First 402 Flight
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- Опубліковано 30 лис 2020
- This was a very nerve racking and emotional flight for me but in the end made all the hard work worth it. I'm glad I could share this experience with you all. Please make sure to like, share, and subscribe. NAAA conventions is coming up soon, hope to see some of you there! Thanks for watching and god bless!
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Great video! I am a farmer and a pilot. We appreciate ag pilots!
I’m starting my 21st season and it’s nice to see a young pilot coming up with a humble attitude. Keep it up!
Thank you!
Congratulations son many years of flying and always be careful God bless you
I love your attitude and honesty. What great videos!
Congratulations! Such a huge accomplishment. You should be very proud. I can't wait for my chance to fly one of those someday.
Wow, deep respect seeing your attitude to learn continuously!
Thanks for sharing and being honest. It's good to hear and it helps others. Well done.
Thanks for watching and if it helps anyone that's the goal!
Congratulations! Keep chasing your dreams.
🤙🤙🤙
This is an awesome video! I think the fact that you tell about your fears is refreshing. Stay humble and stay safe!
Thank you! Will do!
@@valleyagpilot1283 Hello my friend, I follow your channel, I am from Guatemala and I am looking for an academy where I can go to take my agro-applicator course, I want to fly Air Tractor 502, can you help me? I don't speak much English, if there was help in Spanish it would be fine.
Great job!! That’s a big step you just took! I fly some challenging taildraggers but the sheer size of the 402 and that turbine engine, would undoubtedly be intimidating. I hope to fly 802’s someday on fires. I look forward to these same “first flights”!
Congratulations and thanks for taking us along with you!
Congrats!!
Your humble attitude will carry you far. Nice video.
Great video man! Never stop asking questions and learning. Never forget why God gave you those two feet, (To stay on those rudder pedals) and stay safe my man, always fighting that urge to tighten up that low level steep turn, just a little more. You can make up those few odd seconds somewhere else in the operation. You seem like a very level headed young man, so you will make a great Ag pilot. Congratulations!!!!
Great, Great Stuff.. Inspirational
Love this video and the man in it 😉❤️
Congratulations!!!!
Congrats! Well done!
Thank you!
well done mate, big achievment. I am a few months in to my ag career and your advice has been spot on 👍.
Great job and enjoy the off-season!
Thanks!
Great video man helped calm my nerves just had my first 402 flight as well
You're pretty tough on yourself! First flight of a new engine and airframe type looked pretty good from here. Nervous due to excitement, rather than lack of knowledge ... can be life preserving. Excellent video. Good luck to you.
Been watching your Instagram and looking forward to this!
Great video
Good job young man /I sincerely love your attitude of respecting these aircraft.keep this attitude as you advance in career and you'll be ok.i started on ground and advanced into turbines in 1998 and respect every year and flight I do now .great job.....I'm an admirer 👍
Congratulations!! Really enjoyed this video. Ag-flying is something else. I grew up around the business (dad flies a Thrush in South Africa) but I decided to go a different direction. Always wondered what it would have been like had I chosen ag-flying and watching your videos as you grow into the business definitely provides a unique perspective compared to some of the other channels on YT. Just wanted to say thanks and once again congratulations and well done on making it into a 402
Thank you! Glad you enjoy it
Great job sharing your life experiences.
Thank you!
I remember my first flight in an AirTractor. A lot of people will never know what it’s like to jump into a single seat turbine for the first time. You’re on your own. Still after a couple thousand hours and couldn’t tell you how many landings ( 4 years of spraying- so I’m still pretty new to spraying also) the AirTractor might fit like a glove at the end of each season but the first days of each season... butterflies in the stomach.
If I could offer any advice at all,,, just remember to keep it straight, don’t be afraid to go around if it looks bad, and get those flaps up as soon as your mains are planted. That transition from flying to landing can get squirmy in a stiff legged AirTractor. You want that weight transition to be as quick as safely possible. So as soon as your wheels are down get rid of those flaps and let that plane squat. Fly safe brother and don’t feel alone- we all get those same butterflies the beginning of every season. Just knock that rust off and enjoy!
