for military veterans. To have such an experience under non-threatening conditions may be healing as well. Laying down a new track of memories likely filled with good times will be amazing. Thank you for making this happen for the guys and gals who gave our country their time, talent, energy, and effort. They help keep our country in one piece in body & soul.
I also have a military family background. I recently read that a grandfather back to the 1700's was an admiral. His nickname was Commodore. My family members have served in the military branches of Army, Navy, and Air Force. I believe there has been family members in every war since the beginning of these United States of America.
You got that right. My first ride in a helicopter (UH-1) back in 1973 put a smile on my face that never came off and I eventually became an army helicopter pilot.
Dave, at the end of this video, you brought me to tears. Just to think that veterans like myself could have the chance to fly again in our airframe we once did for 1000’s of hours. I personally have 1000hrs in model, and miss it every single day. I was a Combat Search And Rescue crewman, and a SAR swimmer for 8yrs. I look forward to researching this program you’re setting up! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I’m sure rest of the veteran community thanks you as well. Much love!
I never wanted to know this much about the inner mechanisms/regulations of owning a helicopter, but here I am listening to HeavyD explain in depth no problem.
He could become a teacher, from pre-school, to high school. I've watched his T.v. show, and even there, He talks like the common man. I'm even interested, now.
@@robertschreiber8099 what’s his tv show?
Diesel Brothers
Why are we like this?
He is sooo glazing over the surface and only touching the high points!!! But he is explaining a lot I have not heard others talk about. The process of getting a retired military aircraft back in the air in the hands of non military people is daunting to say the least.
Alan is going to love the Blackhawk being able to air drop supply on and off the compound
😂
@@Henrymedinaaa bet it'll happen at least once
This needs to happen.
That would be so wizard
Repent to Jesus Christ “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”
James 1:19 NIV
B
Former OH-58 crew chief here. What I appreciate a lot is just how information dense you make this video, yet you do it in such a way that makes it easy for a normal person to understand. Low key envious that you have the $$ to do this, but very happy for you that you are able to, and especially that you are preserving this for posterity as well as personal use.
Thanks so much for sharing this journey with us. :)
I’ve been a UH-60 mechanic for 11 years in the Army. Everyone wants to talk about how redundant and over the top our maintenance programs are compared to other branches but this shows how effective they are if done correctly.
brother in law is a retired apache mechanic for the army, always told us how crazy the maintenance is
Lmao if you think army maintenance is over the top you should take a look at naval aviation.
@@Beast.unit0 oh man sea air rusting, totally forgot
*ACN HAS CRASHED*
@@matthewdavis8661 huh?
Incredible! I have about 2500 hours in the Hawk (US Army '97-'13) and miss flying that amazing machine. I hope to see it in the air soon and maybe one day get to fly it myself.
I remember you from the first Blackhawk video, I certainly hope you get the chance to be back in the bird.
A digital camouflage in black and 3 grays would be sick… but I totally understand why you went with the 1 color black
be a grayman....in a blackhawk
The satin black looks pretty amazing… but this woulda been dope!
Still room to do it in vinyl over the black base.
The digital camo crap was the worse idea ever back during Iraq the only people that crap hid us from were drunks.
@@343_GuiltySpark very true, I didn’t even think about that
This is awesome! I'm a 60 guy myself hoping to get into the experimental pilot course so it's incredible to see someone documenting all the maintenance that goes behind keeping these machines flyable! Safe flying brother
I work with a reserve surgeon/pilot! Flies F 16 but said the most fun he ever had was learning and flying the Blackhawk! Thank you for bringing us along, you guys are a blast and I'm never sure what's next.
I’m an army Blackhawk crew chief veteran, 2,400 hours flight time including combat zone. I will definitely be looking forward to contacting you after this project gets off the ground 😁
I really miss my flying days and it would mean so much to be able to fly in a Blackhawk again
You wanna mind out for that scammer response... Dang these guys are everywhere cashing in on desperation for engagement.
