Great review Tom, brings back memories. As a USAF pilot in Vietnam I flew the O-2 ( same AC ) for 166 combat missions ( Nail FAC at NKP ), never lost an engine..solid airplane that took a lot of abuse.....my mothers prayers kept me alive.
I flew out of Danang in 1972 and 1973. Our Squadron operations shack was next door to the Nail facs'. In my discussions with my fellow pilots that flew the O-2 it was obvious that the aircraft took a lot of abuse, rarely were not available for dispatch for the next mission.
My dad was BILK-35. He flew out of Da Nang and Camp Evans in 1969. He always said the O-2 was underpowered for the mission, but also said that being a FAC was the most rewarding mission in his 30-year USAF career.
I was a O-2A crew chief at Bergstrom A.F.B. Tx from 1979 - 1980. My Skymaster was a 69 model part of the 602 Tactical Air Control Wing, 4502nd CAMS. From there I went to RAF Upper Heyford on the F-111E, talk about culture shock. Loved the O2, it was a hands on airplane and a joy to work on.
337G was the first plane I purchased, too. It was a great bird for bussiness travel and family travel, but my kids were small at the time). Skiing in Colorado and Gulf Coast and Disney Florida. It was very stable instrument platform. Very few maintenance problems.
Why this showed up on my recommended videos I have no clue, but I found it very interesting as I flew on one of these in San Diego with a friend of my uncle to San Francisco in the 80's. I loved it as I was a in the Navy at the time.
Hi good aftrnoon,, greetings and congrautlations,,, amazing Aircraft SKYMASTER,, splendid body, have a good time and congrautlations,,, your friend Oscar de Playa del Carmen Q R México.
Wow, you are part owner on an O-2. That is amazing. I still want to get up in one of those some day. Perhaps in a future episode I could do a comparison of the O-2 and the civilian Skymaster 337s.
@@tomairtv I have a TH-cam channel called avionics education, but have not put up any O-2 videos. Just been so busy working on annual that I haven't done any videos.
There were a few of these on Polly Ranch in Texas. I watched them fly out all the time growing up. I think there is still at least one there. Super awesome planes.
I live in friendswood and you use to be able see one rotting away on the tarmac. I still drive by but can’t find it anymore. Shame. Have you read the book on Polly ranch? Interesting read. Available at the fwood public library
That would be a dream to fly a 337 in Africa. Any pics or video from those experiences? Please share to tom@tomair.tv if you can.... Thanks for watching!
I'm not a pilot but engineer/designer. I was at an air tanker outfit that used one of these. It was quite old and the interior looked like a 66 Dodge Dart. The outfit used it like a pickup truck, taxiing around, making short flights for parts or just goofing off. Just a great, terrific airplane.
Great video Tom from an old Cessna taildragger pilot for more than 50yrs. Always loved the Skymaster design. Just subscribed for lots more following you and that really cool airplane!
I live in Brantford and I've seen you fly over a few times. funny I would stumble across your video. definitely a unique aircraft and sounds more unique from the ground.
@tomairtv I love Aviation no trouble at all. Your video appeared on my homepage. I clicked on it because the skymaster is such an unusual design. I would definitely keep an eye/ear out for you
While a lot of people say the sole purpose of a Skymaster is converting aviation fuel into noise, I for one ALWAYS enjoyed flying them. Most of my Cessna time is 310s, 320s, 402s, the simplicity of a 337 makes it a simple, reliable, fun airplane to fly. Congratulations on your choice, and many happy (safe) hours of flying....
This is an awesome documentary that you gave us on the Cessna 337. This is one of my favorite aircrafts. You can always tell when one is flying into our local airport. Skymasters have that distinctive sound. I run outside whenever I here one fly over the house. Can’t wait to see your next video. David
I remember in the mid 1960s I was a boy in elementary school in Orlando Florida. Even as a kid, I had a love for the sky master when I first saw it with the stiff gear. I closed my eyes for a minute, and it takes me down memory lane.
When I was a kid in the late '60s, my dad knew the mayor of a small town in SouthEast Missouri. He had a Skymaster. He gave me many rides in it, and I was in love. I've wanted one since I was about 13 years old. I haven't flown in one since. I still want one.
Wow! This is the best video regarding the Skymaster to date. I was always fascinated by this airplane when I started flying at age 15. Why was it discontinued given so much advantage over a traditional twin? Excellent video!
I think there are a couple reasons. One of the reasons that Cessna developed the 337 in the first place was that they hoped the FAA would allow single engine rated pilots to fly it, considering it was centerline thrust (aka, you didn't need extra training to deal with an engine-out). However, the FAA didn't buy it, and still required a additional centerline thrust rating for all 337 pilots. Also, it is hard not to compare it to similar sized single engine aircraft like the Cessna 206, 210, Piper PA-32 and Beech Bonanza, and when you do compare it to them, several issues rear their ugly heads. For 1, the cabin isn't as large. 2nd, it is much more noisy because you are in close proximity to 2 decent sized engines. Lastly, the 2 IO-360s burn more fuel than a single 520, 540, or 550 CID engine, on similar size and performance aircraft. I am sure there are more reasons than just those, but those are the ones I have heard of.
