I think this is the most crucial advice: Take control by yourself. Be on the safe side of things. You are responsible and nobody else. Thank you! It evoked an uneasy feeling seeing those people cross the runway. I hope that was somehow controlled behavior and not just random. Also the little cart was giving me some goosebumps.
I have flown into Reklaw many times. Not even once did I have a dangerous problem. Yes, it can get very busy and yes, you have to pay close attention to situational awareness but it can be done safely if you are mentally prepared. If you don’t think you’re ready then you should not go! If you feel you are up to the challenge but nervous, get there early on Friday (or even a day earlier) and leave very early in the morning when things are so hectic.
American Horse Pirates in airplanes - I love driving to these events… but I hardly ever fly my plane to them. Without an airboss or co-ordinated ground crew, the risk some times just isn’t worth the reward.
Omg, Glen and Friends, your description of American Horse Pirates in this case is soooo true! I have attended this fly-in, and lived among Texas "brush pilots" for years, and they truly are American Horse Pirates in airplanes. I love seeing all the planes and mingling among pilots, but the whole Fat Tire Cowboys mentality can get embarrassing and dangerous. Thanks for the video, Airplane Academy! I enjoy you more with every video!
That's one good thing I like about the Cessna 150/152 Fly-in in Clinton, Iowa. When there are flying contests going on, there is an air boss coordinating the contest aircraft in the pattern. The air boss is in constant communication with the participants and with incoming traffic not related to the contest. Safety is a priority and the contest will pause if the situation becomes unsafe and let whatever traffic needs in or out to do so safely and promptly.
Alot of the pilots at Reklaw are ex-military, airline, corporate, etc. the saying is if you don't feel comfortable with several aircraft in the pattern with you, grass runway, having to land in the first 300 feet of the runway, then you should stay home.
The worst auto accidents I have seen happen in front of me were caused by one person waving another person on to turn across traffic. Just because someone is saying "it's clear, go ahead" - your immediate reaction should be skepticism, then trust if they deserve it. If someone else is telling you to hurry up and go against your better judgement, they could get you killed if you're not careful.
Yes...it happens frequently when people stop to let other drivers in or cross and it creates chaos. Don't put someone else in that position and don't put yourself in that position. Find another way.
Glad to see someone finally addressing these type of events which have essentially become amateur airshows with no rules, regulations or safety measures.
I clicked on this video just to see if it was about Reklaw ..So many videos of Reklaw I've seen here on YT...and after about #2, I decided that's a place you'll never see me try to get into during that event. It looks like a drunken biker rally, but with airplanes and no separation. No thanks!! Good job on sharing your experience.
It sounds like a fun event, but also sounds like a tragedy waiting to happen. It’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when. Good job on keeping safety first Charlie. By the way, I got my commercial last Friday! (3 Dec)
38 years of no problems. And yes, plenty of student pilots fly into Reklaw. The one student that wrecked his plane ended up augering in a year later somewhere else, just wasn't cut out for flying anthing anywhere. I never had a smidge of problems going in to Reklaw. Boring. No challenge.
Ah man I’m starting flight school in January and seeing the level of skill this man has both excites and intimidates me. On one end it’s I’m gonna be in those same shoes one day and then on the other it’s oh crap, I’m gonna be in those shoes one day. No pressure at all lol, but I’m really excited to finally begin the pilot chapter of my life
What level of skill? The dude was ready to crap his drawers over what hundreds of othe pilots were saying 'ho-hum, just another grass field landing.' It's nothing, really. 3500 ft. of so-what.
Flown into Oshkosh and Reklaw. I am not sure that I will ever fly into Reklaw again. I drive now, but might not fly again. I am truly amazed that they don't have some bad accidents. Somehow, they have not as far as I know. I do enjoy the variety of airplanes and meeting up with friends. I think they need to administer sobriety tests prior to taxi.
Thank you for sharing your honest mindset talking about wanting to show off. I think this is most of us but we are too afraid to admit it. Being honest with one’s self is one of the best ways to stay safe.
We have many summer flyins (pancake breakfast) in WI and MN. I have stopped going and try to avoid flying on the weekends. When I do fly it's mainly a "Dawn Patrol" flight. Great vid.
