Awesome job on passing your check ride Steve! And thanks for taking us along for the ride. This video really came through and I could certainly feel the emotion. Good job and keep doing what you obviously love doing! You got a new patreon subscriber. Cheers
Imagine what it would have even like to see your grandfather flying, on film. Now realize, YOUR grandchildren WILL be able to see you doing just that. The legacy you have continued is truly amazing. You’re a true spirt of the skies. Well done Steve. We are very proud you and thank to your family for your grandfathers service.
Dude I was crying by the start of your solo! That is your Heritage, and your Destiny. A WARBIRD PILOT. Your Grandfather would've been proud! Thank You!
My grandfather was an USAAF instructor pilot at Warner Robbins Airfield beginning in March of 1942 and I completely understand how special this flight was. Congrats and keep going. Btw, he flew the same aircraft but he called it the Texan. One of my grandmother's favorite stories about his flying days was when he snuck her onto the airbase and she got into the front seat in the hangar so no one would see her get in. Imagine our families suprise when Pearl Harbor came out. My Grandfather was killed in a tractor accident when my Father was 12 and sadly I never met him, but from what I hear he was one hell of a guy and I apparently take after him a bunch. My father received his Commercial in 1968 and became an instructor that year. He stopped flying in the early 80's but my brother and nephew have carried on the family tradition of flying and I hope to soon start my training for private. Funny side note, my grandfather learned how to fly as a teenager in the 20's when a barnstormer was forced to put down on our hay field and they worked out a deal where the barnstormer could have room and board if he taught me grandfather to fly. My Grandfather was in his early 30's when the war started and joined up in Dec of 1941 after Pearl Harbor but was deemed to old to go fight and was asked to train the kids who would.
I can only imaging the feeling, My grandpa passed away before i was born but he was a pilot in the navy and trained on the T-28. Ive been able to track down the specific plane he trained on, and one of my long term goals is to learn to fly, purchase said plane and have it restored.
The thought crossed my mind that you are one lucky SOB. But then I realized that doesn't give you the credit you deserve. You earned the hell out of not only these flights but everything that got you to this point. Yes, I envy you. But I also respect the hell out of you and what you have accomplished. Well done sir. Keep up the good work.
HighFlight2k2 i second this and want to say to ste he was my inspiration to move and go to flight school i owe credit and gratitude for ste and his words of support to me as i thought it over and sought funding help
As a truck driver of several decades, I love the “funnel” to add engine oil. There is great value in a cut-off oil jug that has just the right shape and size for the job, especially one that allows you use both hands for pouring.
Awesome job, and your grandpas is watching I believe that with all my heart. To him and all the others who served, Thank you for your service. God Bless.
Well done. My late Father learned to fly on a T-6, he was scared to death of the airplane and didn't think he would ever make a pilot. His flight instructor one day told him: "Make one touch and go, then go around and land, come to a full stop. He did. The instructor got out, leaned over into the front pit and told my dad "Cadet, you do the same thing again, I will be sitting over there by the runway, come back and pick me up once you have solo'ed, we aren't going back to the base until you do, that is an order". My dad did as ordered. At the end, the instructor go up, walked over to the aircraft, shook his hand, and got in the rear pit and said "Okay pilot, take us home". My dad kept flying, retired 28 years later as a Lt. Col rated a flight instructor on C-130s.
Those instructors were badass dudes. They had to let young kids make mistakes, potentially deadly ones, so they could learn exactly how it’s done, and they had to push them hard in stressful situations, sometimes screaming at them from the back seat, all in the name of hopefully keeping them alive as they went off to serve. It can’t have been easy to know in your heart how many might not come back, and wonder if you gave them everything they needed. Perspective is everything.
@flightchops, i've watched a good many of your films while prepping for my return to the skies after life got in the way for nearly 20 years. this one really made me smile. Thanks for allowing us to come along.
Congratulations on soloing the Harvard MK 4! They are wonderful birds, I owned three of them in years past, really enjoyed them. The MK 4 was license built by Canadian Car and Foundry in the early to mid 1950z, the last of the T-6 aircraft, and the most advanced, with a full time automatic hydraulic system and other improvements. The backwards.mixture control takes a bit of getting used to, and constant vigilance. A very honest airplane, great in the air, just remember there is 6000 lbs of airplane trying to pass itself on the runway! Enjoy your time in it, your grandfather would be proud of you.