At age 14 in North Bend Oregon I saw a mechanic working on the rear engine of a skymaster. I thought it was the coolest airplane. At age 24 in 1984, as a A&P mechanic working on a skymaster, I realized that guy was not having a good day at all! I always thought if it was 6 inches wider and a bit longer with IO520's it would have been more successful. Still a cool airplane. This one is a nice example.
Very nice aircraft - take care of it and your co - pilot . Don’t be greedy and fill the cargo / fuselage ! Never - ever big buddy ! Please remember this unsolicited advice . Thanks & enjoy your plane .
Excellent video. I own a 1965 337, number 100 off the assembly line. I am the fourth owner of the aircraft in my airpark community, and I have every original logbook going back to the day it left the factory. One of the prior owner’s grandkids sent me photos of the aircraft from the ‘60s showing the original paint scheme. As an A&P/IA, I’ll be restoring her to her vintage glory. Love this airplane.
when i was a kid in Dayton Texas i would see a skymaster from time to time inspecting power lines behind our school and i would wave to the pilot if i was were hw could see me and sometimes he would rock the wings at me and it made my day, i just wonder if that plane is still flying ,,i love the skymaster ,,coo lplane
We used to call it the “Mixmaster”, after the Sunbeam kitchen appliance. The O2A FAC pilots had a brass pair, marking targets with smoke and taking lots of ground fire so the fast-movers could ruin their day. The old pilots I talked with loved those things.
I loooove the Skymaster! Growing up, my big brother (who is a retired helicopter pilot) built a gorgeous Skymaster plastic model kit painted in white, blue and red. This brought back sweet memories from my childhood. Thank you for the great video!
I flew in a push/pull in the early 1960s . Dad's friend Brian Arton from Stellenbosh owend one . Was blue and white. Just fantastic. I reckon the best aeroplane.
Sure has a unique sound. Had to tell a customer to hold his thought for a moment while I popped outside to see what was flying over. Yep, GRBR flight radar tells me...nice!
My first GA ride was in a Cessna Skymaster N2135X. Skipped work and flew with a few friends to ride fast Karts in Houston Texas. This 337 was deregistered here in U.S. and transferred to Canada. It was a 1964 Serial No. 337-0035. Lost track of her and hope it is still flying up north. BTW, your 337 is so sweet! Thanks for the tour!
You have a beautiful 337..very informative video. We had 3 of the O-2As in Vietnam and I was fortunate to get about 80 hours of flight in them as a spotter with our FACs putting in airstrikes in 1969/70.. thrilling to say the least..
Thanks for the Tour. Always found the Skymaster fascinating. Aesthetically speaking its way ahead of its time. Even in 2023 it carries a futuristic demeaner.
When I was a kid one of my playgrounds was at a Municipal airport in Mansfield Mass. Around six years old I got a ride in a brand new demo Skymaster. It was being flown around the country by a test pilot and a designer. They were nice guys. The airport called my parents and I got permission to fly with them. "Don't be scared" they told me when they were about to perform a maneuver. During the maneuver it felt like I was lifting weightlessly out of my seat. I remember the Skymaster being a funny looking plane compared to other planes back then. I remember the mechanic telling me they were expensive.
I ❤ your honest Skymaster love! This way you are giving good care to your twin-engined "Baby- Girl". Thats what rare rare birds like her deserve ❤! Every aircraft owner should look after their planes with love and dedication - they deserve it - and it contributes to overall safety as well.
I'm an aircraft fan and ever since I was a young lad I've liked Skymasters. I think if I were to take up aviation and learn to fly I'd want to own one! It's like the perfect aircraft! Redundancy, performance, fuel savings, etc... They just look cool to me! Thanks for the tour of yours Tom - a very good and comprehensive review!
Great episode. As an experienced 337 pilot I had a chance to train with a Vietnam pilot. He showed me a flight configuration that you cannot maintain altitude. If you experience a windmilling rear engine propeller, gear down and full flaps you need to look for a place to land. Even worse if the gear doors are stuck open as well. You can simulate this at altitude. Obviously, you are not being shot at where damage would increase the likelihood of this happening. However, you would not want to have this happen on arrival or departure ever.
I agree with you Tom. The Sky Master is the best of both worlds. I've only worked on the Travis AFB , Museum sky master and in Micro soft Flight Sim. But wish I had one of my own.