Tango in ait :)
These fkrs allmost got me. Pathetic.
the guys on the ground maintnace had the sane sort of issue with the whells stuff they used pantyhose to ncatch all the sand lol. and for the 11Bang NBangs you were all correct about those things and the marches lol
@@robertscott3399 yeah sand is a pain in the ass, especially when our flight company flies around swampy areas and they bring it in for a CCI and the only thing we have on hand is a bottle of iso and a toothbrush and a shop vac that barely works
Sounds like you had the typical crack in either the floor beams, or the upper fuselage structure. Common occurrence on Blackhawks that do a lot of sling loading. There was a company at HeliExpo this year showing a brace system they have created to spread out loading and prevent those cracks from occurring.
scam post... delete it
@@GetOffMyyLawn Report it by clicking the 3 dots, and pressing report, then scam. Just an FYI for those who aren't aware how easy it is to report this crap!👍✌
@@GetOffMyyLawn I just noticed your name, are you from Alfred's channel? 😁
@MX304 Sounds like something Dave should look into. With all the work they are constantly doing I would say this helicopter will get used for work more than pleasure. His other helicopter will probably remain as the cruising/trip taking copter and this one for work I would say. Makes sense to look into this though for sure.
@@TOM-C. there is no scam option. Probably why YT doesnt do anything about it.
I had the opportunity to fly in a couple of these as a Tanker in the Army in Iraq in 2008-2009 for a couple air assauls. It was an amazing experience. Good on you brother for getting what you wanted and for reaching out to the veteran community as well as others in the future.
Loved watching this video, learned a lot. Even cooler was reading through the comments, all the vets with their stories and experiences along with the amazing people who helped design this aircraft and improved it over the years. Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve 🙏. 🇺🇸
I got a buddy who works in a hanger nearby i got pics of the heli up close and when they received it looks great, got a video of the run up too lol
Hey Dave.
When you get to the section of the manual about the helicopters ability to spit out the sand it breathes in, you've got my Dad, and 4 other guys from GE Aviation to thank for that.
The Army was experiencing failures, at the onset of Operation Desert Shield, due to the Blackhawks engines choking on the dust coming into the intakes.
5 guys from the Lynn Mass. Riverworks plant designed a solution.
So, now you've got a few more pages to study, but, a much more capable helicopter.
My pants just got tighter.
Amazing story 🇺🇲
Thank your dad for me .. I rode on many of these birds in Afghanistan, and always arrived safely (for the most part)
That's so cool!
🤯… The things I’m learning from reading these Comments are amazing… So many Great People came together to create and innovate that Monster… 🤝 Firm Handshakes..
I worked for a contractor that supported the mission at CCAD ( Corpus Christi Army Depot) millions of parts in a 27 acre hanger. What you guys do is amazing and demanding. The level of commitment to top shelf standards is mind boggling. Great video.
I too am a veteran and one thing floored me was your generosity towards us guys. I was overwhelmed and simply will respond with a heart felt thank you!
Hey Dave, I watched this twice because there was a lot of emotional things going on in this video and I could hear a little crackle in your voice and the way you moved around , even the way you looked showed how much you wanted this to happen so you could achieve one of your dreams and let all of us share it with you.! I known that a lot of the people that watch you, like myself love Helicopters and love to have one, but even though we can't will be apart of yours through your videos and I know the non-profit your starting will make a lot of Veterans very happy people.! your a hell of a lot of great Hearted people doing a hell of a lot of Great things from the Heart, Lots of love from Newfoundland ( The Newfie )♥♥
On a T-701 engine, the hot end, GG rotors specifically, spin at around 41k rpm at 100%. For that reason, the 2 GG rotors and the bolts that mount them are a matched set and you can't replace just 1 rotor. A set is about $100k to $120k in just parts, maintenance is extra.
it's a 3 part set
@@thatguy8751 There are 6 bolts that are matched in weight that hold the 2 GG rotors to the aft end of the compressor shaft. The bolts alone are almost $300
Wow, that is crazy expensive!