James Nelson have to ask: having had the Harvard / Texan experience....what r you flying now?? can I venture a guess?? T-28 or a T 34?!?! and do you need a hangar rat?? LOL
No, currently flying a 1959 Cessna 310C. Faster, also has its own challenging aspects (even after 20 years of ownership), just a slightly different kind of fun, but a bit more practical. I've flown other military aircraft over the years, including a Stearman, T-28A, T-28B, and several P-51s. Actually flew 51s before I had the T-6s. All we're good flying birds. Oh yeah, also two T-34s back when I worked for the FAA at Edwards AFB, nice airplanes, but really a two place Bonanza, but a bit slower. Of course, as my late brother would say, the T-28 and T-34 have the tail wheel at the writing end. There are a few drawbacks to flying a T-6, though - limited baggage space, if you drop something, like a pen, it goes to the belly of the beast, you burn lots of fuel, and there is no such thing as a quick turn, everyone on the field comes out to see and pet it (always fun, but adds a lot of time to any trips).
It's mesmerizing and almost unbelievable how the quality of your videos not only doesn't drop, but never even as the same as the previous one. ALWAYS better than the one before. Ron's influence could be felt from here! Congratulations for the fabulous personal achievement.
When I looked at your grandfathers picture I could see your grandfathers spirit in you. I don’t fly planes or anything I just admire your dedication and humility. The dedication a care you take in flying is truly inspiring. Wishing you love honour and respect. ✈️🧘♂️✈️🧘♂️✈️🧘♂️
Congratulations !! My father was a T-6 pilot at the Brazilian Air Force and we are very much in love with this aircraft. I was thrilled with your soil and your grandfather, without a doubt, is very happy !!! Congratulations again
So proud of you Steve......that would have been a tough one for you with Grampa in your corner.....This would be a stellar moment for him! Congratulations!!!
What an amazing video! Definitely appreciate how real you are with us to let us in on your experience. I'm sure your grandfather is proud of you. He was riding along in the backseat the whole time🙏
Getting really dusty in here...great job Chops! I remember a few months ago when my Grandma told me for the first time that her dad, my great grandpa, had his own airplane back in the day, and how proud he would have been of my accomplishments. I never met my great grandpa, but that connection to him made me emotional as well.
This one really touches close to home for me. I'm starting to prep to get my PPL, also inspired completely by my grandpa, who flew in the Army Air Corp in WWII, and was a well-known instructor in his area. I would really love to do something like this in his honour.
Well done. One of my all time favorite Aircraft is the Harvard as we called them in South Africa. Unmistakable roar from that engine and prop tips breaking the sound barrier as they roll and loop etc. I am sure grandpa was sitting in the back seat with your solo smiling.
I think this is now my favourite video on this channel. Congratulations on this milestone you achieved. MAD respect for the work you and organizations like ch2a do to keep this pieces of history flying high. Cheers!
What an awesome accomplishment and a great tribute to your grandfather! Looking forward to the time you shut down a Spitfire and reflect on that accomplishment. Nicely done!
Steve! Wonderful tribute to Grampa. My eyes watered over at the end with yours. Grampa was a fine looking young man. Ever notice that all of our WWII vets all seem to jump out at us in those old black and whites? I have my pop's photos from that time period (Pacific Theatre - WWII) in my office. I talk to him through them.
This is great; my dad trained on a Harvard in 1941 T Grosse Ile in 1941 as a RAF cadet along with a batch of about 50 young men that were sent for training. America was not in the war and they were issued with civilian suits! No one passed and he went onto train as a navigator in 267 Pegasus squadron.
That is so awesome, you have no idea how blessed you are to be able to experience flying the T-6 solo, something most of us can only dream of... thanks so much for sharing, I am sure your Gran Pa is very proud of you. Great job Steve. Well done.
This is awesome. I'm getting ready for my private pilot checkride, and it's really cool seeing someone with all the time flying that you have still experiencing the same emotions with a new challenge that I'm feeling now! Awesome job.
Great job man... got tears on my eyes. It has been an emotional journey that you have shared with us and I feel that we all have been in there with you. Congratulations, man!