As Tom said, these airplanes did great Forward Air Control duty in Vietnam. They were called "0-2's". They were manufactured in the 60's, and probably had less power than the one on display in this video. And they were likely maximum loaded with several radios for communication with various other strike airplanes, troops on the ground, air traffic command, etc.
You are certainly enthusiastic! As a recip. engine aircraft crew chief in the USAF, I went from C-119 Flying Boxcars stateside to O-2s at Da Nang. Both are twin-boom configurations and I loved them both. In 15 months the only major O-2 problem I had to deal with was a frozen rear prop cable. Great plane.
As an commercial jet liners Avionics engineer and PPL pilot, I am so infatuated with the Skymaster to the point where I reckon it's one of the most A/C ever to be designed, so beautiful, sleek and well thought off in designing this beauty , an A/C for all times and ages. God Bless
Truly, an awe inspiring piece of aeronautical engineering. I've always been a huge fan of the Skymaster and it makes me very happy to see this one has been well cared for. It's still a working aircraft, great tech updates, great safety upgrades. That red paint screams Corvette of the sky, as it should. It's one of the best looking unicorns I've ever seen. My father was an aeronautical engineer, the head of his department. My cousin was a test pilot for the Raptor and his father, my uncle was an incredibly successful test pilot for Lockheed and the Air Force. He helped develop fly by wire technology in the 60s and 70s, vectored wing thrust, vtol design, lifting body and much more. My father hand built a spin off of this design entirely from scratch, made of balsa for a college project when he was in school himself. I still have his model to this day. It is essentially a Skymaster without the front engine. The level of craftsmanship he had as a young man was astounding. Seeing that twin boom tail design is bitter sweet and makes my heart ache. You never stop missing them when they are gone. You get a big thumbs up and a subscription for this beauty. I wish you many many more years of flying this old bird.
We mounted 550's on a few Skymasters, called the Raven. Unbelievable performance, having 310 hp at each end vs the TIO 360's at 225hp each. Our outfit had almost 40 Skymasters using them for surveillance
I don't remember right offhand, this would have been about 20 years ago when we did this. I do remember the pilots saying the fuel burn was actually less when in cruise. We had three blade hartzell props on them. The only real problem was noise as the three blade props and the exhaust pulses compounded each other requiring the use of noise cancelling headsets. If you look up Airscan 337 in google there is a picture of 817AS which is one of the 550 birds
@@daveself6386 I remember AirScan doing a formation takeoff leaving Tallil in 2011. I was there as a DUSTOFF pilot. When you guys left we went over to your hangar just to poke around. I believe you left an electric tow bar. I remember one of the pilots was a former Chinook driver and A&P. Good times.
Interesting but one thing, an engine failure in a conventional twin will cause "Asymmetrical thrust" and yaw to the side of the failed engine, adverse yaw is tendency of an aircraft to yaw in the opposite direction of roll,
@@terrencejackson4587 well, obviously it did matter enough for others yourself and I included, to comment on it, so yeah. I was interested to hear the correction bc it made me understand aerodynamics better.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Like you, I was just as excited with my ownership. I fell in love with the Skymasters when I was in Viet Nam and then a number of years later I managed to find a beautiful "H" model that I owned till just before I retired from my civilian life. Originally I wanted to find an O-2 to restore but never could. Like you, mine had the long range tanks but I kept all six seats and paid the extra for insurance. I did fly with all the seats full on a couple of occasions. Load and go, Weight and Balance was a non-issue. I flew out of O22 in California and I could takeoff RWY 35 and cruise climb to 15000' to cross the Sierra's just north of Mt. Whitney and then drop back down into the Phoenix, AZ area where we retired to. I was surprised to discoverer after moving here that this is where my Skymaster came from when new. It was used as a corporate aircraft for a number of years by a business that is only about 10 miles from where we currently live! Please excuse my reminiscing... BTW, the picture is me in a photo formation with a J-3 Cub! Just hanging on the props below blue line!
Outstanding tour Tom ! Like many, this brought back a lot of memories. While building time in the 80's, I worked at an FBO that had a company Aerostar, a Baron, Turbo Commander, a nice 172, and a Skymaster. I was lucky enough to get time in them all and flew the wings off the 172. I vividly remember the drag when those gear doors opened and it was a big change. Like you said, you had to expect it and just manage airspeed accordingly. Thanks for sharing this great video !
Thank you for watching. I sometimes think of doing the gear door mod to save that drag on climb out but then something else breaks and I spend my money on that. Wow, you had the opportunity to fly some great airplanes. The Aerostar is on my wish list.
@@tomairtv Yeah, we had some great company planes back then. But, I never got type rated in any, due to still working on ME rating back then. We had the military contract, so I saw military Aerostars frequently. The state wildlife agency had two as well and we serviced those. Like you, I love those airplanes! Your was the first I’ve seen with the cargo pad and that’s nice.
