EPIC SOLO Cross-Country Flight in a Waco YMF-5
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- Finally! Here's Part 3 of the EPIC Cross-Country Flight of the Waco YMF-5 from Casa Grande, Arizona to its new home at Fantasy of Flight in Orlampa, Florida. It's been a long time coming, but after weeks and weeks of epic edit sessions, befitting the project . . . many, many hours of tweaking footage, adding maps, adding photos and doing layered voice-overs . . . it's finally here! We think the effort was more than worth it, as we have produced not only an engrossing flight adventure of the Waco across America, but I think we have also reemphasized and reinforced the basic tenets of my "BRAND" in the content of this video . . .
For those of you that don’t yet comprehend what I am trying to do with Fantasy of Flight, you’ll get a taste of it at the ending. Fantasy of Flight is NOT about airplanes, it’s about flight of the Human Spirit, where we will use airplanes, and great stories of aviation, to tell timeless stories of the Human Experience!
Hope you enjoy the video.
Kermit
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Kermit Weeks - บันเทิง
This is really an epic trip. It is obvious why it took so much time to edit the video. Thank you for your effort! A very nice plane you got yourself there. 👍😎
Kermit is very qualified in visual IFR (I Follow Roads). Safest form of IFR to be had. An excellent series, Kermit.
Flying back from Hawai'i on Alaskan a couple of years ago, I got glared at by several people for daring to open my window shade to look at the clouds, ocean, etc. ... it was daytime, so they presumably weren't trying to sleep. 3/4 of the passengers were looking at hand-held computers, movie displays, etc. Kinda sad, though I might have felt different if I wasn't in a window seat.
Strange, isn't it! You can stare at a mobile device anytime. Aviation videos..ok then...but think about it. You're in the air!
I spend my time enjoying the view.
Far nicer to be in the wind, at low altitude.
Flew back from Ireland several weeks ago. Watched as we flew over Ireland then Newfoundland, down the St. Lawrence, across Michigan into ORD. Really cool watching the changing landscape.
"WHAT?!... a rocket launch! "
Yup. They are targeting a red drone.
😮
Thanks for doing this..again. I'm just one of the many that watch so much of your stuff and get much enjoyment from it , and learn so much great minutia. The film work, from instrument panels, mechanics, people, terrain, and especially your thought processes talking about all of that and much more is invaluable to us GA pilots plowing around out there... Always got my ears crackled for the next, new good habit.
Strange no one came out to greet you, and sad how things change. I’m 52 and to this day, I still want a window seat on any plane like I’m still a kid. I’ve watched a ton of your videos, but this is easily one of my top favorites. I enjoyed taking this trip with you so much.
Hi Mr. Weeks, Love your videos, and watch them whenever I can. Sure like the older aircraft you have. I never had the chance to fly a Waco, but a year after I got my ticket to fly, three of us bought an old Stearman, in 1965. My first tail-dragger I learned to fly. My Stearman wasn't as fast as the Waco, since the Stearman was much larger. We burned about 11 gal/hr. Your cross-country reminds me of the times we used to take the Stearman for a tour of the State(Ohio). I have yet to find anything more peaceful than to be flying in an open cock-pit, with the prop blast hitting you right in the face. I'm too old to fly now, but I still have the memories! Stay safe.....Bob
Hey man you really struck a chord with me when said how nobody looks out the window when flying. I remember when I flew on a 787 for the first time and it really made me mad when cabin crew dimmed all the windows for everyone and I couldnt see outside for the landing and takeoff. I dont understand how you can ingnore the utter beauty and rommance of flying. These days people simply ingnor it.
It was night right? The dimming of the lights during takeoff and landing is so your eyes adapt to the low light. In the case of an emergency landing you would be able to see in the dark and exit the plane easier. But yea sucks that people seem to always close their windows these days
@@alejandrogomezcesena3822 no lol it during the day sad
How do you dim windows?
I'm 61 and did a good bit of flying for business, I always had my nose to the glass looking for landmarks and generally getting a feel for the landscape below. I guess you 1) can't be afraid of flying and heights 2) have curiosity about geography 3) appreciate this brilliant planet we live on.
