Most Difficult Plane to Fly? T6 "Pilot Maker" SOLO prep!
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- Опубліковано 10 тра 2018
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FLIGHT CHOPS DISCLAIMER:
I am a "weekend warrior" private pilot, I fly for fun with no intentions of going commercial. I have had my PPL for over 15 years, but still consider each flight a learning experience - I generally take detailed notes after each flight to remind myself what went well or what I could do to improve.... Having the GoPro cameras to record flights like this is invaluable. I find these self analysis videos very helpful in my constant quest to improve, and am happy to share. Feedback is invited; however, please keep it positive.
I TOLD you that you'd have it under control. Your preparation for the cockpit, your stall recovery, your handling of the airplane shows your effort to do this and do it right. I'm looking forward to the landing part. I've never said landing any airplane, let alone a taildragger is easy, this must kind of be like Carrier Ops, but you're going to get it, and when you get ready to solo, you're going to be 'at one' with the airplane.
Good job, Steve!
I really appreciate the encouragement!
No, I'm not. I've never landed one. Tricycle landing gear are far easier, as Steve knows. But, I am trying to convey a spirit of encouragement, positive vibes, whatever you want to call it. Steve DOES know how to fly and land tailwheel.
I also told him on Twitter, or Facebook, or somewhere, that I was once taught that the word Fear is a acronym, and what it means is False Evidence Appear Real. I know that he will overcome his 'fear' or 'concern' for this airplane simply by flying it, and he'll be able to call on all of his knowledge, training and experience in other airplanes to bring to bear on the Harvard.
I put out positives because I want him thinking positives as he goes about this. I don't want him to be cocky, but I DO want him to be confident in the airplane and in his abilities to fly it well. I believe he will, no issue.
Well, it's not hard to land a taildragger. Just different, and you have to stay on your toes - literally. But people have been doing it for 100 years, mostly without catastrophic results :).
Gary C n7
@@Bunjamin27 I never knew it was hard ! . Learned on J-3's --Aeronca's - Lucombe, S-Cubs , Bellanca's ,starting when I was a pre-teen. This was all short field .
No one ever told me it was hard so it wasn't ! . I also flew a couple of T-6's and it was no terror . Kinda unfair to the T-6 IMO. A really Nice aircraft , just have to pay attention .
As an RAF National Serviceman aged 18, I flew this actual aircraft (number 20382) on two occasions in the summer of 1953 at RCAF Penhold while on a NATO training scheme. I'm delighted to see that it is still flying!
Awesome!
I've received your email with the additional context and your back story - GREAT stuff!
Here's a play list following the initial training to solo in the Harvard:
ua-cam.com/play/PLJOPFT88qcBD4J3cF7_ai0Xyh4FrGSMzY.html
My father, Jack Chin, was one of the 9 final graduating Tuskegee Airmen. He did part of his Basic and Advanced in the AT-6 before jumping up to the P-47D. He missed to open feeling in the PT-17 in Primary but enjoyed the speed and smoothness in the AT-6 (and also having a much more reliable plane. Not that the Stearman was unreliable, just the ones they had at Moton Field. I enjoyed this video, trying to appreciate when my 18 year old dad would have been going through.
What a fantastic instructor. Energetic and articulate yet patient. Wish there were more like him.
Soooooo glad you kept the music out of this one 👌🏼
Growing up in the early 70's, next to an air force base in India, I woke up to the sounds of these wondeful machines, day in day out. They were T-6Gs trainers, shiny yellow, loud and captivating. It sparked an interest in me for planes that's in me till this day. These videos take me back to those good old days. It's great to have these icons still around.
The T-6 is the most popular trainer in history. More people learned to fly in this trainer over any other trainer, including the Cessna 150/ 152.
LOVE the sound of that engine!
Gonna check out your Extra300 episode while JP is driving my car to Windsor today (we are heading out to fly this thing again this weekend!)
Hear hear Stevo! Goosebump-inducing!
Yeah, I need to go watch that, too. Might as well do it right now! Gotta love some air racing!
Steveo, maybe we can stick a Wasp radial on your Cub when you get it!