Good points on doing what you're comfortable and *capable* of doing. In that same vein, it would be totally dangerous to cross the downhill/blind end of the runway at Reklaw without knowing 100% it was clear. You indicated you used radio calls to get your situational awareness. There's a fair amount of NORDO planes that come to Reklaw. Your radio developed situational awareness would not have included them. To operate safely in that situation, you should have had someone spot for you. Bottom line, Reklaw is not for everyone and certainly not for novice pilots. Some people feel like riding a motorcycle is UNSAFE. Some do not. Some feel that skydiving is UNSAFE. Some do not. If you don't like being at a setting where people make low passes or fly in formation, *don't attend!*
I was an Air Traffic Controller for 20 years. I was in charge. Hahahaha. That was mainly in the UK (very busy) and in several overseas military (RAF) bases. I am wonderfully astonished at the self-regulating discipline of American light, private aviators. You guys are unique. Terrific. But...... I am often also horrified at the opportunity for disasters. This was a fine 'Stop and THINK' video. The 'mid-air' at Johnson Creek a short while back shows just how easily and quickly things turn to worms.
Welcome to Reklaw, and pretty much every other grass roots fly in out there. I've mostly stopped going to fly ins because they have become the wild west. Too many people out there using very poor ADM.
News flash: If you are going to this event at all, your priority is not safety. Why are you doing flybys at all? What is the point of that? It makes no sense from a safety standpoint. Probably the big risk is loss of control on landing or takeoff, midair collision on final, or similar. This is why 310 pilot's wife was so stressed out at Sun n Fun, and that was a controlled space. This type of event has an inherently higher risk profile. You might decide to go anyway, and that the fun is worth the risk. But most of GA is fundamentally a solution in search of a problem. When the benefit is minimal in any real sense, why take more risk than you absolutely have to? Get to where you are going, but maybe be honest about whether you need to be there at all. Even the name of this fly in would make me think twice. Reckless? Outlaw? Just the type of crowd I want to hang with!
Thanks for posting this, Charlie. I love aviation, truly, and especially GA. This event, and I pray I’m wrong, is obviously headed for a disaster. I agree with many of the concerned comments so far. Recklaw is primed to be referred as “…the RECKLESS fly-in…” Not every stick in the air has their peeps on a swivel, and it’s only going to take ONE to put themselves and others on the opposite side of the grass.
There use to be a lot of grassroots flyins like this all over the country in the 70's, 80s and 90s. Many dued out.. Reklaw is still one of them going. However it risks being too popular and too big. EAA flyin originally in Rockford IL was a small deal in the 1970's. Now it's Airventure at Oshkosh. Fortunately no big accidents I heard of at Reklaw. May be they should move to a bigger field? Get a temp tower and ground crew to direct traffic? Of course that may ruin the small grass roots vibe. There may be a point the owner pulls the plug.
My buddy flies no radio always in his Champ, and is really comfortable, me not so much, I am always on the radio when I fly. Looked like a fun but busy event.
I flew into Reklaw almost every year for many years. It requires some common sense but can be done safely. The only incidents I’ve seen are a few airplanes getting bent on the ground from taxiing or from landing rollout miscalculations. As far as I know, in all the years (38?) of this event there have never been any midair collisions or airplane/pedestrian accidents. Have I seen some ridiculous and unnecessary actions by pilots and pedestrians, YES. However, next to AirVenture this is the most exciting aviation event I have witnessed or flown in. If you get a chance to go, do it, by plane or ground vehicle.
Way to go slowing it down.👍 YOU are responsible for YOUR safety so great job seeing it that way then ACTING accordingly. (Whenever I am about to proceed after thinking “it’s pretty low risk” i next ask myself, “Am I willing to bet my life on this?” Usually, I find that that there are a few more checks I can do to GUARANTEE that it is safe…which is clearly the preferred procedure.)
Wow. 7 minutes and not a single unsafe thing happens in this clickbait. Just got back from OSH and thought this might give me some insight on Teklaw before I commit to this year. And nothing in this but a guy patting himself on the back for being safe (kinda table stakes, I thought)-but kudos on the 200+ graphic overlays and the big hand gestures. Thanks for wasting the time.
All those years of running the traffic pattern on the ultralight runway came flooding back to me. Not so hard to set up before anyone arrives. Get a crew that all is easy to identify. Put out a NOTAM. Don’t before someone mid-airs with someone else. N.E.OH Bob
This event seems like an attempt at the exercise of freedom which manifested instead as unnecessary boundary pushing. As a motorcyclist, I get doing dangerous things just to know you can, but I don't do them around other people and especially not their kids.