A nice tribute mate. My grandfather also inspired me in aviation and shortly I'll be heading from Australia to the U.S to finish my commercial. Sadly he wasn't able to see me complete my dream but he new I'd get there. Clear sky's.
FlightChops as soon as you mentioned him he was with you the solo was NOT alone steve your grandad was back seat with you i know as a medium and learner pilot
Well done..! Can't thank you enough for documenting your journey for others to learn from. The impact of FlightChops videos makes on kids would be tough to measure but very important. Quite an education. Makes one really appreciate the dedication it takes not only to be a pilot but all the different ratings to earn & maintain along the way. Best wishes in your continued flying career!
I know this is some time ago now but congratulations and nice job. What a feeling that must have been. I remember my first solo in a 152 and that was an incredible feeling but in Harvard, very envious. I am certain your Grandpa would be VERY proud of you.
I also had a grandfather that flew in WWII. He wasn't a pilot but was a crew member. It's why I fly as an air crew member with the Civil Air Patrol. I teared up when you talked about your grandfather. I know the feeling.
My dad also flew the spitfire in north Africa and Italy 1944 with the US army air Corps. He later transitioned to the P51.He had a lot of interaction with the British and Canadian pilots. I get emotional when I think about it too.
As a third generation pilot and someone that has leaned on my Dad and Grandpa for aviation guidance, wisdom, and instruction, I fully felt the raw emotion in this video. Fantastic job, what a great accomplishment! I've enjoyed watching your journey through aviation and can only imagine how much higher you will go! Keep the great videos coming and as my Grandpa would always say, "Happy Landings."
Welp... I’ve got a new Flight Chops video now. Beautiful job balancing the nerdy stuff w the personal. Fantastic job, and incredible job on the video. Congrats on such a milestone achievement on your way to the Spit!
damn... this vid hit me right in the feels. Awesome story, thanks for sharing it. And those were some awesome landings. I'll have a beer in your grandfather's memory tonight. cheers.
Yeah man, all the feels. You totally nailed that flight. And i'd be a liar if i didn't half join you with a small teary eye. Frickin so well deserved, and a lovely reverent way of acknowledging your grand fathers service.
Thank you so much for showing us amazing videos constantly of you flying! It's amazing to see you so passionate about something like flying and following through with your love for the sky! Your grandpa is proud.
Congrats Steve, that is obviously up there with the best and certainly most emotional flying you have done. Thank you kindly for sharing it. Another milestone along the way to your ultimate goal. One that a bunch of us share but you are living. Cheers Jards
Congratulations Steve, what a great video and a fantastic achievement. My dad learned to fly in the RAF in the Harvard (actually starting off in a Tiger Moth) and we have photos of him flying in formation with other Harvards over Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). It was pretty emotional watching your video and imagining how he felt around this time. Thanks for some excellent content. Keep up the good work!
Congratulations man! I'll be honest, there were some tears running from my eyes at the end of the video. Another great video! You could see that this meant a lot to you. Once again, congratulations!
After following this channel for a while now and learning about the goal to fly a warbird and then this great episode... I reeeaaallly am happy for you FlightChops! This gave me the goosebumps! Congrats!
Congratulations. Its awesome to have you as part of our flight community at the CH2A. You are truly inspiring the next generation of aviators. Almost all of the new ground school class at the WFC has been watching your videos. You are having a profound impact on this and the next generation. Lead the way my friend I start chipmunk training in 20 more hours. See you around the hanger.
Congratulations, Steve. What a wonderful way to honor your Grampa. Emotions tend to run higher when first soloing a significantly higher performance/difficulty plane than ever before. Felt that way when first soloing my RV-8. I'm grateful just to be back safely on the ground. Love your videos. Keep up the great work.
Fantastic! I’m really happy for you and truly understand and appreciate the tie to your grandpa. I’m sitting here having morning coffee before I head out to my own flight training and I’ll be thinking about my father who was a B24 pilot in WWII.
Great job and congratulations on your solo! I even got emotional myself, for you see, my own grandfather was a WWII flight instructor in the AT-6 Texan (as we call it in the US). My grandfather is now 97 but I was fortunate to go flying with him in a T6 about 25 years ago and loved every minute. Once we got in the air, he asked me "what do you want to do?" I replied, "you are the flight instructor so, give me your demonstration you would to a new student." And so he did. We did, barrel rolls, chandelles, yo-yos, and just about any other maneuver you can think of. It was fantastic and I will never forget it. When my grandfather got home that night, my grandmother asked him how the flight went, he told her that he could hear my excitement over all the sound in the cockpit, and you know how loud that is. She then said, "well, I guess you all had fun." Thanks for sharing.