One of the sounds of my teens - that of SA Airforce Harvards taking off and landing from Youngsfield base in Cape Town. My class master was ex- SAAF (flew Sabres in Korea, named in a book or two) and he used to mutter about taking it out of fine pitch! Saturday afternoons, if the weather was fine, they'd go up and practice stalls - right over our house!
My Father, trained on one of these aircraft , in Canada, while in the British Fleet Air Arm. He only passed away 18 months ago, and I wish he could have seen this video and bring back those memories. He didn't talk about it often, but you could see the glint in his eye, and how he talked about the Harvard and his days of becoming a pilot. He had some interesting stories to tell, including one where they had been out on a training flight, and heading back to field, slackened the shoulder harness and slid the canopy open ( which apparently was not uncommon) and practicing manovers on the way back... including a slow barrel roll... when his "seat" left the cockpit while inverted!...only held in the aircraft by loose shoulder straps... a tad embarrassing, but quickly rectified!
I had the chance to be in the cockpit of one in Brisbane Australia, a few years ago, Way different from the 152 I learned to fly...
My father was an aircraft engine mechanic for the RCAF and may have worked on that particular aircraft engine way back in the 50's. He serviced military aircraft, with the exception of helicopters, from 1949 to 1971. He worked on Harvards, the F-86 Sabre, the CF-100, the CF-101 Voodoo, and the CF-104 Starfighter. Great to see a Harvard fly again.
My father was sent from London to do his National Service with the RAF in Canada in about 1948-51 and learnt to fly in these and in the de Havilland Tiger Moth.
I worked on Harvards in the RNZAF, (Avionics). We were on the line at WIGRAM (now gone), filling 300Gals / side if I remember correctly, and in winter even with an external battery pack they would not start, so we had to crank the starting flywheel, from the left side. I also did the mag swings on the compass for the compensation list. For that I ground 'flew' the aircraft, taxiing from the hanger to the compass pad, round and round, to get the numbers, then back to the line. Had to stand on the seat to see, as they were setup for the pilots to wear parachutes that they sat on. Our pilots only flew the Harvard on grass fields, WIGRAM was a WW1 and WW2 Field. I saw many belly landings where the new pilots forgot to lower the undercarriage. I designed a smoke system for our Red Checkers aerobatics team, using the gun switch's to inject diesel into the exhaust, made nice smoke, and was way easier to clean off the paint than the special 'smoke'
I think when solo, there was a weight to fit at the rear. The Harvard does a fantastic vertical climb and stop, then flip nose down flying through the smoke and recover.
The RNZAF has the new T6 Texan now with gas turbine engine for training, flying out of OHAKEA. Always loved the sound of the Harvard. Fly safe.
I have a picture of my grandfather starting to flare his T6 just as his tailwheel cleared the barn, landing in the pasture at the ranch here in Florida. Pretty sweet machine.
In aircraft mechanic school we had a T-6 that we had to hand prop to start. I'm a short guy so I had to hop up a bit to grab the prop, but I got it done. It was not airworthy to fly we just worked on the engine. Awesome aircraft.
Just seen this. My Dad tells me he learnt on the Harvard T 6 in 1943 in Florida. He's 95 and still going strong. Great video. He's English by the way
I love the sound of a centrifugal starter. I think the hand-cranked one on the P-26 is the sweetest sound there is...
Hey Steve. It is incredible! I am flying taildraggers as well and it is so familiar. All the mistakes, all the good things, all the experience. I am now shortly flying the biggest taildragger I have ever sit in, with the 9 cylinder radial engine, no steerable tailwheel. I know how you feel and it is great, how we can learn further and enjoy planes like this. I am a little bit jealous, what types you have flown. But anyway, good luck, I love your content and attitude.
Aviation is not just about travelling and getting somewhere fast. It is also about love, joy, passion and getting higher.
Mach 2 in an F-104, that's probably the most badass achievement you can get. Thats like doing a marathon on the back of an angry bull
My Dad flew the Harvard (SAAF) version of the T6, I think in the 60's not 100% sure on the date but way before I was born. He used to say she flies you not you fly her. He also hated spinning in them.
Haha - I don't know about the who flys who aspect, but yeah - I have no intentions to spin it - ever.