I'm going to my first fly-in Saturday. I'm a 20 hr student, and I'll either be flying with my instructor, or a couple thousand hour corporate pilot. Any other advice? (From anyone not just AA) Thanks everyone, and happy flying.
I haven’t been to a fly in at a grass strip like this one, but I’ve been to plenty at small, non-towered fields. They’re lots of fun, and it’s great hanging out with other people that love talking about airplanes and flying. It’s a great occasion to see some cool airplanes, learn a thing or two, and listen to some fun stories. That said, it can get dangerous IF you don’t pay attention! I can’t stress enough about how important it is to pay attention to everything that is going on. I was number 1 in sequence waiting to takeoff, and before I took the runway, I heard a guy say he was on a 3 mile final for a low approach to the opposite runway I was going to take off from. I didn’t know exactly where he was, so I asked if he was going to minimums, or at pattern altitude, and he just said “low approach.” I had a passenger with me, and there was no way I was going to take up a kid excited to fly just to get a face full of airplane. I couldn’t see the approach because he didn’t have his landing lights on, so I didn’t see him until he was 100 ft over the runway. Then after he departed, I visually checked the other aircraft in the pattern (on the runway we were actively using) to the radio calls being made. After I could account for where everyone was, we took off and had a nice flight. Then, of course, re entering the pattern was fine, but after we were established in the pattern with two other aircraft, some dickhead called base for- you guessed it- the opposite runway that the other 3 aircraft were using. Another aircraft that was already en route heard his radio call and got confused with which runway was active at the field. This smartass piped up with, “well, technically, you can use whichever runway you want at a non towered field,” and maybe I should have stayed quiet, but I didn’t, and I told him, “technically sure, but you’re still an asshole making the pattern unsafe. Don’t be a douchebag, and join the pattern like a regular person.” (I’ve been debriefed on being aggressive, but I don’t have time for that unsafe nonsense in the air) he didn’t respond on the radio, nor did he touch down. He just flew over using the active runway and left. Not as bad as the Texas fly in, but it can still get weird. Stay aware of your surroundings, and pay attention to the radio and the aircraft in the pattern. If it makes the hair on your neck stand up, don’t do it. Otherwise, as long as you take care to be safe, they’re loads of fun!
Exciting stuff! Try to brief the airport as best you can... sometimes certain fly-ins will even publish specific arrival instructions to accommodate for the heavy flow of traffic. Then once you're getting close, just be really focused on traffic separation. If you don't like what you see, wait a few minutes and try again.
This is the first year i miss edReklaw in probably 25 years. You should’ve came are you probably was 3 years ago when everything was so muddy. One of the great things about my plane is I can fly so slow but it doesn’t really bother me that much, but the bad thing about it is it flies too slow i’m generally in everybody’s way. That zenith 701 of mine just puts a long I remember four or five years ago that twin engine that went down in the lake at the end of the runway.
So there's nobody doing at least advisory at these fly-ins? There should have been at least some sort of a "low cost airboss" to ensure safety. Even at "non towered" airports/airdromes here in Romania, when having a Fly-in, we have a guy/girl doing what we call "flight control". They're somewhat similar to an airboss and they're someone with the greatest flying experience or great knowledge of the area and he "clears" take-offs/landings based on his situational awareness. This prevents people starting up and not knowing if/wheather there are others in the pattern/approach. Even if it's not a "tower" per se, the "flight control" person acts as an ATC and kind of helps out with the situational awareness of everybody + safety of everybody. When there's so much traffic I believe it's best to have someone tone people down on the frequncy :)).
In several consecutive years attending this... this was the first year i didnt clearly notice anyone acting in this capacity. In years past, they have had a guy on about a 12 foot tall deck type tower with a radio giving at lest some kind of assistance in spotting folks and keeping people waiting for takeoff advised of final being clear etc. i didnt notice that this year.
They always seem to have that guy in the "tower" calling advisories at Reklaw. In 30 plus years the worst incidents have been folks running off the end into the lake. Or a gear collapse on a Vans..etc. Head on a swivel, yep. Talk on the radio, Yep. Listen on the raido, Yep.
So all that traffic and no coordination? I know it's not a controlled airport but for a big event there should be some form of control. I can't believe that's happening.
Imagine flying a nose wheel Cessna and even entertaining the idea that you were getting the thumbs up for your "cool" plane at a backcountry type fly-in lol
One thing I have noticed is people doing low passes and take-offs with smoke on!! That doesn’t impress anybody but fills the air with oil, people are relaxing, eating and drinking, no consideration.