Happy to see the humility. That’s what makes good pilots. I’m thinking of doing this myself. Looks like a blast also looks risky and needing a cautious head on your shoulders.
Thanks for posting this. Great vid. 🤙
Mike. KLZU
Nice and straight down the runway.
Living my dream bud - enjoy it
Thank you for posting this. I’m about to be in the same spot flying my first turbine and I’ve been extremely excited but nervous as well.
It feels great to get that first ride over with. Good luck!
Good job.
Good job for a first one I am a 75 year old spray pilot no longer fly but I can still remember my first time landing on my ag wagon then they all the rest were a blur thrust commander was my favorite
Great job. Solo in a new plane is always stressful.
Awesome video. I'll be loading next season while I finish my PPL (Almost done). I'm also going to the NAAA convention in Savannah in December, my boss is going to have one of our airplanes on display. Thank you for sharing your experiences in the 402. Looking forward to my 1st flight someday!
I wanted to fly the drama deer so bad it was unbelievable, but I had to get that first flight in the brave out of the way and I did everything of what you’re doing right now… Just relax and breathe and own everything that you do and your mind will change and make it repetitious and you will have good and safe flights almost every time…
Good one mate .
Normal to feel nervous moving into a turbine especially taildragger.
Great Story and video. And remember to practice 3 point landings . Eliminates any worry about prop strikes. Have fun.
Nice one goose
Nice first flight in the 402. A few years back I climbed out of the left seat of a 747 and into the 802 without aid of any instruction. It’s owner tossed me the little key and said “ you can check yourself out”. I could immediately tell that it was a horse of a different color and demanded thoughtful respect from the pilot. I wheel landed it at the start but then started three pointing it which seemed the better of the two. The Airtractor has a long waterline, narrow gear and of course that high aspect ratio wing that demands active directional control. Coordinated turns are a must. Really a lot like the Ag Wagon. I never worked it on a field, but I’ll bet it can do a ton of work in a day. I was an ag pilot following college and loved it. Lots of 15 hr days in rice. I’ve done it between airline jobs throughout my career. I’ve always considered myself an ag pilot first. Good luck. Looks like you’re off to a great start.
What I like to do with the Air Tractors is lift the flaps to let the tail down while rolling out. Letting the tail down that way allows it to come down with the tail wheel locked, and give you more aerodynamic braking than you get with the flaps down and the tail up in the air. You can get some really short landings in that way and a little reverse without using the brakes Lots of prop clearance on a 402. Flew a 401 with a geared engine and cut down albatross blades off a short strip. You really had to be careful about letting the tail get high. Diameter of the prop was 10 feet. It could really get a load off the ground, however, I would take the 402 with the -15 any day. Fly safe.
Congrats on the flight man! I remember my first flight in a 502 transitioning from a cessna... Really nerve racking, turbines can be intimidating the first few times.
And just wait till you start working it with a load and you will understand what "flap tractor" means! (If you haven't yet)
Oh I found out 😂 402 really whips around with the flaps down. Thanks!
Building time in a old pipper clipper right now to hopefully get my commercial and make a similar transition. Awesome video man!
I missed my calling I think, great videos 👍
Well done on your first flights on the turbine, it must be so hard to manage all the new engine parameters as well as flying a machine that handles so differently from what you are used to.
Hi. Very good. Humble and honest.
Nice work man.
Give us a rundown on the hi/low idle thing sometime. I’m trying to get my head around that.
Thank you. I am not the guy to give you a great explanation on that. I've heard many different theories, in my mind some make more sense than others but at the end of the day I can't nail down which is exactly right.
Hey man, love your videos and humble attitude. What happened to more videos?
Wow, that last landing was MUCH better (I actually couldn’t see any difference). But less critiquing so you are getting used to it. Im not a pilot but love these ag vids. Much admiration to you ag flyers.