@@theburtseoni such is the nature of everything remotely related to aircraft
I love the black ops paint scheme,, very bad ass👍👍
As a veteran I want to say thank you for wanting to start this program. I think it’s awesome you’re going to do this, I know for myself I never got a chance to fly while I was in service and would love to get a chance to. So I know a bunch of other veterans feel the same. I look forward to seeing what you do with the black hawk!
Thank you for your service. I greatly appreciate it!
Although not on the Blackhawk, I was a crew chief on the Chinook in Iraq and other fun places. Offering a new flight experience to Veterans who only have trauma associated with the memories of flying is a wonderful thing to do! It would probably be the one remaining thing I need to do to come to terms with my experience over there and reassociate those memories to something fun and non-traumatic. Well done guys! Love everything you do and how it fulfills your own dreams, but also gives back in such a meaningful way!!!
Never have I ever been so happy to watch someone else own something I know I could never own myself! Been a fan of you guys for years now, it’s awesome to watch you achieve these things and give so much back to the people that deserve it at the same time!
You can definitely tell he is just a tiny bit excited 🤣🤣
Yo brother. I’m a veteran of 23 years as seahawk/Blackhawk maintenance tech/manager. Wish I could have been more involved in your process. What great things your doing! And yea. I’ve done the main beam replacements and what a big job!
Pilot: "I have to know this HUGE manual just to fly it"
Mechanic: "That's cute"
Hats off to maintainers, but there are a lot of things you have to just know when your seat isn't on the ground, moving 0 mph.
It’s like the old joke about military aviation. College education to fly it, high school education to maintain it. (Except for the army)
@@db5757 The Army is where I cut my teeth in aviation. 25 years later I am still listening to WOs about how hard they have it. Now they just lay around EMS bases looking for reasons not to fly.
Watching someone's dream come to reality is an awesome experience. My compliments to you and especially to your crew behind the scenes for managing to capture it so perfectly and put it on the screen. You guys rock and it's a joy following along with your exploits. I've been through your area a time or two (wife is from Lewiston, ID) with my Jeep, enjoying the trails and beauty of the area. Fingers crossed that I never need your services but if I do my mind will be at ease because you guys are absolute pros at what you do. I'm a Navy vet from the Vietnam Era, and I drove ambulances for 14 years in NYC and retired with PTSD. Now I run a website and forum for preppers and those who do as you do and step up in times of need. Thank you for stepping up and being an inspiration for others to follow.
I was a 15Tango of course there wasn’t anything wrong with the helicopter. an awesome job that I miss dearly. You got a 79 but that means nothing. These aircraft were maintained heavily. We had preflight post flight weekly and monthly phases these aircraft would go through. We treated these things like Bugattis. Anyhow love the content. Your living the dream. 🥂
Congratulations Dave!! Thanks for sharing your dream with all of us. Super excited for you and my fellow Veterans you share it with. 👊🏻
I spent quite a bit of time in Blackhawks all over the world. It is a great aircraft! I hope you can sort out the problems with your bird and can’t wait to see it in future videos. I would love to come out to Utah one day and fly with you, retired Army, 27 years. Thanks!
Thank you for your service. It is much appreciated!
i have taken off in many more blackhawks then i ever landed in. What you are going to do for veterans is really appreciated. Its a huge investment and what you are doing is just plain awesome
Dave, I am so happy for you brother ! Anyone can see the joy in your eyes and smile when you talk about the Blackhawk and its progress. I am so happy one of your dreams is so close to becoming reality...you deserve this, you bring joy to so many 💖
I love how sensible you really are with this. Can you imagine if whistlin diesel bought one of these?
It would be destroyed.
@@WillF1980 the guy just Fuchs up everything he touches
If whistlin diesel 👀 this, he will buy one just to screw it up.
@@shaneward6689 nah I think he’d baby it like the Audi
@@shaneward6689 also it’s his money why should he have to listen to you
Aircraft mechanic here in Canada. Congratulations! Love the channel.
Hey Mark , you ever work on a 180 on floats with the last reg. digit Tango ?