Me to, I always select a window seat whenever possible and daytime. Beside looking out there and hopefully see some landscape or other airplanes, there is no place where I can sleep so well as in the air in an airplane, I just love the motion.
I'd go as far as saying:
That's the most stylish way to travel ever invented.
Priceless.
I think we all who are viewing this series are the people who would have come out to see the plane and pilot. Great job Kermit, loved every minute of it!
I can easily spend a 12 hour flight looking out of the window...even if it's over the ocean...
Speaking of "in case I need it" have you ever needed it? To land on a road or some other unplanned places. You should do a video on your past emergency situations. I know that cowl getting sucked into the prop was interesting.
The dinosaur bark scared the pee-waddin out of me!!. How dare you!. On final to touchdown approach and have a T-rex jump up and bite the tail feathers off of the delicious red bi-wing bird. The stuff of nightmares,,,. Would you ever land??. I guess the answer is eventually you would come down. I wouldn't want anyone talking to me while I fueled,, if T-rex was about. Get back!!,,stay away!!. A beautiful Waco. Went for my first open-cockpit ride at the Henley Aerodrome in Athol Idaho, was in a old Waco converted for dusting potato fields. They would yank the stinky front seat tank and slap down a buckboard(literally) front seat with a big army cargo belt(2 person belt?) and lash us in. Couldn't stand the beany cap and glass goggles on the ground,,but they immediately went on my face when the big radial fired off. A couple gentle into the wind power back stalls at altitude,,my pops request. Dad flew for 43 years. Got both his wings with the 101st,,both Special Forces Jump, and Air wings. Rip Dad. Thanks for the memories Kermit.
Excellent video - fantastic trip. Thanks for sharing!
Its just a shame I can only like this once. Epic trip Kermit, thanks for taking us along!!
Room 222 !! Who's old enough to get that joke? :)
This reminds me so much of "Biplane" by Richard Bach, yeah the Jonathan Livingston Seagull guy. Biplane was way before GPS and tablets on the leg. Biplane is about cold fried chicken and freezing cold cockpits. Makes you realize what Lindy and the first airmail pilots went through.
Just sad the same thing at part one of this trip.
Thinking to start read the book one more time .
To tell the truth, I was kinda expecting, "Duh..duh...duh dut ta...", from 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' , and a little plane flying across the map showing the progress of the adventurer! I remember reading one of my all-time favorite books by 'Richard Bach' called, "A Gift Of Wings' , (he's the Author of 'Johnathan Livingston Seagull'). He really put you in the plane with him! You are one of a kind Kermie! I guess you're kinda like my Preacher...somehow the gift of flight has lifted our very spirits to a different level...Thank You!
Pinal ("Pa-nel"), AZ native here. We're going to miss seein the Waco flyin over Sedona!
A most excellent adventure, Thanks Mr. Kermit :-)
Love the video. I am so jealous of you. Could you not find anyone to go along with you? I would have and bought half the fuel.
Love the John Prine tribute! I grew up in AZ spent many hours flying in and out of the Phx/Tucson area, this brought back memories!
I can't imagine being at an airport and not coming out to check out the aircraft! I don't care if it's a Cessna 150, I'm still coming out to meet and greet. People have their heads buried in phones or laptops and not enjoying the wonderful things life has to offer and it's a shame!!
Hey Kermit,, Those are big fans. Texans turn them on when the temp gets too high for a cool breeze.
Just a fabulous video - I am an old Navy Huey and T-28 pilot with civilian time in the Great Lakes - I too wonder why people close the shades on an airliner flight - they are missing so much - safe flying - spent many hours in the T-28 over Crestview
That was fun to ride along! Reminds me of my solo trip in my Ryan P.T.-22 back in 1976 from Mobile Al. to Orlando. It was January and it was 22 degrees outside! Two long johns, 4 sweatshirts, and a flight suit over that with a jacket on top of that and a ski mask under my helmet. Unforgettable.