Charlie, nothing unsafe happened at Reklaw unless you count the 4-wheelers screaming around the trails at night, in the dark, and running over the runway signs. Last year was the same with one of them flipping over and hurting the passenger. The pace is set by experienced pilots, and if you don't have the experience to keep up, you slow down and wait for a spot to enter the pattern, which you did. And did well, or you'd still be picking up pieces. Truth is, with pilots constantly looking around themselves, for 37 yrs. now, it's probably safer than Oshkosh. And your version of unsafe is another pilot's "meh...no biggie". Obviously, you would not be a good candidate for air racing, formation flying, or NASCAR.
I love your videos very inspiring and very very helpful I wish there was a way for me to direct message you I would love to speak on the phone and ask you some questions and get your thoughts on how I can achieve my pilot dream I’m very thankful for your videos
I have friends who went. They own airplanes, but refused to fly in because of the trend of increasing unsafe flying in the pattern. If this narcissistic behavior continues, there's going to be a mass casualty event at that event.
Whoever runs that gathering needs to pull their head outta their a$$ and maintain some flightline integrity. Dogs and people strolling across the runway during heated operations? Just plain dumb.
Sounds like they should pay the FAA for an air Traffic Controller to come in and make it a class D for the day. This is a disaster waiting to happen… collision on the runway, aircraft goes into crowed, kills 10 people, that would make national headlines…
I can't stand self-appointed orange vest marshals. No different than another driver waving you through in a limited visibility automobile traffic situation. I always ignore people like that.
Reklaw or reckless??? the more I hear of this, it just seems like a tragedy is waiting to happen. If someone so stable and conservative like you also feel that urge to go wild come on to you.. I can only imagine how some others would actually behave...
Looks like you should have taken more video while you were there. It was pretty obvious you just used the same clips multiple times and tried to hide it by mirroring them.
Reklaw regular here. Stay in your lane, let people have fun and don't post videos pissing on the event. if you dont like it, then dont come out. It's that simple.
I think this is the most crucial advice: Take control by yourself. Be on the safe side of things. You are responsible and nobody else.
Thank you!
It evoked an uneasy feeling seeing those people cross the runway. I hope that was somehow controlled behavior and not just random. Also the little cart was giving me some goosebumps.
I have flown into Reklaw many times. Not even once did I have a dangerous problem. Yes, it can get very busy and yes, you have to pay close attention to situational awareness but it can be done safely if you are mentally prepared. If you don’t think you’re ready then you should not go! If you feel you are up to the challenge but nervous, get there early on Friday (or even a day earlier) and leave very early in the morning when things are so hectic.
American Horse Pirates in airplanes - I love driving to these events… but I hardly ever fly my plane to them. Without an airboss or co-ordinated ground crew, the risk some times just isn’t worth the reward.
Omg, Glen and Friends, your description of American Horse Pirates in this case is soooo true! I have attended this fly-in, and lived among Texas "brush pilots" for years, and they truly are American Horse Pirates in airplanes. I love seeing all the planes and mingling among pilots, but the whole Fat Tire Cowboys mentality can get embarrassing and dangerous.
Thanks for the video, Airplane Academy! I enjoy you more with every video!
That's one good thing I like about the Cessna 150/152 Fly-in in Clinton, Iowa. When there are flying contests going on, there is an air boss coordinating the contest aircraft in the pattern. The air boss is in constant communication with the participants and with incoming traffic not related to the contest. Safety is a priority and the contest will pause if the situation becomes unsafe and let whatever traffic needs in or out to do so safely and promptly.
Alot of the pilots at Reklaw are ex-military, airline, corporate, etc. the saying is if you don't feel comfortable with several aircraft in the pattern with you, grass runway, having to land in the first 300 feet of the runway, then you should stay home.
Haa! Great communications!
Keep posting! Good stuff. Jb.
This is definitely beyond my personal threshold..
The worst auto accidents I have seen happen in front of me were caused by one person waving another person on to turn across traffic. Just because someone is saying "it's clear, go ahead" - your immediate reaction should be skepticism, then trust if they deserve it. If someone else is telling you to hurry up and go against your better judgement, they could get you killed if you're not careful.
Yes...it happens frequently when people stop to let other drivers in or cross and it creates chaos. Don't put someone else in that position and don't put yourself in that position. Find another way.
Glad to see someone finally addressing these type of events which have essentially become amateur airshows with no rules, regulations or safety measures.