Congrats on your T6 Solo Chops!!! You really buttered the bread on your solo landing. Your Grampa was an inspiration not only for you but for all of us. Cheers:)
I have full confidence that your grandpa was in the back seat. The little extra light in the cabin you might have noticed, was the shine off his great big smile. Great job, and very inspirational.
This is my favorite of all your episodes -- ever ! Congratulations on your fantastic achievement dedicated to Grandpa. Your emotion is contagious. I felt it throughout. Loved the shot where you turned the Harvard at the beginning of your solo taxi. Hats off to your production team as well, for a superb job telling this story.
Congratulations and what wonderful videos you are presenting us! July 6, 2019 I had my first flight in the Harvard B182 of the KLuHV (Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht / Royal Airforce Historical Flight), Gilse Rijen Airfield, The Netherlands. Being no pilot it was a dream come true. Hoping you will inspire others to preserve the old birds and if possible keep them flying.
Congratulations sir. You already earned my respect all that time ago when I subscribed but this kind of video makes me happy to be able to follow you around in all your adventures.
Awesome job on passing your check ride Steve! And thanks for taking us along for the ride. This video really came through and I could certainly feel the emotion.
Good job and keep doing what you obviously love doing!
You got a new patreon subscriber.
Cheers
Thanks - it was a tough balance to maintain the usual level of “nerdy avgeek immersion” while also telling such a deeply personal story.
FlightChops well you nailed it.
I forgot to mention that I have no doubt in my mind that you will fly a Spitfire one day.
who else got teary eyed when he talked about his grandpa at the end
I got tears in my eyes Steve when you said „alright grandpa“ ! So emotional! LOVE IT!!!!
Me too
Thanks for sharing your journey, Steve. You did Grandpa proud.
Imagine what it would have even like to see your grandfather flying, on film. Now realize, YOUR grandchildren WILL be able to see you doing just that. The legacy you have continued is truly amazing. You’re a true spirt of the skies. Well done Steve. We are very proud you and thank to your family for your grandfathers service.
Amazing insight there - I had not thought of that - the legacy will live on!
Congratulations Steve, great job and an awesome achievement!! Your grandpa would be proud! Keep them coming and safe skies!
Dude I was crying by the start of your solo! That is your Heritage, and your Destiny. A WARBIRD PILOT. Your Grandfather would've been proud! Thank You!
Thanks! This has been an amazing journey, and I am happy to share it
My grandfather was an USAAF instructor pilot at Warner Robbins Airfield beginning in March of 1942 and I completely understand how special this flight was. Congrats and keep going. Btw, he flew the same aircraft but he called it the Texan. One of my grandmother's favorite stories about his flying days was when he snuck her onto the airbase and she got into the front seat in the hangar so no one would see her get in. Imagine our families suprise when Pearl Harbor came out. My Grandfather was killed in a tractor accident when my Father was 12 and sadly I never met him, but from what I hear he was one hell of a guy and I apparently take after him a bunch. My father received his Commercial in 1968 and became an instructor that year. He stopped flying in the early 80's but my brother and nephew have carried on the family tradition of flying and I hope to soon start my training for private.
Funny side note, my grandfather learned how to fly as a teenager in the 20's when a barnstormer was forced to put down on our hay field and they worked out a deal where the barnstormer could have room and board if he taught me grandfather to fly. My Grandfather was in his early 30's when the war started and joined up in Dec of 1941 after Pearl Harbor but was deemed to old to go fight and was asked to train the kids who would.
I can only imaging the feeling, My grandpa passed away before i was born but he was a pilot in the navy and trained on the T-28. Ive been able to track down the specific plane he trained on, and one of my long term goals is to learn to fly, purchase said plane and have it restored.
I recently saw a t28 such an iconic warbird🙂👍👍👍
Sounds so beautiful to hear that good ol piston popper
The thought crossed my mind that you are one lucky SOB. But then I realized that doesn't give you the credit you deserve. You earned the hell out of not only these flights but everything that got you to this point. Yes, I envy you. But I also respect the hell out of you and what you have accomplished. Well done sir. Keep up the good work.