I`m really happy for you Kermit. That was better than watching The Right Stuff...heck you are The Right Stuff. :)
i was a lineboy at 17 , got free flying lessons in slack time from a couple former cropdusters. the airport operator had a van anyone could use...the keys were in in. you are right , times have changed
Amazing videos Kermit!
Love those kind of solo adventures where we can see so much of the US landscape.
Thank you 😉
Great trip low and slow and fun👍
LOVE the IFR thing ( I-10)... fun trip I bet !... Thanks for posting Kermit.
That's the way we did it in OH-58's in the army, 40 yrs ago. 😜😎
YEH,..... 40 years ago ( 42yrs. , 1978 )I did my PPL long cross country chasing VOR's with a Sectional AND a Shell Gas Road map.... now I just plug in a couple numbers and follow the little plane on my Garmin GNC 355... and ..* now I see Garmin "AUTO LAND " with the touch of a button.... WHAT NEXT ?
It sure looks as though the Waco needs plenty of rudder on take off and for a bit after. Is that due to the tourque or just the nature of the beast?
I really love watching sense I was a hanger rat from about age 8 till the mid 70's,,,,were talking the 50's when I was 8!!! My Pa had several different aircraft when I was growing up and was the local CAP Wing Comander so I spent 20 years bumbing rides, helping out around the hanger and traveling all over with whom ever had a spare seat.
Pa was also co-owner of the Pacific Prowler when Dean Martin was listed as owner and I believe we'd meet years ago @ the Vagus Show back in the 80's ? Sadly the 80's was the last time I was in the air and I can't tell you how much I miss being up flying, especially after growing up around a constent diet of Stearman's, bird dogs, and a couple stagger wing Beach Craft, Luscolmb's , ect, not even counting the hours spent helping re-wiring the Prowler and going for check flights.
There's just not a much better thing than the smell of gunk, 104 octaine and the sound of a raidial first thing in the AM !!! LOL
Had to comment Kermit , absolutely brilliant video, you in your natural habitat.
Best wishes from near Prestwick airport Scotland.
I was a RampRat too! Earned my first flight hours washing airplanes. I agree with you regarding the new world on the line. Where are the kids like us who become the next gen of aviation?
West Texas, miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles.
I love miles and miles...Michigans Upper Peninsula was that way the 1st 20 years of my life...we would drive an hour past the big mac bridge and MAYBE you would see ONE car...usually not though.Then they started to build Casinos...now traffic is very heavy.
Very pleased to see you were packin' silk Kermit and a backup chart..........................
Pima Air park. Davis Monthan Air Force base and Amarg. Boneyard for military planes and Pima Air Museum.
This is so cool Kermit! While I don't get to fly for real anymore, I did pick up this plane on Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) after watching this video. Very inspiring even for sim pilots! :) Yes, it is a different world, I like yours better! Take care!
@7:38 my first job at 15 was working as a Line Service Technician filling airplanes with 100LL AVGAS or JET-A with Prist. Million Air at KRFD then working with a mechanic at Courtesy Aircraft in KRFD now after 35+ years after law school and 24 years in the US Army I ferry aircraft for M C at Courtesy Aircraft
you have the coolest aviation videos on you tube Kermit ...hands down! thanks for sharing your passion with us enthusiasts of like mind....I miss the "old days" of flying also...things were more friendly...everyone you'd meet was like family....times have changed alright ...technology has improved...but human interaction has declined I'm afraid....
Ohhhh man,,,, WHAT A TREAT TO WATCH!! Your flight brought up sooo many memories of my aviation career! I drove I-10 from Tucson to my home in Louisiana way back in 1984 after completing my first tour in the Navy in San Diego as a jet mech all of 20 years old. Spent the night in Ft. Stockton. Then u got gas at St Landry airport which is one of the places I flew into when I was flying 172’s from my home in Lafayette.
Then you flew right through my training areas at P’cola when I was a Student Naval Aviator in the later 80’s.
I hope one day I get to do this after I retire from flying professionally. Such a joy to watch you having a ball in this beautiful machine.
And I completely agree about this new world…. All the shades go down EXCEPT MINE!!! I still
Love to watch the wing and all it’s devices working as we climb out and then come into land. Pretty depressing to see no one interested in things like this, or any curiosity at the wonder of flight. It’s all just iPads n iPhones and people glued to their screens.