I love that you are human and you own up to your human temptations. Thank you for sharing.
a prime example of why I avoid these type events
What a great quote... "Don't outsource your safety"
Love your approach (pun intended) to GA Charlie, don't ever compromise it
:D
I clicked on this video just to see if it was about Reklaw ..So many videos of Reklaw I've seen here on YT...and after about #2, I decided that's a place you'll never see me try to get into during that event. It looks like a drunken biker rally, but with airplanes and no separation. No thanks!! Good job on sharing your experience.
It sounds like a fun event, but also sounds like a tragedy waiting to happen.
It’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when.
Good job on keeping safety first Charlie. By the way, I got my commercial last Friday! (3 Dec)
Huge congrats on your commercial!! That's so awesome. Way to go!
@@AirplaneAcademy Thanks brother!!! I’ve really appreciated your content throughout this journey.
38 years of no problems. And yes, plenty of student pilots fly into Reklaw. The one student that wrecked his plane ended up augering in a year later somewhere else, just wasn't cut out for flying anthing anywhere. I never had a smidge of problems going in to Reklaw. Boring. No challenge.
I’ve watched a couple of videos and man - idk what it is but you’ve earned a sub. Love the energy dude!
Thanks so much! Glad to have you as a subscriber!!
High Sierra Fly-in (near Reno NV) has epic management of traffic, about 1000 aircraft come to the event.
But they have had a fatality.
Ah man I’m starting flight school in January and seeing the level of skill this man has both excites and intimidates me. On one end it’s I’m gonna be in those same shoes one day and then on the other it’s oh crap, I’m gonna be in those shoes one day. No pressure at all lol, but I’m really excited to finally begin the pilot chapter of my life
This is exciting!! Congratulations!! Please keep me posted!
What level of skill? The dude was ready to crap his drawers over what hundreds of othe pilots were saying 'ho-hum, just another grass field landing.' It's nothing, really. 3500 ft. of so-what.
Flown into Oshkosh and Reklaw. I am not sure that I will ever fly into Reklaw again. I drive now, but might not fly again. I am truly amazed that they don't have some bad accidents. Somehow, they have not as far as I know. I do enjoy the variety of airplanes and meeting up with friends. I think they need to administer sobriety tests prior to taxi.
Thank you for sharing your honest mindset talking about wanting to show off. I think this is most of us but we are too afraid to admit it. Being honest with one’s self is one of the best ways to stay safe.
Great Wisdom to admit to yourself and other that you have an urge to show off. This will help others deal with it when it happens to them.
We have many summer flyins (pancake breakfast) in WI and MN. I have stopped going and try to avoid flying on the weekends. When I do fly it's mainly a "Dawn Patrol" flight. Great vid.
Good job young man. Good job.
Hey there,
Makes 100% sense. These fly ins look pretty dangerous. Thanks for another awesome video! 👍🏼
Been to a few of those can be very crazy ,glad you didn’t get caught up in the moment and do something stupid
Every year in college, some of my buddies and I would drive to Reklaw to be reminded why the FARs are a good thing.
Good points on doing what you're comfortable and *capable* of doing. In that same vein, it would be totally dangerous to cross the downhill/blind end of the runway at Reklaw without knowing 100% it was clear. You indicated you used radio calls to get your situational awareness. There's a fair amount of NORDO planes that come to Reklaw. Your radio developed situational awareness would not have included them. To operate safely in that situation, you should have had someone spot for you. Bottom line, Reklaw is not for everyone and certainly not for novice pilots. Some people feel like riding a motorcycle is UNSAFE. Some do not. Some feel that skydiving is UNSAFE. Some do not. If you don't like being at a setting where people make low passes or fly in formation, *don't attend!*
Been there, done that. Great video and great attitude.
If your day job doesn’t pan out, you’d make one heck of an auctioneer.
Great safety reminders Charlie!👍
Good video--thanks for the excellent safety advice!
Great topic. Reminded me of Hampton N.H. grass strip flea market fly-in in the late 90's. 75 planes on the sides, and only 2000 ft. of runway....fun!
I was an Air Traffic Controller for 20 years. I was in charge. Hahahaha. That was mainly in the UK (very busy) and in several overseas military (RAF) bases. I am wonderfully astonished at the self-regulating discipline of American light, private aviators. You guys are unique. Terrific. But...... I am often also horrified at the opportunity for disasters. This was a fine 'Stop and THINK' video. The 'mid-air' at Johnson Creek a short while back shows just how easily and quickly things turn to worms.