I really appreciate this feed back. I definitely feel lucky, but no doubt it has been a lot of work maintaining the constant “grind” to get here
HighFlight2k2 i second this and want to say to ste he was my inspiration to move and go to flight school i owe credit and gratitude for ste and his words of support to me as i thought it over and sought funding help
As a truck driver of several decades, I love the “funnel” to add engine oil. There is great value in a cut-off oil jug that has just the right shape and size for the job, especially one that allows you use both hands for pouring.
Awesome job, and your grandpas is watching I believe that with all my heart. To him and all the others who served, Thank you for your service. God Bless.
Well done. My late Father learned to fly on a T-6, he was scared to death of the airplane and didn't think he would ever make a pilot.
His flight instructor one day told him: "Make one touch and go, then go around and land, come to a full stop. He did. The instructor got out, leaned over into the front pit and told my dad "Cadet, you do the same thing again, I will be sitting over there by the runway, come back and pick me up once you have solo'ed, we aren't going back to the base until you do, that is an order".
My dad did as ordered. At the end, the instructor go up, walked over to the aircraft, shook his hand, and got in the rear pit and said "Okay pilot, take us home".
My dad kept flying, retired 28 years later as a Lt. Col rated a flight instructor on C-130s.
Great story - thanks for sharing
Those instructors were badass dudes. They had to let young kids make mistakes, potentially deadly ones, so they could learn exactly how it’s done, and they had to push them hard in stressful situations, sometimes screaming at them from the back seat, all in the name of hopefully keeping them alive as they went off to serve. It can’t have been easy to know in your heart how many might not come back, and wonder if you gave them everything they needed. Perspective is everything.
@flightchops, i've watched a good many of your films while prepping for my return to the skies after life got in the way for nearly 20 years.
this one really made me smile. Thanks for allowing us to come along.
Bravo Steve! Thank you as always for sharing your adventure.
Congratulations on soloing the Harvard MK 4! They are wonderful birds, I owned three of them in years past, really enjoyed them. The MK 4 was license built by Canadian Car and Foundry in the early to mid 1950z, the last of the T-6 aircraft, and the most advanced, with a full time automatic hydraulic system and other improvements. The backwards.mixture control takes a bit of getting used to, and constant vigilance. A very honest airplane, great in the air, just remember there is 6000 lbs of airplane trying to pass itself on the runway! Enjoy your time in it, your grandfather would be proud of you.
James Nelson
have to ask: having had the Harvard / Texan experience....what r you flying now?? can I venture a guess??
T-28 or a T 34?!?!
and do you need a hangar rat?? LOL
No, currently flying a 1959 Cessna 310C. Faster, also has its own challenging aspects (even after 20 years of ownership), just a slightly different kind of fun, but a bit more practical. I've flown other military aircraft over the years, including a Stearman, T-28A, T-28B, and several P-51s. Actually flew 51s before I had the T-6s. All we're good flying birds. Oh yeah, also two T-34s back when I worked for the FAA at Edwards AFB, nice airplanes, but really a two place Bonanza, but a bit slower. Of course, as my late brother would say, the T-28 and T-34 have the tail wheel at the writing end. There are a few drawbacks to flying a T-6, though - limited baggage space, if you drop something, like a pen, it goes to the belly of the beast, you burn lots of fuel, and there is no such thing as a quick turn, everyone on the field comes out to see and pet it (always fun, but adds a lot of time to any trips).
Very emotional, well done, Grandpa would rightly be very proud of his Grandson.
It's mesmerizing and almost unbelievable how the quality of your videos not only doesn't drop, but never even as the same as the previous one. ALWAYS better than the one before.
Ron's influence could be felt from here! Congratulations for the fabulous personal achievement.
Absolutely fantastic. Congrats. I know you're Grandpa is proud of you.
When I looked at your grandfathers picture I could see your grandfathers spirit in you.
I don’t fly planes or anything I just admire your dedication and humility.
The dedication a care you take in flying is truly inspiring.
Wishing you love honour and respect.
✈️🧘♂️✈️🧘♂️✈️🧘♂️
Proud of you Steve.
Quite the adventure.