My roommate is is an 82 airborne division. Vietnam veteran. We live in West Valley City. My 9 year old son wants to be pilot. Love to inspire him even more!
I always wanted to fly. Can we meet up for a inspiring flight for the three of us that would be awesome! 😎👍🏼
As a former mechanic/crewchief with over 2000 flight hrs. This is very interesting. I love the Blackhawk helicopter. Can’t wait to see what in store with this aircraft.
Amazing what your doing heavy d. My step dad was a helicopter gunner when he was in the military and he always wanted to get back up in one. Sadly he was never able to before he passed. I think it's simple amazing that your gonna do that. Keep up the Mazing work man.
Congratulations again Dave it’s awesome what you are doing and even though I can’t own my own Blackhawk (yet). I’m so thrilled to go on the journey with you. I’m a Army veteran and was an instructor pilot teaching Army pilots at Fort Rucker. It’s awesome to have you in the community and keep making great videos.
As an airline pilot who just found your channel, I have to say this is so awesome. I love seeing videos like this!!! And the production quality is awesome, instant sub ✅
hey im from sweaziland ...do you mind sparring me 50 bucks
In my 20+ years working on the Blackhawks and Seahawks the 308 beam is prone to cracking. Not a quick, nor inexpensive repair. The 60 is a great bird and it will serve you well. The T700 (GE401C) are bullet proof as long as they haven't ingested a crap ton of desert sand. Being yours hasn't been in the sandbox it hasn't had the sand fuse in the cooling ports of the nozzles and wheels. Should be a beautiful example when she is done.
Agreed. I worked on MH-60 for years and have found cracks similar to this. I’ve also found cracks in the transition section as well. If you’re planning on flying in the desert I highly recommend to get the upgraded Engine Air Particle Separator and engine washes after each dessert ops.
I only worked -60s for two years but in those two years I've probably repaired/replaced 20 308 beams (usually because of the winch load)
I figured it was the 308 beam, replaced a lot of them.
This is awesome... im glad you're bringing us along for the ride to watch your dreams come true @HeavyD. Even more so is the non profit your setting up for the Vets to come fly with you. Being a Vet... Im thankful for where I'm at in my life... but there are other fellow Vets that could use this to help in their recovery or what ever else is troubling them.... so just want to say thank you for all you're doing for them as well.
dude I have to say that you are amazing. the passion and knowledge you have about everything you get yourself involved in is phenomenal. I couldn't even begin to wrap my head around the intricacies of the things that you do here on this Earth. you are quite the superhuman. I have lived most of my life as a simple man. I got into some high-end mud racing but that was just one category... be blessed and we appreciate what you're doing and always look forward to your next videos...
I want to hug you bro, thanks for doing things like this for veterans.
Yeah, who would be dumb enough to fly some bright colored, easily identifiable aircraft and post it on youtube 😜 I am stoked to see this baby finished!
Dude love your plane! Haha
Now THATS FUNNY!
In my oppinion, the Blackhawk is hands down the best looking helicopter ever built. And almost everyone who sees a Blackhawk recognizes and likes it. Its massive appearance just manages to impress everyone no matter their age. I hope that you and your guys can enjoy the Blackhawk for as long as possible and get some good videos out of it for us to watch ;-) Good flight!
I think Apaches and Cobras are much more aggressive looking than a Blackhawk for military helis. The most fun however for pure quick maneuvering in tight canyon terrain is the Hughes 500 series. For high altitude work and moderate lifting, the Llama from Aérospatiale is awesome.
Turns out my dad is one of the guys who helped work on this, pretty sweet to see it here.
I was a phase mechanic for thr Maine Army National Guard full time for about 2 and a half years and a part time guardsmen mechanic for 5. I know the amount of work that goes into keeping these awesome machines in the air. Glad to see you have a crew of mechanics that put pride into thier work. And yes it's very expensive to maintain. I'm sure army maintenance regs are a bit overkill but it was nothing for us to throw out $500 worth of "good" hardware because the manual said they were single use. The bolts that hold the spindles into the main rotor hub costs about $1,200 alone. Costs add up fast. Pretty sure a single main rotor blade is close to $200k.