Watching this process, makes me respect those old fly boys even more than I already did. Those men BATTLED in these aircraft!
Thanks for sharing the experience of flying a warbird and describing it so thoroughly to someone who is an enthusiast and for now this is as close at it gets for me and really excites my interest in aviation.
Best regards,
Duncan from South Africa.
I love how raw this video is.
This certainly makes you respect what combat pilots had to go through. Imagine being 18 and hopping in this, the first flying machine you've ever seen, and being asked to learn how to fly it and then fight in an even more powerful, crazier plane a few months later.
Johnny, the Texan, or Harvard, was an 'Advanced Trainer.' In WWII, pilot candidates would take Primary training with local flight schools flying fixed wing, fixed prop trainers. After passing that, they would move on to Basic training flying the BT-9 or BT13 trainers. These were fixed gear, but may have had variable speed props. After learning those, they would move to the AT-6 Texan or T-6 Harvard (same aiplane). By the time you finished flying the Harvard, you'd have about 200 hours or so, and might get, or were supposed to get, between 75 and 80 hours before graduating from pilot training. Single engine pilots would then go on to Fighter Training.
Gary C I appreciate this a lot. I'm ignorant as to the full regime of training that young pilots had to go through. It's good to know they weren't just thrown in their haha. Thanks.
Johnny, not really any different than today. Primary students, both in the Air Force, Naval Aviation, and the Civilian community start out in something like the Cessna 172, a four seat, fixed pitch propellor airplane, and move up. I think the Air Force also uses the Diamond DA20 Katana. Once they get through that, they'll move up to a more sophisticated airplane. In the civilian world, you'll move up to a 'complex aircraft', which would be something like a Piper Arrow that has retractable landing gear and constant speed prop. From there would move to multi-engine aircraft.
Now, in the civilian world, a lot of depends on the pilot. For someone who just enjoys lazy cross countries for a $100 hamburger may be happy to continue to fly the Cessna 172 on VFR, Severe Clear days, in uncontrolled airspace. But, if you have a small business, you may want a more complex, and hence faster aircraft, a Beech Bonanza, a Cirrus SR-22, or even a twin. Used or new doesn't really make that much of a difference in price over time.
Those were the days.......
You would have started in the Stearman or a Ryan PT-22 in the states. Once you mastered those, it was on to the mighty Texan. If I believe Canada had Chipmunks and Tiger Moths for basic trainers!
"I'm going to skip adding music"? WHY WOULD YOU EVER add music to something with narrative and interest?
If only others would follow!
@@superspit right ! It's a sickness of this century: People are afraid of a few seconds of silence.
Hi great video, flew an AT6 for a while, it is blue ano yellow and still had her gun ports and little sunset flag. Its very honest in the air, not quite as honest on the taxiway. My instructor could fast taxi on the mains touch a brake drop it and back into the tie downs. He was a WW2 (civilian) AAC/Navy instructor. Gone but never forgotten.
So amazing Steve, you got this. That plane is tremendous.
Nice job! Looking forward to the next one. You really did your homework. Your backseat knows that bird so well. Magic!
Never loved the Texan at air shows, but you can't help but respect the airplane for what it is, when up close and personal. Thanks for the ride!
Wow - my dad trained on this plane in 1941. He didn’t pass and eventually trained as a navigator. I had no idea how difficult a plane it is to fly.
Back in the early 1970s, I had a chance for some dual in an AT6. Takeoffs were fine after I learned how to taxi the damned thing! Landings ate my lunch! The biggest tail dragger I had flown was a Cessna 120.
Its really cool that you are starting your journey in Windsor to solo the T6. Windsor is where I did my PPL training at Journey Air right beside the Aircraft Association. I have watched your videos before I got my PPL and it helped me alot. Thanks for putting in all the time and effort in avation and sharing your experiences on UA-cam
I became an A&P mechanic in 1962 at Northrop institute of technology here in the states. This aircraft was one of the aircraft upon which the CAM-18 maintenance Manuel was written and from which I learned the basic mechanics of flight and the repair and maintenance of the various systems. So much is the same today in propeller driven piston aircraft. Physics never changes of course, only the inputs to control its effects on flight have moved into the electronic age. Great video, I especially like the control panel/systems procedures , manifold pressure, oil pressure, rpm control and the stick and rudder operations. Thanks
Very few things beat the sound of a Radial or a Merlin (P51)! Love that you keep your videos real and don't edit out mistakes made. More great flying from you! Thanks for sharing.