THANK-YOU for taking us along
HARVARD 👍
Congratulations !! My father was a T-6 pilot at the Brazilian Air Force and we are very much in love with this aircraft. I was thrilled with your soil and your grandfather, without a doubt, is very happy !!! Congratulations again
One of the most beautiful aviation pieces I've ever seen. Congratulations and tremendous respect. What a perfect way to honor your grandfather.
So proud of you Steve......that would have been a tough one for you with Grampa in your corner.....This would be a stellar moment for him! Congratulations!!!
Epic Video! You and that T6 just seem to fit together. So cool to see you flying it all by yourself.
Thanks buddy!
The steves are the best at av vlogs!!
I'd love to watch you take Steveo up for a flight....
get steve in the harvard pls!!!!!!
@@kylehecker8970 yaasssss! Totally!!
Awesome videos. Brought back my experiences in sequential checkouts and my emotional reactions with each. Thank you so much.
What an amazing video! Definitely appreciate how real you are with us to let us in on your experience. I'm sure your grandfather is proud of you. He was riding along in the backseat the whole time🙏
Getting really dusty in here...great job Chops! I remember a few months ago when my Grandma told me for the first time that her dad, my great grandpa, had his own airplane back in the day, and how proud he would have been of my accomplishments. I never met my great grandpa, but that connection to him made me emotional as well.
This one really touches close to home for me. I'm starting to prep to get my PPL, also inspired completely by my grandpa, who flew in the Army Air Corp in WWII, and was a well-known instructor in his area. I would really love to do something like this in his honour.
So proud of your hard work & honoring your grandpa! Excellent!!
Awesome job Steve, great vibes in the video. I could feel those emotions! Congratulations!
Well done. One of my all time favorite Aircraft is the Harvard as we called them in South Africa. Unmistakable roar from that engine and prop tips breaking the sound barrier as they roll and loop etc. I am sure grandpa was sitting in the back seat with your solo smiling.
I think this is now my favourite video on this channel. Congratulations on this milestone you achieved. MAD respect for the work you and organizations like ch2a do to keep this pieces of history flying high.
Cheers!
What an awesome accomplishment and a great tribute to your grandfather! Looking forward to the time you shut down a Spitfire and reflect on that accomplishment. Nicely done!
Congratulations Steve. You are living the dream for many of us. Your grandpa would be proud.
Happy to share the process
Congrats Steve! You did it. Grandpa would be very proud. Great video.
So beautiful! My grandpa is the only reason why i'm flying today, i know exactly how you're feeling.
Chops, you made Grampa proud and made us cry with tears of happiness for you! Thank you for sharing this most personal and meaningful video to date.
Steve! Wonderful tribute to Grampa. My eyes watered over at the end with yours. Grampa was a fine looking young man. Ever notice that all of our WWII vets all seem to jump out at us in those old black and whites? I have my pop's photos from that time period (Pacific Theatre - WWII) in my office. I talk to him through them.
This is great; my dad trained on a Harvard in 1941 T Grosse Ile in 1941 as a RAF cadet along with a batch of about 50 young men that were sent for training. America was not in the war and they were issued with civilian suits! No one passed and he went onto train as a navigator in 267 Pegasus squadron.
Congrats Steve! You worked hard for this, we're all proud of you. Great Job! Excited for what's to come!
Amazing! Can't wait to see you solo the Spitfire!
That is so awesome, you have no idea how blessed you are to be able to experience flying the T-6 solo, something most of us can only dream of... thanks so much for sharing, I am sure your Gran Pa is very proud of you. Great job Steve. Well done.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I saw the T6 taxing back in that sunset with one pilot and it had to be you. Good job Steve glad you did it and cheers to Grandpa
This is awesome. I'm getting ready for my private pilot checkride, and it's really cool seeing someone with all the time flying that you have still experiencing the same emotions with a new challenge that I'm feeling now! Awesome job.
Great job man... got tears on my eyes. It has been an emotional journey that you have shared with us and I feel that we all have been in there with you.
Congratulations, man!
This was easily one of my favorite videos of yours, Steve. Also the one I anticipated the most! Great job and you are an inspiration!
Happy to inspire :)
Congratulations! Thank you for inviting us on your journey to this awesome moment in your life.