As a flight simmer (and hopefully a future private pilot), the 337 is my go to GA aircraft. I also think it's one of the most attractive looking birds, even though many of my simmer buddies disagree. If I could ever own a plane, it would be the 337.
The skymaster is the very first plane I ever got to ride in about 50 years ago. We have a aviation club in my elementary school and the teacher was an avid aviation fan, but not a pilot. However he coordinated with a community member with a plane and took us all up for a ride. I was hooked on becoming a pilot at that moment. Haven’t been in a skymaster since. Would love the opportunity someday.
Beautiful plane, someone flies one over my house about once a month and I always have to walk out and look. Such a cool sound too...congrats on that beauty
Great video Tom. When I was learning to fly at Blackpool (EGNH) in the early 90's I used to see G-FAST quite a lot. Didn't know who owned her but good memories came back when you showed the photo in blue and I'm pleased you are taking care of her so well now.
This is so amazing that you remember G-FAST. I was wondering if this TH-cam thing would dredge up and history on the aircraft. I would love to learn more about G-FAST or see any photos that are out there. I am also really interested in how she made her way to the USA from England in the late 90s. If you have any information at all please email me from the form on the www.tomair.tv web site. Thank you!
Damn I’d love to see more of everything on this channel night flights VFR flights IFR flights everything. you got a fan here Tom. take us on the adventures !!!
Great video and great aircraft! Brings back memories of when I was flying the Skymaster for Hick's and Lawerence and executing fire patrol for the MNR. Thanks for the flashback. Cheers!
Back in the 60s I grew up on an airport. A Cessna dealer came in and gave as a ride in a Skymaster. When he left he came around and did a roll!!! That impressed me so much I built a RC model so that I could roll it. By the way it flew inverted very nice with very little down elevator.... thanks for video
Love the Skymaster! There was one on the airfield when I was getting my PPL ages ago. I used to just sit in the grass and look at it! Looking forward to some flying videos!
I've always liked the 337 - haven't seen one for quite awhile. We always, "lovingly" referred to it as the "Mixmaster." "-) Nice airplane, Tom. N6395T (But the Arrow is my fav.)
By far the BEST review of this incredible airplane! We are an Air Force family. My son went to the Air Force Academy here in the States. This is still the plane that I wish he had now he is a civilian. He doesn't currently own one. Last time we flew into Orca Island he piloting a 172.. we got to see a Skymaster at run up / takeoff. You have a distinctive sound for sure. Appreciate your detail,and explaining thoroughly the uniqueness of take off and landings. Again thanks for just an enjoyable video on an incredible airplane.
Who wouldn’t love that plane. 👍
Always been my favorite Cessna! Beautiful airplane!
Love a good Skymaster!
Great review Tom, brings back memories. As a USAF pilot in Vietnam I flew the O-2 ( same AC ) for 166 combat missions ( Nail FAC at NKP ), never lost an engine..solid airplane that took a lot of abuse.....my mothers prayers kept me alive.
Thanks for your service. Bet you have some stories.
Thank you for the story and for your service.
I flew out of Danang in 1972 and 1973. Our Squadron operations shack was next door to the Nail facs'. In my discussions with my fellow pilots that flew the O-2 it was obvious that the aircraft took a lot of abuse, rarely were not available for dispatch for the next mission.
My dad was BILK-35. He flew out of Da Nang and Camp Evans in 1969. He always said the O-2 was underpowered for the mission, but also said that being a FAC was the most rewarding mission in his 30-year USAF career.
Welcome home brother
It's been my favorite ever since watching BAT21!
WOW my dad had a skymaster growing up that we took our family vacations with... what a blast.
That sounds amazing!
My favorite sim plane
I was a O-2A crew chief at Bergstrom A.F.B. Tx from 1979 - 1980. My Skymaster was a 69 model part of the 602 Tactical Air Control Wing, 4502nd CAMS. From there I went to RAF Upper Heyford on the F-111E, talk about culture shock. Loved the O2, it was a hands on airplane and a joy to work on.
I would love to fly in an O-2!
We had the O-2's at Patrick AFB Florida training FAC pilot's in the late 70's.
Yes brings back memory😂have i've been stirring the cockpit😮..i guess so😂❤
337G was the first plane I purchased, too. It was a great bird for bussiness travel and family travel, but my kids were small at the time). Skiing in Colorado and Gulf Coast and Disney Florida. It was very stable instrument platform. Very few maintenance problems.
Why this showed up on my recommended videos I have no clue, but I found it very interesting as I flew on one of these in San Diego with a friend of my uncle to San Francisco in the 80's. I loved it as I was a in the Navy at the time.
I love your 337 too ~ !
Great, Now lets see it in the air! Best, ~Stan.