Even in the UK, the PIC is the one who makes the final decision.
The best strategy to going to these events is to arrive early and leave early in the day
This is called freedom if your nervous don't go its part of many of the good things about this country
Great review, much appreciated!! -student pilot
Excellent video and great advice!
Welcome to Reklaw, and pretty much every other grass roots fly in out there. I've mostly stopped going to fly ins because they have become the wild west. Too many people out there using very poor ADM.
Q: what is ADM?
@@mts592 guessing decision making
News flash: If you are going to this event at all, your priority is not safety. Why are you doing flybys at all? What is the point of that? It makes no sense from a safety standpoint. Probably the big risk is loss of control on landing or takeoff, midair collision on final, or similar. This is why 310 pilot's wife was so stressed out at Sun n Fun, and that was a controlled space. This type of event has an inherently higher risk profile. You might decide to go anyway, and that the fun is worth the risk. But most of GA is fundamentally a solution in search of a problem. When the benefit is minimal in any real sense, why take more risk than you absolutely have to? Get to where you are going, but maybe be honest about whether you need to be there at all. Even the name of this fly in would make me think twice. Reckless? Outlaw? Just the type of crowd I want to hang with!
@@mts592 aeronautical decision making
@@RevUnstableBoy Thanks
Thanks for posting this, Charlie. I love aviation, truly, and especially GA. This event, and I pray I’m wrong, is obviously headed for a disaster. I agree with many of the concerned comments so far. Recklaw is primed to be referred as “…the RECKLESS fly-in…” Not every stick in the air has their peeps on a swivel, and it’s only going to take ONE to put themselves and others on the opposite side of the grass.
Welcome to Reklaw
Ha, I was there at the same time as you...and thinking a lot of the same thoughts! Great job with your videos and your editing.
Thank you! What a rodeo!
Aww man...we were out there...woulda been cool to see you
There use to be a lot of grassroots flyins like this all over the country in the 70's, 80s and 90s. Many dued out.. Reklaw is still one of them going. However it risks being too popular and too big. EAA flyin originally in Rockford IL was a small deal in the 1970's. Now it's Airventure at Oshkosh.
Fortunately no big accidents I heard of at Reklaw. May be they should move to a bigger field? Get a temp tower and ground crew to direct traffic? Of course that may ruin the small grass roots vibe. There may be a point the owner pulls the plug.
How often are these events uncontrolled. Sounds like they need a airboss or ground crew or something if pedestrians and aircraft are mixing.
My buddy flies no radio always in his Champ, and is really comfortable, me not so much, I am always on the radio when I fly. Looked like a fun but busy event.
I flew into Reklaw almost every year for many years. It requires some common sense but can be done safely. The only incidents I’ve seen are a few airplanes getting bent on the ground from taxiing or from landing rollout miscalculations. As far as I know, in all the years (38?) of this event there have never been any midair collisions or airplane/pedestrian accidents. Have I seen some ridiculous and unnecessary actions by pilots and pedestrians, YES. However, next to AirVenture this is the most exciting aviation event I have witnessed or flown in. If you get a chance to go, do it, by plane or ground vehicle.
Is this the one Dan Gryder was talking about on one of his videos? I can't find the video but this looks familiar.
No, that was Arkanstol in Arkansas.
@@JohnChvatalGSTV Thanks!
I like that " Head on a swivel" classic
I’d like to start a fly in like this in Beaufort County, SC, located on the Atlantic coast.
Way to go slowing it down.👍
YOU are responsible for YOUR safety so great job seeing it that way then ACTING accordingly.
(Whenever I am about to proceed after thinking “it’s pretty low risk” i next ask myself, “Am I willing to bet my life on this?” Usually, I find that that there are a few more checks I can do to GUARANTEE that it is safe…which is clearly the preferred procedure.)
I would never fly in to an uncontrolled fly-in. Yikes. I might drive to one though.
Wow. 7 minutes and not a single unsafe thing happens in this clickbait. Just got back from OSH and thought this might give me some insight on Teklaw before I commit to this year. And nothing in this but a guy patting himself on the back for being safe (kinda table stakes, I thought)-but kudos on the 200+ graphic overlays and the big hand gestures. Thanks for wasting the time.
All those years of running the traffic pattern on the ultralight runway came flooding back to me. Not so hard to set up before anyone arrives. Get a crew that all is easy to identify. Put out a NOTAM. Don’t before someone mid-airs with someone else. N.E.OH Bob
This event seems like an attempt at the exercise of freedom which manifested instead as unnecessary boundary pushing.