310 Pilot this is a dangerous plane you only prove your stupid to think proving your inability to fly this death trap fly SAFE
I'm not sure what inspired your comment to me. I don't doubt a T6 is a tough plane to fly. I've never tried. I was commenting on the awesome sound of the engine and the great video Chops made. I hope we all fly safe.
Lancaster, I am lucky to have FM 159 just 90km south of me. 4 Merlins at once less than 50m away lol.
Thank you. I worked in the woods, 78. Over here they flew Avengers in a spray-plane config. They were loud and low to the ground. One pilot had the engine drop out, and the only flat spot was in the St. Croix river. The sound of the engine, gosh its great! Someone flew into the area a couple years ago, in one. You cannot describe it, you just feel it.
That sure is a one big aeroplane Steve - well done and thanks for keeping the audio real as that made it all the more enjoyable.
I’ve watched this video before, but it is totally worth watching again. I really enjoy watching this beautiful airplane fly. Thank you 🙏 so very much,Steve, for sharing your adventures with all of us who are stranded with our wings clipped. I feel like that killdeer looked! But I can still keep my eyes 👀 to the sky and dream.
Great job Steve. Enjoyed it. I've sat in a Texan but never flown in O e but did get to fly in a T-28. That was an experience. Happy to see you can fly all kinds of planes brodening your abilities. Fly safe steve.
Wind direction, oh ya.! Great update moving forward . Thank you for sharing.!
Can’t wait to watch this!
Now THAT's flying! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Awesome!
Air show in Prescott AZ I was able to fly in a DC-3, and the icing on the cake were T-6 Texans off each wing in formation flight over town. Was an awesome ride.
My Grand Uncle got killed in one of these in World War Two. One night when his student made a mistake during instrument training.
The irony of the situation was that he wanted more than anything to fly fighters against the Germans, but his father was the general Lackland AFB is named after. Naturally, he refused to let his son fly combat against the Luftwaffe and made sure he ended up as an instructor. Didn’t keep him safe tho...
I flew a T6 and it was perfect, handled fine, loved it
112 hours PIC in an AT-6. Love it. Wish I could afford one of my own. But at the rate I keep renting them... I may just go ahead and do it.
That was truly fascinating, every second of that flight was so interesting.
Very inspirational, for a fellow aspiring warbird pilot! Great work!
This is like the best one yet on learning how to fly a t-6 both videos in depth on flying warbirds
I really hope you achieve your dream of a Spitfire flight, you're certainly putting the effort in. Best of luck!
Love the editing, very good job, I know how work intensive that is... -- I flew this thing for aerobatics short time with instructor in Florida, love this Texan Warbird...
Pensacola?
Had a chance to do ride in a T-6 at War Birds of America in FL. A whole lot of fun. Best of luck with your dream of flying a Spitfire, thanx for sharing with us.
Great video Steve! I think it's great to have a crew, but these personal training videos work really well with just you doing your thing, IMO.
The small personal moment with the killdeer was nice. Loved it. A little bit of quiet time before the Wasp 'storm'. :)
Thanks for sharing the ride with us!
Cheers!
I was a Piper and Cessna pilot many years ago and got a chance to fly a Harvard out of Canadian Warplane Heritage. The PIC did the takeoff and handed over the airplane to me about 50' off the ground and for the next 45 minutes. I was shocked at how easily it handled, smooth and powerful compared to a 172. We flew to Tillsonberg and back with the pilot doing "you do what I did" maneuvers and I did my best to comply. I had a great time. On approach at about 50' the pilot again resumed control and set it down in a very slow 3 point perfect landing - the end of a great day. Thanks for bringing back those memories.
Enjoyed the video and "flight". Checked my old log book and I had 3 solo hours in 382 in 1962. Blast from the past.
Wow that is awesome! Where are you based now?