Hi good aftrnoon,, greetings and congrautlations,,, amazing Aircraft SKYMASTER,, splendid body, have a good time and congrautlations,,, your friend Oscar de Playa del Carmen Q R México.
The Sky Master has been my favorite plane since I first read a article in Air Force Magazine in the 70s. Today I'm half owner of a true 1968 O-2
Wow, you are part owner on an O-2. That is amazing. I still want to get up in one of those some day. Perhaps in a future episode I could do a comparison of the O-2 and the civilian Skymaster 337s.
@@tomairtv yep. Completed with little patches covering holes put there in anger.
@@tomairtv I have a TH-cam channel called avionics education, but have not put up any O-2 videos. Just been so busy working on annual that I haven't done any videos.
There were a few of these on Polly Ranch in Texas. I watched them fly out all the time growing up. I think there is still at least one there. Super awesome planes.
I live in friendswood and you use to be able see one rotting away on the tarmac. I still drive by but can’t find it anymore. Shame. Have you read the book on Polly ranch? Interesting read. Available at the fwood public library
Have about 300hrs on C337 in Africa. Loved it especially it's handling qualities. Unique!
That would be a dream to fly a 337 in Africa. Any pics or video from those experiences? Please share to tom@tomair.tv if you can.... Thanks for watching!
Oh cute! A small cargo pod.. then comes out a freaking bike!! Holy shoot
It is magic!
I'm not a pilot but engineer/designer. I was at an air tanker outfit that used one of these. It was quite old and the interior looked like a 66 Dodge Dart. The outfit used it like a pickup truck, taxiing around, making short flights for parts or just goofing off. Just a great, terrific airplane.
Excellent! Thanks for the tour!!
Beautiful Skymaster, nicest one I've seen ! Thanks for the video, very rare to find one...
Since I was a young boy, I’ve always been fascinated by the Skymaster. As a pilot, I’m subscribing in hopes to see some great flying videos.
Welcome aboard!
Great video Tom from an old Cessna taildragger pilot for more than 50yrs. Always loved the Skymaster design. Just subscribed for lots more following you and that really cool airplane!
I live in Brantford and I've seen you fly over a few times. funny I would stumble across your video. definitely a unique aircraft and sounds more unique from the ground.
Sorry for all the noise. Yes, funny you should stumble on the channel. how did that happen??
@tomairtv I love Aviation no trouble at all. Your video appeared on my homepage. I clicked on it because the skymaster is such an unusual design. I would definitely keep an eye/ear out for you
While a lot of people say the sole purpose of a Skymaster is converting aviation fuel into noise, I for one ALWAYS enjoyed flying them. Most of my Cessna time is 310s, 320s, 402s, the simplicity of a 337 makes it a simple, reliable, fun airplane to fly. Congratulations on your choice, and many happy (safe) hours of flying....
Thank you for that. It is good to hear someone speak so highly of the 337 with so much experience in other aircraft.
This is an awesome documentary that you gave us on the Cessna 337. This is one of my favorite aircrafts. You can always tell when one is flying into our local airport. Skymasters have that distinctive sound. I run outside whenever I here one fly over the house. Can’t wait to see your next video. David
People ALWAYS know when I am flying.
I remember in the mid 1960s I was a boy in elementary school in Orlando Florida. Even as a kid, I had a love for the sky master when I first saw it with the stiff gear. I closed my eyes for a minute, and it takes me down memory lane.
One of the best videos I have seen!
I love your Skymaster too!
Nice tour! I met my first Skymaster at an Open House at Chicago/Midway about 1965 -- been a fan ever since!!!
Obstacles are those things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.
Ahh....the legendary "MixMaster" from Viet Nam days... Brings back great memories.
Ever since i was a kid growing up in an airport suburb surrounded by pilots this has always been my favorite airplane!
That is one beautiful airplane when you hear, Em, you know what they are without even seeing. I'm the old mixmaster, what a machine.
When I was a kid in the late '60s, my dad knew the mayor of a small town in SouthEast Missouri. He had a Skymaster. He gave me many rides in it, and I was in love. I've wanted one since I was about 13 years old. I haven't flown in one since. I still want one.
Go get one!
Wow! This is the best video regarding the Skymaster to date. I was always fascinated by this airplane when I started flying at age 15. Why was it discontinued given so much advantage over a traditional twin? Excellent video!
Thank you!
I think there are a couple reasons. One of the reasons that Cessna developed the 337 in the first place was that they hoped the FAA would allow single engine rated pilots to fly it, considering it was centerline thrust (aka, you didn't need extra training to deal with an engine-out). However, the FAA didn't buy it, and still required a additional centerline thrust rating for all 337 pilots.
