Pilot induced oscillation - saved by my instructor

[@mikeyswingsacrossthesky2244]

A true reporter, we see warts and all. As difficult as it is Jon, you keep smiling through and it will come with flying it always does keep enjoying the hours as you get there!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Mikey.

[@fourcanaries4712]

I can proudly say that I did my ab initio flying training on one of those beasts. What you're going through brings so many fond memories flooding back. I solo'd on 18/11/1981 and will never forget that day because like you, I was dubious that I'd ever master her many foibles. You appear to be handling it with aplomb. Your instructor is a gem and like mine (back in 1981) so very patient. The Spammy lives up to her other (of many) moniker, "the pilot maker!" Enjoy this wonderful privilege. 👍

[@olkaa2471]

I have many hundreds take-offs and landings (and not only on official RWs) on my Tailly, but I never relax and take it for granted. It is like taming a tiger, wonderful to play with, but never turn your back or it gonna bite you where it's hurt.
The FI seems to know what he is doing and you got the right attitude.

[@kevchilton908]

As brutal and honest as ever, Jon. I loved that one 👌 👏👏

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Kevin.

[@dalesmith9865]

Joh: Welcome to the humbling world of WWII taildraggers. It's great of you to share all of your troubles and challenges. No doubt you'll learn to tame the beast.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I hope so Dale. Looking forward to returning to the Harvard this spring/summer.

[@thomasharris3189]

Thank you for another cracking video. You get right in to the bones of what humility is and in doing so you make us all safer pilots. From a flying point of view, while it won’t have felt good at the time, that may have been one of your ‘best’ lessons. When things all go to plan we don’t actually learn an awful lot, it’s only when things go wrong that the real lessons come out. One of my instructors once told me (after a similar caliber of lesson), that he always feels happier sending someone solo when he’s seen them cock it up, than someone who seems to get it all right first time.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Thomas. Nigel says the same.

[@amandastubbs1763]

Yes, my instructor said he has a young student that hasn't made any mistakes and it worries him. I have reassured him he won't have the same worry with me!

[@-DC-]

Superb footage really brings it home the learning curve on these 👍

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks for watching.

[@angelreading5098]

Well done Flying Reporter ! now we know why the Harvard was called the 'Pilot maker' ready to catch you out at any time it feels like,do not be too hard on yourself because this aeroplane takes time to get to know properly at the best of times and flying it will sharpen up your flying reflexes forever,I envy you being able to do this under the watchful eye of such a good instructor who shows such care for his pupils,the Harvard experience will always be with you thanks to this unique opportunity to get to grips with her.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you for the kind comments.

[@adrianarnold8554]

Looks like another fun lesson in the Harvard. Although you are privileged to fly such an iconic trainer, it's only through the sponsorship of your channel. A lot of what you're learning is applicable to anyone who is converting to a taildragger. The only 'real difference is yours is a bigger bird. Another great video.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you Adrian.

[@peterellison2220]

5:02 something about this shot is so mesmerizing

[@graemewilce3057]

Your doing alright me ol Mate, you'll be a harvard pilot yet I'm quite sure of it, your landings look great, so don't get over worried about that side of flying.......................

[@831BeachBum]

It's all about attitude for flying these machines before you get off the ground.
Heard twice that he was doubting himself.

[@MrHiboost95]

I grew up I around a 1943 86 Harvards gr mlllllllll

[@olifooks3457]

Bumped into Nigel yesterday while collecting my new TB10 - will have to get back there and have a go too looks great fun :-)

[@jonathanrichards7733]

This is GREAT Jon. Really good stuff! Informative, entertaining.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you Jonathan.

[@tasercs]

Considering we have all experienced days where what we are trying to accomplish seems an impossible dream and we really have to stick with it, why are relatively few UA-cam videos as genuine as your's Jon? Maybe people edit out the less than desirable bits a little more often than they should.
Every one of your videos has one overriding theme and that is honesty. You come across as genuinely wanting to share everything with us. So refreshing and so watchable.
Thanks

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you Craig - either I'm honest, or I make more mistakes than others!

[@darrenhillman8396]

Wow! Really enjoyed this!
That last landing looked to be a good three-pointer, too!
I can well imagine your mounting frustration and self-annoyance with your earlier bumps and skips, but look at what you have achieved thus far, don’t focus on errors.
Great instructor, too!
There is light at the end of the tunnel with the pandemic and we all look forward to seeing you back on your adventures in the Warrior.
But you have to keep flying this old bird too!
Best wishes form the Wirral.