Dang. A month is great time to complete all the inspections and that repair. Have seen some contractors take 2 months. Kudos to those guys they have a good team.
This is a great opportunity for recruiting for the National Guard. It would be cool to see more of how they operate, what it takes to become an Army helo pilot, and other career opportunities. It would be a good way for them to offer you some training while giving them 2 million viewers to see how they work behind the scenes.
congratulations man - your commitment and dedication are evident, you've earned every bit of this.
I fully expect you to get through the pilot stuff in one go, You are one of the most clued up well organised people I've ever seen on RUclips.
No idea how I ended up watching helicopter videos, but really interesting! Got me hooked
Can’t wait to see that Blackhawk in use. I spent six years on that airframe, in Iraq, and post-Katrina New Orleans. I also spent years on the civilian side, and while they’re hardly considered massive on the military side I can imagine how impressive they are held against what you see on most GA ramps.
Just when I think y'all couldn't get any cooler, you do. God bless and keep you guys and your families. Thank you for making us smile again
PMI stands for Phase Maintenance Inspection. They used to be required every 360 hours that has been extended to 480 hours. A PMI1 is a more in-depth version of a PMI2. In a PMI1 you do your engine removals, cabin tub inspections, etc. But, hawks also require 40 hour and 120 hour inspections. Then you have your 90-day CCI inspections along with all the other reoccurring-18 stuff.
Man you just gave me PTSD from my 10th CAB days. I forgot about aircraft washes and CCI inspections 👀
@@Peleliusion haha! When I saw the title I had PTSD! Haha! All the ACE inspections… The tear down then the test flights I have to do after it is put back together. Man!! I love this helicopter, but as an MTP they will be the death of me!
@@heavymetalcreationz711 lol I hear that! Flew with a lot of MTP's in my time! Great folks
As an aircraft technician, I could not imagine the ASTRONOMICAL cost of doing a heavy inspection on a helicopter...yet alone a former military helicopter. Crazy money.
Its just crazy all around to me. Aluminum has a limited lifespan no matter how small the forces applied and a military unit is going to be beat to hell. Definitely has to be a project of passion otherwise its just scrap, to me atleast
Yet we do them every 42 days in the Navy :p
@@CVSiN thanks for all your hard work and long hours
@@CVSiN RUclips is paying the bills, via us who watch it. This dude has a crazy life, but we watch it because he is likeable, and entertaining. And tries to do good stuff to help others, even if it is all for views. Why not? Hey, we are here watching, so I guess that says it all. Good luck to Heavy D and the crew, living the dream, but also really trying to stay relatable to all the viewers.
RUclips doesn’t pay that much. Family has deep pockets
I'm just glad you get to live your dream, owning one of those is insane!!! My dream is just to fly a helicopter, no matter the make and model... One day...
Where are the 50's?
I work on these, not for the Army, and they are great aircraft as long as you do all the required inspections. Do your inspections the same as the military and this aircraft will run tip top! If you need anything for the aircraft at all please reach out! Enjoy and God Speed!
As a veteran myself, I'd like to thank you for support! For a nation that was formed because of our military, there's not enough appreciation for what our great men and women do for it it!
That Blackhawk is going to be sweet! Can't wait to see videos of you guys using it!
I’m happy to hear that your making the opportunity to the past members of the military to come back and have a chance to get back into a Blackhawk, into some thing that they have missed since they left. I bet there will be many happy faces when it happens. Dave you are truly a great man to offer that to them.
If this aircraft came from Fort Rucker, there’s a good chance I worked on it. All of the aircraft here get flown like crazy and beat up but we fix them up like new every PMI 1 and 2. We keep these flying for our student pilots.
15 years T701C(D) engine specialist with the Air Force. 7 deployments with these beautiful ladies, was a DCC on a primary Combat Rescue acft, and I personally built the first T701D for the Air Force. I love that you're giving one of the old birds new life, and I can't wait to see what happens next! I'd love to fly again! Specifically with you guys!!!