Also, it is hard not to compare it to similar sized single engine aircraft like the Cessna 206, 210, Piper PA-32 and Beech Bonanza, and when you do compare it to them, several issues rear their ugly heads. For 1, the cabin isn't as large. 2nd, it is much more noisy because you are in close proximity to 2 decent sized engines. Lastly, the 2 IO-360s burn more fuel than a single 520, 540, or 550 CID engine, on similar size and performance aircraft. I am sure there are more reasons than just those, but those are the ones I have heard of.
@@emmettbaker5024 Thanks for your response. 👍🏼
At age 14 in North Bend Oregon I saw a mechanic working on the rear engine of a skymaster. I thought it was the coolest airplane.
At age 24 in 1984, as a A&P mechanic working on a skymaster, I realized that guy was not having a good day at all! I always thought if it was 6 inches wider and a bit longer with IO520's it would have been more successful. Still a cool airplane. This one is a nice example.
The beloved Mix Master!
Don’t call it that to the owners lol. Made that mistake.
Love it pull push .
Had flying 3 BZ
Very nice aircraft - take care of it and your co - pilot . Don’t be greedy and fill the cargo / fuselage !
Never - ever big buddy ! Please remember this unsolicited advice . Thanks & enjoy your plane .
Excellent video. I own a 1965 337, number 100 off the assembly line. I am the fourth owner of the aircraft in my airpark community, and I have every original logbook going back to the day it left the factory. One of the prior owner’s grandkids sent me photos of the aircraft from the ‘60s showing the original paint scheme. As an A&P/IA, I’ll be restoring her to her vintage glory. Love this airplane.
The 2 snubbed cessnas are the skymaster the cardinal and theyre my favorite cessna and GA bird. Beauty
I have some hours in a 337 Skymaster years ago. What a slept on aircraft. I’m surprised new versions weren’t carried on.
It is too bad they stopped making them.
The Skymaster has been my favourite GA airplane since early childhood. Very cool!
when i was a kid in Dayton Texas i would see a skymaster from time to time inspecting power lines behind our school and i would wave to the pilot if i was were hw could see me and sometimes he would rock the wings at me and it made my day, i just wonder if that plane is still flying ,,i love the skymaster ,,coo lplane
We used to call it the “Mixmaster”, after the Sunbeam kitchen appliance. The O2A FAC pilots had a brass pair, marking targets with smoke and taking lots of ground fire so the fast-movers could ruin their day. The old pilots I talked with loved those things.
Cool plane. I’ve always been attracted to the 336/337 aircraft and you certainly have a nice one.
I loooove the Skymaster! Growing up, my big brother (who is a retired helicopter pilot) built a gorgeous Skymaster plastic model kit painted in white, blue and red. This brought back sweet memories from my childhood. Thank you for the great video!
Hum... maybe I need a Skymaster model to keep me busy this winter. Thanks for watching!
I flew in a push/pull in the early 1960s . Dad's friend Brian Arton from Stellenbosh owend one . Was blue and white. Just fantastic. I reckon the best aeroplane.
Sure has a unique sound. Had to tell a customer to hold his thought for a moment while I popped outside to see what was flying over. Yep, GRBR flight radar tells me...nice!
Sorry about the racket!
My first GA ride was in a Cessna Skymaster N2135X. Skipped work and flew with a few friends to ride fast Karts in Houston Texas. This 337 was deregistered here in U.S. and transferred to Canada. It was a 1964 Serial No. 337-0035. Lost track of her and hope it is still flying up north. BTW, your 337 is so sweet! Thanks for the tour!
Thanks for sharing your story.
You have a beautiful 337..very informative video. We had 3 of the O-2As in Vietnam and I was fortunate to get about 80 hours of flight in them as a spotter with our FACs putting in airstrikes in 1969/70.. thrilling to say the least..
Thank you for your comments and for your service.
Thanks for the Tour. Always found the Skymaster fascinating. Aesthetically speaking its way ahead of its time. Even in 2023 it carries a futuristic demeaner.
I agree.
The 337 has always been one of my favorite planes of all time. I was lucky enough to have a friend who owned one so got to put some time in it.
When I was a kid one of my playgrounds was at a Municipal airport in Mansfield Mass. Around six years old I got a ride in a brand new demo Skymaster. It was being flown around the country by a test pilot and a designer. They were nice guys. The airport called my parents and I got permission to fly with them. "Don't be scared" they told me when they were about to perform a maneuver. During the maneuver it felt like I was lifting weightlessly out of my seat. I remember the Skymaster being a funny looking plane compared to other planes back then. I remember the mechanic telling me they were expensive.
That mechanic was right...
I ❤ your honest Skymaster love! This way you are giving good care to your twin-engined "Baby- Girl". Thats what rare rare birds like her deserve ❤! Every aircraft owner should look after their planes with love and dedication - they deserve it - and it contributes to overall safety as well.