Taildraggers are great fun and land almost anywhere. Mind you the Harvard should stay on pavement. After flying the Harvard I had a Fleet Canuck (tail dragger too) for years. Slight difference in power, noise, speed, altitude ceiling, aerobatics but one of the strongest machines. And cheaper to fly. Now a retired civil engineer living in the maritimes. Possibly having a Harvard flight this summer. also in one I flew a long time ago.
Congrats Chops!! What a cool and challenging experience!! Check that box!!
My experience flying planes is limited, however, I recently flew a U.S. Navy SNJ (same plane, different name) from the backseat. I’ve never flown anything before, unless you count a Cessna from when I was 12. I’ll be doing my ground school starting this month. My only training is flying simulators. I found the plane easy to fly. Did turns mostly, and aileron rolls-lined her up for final. Awesome plane.
In the fall of 1953 I arrived a Penhold, AB, as a flight cadet to start pilot training. The Harvard was the ab initio aircraft with which I was going to learn how to fly. I was 19 y.o., and it was formidable for me , or any of the guys on course, to master. I arrived with 15 cadets + me. It was a 36 week course and of the 15, there was one fatality and of the remaining 15, 5 of us completed the course. We went to Portage La Prairie , MB to train on the T-33 jet. Of the 15 remaining, 3 of us got our wings. The washout rate on the Harvard was high, for obvious reasons. A real hand full to learn to fly with, but it was great.
I just got a notification of your new comment, and Iw anted to reply to say I enjoyed the insights - but searching lead me to this previous one that I'd missed. Anyway - sorry I missed this before - but I enjoy learning about the experiences others have had with this airplane.
What was your total time when you got your wings?
Wow. An amazing video. It was wonderful to hear that engine. I piped the audio through my 5.1 surround and cranked up the volume. Almost as good as being there. Keep 'em coming!
Its these kind if videos is why I need to start flying again!!
I'm envious! Thanks for sharing.
I love that your videos show little mistakes and show very detailed flying. Its making me want to go get a Harvard check out!!
Fantastic video. Big fan of the T6 in P3D and this is a great video for picking up tips.
Excellent bird knowledge sir! (My area of expertise) I actually flew in a T-6 Harvard a couple of years ago for a short aerobatic flight here in Coastal South Florida. Biggest thrill ever!
My Dad trained in an A-T6 before going to Korea in '52 then when I was 16 he gave me my training in
one.
Bullshit
What a flight that was,really felt as though I was in that cockpit with you both,the workload is high but hey these were trainers to get pilots ready for medium and heavy bombers and making sure they knew how to handle heavy controls and prepare them for high wing loadings,you did well Flight Chops you were in harmony with that airplane,Harvard's will bite but not without due cause,the stall and subsequent wing drop were to be expected once again again warning you not to do that on approach,just hearing that big radial up front was sheer magic,many know this but the racket on take off is prop going supersonic you need good neighbours at your airfield to operate aT-6 Pilot maker,and that is what they are pilot makers even in todays world,you had a really good instructor who knows his aircraft and what pleased me too was seeing young blood passing on the skills of flying these great radial engined trainers.
Harvards are fun! I have a friend who owned one, and I had the privilege of getting many hours of rear seat time in it. It is dark blue, with yellow trim. Apart from having to re seal the gear struts, I don't think he had to do much in the way of repairs. It always started, and ran great. He also installed a chip detector in the oil system. This guy was, in my opinion, the best pilot on the field. Very procedural, and also always flies with safety, and equipment longevity in mind. He has since sold the aircraft, but can still fly it whenever he wishes.
When we were in the air he would often say " Scott, this is why I get up and go to work every morning." He also would say that the T-6 was the best way to turn gas in to awesome noise. He now owns a T-28B.
Great video! Thanks for sharing!
Soloed in T-6 SNJ at NAS Whiting Field in late 1956 going through Naval Flight Training. Got sick my first 3 flights and instructor said if it happened again he was sending me to Sick Bay. Knowing what that meant I never got sick again while serving another 8 years in the Navy. Those years were the most exciting of my life.
That sound gives me goosebumps whenever I hear it! What an engine! BEAUTIFUL!! I would have to demand full prop for maximum noise if that were to fly over my house. 😁
First time I've seen a Killdeer - that was cool! Pretty interesting way to protect it's young. Amazing, really!