I love that you are doing this. I was a MTP on Hawks in the Army and I am living vicariously through you guys right now! Can't wait to see your first Cav takeoff in it :)
So you did the minimum amount of maintenance and hoped for the best.... Grats 🙄
Such a badass project. Can't wait to see you flying this amazing airframe.
hey chuckles
That sounds awesome to see stuff being done for veterans. Serving in Iraq my 2 happiest memories out of many was when I left for leave. One was a combat take off and landing in a c130 Hercules what a ride. Second was a combat take off flying very close to the ground and a landing that did not feel natural in a black hawk helicopter very capable air frame.
Keep an eye out for 308 beam cracks, although they happen mostly on HH-60 due to excessive weight.
MH-60 DAP is laughing at this right now lol
Also every 60 ever! Also beaded panels?
thats the one i was thinking about, we had an issue with our -60's at Moody for a while
SHHHH we dont talk about those cracks
Lot's of 60s get them, especially if they ever had external tanks for any length of time.
Hey diesel Brothers love the big black bird. I think you guys are amazing always giving back to people. Especially military veterans. I served in OEF with the 25th infantry and just wanted to say thank you.
This is awesome Dave! I really enjoy watching your adventures but this one is near and dear to me. I was a Blackhawk mechanic and crewchief for 9 years of my military service. Deployed in 04-05 in northern Iraq and flew about 750 combat hours. I’m till in but now in IT. I miss those days in a UH-60. I tell my kids about my time as a crewchief / door gunner. Do you plan on possibly offering rides for veteran family members as well? Thank you for your support for the military and veterans of our country.
my buddy i fly flight sims with was a black hawk crew chief, crazy jelous as in Canada the coolest thing we have is the new Chinooks we just got, other then that the ol' CH146 Griffon is the only thing we got (Bell 412 variant)
Really looking forward to seeing you fly the Blackhawk . I’ve flew in many choppers over the years ( 22yrs British army ) but never a Blackhawk . Good luck on your journey with it
Hey Dave, thanks for bringing us along on this adventure. Glad to see just what's involved in buying a helecopter from the military and putting it into civilian service. Good to know you are doing everything by the book. Best of luck and we'll see you next time.
I never knew this was even possible. What an incredible dream for anybody to make into a reality. Congrads for all you do and will do with this opportunity that very few people could ever accomplish in a lifetime. This is beyond awesome if there is such a thing, clearly it does in Heavy D's case. Spark the fire brother.
Aviation parts are crazy. I remember a guy ranting about how his job was to find misplaced paperwork for parts in the warehouse and it was like 40% of his time, but a set of new tires for a 747 is garbage unless it has paperwork from every step from the point of origin to decommissioning. they have to have sample results of the rubber used to make the tires... even if they were made 20 years ago... and have paperwork for every warehouse and owner for the interim time
As someone who's been in civilian aviation since 1984, I don't find a lot of these videos interesting, BUT this for some reason, has fascinated me in only seeing two videos..God bless and keep flying!!!
Amazing news, and moving it between categories makes it really versatile. That heli has low work hours, with that condition had to be a very low hour aircraft. You gor a good one :)
Congrats Dave I could not be happier for you, little jealous your living my dream but excited to see your journey with the Blackhawk ☺️
Im a former gas turbine engine repairman, I was stationed in Ft Hood , Texas. The first time i saw a Blackhawk and worked on one was in 1983/84 while at Ft Hood. also on AH64 Apache helicopters. great memories
1 month sounds incredibly fast given some of the leadtimes I hear about in the small plane world for relatively minor work. Kudos to the team! 💪
As a disabled veteran I just want to say thank you Dave, awesome video 👍😁
I am an avionics tech with 20+ years with an A&P. I love seeing things like this after working on warbirds for most of my years. Being an Idaho resident I've had the pleasure of working on several private collections including Harrison Fords planes. I have fallowed you for years and offer you my support and assistance if needed. Godspeed.