Great Job Kermit, hope to meet u someday.
Greying Aviator.
Kermie ,or, Richard Bach in the book "biplano" ( in spanish) 😉😉😉👍👍👍👍👍good fligts
Excellent Kermit! I really enjoyed this! Very relaxing. Thanks so much.
Rich.
I get what you mean when you said it’s a different time and people don’t seem to be excited about classic planes. I remember my Grandfather (Richard King) and Cole Palen took a Curtiss Jenny or maybe a Pitcairn Mailwing to either JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark to do a photo op of the 50th or something anniversary of Air Mail. Here they are with a beautiful classic airplane and the jet pilots come down the steps and just walked right by. No oh’s or ah’s. Kinda sad. If I was running an FBO, or just at an airport, and this plane came in you can bet I’d be out there begging for a ride or something!! Running around like that kid in the beginning of Waldo Pepper running to get gas so he could get a ride. Love to see the use of the charts and the landmarks. Some good ol pilotage backed up with some tech.
Superb video series. Loved every minute from start to end. Who knew when you flew this, what the world would be like today? For me, always interested in aviation. How could I not be, having been brought up in and around Farnborough in England (the home of British Aviation). I’ve even started taking lessons, although a bit late in life, and using MSFS 2020 for practice. Now though, I can try and recreate your flight, as the WACO is available to use in the sim.
As with you, I just don't understand why folks travel by airline, and never look out the window. I also like to figure out where I am, watch the scenery go by, etc. But my favorite way to travel across the country is to fly myself (I have an Aviat A1-B Husky). Closed cockpit (unless I open the windows and door, like I did today :) - but low and slow and fun as all get-out. I plan to fly myself from NC to NV and back this October. Probably a bit further north than your trip, but after seeing your Waco series, maybe not! I once thought it would be fun to fly a J-3 around the circumference of the US - then I bought a vintage J-3...
Interesting that coming out of Tuscon you flew over four Titan 2 missile silos alongside Interstate 10. You're not the only one that wants to look out of the window when flying, I flew Uk to Australia in 2016 and mapped my way across europe until it got dark over the Black Sea. I was then looking at Iran in the dark and seeing just how heavily populated Iran is, I was then told off by Emirates staff for not drawing the blind (maybe they were worried about missile attack !) I'll be flying Qantas next time.
Well Kermit you sure have got yourself a reliable old red biplane with a big round engine,enjoyed every second of this video and loved all of those little out in the sticks aerodromes,you passed by Lakeland where my father learned to fly with the U.S.Army Air Corps in PT-17 Kaydets on the famous Arnold scheme,he used to mention the crocodiles in the Everglades too ! look forward to following the restoration and re-fabric of your lovely Waco YMF-5 she really is a beauty,thank you.
Thanks Kermit... I had my fingers crossed hoping you would take the I-20 route and fly over KGGG. Thanks again, love that Waco!!!
Enjoyed that. My 2nd trip to FoF from Australia started in Pheonix couple years back as we made our way by road via all the aerospace attractions we could find along the way. From FoF we then headed North to Dayton for the Air Force museum, right turn to DC for both Nat. Air & Space museums and exited the US via NYC. I'll be back Kermit, front row centre for the opening (if not before).
Dear Kermit, thanks for taking the time and effort to share such an epic trip. Normally that's as close as we mortals normally get, but I happened to find your trilogy, after hearing about the Carenado version of the WACO coming available for the new Microsoft Simulator, so I watched your flights closely and am following you in the sim, I've just landed Pinal to look at the boneyard and I'm doing it in the Waco and enjoying the "IFR" flying. Great video - Thanks.
I got to fly a bright red 1940 Stinson down from Oregon, east along I-10 , then down to central Florida and It was amazing too.
If you like general aviation and if you can, try searching in youtube for "Piper Sportcruiser lightsport aircraft flight from KRUQ to KEXX"
Got checked out in a Cessna 206 at Crestview airport back in 1974. Then a day or so later took the 206 along with 5 other folks and cross country to Kissimmee Fl and spent the day at Walt Disney World, On the way back to Crestview we stopped at Deland, Fl stayed the night and then on Sunday flew back to Crestview. Did my first night time landing during the flight down to Kissimmee. A great time.