A nice tribute mate. My grandfather also inspired me in aviation and shortly I'll be heading from
Australia to the U.S to finish my commercial. Sadly he wasn't able to see me complete my dream but he new
I'd get there. Clear sky's.
Congrats Steve!! What an awesome achievement!! I know your grandfather is proud and was with you the whole time!!
I totally felt his presence, and I am not exactly a spiritual guy
FlightChops as soon as you mentioned him he was with you the solo was NOT alone steve your grandad was back seat with you i know as a medium and learner pilot
Absolutely amazing video Chops. Huge salute and respect to your grandfather, maybe you can even eventually fly a Spit like he did.
Congratulations Steve! What a beautiful video! Good job!
Well done..! Can't thank you enough for documenting your journey for others to learn from. The impact of FlightChops videos makes on kids would be tough to measure but very important. Quite an education. Makes one really appreciate the dedication it takes not only to be a pilot but all the different ratings to earn & maintain along the way. Best wishes in your continued flying career!
I know this is some time ago now but congratulations and nice job. What a feeling that must have been. I remember my first solo in a 152 and that was an incredible feeling but in Harvard, very envious. I am certain your Grandpa would be VERY proud of you.
Congratulations
I also had a grandfather that flew in WWII. He wasn't a pilot but was a crew member. It's why I fly as an air crew member with the Civil Air Patrol. I teared up when you talked about your grandfather. I know the feeling.
My dad also flew the spitfire in north Africa and Italy 1944 with the US army air Corps. He later transitioned to the P51.He had a lot of interaction with the British and Canadian pilots. I get emotional when I think about it too.
Congratulations!!!!!!! I am sure your grandfather is proud!
That “good job flight chops” hit me right in the feels… wow.
As a third generation pilot and someone that has leaned on my Dad and Grandpa for aviation guidance, wisdom, and instruction, I fully felt the raw emotion in this video. Fantastic job, what a great accomplishment! I've enjoyed watching your journey through aviation and can only imagine how much higher you will go! Keep the great videos coming and as my Grandpa would always say, "Happy Landings."
Awesome - thanks
Welp... I’ve got a new Flight Chops video now. Beautiful job balancing the nerdy stuff w the personal. Fantastic job, and incredible job on the video. Congrats on such a milestone achievement on your way to the Spit!
I felt that emotion. My RAF flying instructor father flew a Harvard across Canada from Ganda to Calgary in 1940 to help teach flying.
damn... this vid hit me right in the feels. Awesome story, thanks for sharing it. And those were some awesome landings. I'll have a beer in your grandfather's memory tonight. cheers.
Hands down the best Flight Chops episode ever. Thank you. ✈✈✈😊
Fantastic job Steve! Loved the series, keep 'em coming - the balance is perfect.
Congratulations Steve. You rock, you're living my dream.
Yeah man, all the feels. You totally nailed that flight. And i'd be a liar if i didn't half join you with a small teary eye. Frickin so well deserved, and a lovely reverent way of acknowledging your grand fathers service.
Thanks
Well done Chops! Thanks for sharing. Truly inspiring stuff. Gramps would be proud!
Congratulations! What an awesome achievement in a pilots experience. Loved the greased landing.
Hard to put into words how special this one is. Well done. Well done.🙏
It’s lovely to see so many people who’s grandad is there inspiration. My grandad got my into Aviation and since then it’s been an obsession.
Thank you so much for showing us amazing videos constantly of you flying! It's amazing to see you so passionate about something like flying and following through with your love for the sky! Your grandpa is proud.
Congrats Steve, that is obviously up there with the best and certainly most emotional flying you have done. Thank you kindly for sharing it. Another milestone along the way to your ultimate goal. One that a bunch of us share but you are living.
Cheers
Jards
Congratulations Steve, what a great video and a fantastic achievement. My dad learned to fly in the RAF in the Harvard (actually starting off in a Tiger Moth) and we have photos of him flying in formation with other Harvards over Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). It was pretty emotional watching your video and imagining how he felt around this time. Thanks for some excellent content. Keep up the good work!
Congratulations man! I'll be honest, there were some tears running from my eyes at the end of the video. Another great video! You could see that this meant a lot to you. Once again, congratulations!
After following this channel for a while now and learning about the goal to fly a warbird and then this great episode...
I reeeaaallly am happy for you FlightChops! This gave me the goosebumps! Congrats!