Meanwhile, back at the army base this chopper came from, the grunts are cussing their commander for getting rid of their best bird lol
This so cool and what you want to do with it especially for our veterans is just totally awesome,and I Sir applaud you. You and your team are amazing.
Love how you explain things from the basics up for us that have no experience :)) really appreciate it
Dave, thanks for highlighting the complexity of the process, that is, aviation. I'm a 42 year A&P Mechanic and and a Private Pilot with a Multi-Engine Land Rating. At 63, I'm still in the game, Plan to retire next year. Whether in maintenance ops or flight ops, the processes to be legal and compliant are extensive and mind-boggling to the non-affiliated. But I get it, and you are doing everything right. Kudos to you! As a fan, I wish I could be part of this program, but my day job keeping modern jet airliners going is all I have time for these days. Not complaining. Good luck to you.
Well said. The onlooker might see careless freedom in flight. To me I see rules, rules, rules, quals, more rules, and occasionally I see those moments where I want to grab somebody and go, "Just look at it! Look! Look at all this!"
Old H-3 crewman here. Wow enjoyed this video, informative. Thank you for the time and money spent on this project. Thanks for supporting the veterans.
Off the chain awesomeness! THANK YOU for this amazing chopper series! Cant wait for more!
As a V-22 osprey veteran mech who had part training in these 60s I’d love to fly with y’all some day !
These engines look like my old J60’s. My favorite rebuilds in the AF. I never was the only one in rebuilding them, team efforts. I reworded nuts and bolts! Heated the bearings to install. Torquing!!! I don’t think the pilots that flew this bird ever bounced it hard when landing!!!
I work on Blackhawks in the Army, and I can confirm we take the maintenance and upkeep of our -60's very seriously
Congrats Heavy D, I will definitely submit for a flight, with y'all, I cannot Thank you enough for giving us the opportunity to be able to even try to get back into one again. What is cool as well is my Son has joined the Marine Corp to go to flight school and actually wants to fly BlackHawks, or Cobras but Helicopters in general. I was in the Army from 88-96 as an Infantry Paratrooper, got to serve with several great Units and a lot of great men. What is funny to me is now I am one of the older dudes, even though I still sometimes act like I am 18 again.
God has always shown me my path, I knew from a young age of about 4-5 that I wanted to jump from planes (WWII Movies) and become a Cop. I have done both. Sadly my LEO career ended earlier than I wanted do to a severe car crash, while responding to a Deputy in an Emergency Situation. That is a long story in itself, so I won't bore anyone or you. I have been able to fly in almost all of the types U.S. Army Helicopters, with the exception of the Apache and a Heavy Haul Helicopter that I can't remember the name but it is not a Chinook (flown in those) but it went out of service about the time or just before I joined.
Again, Thank You from a Vet. Also, I just realized while watching this I am wearing my Power shirt from y'all while watching, so great day for me.
I haven't served and am just now learning about helicopters after flying in one but after reading your comment I feel compelled to commend you and say how thankful I am for your service abroad and at home.
As a military veteran that has never been in a heli, that has been one of my longest dreams, of being able to hop on a helicopter and get that 'rush' feeling that I always get when I am around them.
There is no other feeling when you fly on a helicopter, flew MH53s for 13 years, then Black Hawks the last 12. Pulling Gs in a helicopter is such a rush.. I flew with LA County Fire 2 years ago, I wish I could attach the video it was a blast..
It's like the best elevator you ever been in!
Are you hoping he invites you out?
@@blackhawkinstructor09 hey chip flew mh53s in HC-4 and hm15
Hey Diesel. Love what you all are doing. You guys rock and totally blessed. I just retired from the Army 12 Oct 2021 with 26 years of service. Would love the opportunity to hang with you guys riding, flying and or giving back to my family brothers and sisters at arms. Currently still dealing with my transition and still working on reuniting with my family who I have not been with going in 5 + years due to life challenges. God Bless you all and thank you all once again.