Yeah I remember that I flew all over Florida and they always had a courtesy car yeah people just don't have the enthusiasm like they had before that was an awesome cross country😅
A very charming speaker. Love your tons of interesting extra information.
Just bought this beautiful YMF5 for the MS Flight Simulator and found your feature this way.
Been to Arizona a couple of times but your flight gave me some nice extra views and learning. Love from Germany :D
Kermit, this was an unusual video for you BUT it was excellent! LOW & SLOW is so different than most cross country flying today. GET THERE is the problem, no one wants to go slow and see the country below them, that's such a shame.
Nice trip ! The first time I made that trip (+ a bit more ) was from Vallejo, CA to Ocala, FL on a Norton 850 Interstate (motorcycle) 1978 . The view is significantly different from the air ! ! !
This is real good old fashioned flying! 1930s era IFR.... ( I Follow Roads ) Magnificent views.. I love seeing the geology.
Flew along I10 from Tuscon to Ft. HUACHUCA in a commercial plane at night which flew so low that I could see t hose peaks in the moon light above the plane and the headlights on Highway 10 bothered me as a passenger. This was back in 1970. Enjoy seeing the scenery in daylight and uptodate.
Wow! Cleveland isn't that far away from us. If we'd only known we'd have been there to take you to supper & home for the night. We live west of there in a small hamlet called Cut and Shoot. ~ Richard&Barbara.
Wow! Jim Bowie passed through Opelousas. I grew up about 15 miles south of there.
And once again. Today. June 11th 2020. I’m right across the street from Fantasy of Flight with no time to visit. That’s extremely sad.
I broke a crankshaft in a cherokee 180 departing Tucson international. You're right no place for an off field landing. I was able to power glide back to the runway., lucky. Love the videos!
Great Video Kermit. Epic journey! Thanks for sharing
Wow what a cool plane and a trip. Reminds me of my solo cross country back in the 80's in a 152 up through central California.
And if i knew you since i live in Houston i would of came and got you.
Thanks for the epic trip in your WACO.
I have done the airline thing from LAX to Guangzhou ,about 15 hours, several times they close all the window shades before takeoff and keep them closed all the way I find it very irritating.
I did a similar trip in 1972 , started in Bakersfield California Ending in Tallahassee Florida, I was riding a bicycle. I saw the scenery a Little Closer and in more detail. Lollol
Thank you for sharing your trip. Next time you pass north of San Antonio, land at 50R, Lockhart, and treat yourself at the hometown of Texas barbecue.
you mentioned linemen jobs not really existing anymore - they do, but really only at high trafficked airports with network FBOs like signature and atlantic and sheltair. super good job, my linemen friends seem to actually enjoy it! the official name for the job is a Line Service Technician
Really enjoyable flight. I've been watching youngsters fly twin-engine jets that shoot up to forty thousand feet and seem to be standing still. No scenery, no sense of movement until they shut off the autopilot and hook up with a radio signal that leads them into a big airport somewhere.
Kermit this has to be about the best one of your videos. Thanks so much for taking us along. You are so right about it being a different world out there. People and kids nowadays just aren't interested. I remember when FBO's never closed. Came into Jackson,TN late one night dodging thunderstorms and the terminal was completely locked up. Thought we were gonna have to shelter in the plane but luckily the Madison County Sheriff's dept aviation unit was next door and they let us put our plane in their hangar and then we got to hang out with them for a few hours till the weather cleared. Gonna take our Comanche 260B to Alaska next year and come back across the west can't wait. Had planned to do it this year but yeah that kinda got nixed. Once again thanks what an epic journey low and slow.
That was excellent. I have been back and forth I-10 many times. Nice from your vantage point. Very cool.
Excellent Video!... LOL... you need a nut for the bridge screw on your goggles. :-)
Enjoyed the video and narration. Very nice adventure. I have been to many of the places you winged over and many memories were rekindled. I moved last year to Lakeland from the Philippines and am looking forward to visiting you facility. Thanksfor the videos.