[@johnthegreek7356]

Great video! I think we all have some of those days where everything is just going wrong. And we make mistake after mistake. Best thing you can do is a proper debrief and remember to correct your mistakes the next time!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Reviewing these videos is a great help for that.

[@chris-cole]

I think when we put expectation before reason and logic here, what we're seeing is the fact that you're putting a lot of pressure on yourself to get things right........ probably too soon. The art of learning a new craft is exactly that, a learning process. When I began driving HGV lorries, with an intensive course of 4-6 hr lessons, I too got flustered as my mental energy was drained in the latter parts of the lessons. You feel you can go downhill rather rapidly. BUT, and here is the BUT! ....you need to give yourself time. Remember how Richard Hammond came across as he's struggling to just drive an F1 car? The Pro's can do it so easily, and with extra capacity to chat to the put crew n stuff and have a cup of tea etc (OK, a drink but it's pumped) but give it time and you'll get there! It's just learning the sequence, the process. You did amazing Jon! Sometimes it's best to have a break at points like this, regroup, relax the mind a bit, then crack on 👍
Keep up the awesome work my friend! This really is amazing stuff!!

[@noneofyourbusiness5074]

I fly a taildragger, I have got 61hours of total flying time and I know the feeling of landing it on a crosswind, you think you gonna groundloop, get off the runway, break the plane, it really gives you anxiety!

[@richardweldon2062]

Just goes to show how tough those aircraft were to get to grips with. Bearing in mind that guys had to train on those back in the day and training time was pretty rapid. Absolutely brilliant trip John, you should be very proud. Flying is a massive learning curve.

[@JodelFlyer]

Excellent Jon. No editing cover ups just told the story of the flight ‘warts an all’ Looked like a handful but you still flew with a smile on your face! 👍👏

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Tim. I think the vid came out well. And the rolls at the end were the icing on the cake for me!

[@JoeRichardson02]

Looks pretty challenging Jon but that's where the best learning is so nice one :)

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Joe.

[@rossvlieger3278]

Jon, thank you so much for showing your not so good parts of training. I have just started my primary training and am flying in a J3 cub I have about 4 hours so far and find myself struggling a little (maybe more than a little) with the rudder control. It was refreshing to see someone else struggling a little as well. It amazes me how we know what to do but just can’t. Thanks again for being humble. Very refreshing. One thing is for sure I am enjoying the ride and I hope you are as well

[@jab2go69barrett8]

As a 16yo from Oxfordshire you’re an inspiration to all

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you for watching.

[@markk5764]

Great video Jon, don't be too hard on yourself - you only have to look at that aircraft to see it's going to be a challenge to fly! Make sure you remember to enjoy the training, at least you're not off to war when you complete it.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Mark.

[@chrisnelson2581]

I love that you captured the challenging parts as well as the fun. Great stuff thanks for sharing that.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Chris.

[@AlbaSkies]

Really took it to another level with this one Jon. I can tell this has taken a lot of production effort and love. Editing circuits to keep them interesting without being too repetitive is quite a challenge, but I can tell you that my attention didn’t leave the video once. I sensed the tension and jeopardy and was right on the edge of my seat. Look forward to the next one.

[@geoffmatthews8302]

I was grinning for you LOL!!

[@bazwabat1]

You can certainly see why they call the Harvard "The Pilot Maker". Always loved the Harvard, growing up seeing RNZAF Harvards circuit bashing at Wigram. And now we have several still flying in civilian hands. Love the colour scheme on this one!

[@adam_matthews]

Really great to see Duxford!! Growing up around it was amazing. Really excellent video, I've learned a lot from your videos and really enjoy your editing/delivery!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you Adam.

[@philiprossiter1287]

Good job! Fascinating to watch.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Glad you enjoyed that.

[@RoryOnAir]

Fabulous Jon. This looked like some really really challenging training. Plus a few mistakes make for great entertainment so it’s a win win!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Cheers Rory!

[@stuartessex4535]

Thanks Jon, and always for your honesty. You help us all learn a lot. You are doing fine, and as Nigel said you are still very new to the aircraft so dont beat yourself up, no need. If we were all perfect from the start we wouldnt need training! Keep it up and good luck! Stu

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you Stuart.

[@MrGoat73]

Superb content! Your videos & commentary perfectly show the very real side of getting to grips with an entirely different machine. So much stuff to remember & foibles to learn. I will be up in a Harvard at Duxford at the weekend, just a taster flight so all the proper/difficult/boring stuff will be done for me! The aviation world needs these old machines, pure escapism & a joy to be a part of, even for 20 minutes a few times in a lifetime.