Nice job on this one - I know you had your hands full! Still a top-notch vid! 👍
Smitty Smithsonite - thanks!
The T6 is such an amazing aircraft to fly! I am doing lessons in the Texan! It is an amazing bird but you must have respect for it... otherwise it could very easily kill you!
Classic of the Trainers!! Love Texan/Harvard very much!!
So pleased for you !!! Getting ever closer to that Merlin but clearly enjoying the journey !!
I love it! I can't believe you're going to solo that thing. Nice job!
Jason, what makes Steve any different than the thousands of pilots, American, British and Canadian, and who knows what else, who learned to fly this airplane and soloed it in WWII? As I've been trying to get into Steve's head, Al Mooney said it the best, they all fly through the same air. This weekend, next weekend, or a month from now, the airplane is going to fly the same way it did 70 years ago. Our pilots are better today, better educated, better trained (especially by people like you!) and are up to the task. I don't see why any single engine pilot with 100 hours or so, and a complex sign off, with the proper motiviation and training, should not be able to solo this airplane inside of ten hours or so.
Hi Gary, not much. My hat is off to all of the pilots that flew these airplanes. And you're right, they pretty much fly like any airplane but that's a LOT of taildragger to land (and taxi). So I believe Al Mooney was right we all fly through the same air but we don't all taxi on the same wheels :). Also, I know how hard Steve works on these videos and in between all of that he made time for actual / real flight training and I though that accomplishment was worth a high five. Your point is noted though, all the pilots that have flown or will fly these warbirds deserve a high five too.
Jason, absolutely no doubt that flying one of these takes effort, concentration and a delicate touch. I also agree that a 'high five' is appropriate, and I wish I was there when Steve does solo this so I could do just that for him. As to the videos, there is no doubt that he works as hard on them, if not harder, than his actual training, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.
But, if he's going to fly a Spit one day, he has to get this done. His motivation is awesome, and I know that he will get to his goal. I also know that he will have fun getting there, have a lot of fun along the way, and will do a great job getting it done.
But, here's where Steve gets set apart from most others, IMHO. Motivation, Strong Desire, Self Worth, Determination, Willingness.
His Motivation is strong, because not only does it lead, eventually to a Spit, it opens so many more doors for him.
His Strong Desire to fly the Spit means that he will do whatever it takes to get there.
Putting this sign off in his log book will do wonders for his self worth and self esteem. He won't need to brag about it to anyone, but everytime he looks at that sign off, he will know that he has overcome a huge obstacle, and that he DID IT!
It takes a lot, as everyone has said, and I don't doubt, to fly the T-6, or any airplane in this class. The airplane falls between a Piper M350 and a Cessna 414 in weight, so there's a lot there to learn. Plus, as a trainer, it's not going to have the instant stick control of a Spit. So, there's a LOT of Determination that has to go into flying this, and flying it well. Hand in hand with that determination is his Willingness. Right now, that's pretty high, but if he has a bad day next weekend, will he still have the willingness to complete the training. Because of everything else, I think he will.
My first solo, I was a very immature 18 year old, and I got picked up and tossed about on final and landing with a crosswind, something that scared me rather badly. My father, the nit picker, was so disappointed when I taxiied back in and said 'No more today.' Got yelled at once we got home, shamed, etc., but I went back to the airport and we finished my three touch and gos. At that time, I didn't have the willingness, or the determination to, as the old song says, 'Pick myself up, brush myself off, and start all over again.' Steve has all of that, in spades.
I know that he's going to do fine!
One day, I'd really love to meet both of you. :D
I'm so happy for you!
I love the Texan I had the opportunity to fly one in Florida. It was definitely an experience
For literally thousands of pilots in the 1940's, this plane was the closest they got to a combat fighter. The USAAF didn't let the training go to waste; wash-out's got transferred to bombers.
Best engine sound ever, love it!
I love the T-6 Texan
I'm a simple man. I see a FlightChops episode, I like it.
my all time best aircraft, love them all.
Another great video Chops, keep em’ coming!
In 1970, I took some dual in a T-6. It ate my lunch! I did ok with everything except landings. Couldn't do a wheel landing or a three point. IT ATE MY LUNCH.