As a motorcyclist, I get doing dangerous things just to know you can, but I don't do them around other people and especially not their kids.
Cool airplane bro!
Also, a crash in that confined space would probably sent chunks of airplane cartwheeling into the people lined up alongside the runway.
I'm going to my first fly-in Saturday. I'm a 20 hr student, and I'll either be flying with my instructor, or a couple thousand hour corporate pilot. Any other advice? (From anyone not just AA) Thanks everyone, and happy flying.
I haven’t been to a fly in at a grass strip like this one, but I’ve been to plenty at small, non-towered fields. They’re lots of fun, and it’s great hanging out with other people that love talking about airplanes and flying. It’s a great occasion to see some cool airplanes, learn a thing or two, and listen to some fun stories.
That said, it can get dangerous IF you don’t pay attention! I can’t stress enough about how important it is to pay attention to everything that is going on. I was number 1 in sequence waiting to takeoff, and before I took the runway, I heard a guy say he was on a 3 mile final for a low approach to the opposite runway I was going to take off from. I didn’t know exactly where he was, so I asked if he was going to minimums, or at pattern altitude, and he just said “low approach.” I had a passenger with me, and there was no way I was going to take up a kid excited to fly just to get a face full of airplane. I couldn’t see the approach because he didn’t have his landing lights on, so I didn’t see him until he was 100 ft over the runway. Then after he departed, I visually checked the other aircraft in the pattern (on the runway we were actively using) to the radio calls being made. After I could account for where everyone was, we took off and had a nice flight. Then, of course, re entering the pattern was fine, but after we were established in the pattern with two other aircraft, some dickhead called base for- you guessed it- the opposite runway that the other 3 aircraft were using. Another aircraft that was already en route heard his radio call and got confused with which runway was active at the field. This smartass piped up with, “well, technically, you can use whichever runway you want at a non towered field,” and maybe I should have stayed quiet, but I didn’t, and I told him, “technically sure, but you’re still an asshole making the pattern unsafe. Don’t be a douchebag, and join the pattern like a regular person.” (I’ve been debriefed on being aggressive, but I don’t have time for that unsafe nonsense in the air) he didn’t respond on the radio, nor did he touch down. He just flew over using the active runway and left.
Not as bad as the Texas fly in, but it can still get weird. Stay aware of your surroundings, and pay attention to the radio and the aircraft in the pattern. If it makes the hair on your neck stand up, don’t do it. Otherwise, as long as you take care to be safe, they’re loads of fun!
Be the first one there.
Exciting stuff! Try to brief the airport as best you can... sometimes certain fly-ins will even publish specific arrival instructions to accommodate for the heavy flow of traffic. Then once you're getting close, just be really focused on traffic separation. If you don't like what you see, wait a few minutes and try again.
@@0rcsapo_ Good for you, speaking up. When arseholes are in the area, someone has to be the Adult.
This is the first year i miss edReklaw in probably 25 years.
You should’ve came are you probably was 3 years ago when everything was so muddy.
One of the great things about my plane is I can fly so slow but it doesn’t really bother me that much, but the bad thing about it is it flies too slow i’m generally in everybody’s way. That zenith 701 of mine just puts a long
I remember four or five years ago that twin engine that went down in the lake at the end of the runway.
Hey I was there too!
So there's nobody doing at least advisory at these fly-ins? There should have been at least some sort of a "low cost airboss" to ensure safety.
Even at "non towered" airports/airdromes here in Romania, when having a Fly-in, we have a guy/girl doing what we call "flight control". They're somewhat similar to an airboss and they're someone with the greatest flying experience or great knowledge of the area and he "clears" take-offs/landings based on his situational awareness.
This prevents people starting up and not knowing if/wheather there are others in the pattern/approach.
Even if it's not a "tower" per se, the "flight control" person acts as an ATC and kind of helps out with the situational awareness of everybody + safety of everybody.
When there's so much traffic I believe it's best to have someone tone people down on the frequncy :)).
In several consecutive years attending this... this was the first year i didnt clearly notice anyone acting in this capacity. In years past, they have had a guy on about a 12 foot tall deck type tower with a radio giving at lest some kind of assistance in spotting folks and keeping people waiting for takeoff advised of final being clear etc. i didnt notice that this year.