When I was in high school back in the early 60's I had a flagging and loaders job for an ag service out of Liberty Tx. In those days the plane of choice were Stearmans with the R1320 engine (600hp). One day one of the pilots (Jeter Cleveland) asked me if I wanted to learn how to taxi the plane. What a dumb question, right? lol. He was standing on the wing and I was in the cockpit. He was giving me instructions on how to bring the power in to get the aircraft rolling and I'll never forget that when my feet went against the rudder pedals my legs were shaking so bad (he could see them) that he told me to stop. It was hilarious. Yeah, I understand you being a bit apprehensive lol.
Velley Ag pilot. Hey man, congratulations, I looked at some videos where you went out in an air tractor simulator. It's incredible to see you on your first flight. I wish you the best. I would also like someone to achieve my dream of being an agricultural pilot
Thanks and best wishes on achieving your goal!
@@valleyagpilot1283 Thank you, could you tell me how was your process that iso exams how many hours do you have in the simulator and the costs how much you paid
I would love to hear more about your first flight in the 188. I am getting ready to transition into one myself. Even if it is just a story time without GoPro footage talking about your process.
I can tell you I prepared a lot more for this flight than my 188 flight. I've been kicking around the idea of a podcast but haven't pulled the trigger yet. That would be a good topic one day
great videos Iam already a licensed commercial pilot and read that there is a shortage of Ag Pilots so iam studying for the pesticides and the aerial application test which is required here in the state in which i reside .once i complete that there is an AG flight training school where I will take the course. I know this is not only hard work but dangerous but I feel that i would be very good at it and as much as i love airplanes and flying I would do good at it.
Sounds like you’ve got a plan. Have you ever loaded Ag planes before? If you haven’t I highly recommend getting a loader job to see what the work is like. If you enjoy loading you’ll enjoy being a pilot. You’ll also learn a lot as a loader that you can apply as an Ag pilot. Good luck!
Great video, thank you for posting. You might want to wear a Nomex Suit and gloves when you are working
Got a few hundred hours in a -15 and -34 402. Good flying plane and you’re going to enjoy working it. With a turbine, just remember not having that instant power if you need it. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.
The -11 is sluggish on take off but a fun airplane once its lighter and up to speed. I made the mistake one day of landing with a tailwind, came in fast, pulled the lever back to the stop and when it stalled I pushed it forward and got no response. My before landing checklist now has "power lever - not to the stop" on it. Thank you
Going through tail wheel training myself with hopes to pilot an Air Tractor one day, just finished instrument. Flying all the tailwheel hours that I can.
hope you dont plan to use that instrument rating for flying ag haha
@@Blackperson1892 getting it out of the way along with commercial
Just landed a good paying loading job that comes with an airplane and house. I have my private and working on my commercial.
Sounds like you're in a good place!
Nice comments !!!
I am Brazilian, I am very interested in flying there in the USA. How is the current market. Good flights always!
You forgot your radio call before rolling on takeoff!
Why don't you wear a Nomex flight suit? Obviously, they get hot on those long summer days, but is there any other reason not to? Fyi I'm not an ag pilot yet, just working on the ground as a loader right now. The pilots at my operation wear them so that's why I ask. Also what helmet is that you are wearing? Btw I'm loving your videos excited to hear about your experiences from spray season 2020.
I don’t really have a reason why I don’t. I know a few people that wear them but not to many. If I was flying a piston with 100L being so flammable I’d probably buy one but I worry a little less with jet A (not saying a fire couldn’t happen).
I have a gallet helmet A20 I believe is the model.
will you make a nother vid on the 402
Yep there will be a few more!
Okey TARZAN
Is it even legal for ag pilots to go above 100 feet agl?
Turn & Bank stayed level in turns?? at 5:50 mark it showed no turn but you had good bank in there..
Didn’t have it tuned on. I usually don’t reference it because we’re banking way outside that things limit and it’s best to keep your eyes outside while turning. I do glance at my engine gauges almost every turn once I’m clear of obstacles and I check my coordination briefly as well. Can’t have your eyes inside to much otherwise you might forget an obstacle or not see another airplane
@@valleyagpilot1283 Roger that...