[@danielheathcote5625]

Wow, what a stunning aircraft. I imagine very different in many ways to what your pa28. Well played though with your learning curve.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Daniel.

[@beefyiceman94]

Subscribed just for this series of you learning how to fly the Texan (Harvard) my favorite aircraft. Really enjoying it so far, Thank-you!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks for subscribing.

[@GC987]

Information saturation and sensory overload are, I remember very difficult to tackle. Coupled with instructional commands and tricky conditions, it makes for a challenging day. Practice (familiarity) is the only cure. It's not always possible nor easy to nail those 3 point landings (thanks for that unusual shot of the landing from behind). I'm sure you're doing fine.

[@RALPH7109]

Information overload...I sensed your frustration. Well done Jon.

[@hogey74]

Great vid thanks. My issue has always been erring on the side of rounding out too high lol.

[@BenAtkinsonVideos]

Marvellous stuff Jon.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Ben!

[@MegaPeedee]

I felt the pucker-factor kicking in a couple of times watching you. Great video, mate.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks for watching!

[@robwilkie1]

Well I’ve binge watched every video now John. Looking forward to some more.

[@PhilPendlebury]

Beautiful!

[@TheFroztv]

Superb video! Your instructor is cleverly positive, it's very nice to see!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you.

[@amandastubbs1763]

Fantastic video, Jon, thank you. My experience flight in a Harvard at Duxford hooked me on flying! I am sooo looking forward to getting back to lessons. Not quite the same in a 152 but it is still an amazing thing to be able to. Stay safe x

[@ajs1691]

Enjoyed the video a second time then saw my comment. UPDATE - I passed my Skill Test, have my PPL(A). A dream come true.

[@thomasperotti]

Another great video - thank you for these, I've personally learnt a lot from them. You *will* crack flying the Harvard, don't worry - your attitude is spot on and it looks tremendous fun as much as it looks difficult!! It does make you think about all those young guys who, during the World War, were put in planes and told to fly them in combat..... how daunting the task must have been!!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I think about that a lot Thomas. You're absolutely right.

[@flybe146]

Very well done mate this has got to be one of the hardest aircraft to fly and you took it on the chin like a true professional I personally wouldn't even attempt it but I loved every minute of it anyway so thank you!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you David. I just make it look hard!

[@jetjames1655]

When I saw a Harvard doing aerobatics over my head, I never thought it would be the Flying Reporter! Great video Jon!!!!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks James.

[@arane7197]

greats stuff jon!, you should do something with noel philips!

[@paulwear1489]

Wow - Looking good - Nigel so cool. Quick question - should you hit the brakes before retracting the gear..? Must get down to have a flight with Nigel in the Harvard when things improve.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Yes Paul. You're right there.

[@theflyingfrog]

Probably your best video yet, really enjoyed it (and we share your pain!).

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you!

[@stevestjames3934]

Fantastic video with a real story of progress and difficulty along the way. Keeping it real as always. Courageous too, taking on something outside you normal skill base, but obviously well in tune with your passion !

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Steve.

[@lawrencemartin1113]

What's not to like here!? Excellent.

[@gordonbruce2416]

Aerobatics - the sport of kings.

[@hobie1613]

And queens of course

[@Mrsournotes]

Very good video Jon, and educational. I get way more out of this video than one with perfect landings and takeoffs every time.👍🏽👍🏽

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks for watching!

[@almerindaromeira8352]

I am new here and I don't know what is your aviation background, but starting on a complex taildragger is on itself a challenge way bigger than most pilots venture on in their first years of holding a PPL.

[@CharlieLamdin]

About to be flying a tail dragger myself soon, very helpful video. Thanks Jon.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Excellent.

[@kezzachadda8175]

You only did what you could do.....YOUR BEST !!

[@ranh71]

Easy Tiger !! 😀Great video Jon, I'm a great believer in learning the hard way. You will master this one soon I bet. Does look great fun especially the barrel rolls.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Robin.

[@richardkaberry8790]

Love these videos Jon. Flying taildraggers is so different. I think there’ll come a moment when it all clicks.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

There always does!

[@BS25BaldEagle]

You are getting there Jon, well done.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Slowly.

[@colb715]

Very enjoyable

[@N101DW]

Some beautiful footage there. I loved this.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Nigel.

[@mikecoffee100]

Great Vids as Usual

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Mike.

[@od9898]

Enjoyed this series very much Jon, very steep learning curve so don't be so hard on yourself. Are there more to come?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I need to get back to the Harvard this spring, so there will be more videos later this year.