I'm an aircraft fan and ever since I was a young lad I've liked Skymasters. I think if I were to take up aviation and learn to fly I'd want to own one! It's like the perfect aircraft! Redundancy, performance, fuel savings, etc... They just look cool to me! Thanks for the tour of yours Tom - a very good and comprehensive review!
Thanks for watching. Long live the Skymaster!
Great episode. As an experienced 337 pilot I had a chance to train with a Vietnam pilot. He showed me a flight configuration that you cannot maintain altitude. If you experience a windmilling rear engine propeller, gear down and full flaps you need to look for a place to land. Even worse if the gear doors are stuck open as well. You can simulate this at altitude. Obviously, you are not being shot at where damage would increase the likelihood of this happening. However, you would not want to have this happen on arrival or departure ever.
Love those planes
She is indeed lovely 🥰
I love all aviation video
I agree with you Tom. The Sky Master is the best of both worlds. I've only worked on the Travis AFB , Museum sky master and in Micro soft Flight Sim. But wish I had one of my own.
As Tom said, these airplanes did great Forward Air Control duty in Vietnam. They were called "0-2's". They were manufactured in the 60's, and probably had less power than the one on display in this video. And they were likely maximum loaded with several radios for communication with various other strike airplanes, troops on the ground, air traffic command, etc.
I ❤ these aircraft Portugal used them to patrol the cost back in the 80s remember them flying at the deck just the the cost good memories
You are certainly enthusiastic! As a recip. engine aircraft crew chief in the USAF, I went from C-119 Flying Boxcars stateside to O-2s at Da Nang. Both are twin-boom configurations and I loved them both. In 15 months the only major O-2 problem I had to deal with was a frozen rear prop cable. Great plane.
They are a great airplane. Very tough and I can see why the O-2s were so well loved.
Beautiful. Skymasters have always been a favorite of mine.
As an commercial jet liners Avionics engineer and PPL pilot, I am so infatuated with the Skymaster to the point where I reckon it's one of the most A/C ever to be designed, so beautiful, sleek and well thought off in designing this beauty , an A/C for all times and ages. God Bless
Truly, an awe inspiring piece of aeronautical engineering. I've always been a huge fan of the Skymaster and it makes me very happy to see this one has been well cared for. It's still a working aircraft, great tech updates, great safety upgrades. That red paint screams Corvette of the sky, as it should. It's one of the best looking unicorns I've ever seen.
My father was an aeronautical engineer, the head of his department. My cousin was a test pilot for the Raptor and his father, my uncle was an incredibly successful test pilot for Lockheed and the Air Force. He helped develop fly by wire technology in the 60s and 70s, vectored wing thrust, vtol design, lifting body and much more.
My father hand built a spin off of this design entirely from scratch, made of balsa for a college project when he was in school himself. I still have his model to this day. It is essentially a Skymaster without the front engine. The level of craftsmanship he had as a young man was astounding.
Seeing that twin boom tail design is bitter sweet and makes my heart ache. You never stop missing them when they are gone.
You get a big thumbs up and a subscription for this beauty. I wish you many many more years of flying this old bird.
Thank you so much. Your Father sounds amazing. I would love to see that model.
That's a really nice and a cool airplane. Thanks for sharing.
We mounted 550's on a few Skymasters, called the Raven. Unbelievable performance, having 310 hp at each end vs the TIO 360's at 225hp each. Our outfit had almost 40 Skymasters using them for surveillance
550's in a 337 sounds like an amazing plan. What is your fuel burn with those?
I don't remember right offhand, this would have been about 20 years ago when we did this. I do remember the pilots saying the fuel burn was actually less when in cruise. We had three blade hartzell props on them. The only real problem was noise as the three blade props and the exhaust pulses compounded each other requiring the use of noise cancelling headsets. If you look up Airscan 337 in google there is a picture of 817AS which is one of the 550 birds
@@daveself6386 I remember AirScan doing a formation takeoff leaving Tallil in 2011. I was there as a DUSTOFF pilot. When you guys left we went over to your hangar just to poke around. I believe you left an electric tow bar. I remember one of the pilots was a former Chinook driver and A&P. Good times.
Interesting but one thing, an engine failure in a conventional twin will cause "Asymmetrical thrust" and yaw to the side of the failed engine, adverse yaw is tendency of an aircraft to yaw in the opposite direction of roll,
Thank you for the correction.
Only matters if you know what to do, not so much to know what it’s called.
The theory is based on the idea that lift is the reaction force to air molecules striking the bottom of the airfoil as it moves through the air.
@@terrencejackson4587 well, obviously it did matter enough for others yourself and I included, to comment on it, so yeah. I was interested to hear the correction bc it made me understand aerodynamics better.