Been much better if you had practiced in a cub before trying on a big boy.
Excellant job Chops!
My first flight in T6 was a good plane in 1961 to learn what real flying is, and I'm still alive.!
Great work!
A new FlightChops! It's a good day.
I got my first solo in a T6-G. If I recall correctly the cockpit was a bit different from this plane: the 'stick was straight without a round top. I had my own way of starting the engine: I would turn the engine for two revs and then switch ON the Mags; I never had a miss start or back fire this way.
My neighbor has a T-6 on his grass runway and uses this method. He learned it from an old man who taught Texans in WW2. The bigger the taildragger, the slower the tail twitch on landing.
Absolute awesomeness Steve! Love it!
A friend owns a T6 and a Harvard here in the Dallas area. His Harvard was built under license in Canada. Often when a younger ATC asks “say type aircraft” he responds “Canadian Car & Foundry Harvard”....long pause from ATC...big grin from PIC.
My dad used to say it sounded just like they cast them from ingots !
Learned to fly in these in the RNZAF in the sixties out of Wigram, Christchurch, New Zealand. This aircraft's interior is slightly different, ( we didn't have the same stick-- it was a single stick.).. and no visual indicator on the wing's surface for undercart. Aaah the memories... stressed to +5.67 G; negative 2.33... very strong! Burned 80 imperial gallons per hour in aerobatic work, ... still remember the downwind DVAs ... Horn, undercarriage, mixture rich, prop 2000, check fuel, set flaps, brakes on/off. Soloed after 10 hours, single engine course qualified after about 170 hours, from memory, thence unto twin engine conversion on Devons.... but that's a whole other story!
It sounds so good!
Got to see a Canadian T6 today at Independence Airport in Independence, Oregon. Blaze Orange paint job. She seemed so quiet on Final...but OMG when she fire-walled it....my eardrums about popped. Also had an Air Tractor pulling gliders and my Sister's new "roommate" flew her down from Mulino in his Cessna 411. Only thing missing today? More aerobatics in an RV-7a....but Al put his bird into the mountains at over 200mph....I miss him, and the bird I helped build.
I had owned an AT-6 for only a couple months when I was drafted for Korea in 1950 and it was bought back when they started using them for primary training. I had perhaps 100 hours and a new private license when I bought it surplus. Most of my time had been in a PT-23 that I bought surplus for $100.
Jim Foreman Sadly, a PT-23 crashed after a Memorial Day flyby on Sunday. The pilot suffered no major injuries. Looks like the aircraft can be repaired.
Unfortunately the wooden center sections spelled doom for most PT-19s and 23s. The only difference was engines but the two airplanes flew very differently.
Jim Foreman www.kansas.com/news/local/article212071074.html
Got to see one of these live at the Colling's foundation in Stow, MA... only 100' from the grass strip, it needed the whole thing to get up. But what a sound.
Want to give this 3 Thumbs up! I Love the Harvard! I worked on EHHV in a company that was called Skylight. We had Piper Cubs and Cessna's for banner-towing and sightseeing. We also had TWO Harvards. PH-KMA two-seater and PH-NKD which seats one, because of the "peanut oil" drum in the back. My boss used to write 7UP with it in the skies above the Dutch beaches. He took me up in the two-seater once to show me how it feels that you are going up, while you're going down, just to show me how important your instruments are, Then there was the Chipmunk G-BBMX in which I had a ride with one of our guys, taking us through loops barrel and flick rolls and a low pass over our field. BEST DAYS EVER! The sound of the Harvard starting up, taking off while changing gear as soon as it could ( because of sound-level complaints of our "neighbors) is so recognizable! I will run into the garden when I hear one. We still live relatively close to the field. THANKS for the vid!
Amazing editing for this video. You really are a great storyteller Chops.
Your instructor is great...
Another great video Steve. Hope to see you out at Tillsonburg someday.
That was a fun video! Thanks for bringing us along
Wow, great video. I’m sure it was an amazing experience, it’s a dream of mine to fly one of these airplanes, I plan on riding on one of these this year. Student pilot here. Thank you for putting up this content.
People tend to misunderstand the pace of control input and response in the T6 vs most other single engine aircraft.