[@brentsummers7377]

Nice! I wonder if pilots found the Hurricane and Spitfire easier or harder to land than the Harvard?

[@andymugridge5034]

Brilliant 👏what a great video,warts and all 👍

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you Andy.

[@brentsummers7377]

Very interesting video thanks! I wonder how many pilots during WWII managed to graduate from the Tiger Moth to Harvards but failed to cope with the much faster and complex aircraft?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I doubt they had much choice, but to get on with it!

[@hermand]

She looks a handful!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Only in the hands of an amateur!

[@marcelflying]

Great video Jon! Thanks!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you

[@uptake2]

Very enjoyable for an armchair flying enthusiast like me!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Glad you enjoyed this David.

[@andyamor9272]

Very good.
The T-6 is a wonderful aeroplane (airplane) once you've got the hang of her. I won't say "tamed" because she can bite. Ask to do some accelerated stalls at altitude with your instructor, they will get your attention. They will also forcibly remind you why never to get slower than 100mph except when nicely established on final, or to make sudden and /or aggressive control inputs at low speeds.
One observation. You seem to be gripping the control column tightly almost for dear life (you seem to do this in other aeroplanes too). Try to RELAX. Trimmed properly, the stick forces aren't that high, and you should be able to fly with just your thumb and forefinger, the other fingers just resting lightly on the stick.
Keep going. You aren't doing anything that 1000s of others haven't already done when learning the T-6. One day it will suddenly click, and you'll be fine. In the meantime, enjoy it all! :)

[@peterandersson3812]

Beautiful video, Jon. I think I’ll stick to nosewheel aircraft, though. 😄

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Lightweight!

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

We could see the grin through the mask.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Ah, that's good then.

[@MrJpbmusic2005]

You shouldn't be hard on yourself ...two sessions and look what you have Achieved! It's a completely different aircraft than what you're used to so...I look forward your Adventures around the display circuit in the Harvard🛩️

[@TheFlyingReporter]

If only Joey. Thanks for watching.

[@nicknocturnal652]

Hey John as your on the topic of “pilot induced oscillations”...perhaps sveral pints of Harvard
(I mean “Spitfire” 🍻) would have gone down well after all that

[@ianrkav]

How come you don't dab the toe brakes to stop the wheels spinning before retracting the gear? Assuming the Harvard has toe brakes that is. Anyway, excellent video as always:-)

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Another failing on my part, sadly.

[@justmejonboy]

Looked a handful Jon, made me tired just watching. We all know that point of saturation when the brain reaches overload.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Yes we do. Thanks for watching.

[@tomholmez1236]

ooh new intro

[@gwynsea8162]

What's the "push power" about?!

[@rinzler9775]

Flying is a bit like golf. A bad first hole can wreck the rest of the game unless you can clear your head and leave the screw up behind.

[@brieuc104]

👍👏, PIO IS it more specific to Harvard aircraft or tandem landing gear usually ?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Not sure about that.

[@brettnicholls7323]

Hi Jon - love what you do and your clips are awesome. but I own a Harvard and have 400+ hours on then. You need much more tail time before getting into them 50 to 100 hours at least. Harvard’s will bite and bite quick. I fear you footage seems like Harvard flying is relatively easy and only a few hour tail time will do, which is COMPLETELY incorrect

[@markk5764]

The last thing Jon's video is doing is make it look easy! Hats off to you guys who have mastered it.

[@BearcatB]

Your first taildragger?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

No, I have a few hours in a cub.

[@grahammills8733]

“With lockdown easing”? When did you get to do this?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

This was filmed in October 2020 and edited in march 2021.

[@grahammills8733]

I was hoping we could go flying again now...... Oh well :(

[@wulfherecyning1282]

Must have been embarrassing, PIO is something complete beginners are beaten around the head with. Still, it's a different type of plane, and better to (re)learn while an instructor can catch you.

[@lugash4]

well done not an easy plane to fly (land/take off).....

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Not if you're a rookie like me!

[@RayM53]

No point in a trainer that's a doddle to fly, you wouldn't learn anything. I'm sure you learned from that. Next time will be a greaser.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Raymond.

[@joejody7814]

I've noticed with all UK pilots a total lack of savey. I think the sign offs come way too easily. The English have junked way more than their fare share of made IN The 🇺🇸 AC. OH AND BY THE WAY .. IT'S NOT A HARVARD ITS A NORTH AMERICAN T6. Probably still on loan via the lend lease. AND WHAT'S. WITH THE FACE MASK BULLSHIT (BULLOCKS)