I used to repair the SH-60 versions of those when I was in the Navy. They are very easy to work on compared to some aircraft that I have worked on. Those tiny motors through those transmissions are way crazy powerful. Went to paint and insignia school also. Got good at bodywork and paint on those. Many people I worked with did not realize that I was really an Avionics Tech. I just like to work on different things.
Not to mention very easy to fly compared to smaller ones..
I did the same thing as you except we flew Sikorsky Sea Kings in the 80's. I was an Aviation Machinist Mate, Aircrew and I did NARF Paint and Insignia School at NAS Jacksonville.
I was a former Sikorsky mechanic on the Jolly Greens and loved working on the air frames. I miss those times the work load was not that hard! the evenings were cooling down in Albuquerque.
Hello fellow Navy maintainer, I’m an Airframer on the Romeo version and I can confirm that they’re not the hardest platform to work on
Hats off to the maintainers. I'll try not to exceed any limits or break the crypto.
Can’t express how awesome this is! Thank you for taking some time to explain the incredible process it takes to accomplish flying this beautiful aircraft.
I really like where you’re going with this and your plans for this helicopter, For you to do this for veterans that want to fly again it’s just truly a class act kudos to you and your team! I know you will be using it for other things such as videos and recoveries and so forth, but it’s pretty awesome for you to do this for the vets that have served our country once again your class act my friend take care and keep making these great videos👍🏼🤩🙏🏼❤️
Lol yes. For a donation of10k per person he'll fly them around for an hour and forget they exist.
Hi Dave, What an awesome adventure you guys are on. Gave me goosebumps as I listened to your journey so far. I am a retired (2008) helicopter pilot/instructor pilot/safety officer. Flew almost everything the Army had in my 24 years of service except the Chinook. (multiple models of each of these airframes...UH-1, OH-58, OH-6, UH-60, AH-1, AH-64). And some time time in the Sky-crane fighting fires. I too, miss it every day. I'd love to meet you and your crew some day and if the stars align, maybe go for a flight in one of your helicopters. Wishing you and yours, the very best of luck. Fly Safe! (btw, I've been watching your video's for a long time and you guys are living the dream)!!
The stuff you do is amazing, they way you give back even more amazing. As a Sub Vet i respect what you do... please dont ever change. Your doing Gods work here...
Hey "D", I've been a fan since the beginning, GREAT stuff, every gear-heads dream and then your awesome "PAY IT FORWARD" mind set is a moral standard that is much needed in this day and age! Hope your right hand man is OK, miss him in vids. Keep following your DREAMS and take care of FAMILY, you obviously have a GREAT wife to put up with awesome lifestyle. How's Alan's project coming along! You have an amazing group of folks in your life!! Charge on Brother!
Early Hawks had a run of fatal cracks at the ESSS mounts. The weight and vibration were more than that fuselage could withstand.
You might think that they would have figured out the fatal flaw and installed shock dampeners to absorb the vibrations and overwhelming torque that wants to rip the roof off. Weight restrictions are helpful in avoiding these types of airframe cracks. FAA should review the civilian use of decommissioned military 🪖 equipment in the safer general aviation environment to limit threats of catastrophic airframe failure caused by operating within the limits of maximum operating weight.
@@louispatino7964 instead they reduced the exposed area and max weight to get the loads under control. I’d hope they redesigned that cabin roof. In Sikorsky‘s defense it wasn’t their idea to move the stubs forward into a destabilizing area, the army mandated a free entrance and exit path from the cabin that eliminated them from mid cabin high or low, Huey style.
the problem was that the ESSS or HSS was deigned to ferry the aircraft it was not designed to be installed 24/7 but the Army being the Army did what they do and jacked up a lot of airframes
My Blackhawk is down at Midas getting a brake job that was way overdue. I’m just glad I’m getting it taken care of before someone got hurt.
Hey Heavy D, always loved your TV series. I want to give a shout out to Timberline Helicopters. I recently had the pleasure of working on N133TH. Brian and Amie are the best, along with all of THI. They actually own 79-23290, the first Blackhawk I crewed in the Army. Great video, fly safe and than you for caring for us veterans!! Hooah