@@jimkaczaviator5614 It's actually somewhat fascinating that it even has one, even more so that it's functional. There are untold amounts of ag planes racking up hours without working airspeed or altimeters or slip indicators, and I've yet to fly one with a stall warning that hasn't already been disabled. You'll generally find that the engine instruments are in good working order though.
Who wants a crop dusted that sounds like a tire going flat
Are you loaded?
how many seasons total now? how many cessna vs turbine? you know all airlines are hiring.
1 season in the Cessna 2 in the 402 moving up to a 502 this season. Airlines aren’t for me I’m happy with Ag
@@valleyagpilot1283 keep up the posting so we can all be jealous!
Oh I will. My narcissistic mind can’t handle being deprived of the dopamine hit from every like and comment and all the people telling me how great I am. Without it I’d fall into a deep depression and my identity would be shattered. 😉
Cascade Aircraft Conversions - Check out some footage for our Air Tractor and Thrush Performance Upgrades. ua-cam.com/video/oiCUKVidvzk/v-deo.html
nobody can see your tail number so it doesn't really matter what you say lol. We are our own worst critics...good job even though this was 2 years ago lol
lol.....row crop pilots....
You taxi a tail wheel with the stick back, you park a tail wheel with the tail wheel straight.
Air tractors have a lockable tail wheel and to release the lock so it turns you have to push the stick full forward. It’s heavy enough that the tail won’t come off the ground. Watch when I taxi on the runway the stick is full forward and as soon as the airplane is straight down the runway I pull the stick full back for takeoff. That locks the tail wheel straight. Most Ag aircraft with lockable tailwheels operate this way. It is contrary to flying a cub or champ but obviously those are very light and taxing with the stick forward or even neutral could result in an unintended flight
@@valleyagpilot1283 Yes the 502 does, the 802 not, stick forward to release tail wheel lock then stick back, Its just how you do things. DC3 is heavy enough as well but you still taxi with the stick back. Aviation is full of things that dont need to be done but you do, its called Airmanship, keep a standard, prevent sloppy. You taxi a tail wheel with the stick back unless you have a howling wind up your backside and you keep the tail wheel straight while stationary, always. Was a CPL fail back in the day. Ag industry has become full of pilots that think they are incredible, it takes more skill to operate inside the envelope than out.
It was my first flight ever in an airplane with a lockable tailwheel also a turbine and as I described I was shitting my pants most of the time so proper taxi etiquette wasn’t exactly on my radar, although it should’ve been. if you watch me taxi off at the end I have the stick back which is what I was taught and I can’t get the plane to turn. My point in saying that is I was learning how to now push the stick back and forth while taxiing. As I built time I taxied exactly as you describe only pushing forward to turn and keeping the stick back while taxiing straight forward. Principally I agree with you about professionalism and holding ourselves to high standards. Every time I’ve been sloppy so far in my career something bad happens inevitably. Not holding the stick back while taxing leads to forgetting to put your flaps down for takeoff, which could lead to not scouting a field properly so on and so forth. I’m right there with ya.
@@valleyagpilot1283 Nice work. Blue side up always. Do your best job every job.
@@kiwi6444 Wow, you're so cool man you must be the best pilot ever
You killed that man you’re the Kyle Rittenhouse of the skies you did well, just always remember that the landing is nothing more than a controlled crash that’s what my dad always taught me, he used to laugh and say everyone you walk away from is a good one…
Blue skies brother
And for you haters that are going to get on me about Kyle Rittenhouse you have no idea what it’s like being under pressure while being fired upon or when you know somebody is outright going to kill you in that very moment, sometimes landings and flight are the same feeling and you have to hold it together you have to be clean and concise and make good judgments in an instant… Just try blinking and making five decisions during that blink..
Yeah you’ll never know how to do it until you have to do it and sometimes that’s just flying lol