Ft Stockton was where my grandfather learned to fly the Stearman then the P-40 Warhawk during WWII he eventually started flying the P-47 until the war ended
Another great video of an epic flight, thanks again Kermit, love your work!
Downunder Lindsay
Thank you Kermit for letting us vicariously ride along.
We were on family vacation in Destin Fl a few years ago and f18s were doin several passes and I
Pointed out to my nephew they were F18s and he said so? I about lost my mind anyway I’m proud to say that nephew is now serving his country out at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas so I’d like to think you can still get kids interested in cool stuff like airplanes and Airports etc I remember me and my brothers would be out and about and if we saw a plane coming into our small town airport we would drive over and have a look , fun times ! Thanks Kermit for all you do
What an absolutely wonderful video! Thanks so much. Keep safe.
Thank you for sharing this video! Amazing! What a great way to make memories. You got a beautiful airplane added to the collection.
Brilliant adventure film. Enjoyed it very much. Cheers 👍✈️😊
I tell ya if I come down to Florida this summer I'm going to come by and check out all the beautiful aircraft's you have. I always wanted to work on aircraft's but I never got the chance. Love videos
Wonderful video! My father flew Jennies and Swallows back in the day. Did the barnstorming thing.
No gps, no loran just pure pilotage and a compass. He missed it as he got older and the rules changed. I learned how to do all that from him when I was.much younger. Then went with the CFI to do the more modern training. Modern tech is great. I like it. But, there's just something about good old fashioned stick n rudder and a map. Fun stuff.
Kermit is just plain class....
Enjoyed watching the videos. I was lucky enough to visit Fantasy of Flight a few years back when it was still open to the public. One of the guides that showed me around had been a wing walker! What a fantastic collection and facility!
Great video and very interesting
Thank you Kermit so much for posting this video it was great did you see me on my Harley down below on interstate 10 heading to Daytona lol Great job you seem like my friend and I haven't even met you God bless you Kermit
I had to chuckle about your comment on the instruments in the panel. Those are the ones I learned on. Times have changed. I think every pilot was dreamed of cross country flying in an open cockpit biplane. Well, at least I have . I loved the videos on your Waco.
Very interesting and entertaining. I was a line boy at the old Army base at Blythe, CA. I got to fuel some of the Powder Puff ladies on their cross-country
jaunts.
Excellent video Kermit. I see you have a sheriff in polk county that doesn't screw around.
Well I am a native of AZ. That was really really kool Kermit. You got the life man.....Thank you for Sharing
Thanks for the ride across the country. Awesome trip! Would have loved to be in that empty seat 🤟🏽👍🏽
I used to mirror your trip from time to time in old crop dusters out of California to Mississippi. Florida occasionally. I stopped in 03 when I got my first real job. I remember that’s when the internet fuel stops started to get really popular. I was a ramper as well. I don’t think it exists either.
You came through my neck of the woods. The old timer who taught me to fly told me when following roads to keep the road to your left, like you were driving, because back in the day, traffic following the road going the opposite direction would be doing the same.
Hey Kermit if you ever venture to North Carolina stop in to see us at KSIF.
I guarantee someone will be more than happy to pump your fuel and maybe buy you a Coke. :)
It is definitely a different world.... Been watching it change since I can remember....
This brings back the memory of my first ride at 12 years old (55 now) in a Great Lakes bi-plane. Thanks for rekindling that, Kermit. I'm happy to see you had such an enjoyable experience. I'm envious.
Great video!! I sat down and had a couple cocktails! had me mesmerized from start to finish! She is beautiful!
I love the Casa Grande area, was there a couple years ago getting the best job I have ever had at Walmart Transportation as a professional driver. My dream is to own a WACO someday.
Kermit, I take it that cockpit heater doesn't work too well, lol.
I concur about having the window open when I'm flying on an airliner.
As far as enjoying the landscape I can not think of any activity that puts you in the most natural environment. The majority of people prefer being in an artificial environment. That is why they would rather watch movies.