Congrats man you EARNED that with a little help from above!
Congratulations. Its awesome to have you as part of our flight community at the CH2A. You are truly inspiring the next generation of aviators. Almost all of the new ground school class at the WFC has been watching your videos. You are having a profound impact on this and the next generation. Lead the way my friend I start chipmunk training in 20 more hours. See you around the hanger.
Awesome! It is cool to hear that! Looking forward to seeing more new yellow bird pilots!
Congratulations, Steve. What a wonderful way to honor your Grampa. Emotions tend to run higher when first soloing a significantly higher performance/difficulty plane than ever before. Felt that way when first soloing my RV-8. I'm grateful just to be back safely on the ground. Love your videos. Keep up the great work.
Thanks! And the RV-8 is an awesome plane!
Fantastic! I’m really happy for you and truly understand and appreciate the tie to your grandpa. I’m sitting here having morning coffee before I head out to my own flight training and I’ll be thinking about my father who was a B24 pilot in WWII.
Wow. I come for the flight content, but stay for the good feels. CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice one Steve...we’re all proud of you. Best wishes from the UK,
CH
Man that was amazing! Huge congratulations on this well deserved achievement, I can't wait to see what's next! (Also, great editing.)
Great job and congratulations on your solo! I even got emotional myself, for you see, my own grandfather was a WWII flight instructor in the AT-6 Texan (as we call it in the US). My grandfather is now 97 but I was fortunate to go flying with him in a T6 about 25 years ago and loved every minute. Once we got in the air, he asked me "what do you want to do?" I replied, "you are the flight instructor so, give me your demonstration you would to a new student." And so he did. We did, barrel rolls, chandelles, yo-yos, and just about any other maneuver you can think of. It was fantastic and I will never forget it. When my grandfather got home that night, my grandmother asked him how the flight went, he told her that he could hear my excitement over all the sound in the cockpit, and you know how loud that is. She then said, "well, I guess you all had fun." Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your story - that’s a pretty awesome thing you got to do with your grandfather!
Congrats on your T6 Solo Chops!!! You really buttered the bread on your solo landing. Your Grampa was an inspiration not only for you but for all of us. Cheers:)
Great achievement - kudos. :)
R.I.P. for Grampa. A great salute to him.
I have full confidence that your grandpa was in the back seat. The little extra light in the cabin you might have noticed, was the shine off his great big smile. Great job, and very inspirational.
I appreciate your words here
amazing job, glad all that work paid off and an awesome tribute to Grandpa! Cheers to many more accomplishments.
Great work Steve. Grandpa was sitting in back enjoying the ride! Thank for sharing. Salute! Carl Cgul
This is my favorite of all your episodes -- ever ! Congratulations on your fantastic achievement dedicated to Grandpa. Your emotion is contagious. I felt it throughout. Loved the shot where you turned the Harvard at the beginning of your solo taxi. Hats off to your production team as well, for a superb job telling this story.
Thanks - and yeah, JP did some great shooting for this one
Congratulations! It got emotional at the end, you did a great job! Now it's to find a Spitfire to fly.
Congrats. Thanks for sharing such a good personal experience. Grandpa would be proud!!
You the man Mr Chops.
You sir, are also the man! Can’t wait to compare notes on choppers - I am heading to that world soon.
@@FlightChops Whoa! Choppers? I will look forward to that bigtime.
Oh, wait. I see that comment was posted 3 years ago. Still, Choppers! :-)
Congratulations. You earned every bit. Even my Paw would be proud.
Your grandpa would be super proud.
I'll admit, I've got something stuck in my eye, this is wonderful.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Im not crying you're crying. Well done Chops
CONGRATULATIONS man! Been watching you for awhile now and this is amazing to experience with you.
Congratulations and what wonderful videos you are presenting us!
July 6, 2019 I had my first flight in the Harvard B182 of the KLuHV (Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht / Royal Airforce Historical Flight), Gilse Rijen Airfield, The Netherlands.
Being no pilot it was a dream come true. Hoping you will inspire others to preserve the old birds and if possible keep them flying.
Congratulations sir. You already earned my respect all that time ago when I subscribed but this kind of video makes me happy to be able to follow you around in all your adventures.
This was the best video you ever made. Beautifully done. You and the team deserve a pat on the back. Congrats on the solo!