They always seem to have that guy in the "tower" calling advisories at Reklaw. In 30 plus years the worst incidents have been folks running off the end into the lake. Or a gear collapse on a Vans..etc.
Head on a swivel, yep. Talk on the radio, Yep. Listen on the raido, Yep.
One thing I've noticed with several of my flying friends is that their ego exceeds their judgment.
What’s the ICAO code of the field. I need to try this in my flight simulator. Thanks
It's a private airstrip with no ICAO identifier called The Flying M Ranch. There is a designator of 7TA7 that might work for you.
I heard rek law was pretty reckless this year.
So all that traffic and no coordination? I know it's not a controlled airport but for a big event there should be some form of control. I can't believe that's happening.
Imagine flying a nose wheel Cessna and even entertaining the idea that you were getting the thumbs up for your "cool" plane at a backcountry type fly-in lol
One thing I have noticed is people doing low passes and take-offs with smoke on!! That doesn’t impress anybody but fills the air with oil, people are relaxing, eating and drinking, no consideration.
Charlie, nothing unsafe happened at Reklaw unless you count the 4-wheelers screaming around the trails at night, in the dark, and running over the runway signs. Last year was the same with one of them flipping over and hurting the passenger. The pace is set by experienced pilots, and if you don't have the experience to keep up, you slow down and wait for a spot to enter the pattern, which you did. And did well, or you'd still be picking up pieces. Truth is, with pilots constantly looking around themselves, for 37 yrs. now, it's probably safer than Oshkosh. And your version of unsafe is another pilot's "meh...no biggie". Obviously, you would not be a good candidate for air racing, formation flying, or NASCAR.
I love your videos very inspiring and very very helpful I wish there was a way for me to direct message you I would love to speak on the phone and ask you some questions and get your thoughts on how I can achieve my pilot dream I’m very thankful for your videos
Hell no. Im never going to go into a wildwest fly-in like this,.
The windows work every time they are used
Most R/C fly-ins have better safety protocols than this event.
Oshkosh and Sun-n-fun are bad enough. That sounds like a complete cluster f**k.
I have friends who went.
They own airplanes, but refused to fly in because of the trend of increasing unsafe flying in the pattern.
If this narcissistic behavior continues, there's going to be a mass casualty event at that event.
FLY WITH NO FEAR! THERE ARE NO COWARDS IN HEAVEN! REV21.8
Whoever runs that gathering needs to pull their head outta their a$$ and maintain some flightline integrity. Dogs and people strolling across the runway during heated operations? Just plain dumb.
I'm alittle to uncomfortable for that type a thing. After 45 yrs. Of Rock n Roll crowds and the crazieness that was, I'll Pass on that. 😏
Nope. Nope. Nope. Not for me. Chaos.
I saw the same crap at Concrete, WA. Part of the problem is other pilots who don't hold the bozos accountable.
Sounds like they should pay the FAA for an air Traffic Controller to come in and make it a class D for the day. This is a disaster waiting to happen… collision on the runway, aircraft goes into crowed, kills 10 people, that would make national headlines…
Dude. Decaf.
HEY...IF YOU WANT TO SEE HOW YOU LOOK AND SOUND WHEN YOU ARE DRUNK...PLAY IT AT 0.25
If this fly in is as large at it sounds why don’t they a temporary tower? Sounds foolish!
I can't stand self-appointed orange vest marshals. No different than another driver waving you through in a limited visibility automobile traffic situation. I always ignore people like that.
The guys mouth is more dangerous than the flying
Reklaw or reckless??? the more I hear of this, it just seems like a tragedy is waiting to happen. If someone so stable and conservative like you also feel that urge to go wild come on to you.. I can only imagine how some others would actually behave...
That doesn't sound fun at all.
anyone who does not believe in God has never been to a busy fly in.
Holy shit man, take a pill and slow down.
If a single pilot had to abort a takeoff because someone walked across the runway, the event should have immediately been shut down.
People get a pilot’s license then they realize they don’t have any place to go so they make places up….
you talk way too fast for me.
Not sure what to think here. But maybe you should have talked to the Reklaw folks before posting this video.
Looks like you should have taken more video while you were there. It was pretty obvious you just used the same clips multiple times and tried to hide it by mirroring them.
Clearly you missed the point of this video lol
He does that a lot but the information is always worth it.
Reklaw regular here. Stay in your lane, let people have fun and don't post videos pissing on the event. if you dont like it, then dont come out. It's that simple.
True... the only thing I saw that was reckless were the people crossing the Active. All else looked like good fun.