Adverse yaw only occurs if you don’t use enough rudder in a turn.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Like you, I was just as excited with my ownership. I fell in love with the Skymasters when I was in Viet Nam and then a number of years later I managed to find a beautiful "H" model that I owned till just before I retired from my civilian life. Originally I wanted to find an O-2 to restore but never could. Like you, mine had the long range tanks but I kept all six seats and paid the extra for insurance. I did fly with all the seats full on a couple of occasions. Load and go, Weight and Balance was a non-issue. I flew out of O22 in California and I could takeoff RWY 35 and cruise climb to 15000' to cross the Sierra's just north of Mt. Whitney and then drop back down into the Phoenix, AZ area where we retired to. I was surprised to discoverer after moving here that this is where my Skymaster came from when new. It was used as a corporate aircraft for a number of years by a business that is only about 10 miles from where we currently live!
Please excuse my reminiscing...
BTW, the picture is me in a photo formation with a J-3 Cub! Just hanging on the props below blue line!
Thank you for all the reminiscing. I love hearing other people talk about their beloved Skymasters.
How awesome for a skymaster
I love love love skymasters and feel lucky that I saw one fly over my house about a month ago. Nice plane Mr. Lucky lol 😂
Outstanding tour Tom ! Like many, this brought back a lot of memories. While building time in the 80's, I worked at an FBO that had a company Aerostar, a Baron, Turbo Commander, a nice 172, and a Skymaster. I was lucky enough to get time in them all and flew the wings off the 172. I vividly remember the drag when those gear doors opened and it was a big change. Like you said, you had to expect it and just manage airspeed accordingly. Thanks for sharing this great video !
Thank you for watching. I sometimes think of doing the gear door mod to save that drag on climb out but then something else breaks and I spend my money on that. Wow, you had the opportunity to fly some great airplanes. The Aerostar is on my wish list.
@@tomairtv Yeah, we had some great company planes back then. But, I never got type rated in any, due to still working on ME rating back then. We had the military contract, so I saw military Aerostars frequently. The state wildlife agency had two as well and we serviced those. Like you, I love those airplanes! Your was the first I’ve seen with the cargo pad and that’s nice.
@@tomairtv This was first time seeing your channel, but loved it. I’ve already shared it with several here, including sone fellow firefighter/ pilots
As a flight simmer (and hopefully a future private pilot), the 337 is my go to GA aircraft. I also think it's one of the most attractive looking birds, even though many of my simmer buddies disagree. If I could ever own a plane, it would be the 337.
Good choice!
Wow best review ever!!!!!!!! Just subscribed
Nice Tom! Always thought if I bought a twin, it would be nice to have a skymaster. Hope to see more vids. Take care...
Good choice. Thanks for watching and for the positive comments.
The skymaster is the very first plane I ever got to ride in about 50 years ago. We have a aviation club in my elementary school and the teacher was an avid aviation fan, but not a pilot. However he coordinated with a community member with a plane and took us all up for a ride. I was hooked on becoming a pilot at that moment. Haven’t been in a skymaster since. Would love the opportunity someday.
You were lucky that day. Good for you!
Beautiful plane, someone flies one over my house about once a month and I always have to walk out and look. Such a cool sound too...congrats on that beauty
Great video Tom. When I was learning to fly at Blackpool (EGNH) in the early 90's I used to see G-FAST quite a lot. Didn't know who owned her but good memories came back when you showed the photo in blue and I'm pleased you are taking care of her so well now.
This is so amazing that you remember G-FAST. I was wondering if this TH-cam thing would dredge up and history on the aircraft. I would love to learn more about G-FAST or see any photos that are out there. I am also really interested in how she made her way to the USA from England in the late 90s. If you have any information at all please email me from the form on the www.tomair.tv web site. Thank you!
Damn I’d love to see more of everything on this channel night flights VFR flights IFR flights everything. you got a fan here Tom. take us on the adventures !!!
OK, more adventures coming up!!!
Boy I'd love to fly with you, nice Bird
Fantastic Thank you for sharing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍✅🙏
Thank you too
I am a huge fan of the 337, it would be my plane of choice if I ever manage to get my license.....great looking plane!
I appreciate your knowledge and especially your sharing of it. This has been very informative! I love the safety of the two inline engines 😀
I have loved the Skymaster since I first saw one. I never had the opportunity to fly one, but always thought they were a great concept.
Great video and great aircraft! Brings back memories of when I was flying the Skymaster for Hick's and Lawerence and executing fire patrol for the MNR. Thanks for the flashback. Cheers!
I hear about Hicks and Lawrence a lot as they flew so many 337s.
Back in the 60s I grew up on an airport. A Cessna dealer came in and gave as a ride in a Skymaster. When he left he came around and did a roll!!! That impressed me so much I built a RC model so that I could roll it. By the way it flew inverted very nice with very little down elevator.... thanks for video
Wow, that’s a crazy story! Thanks for sharing it.
Love the Skymaster! There was one on the airfield when I was getting my PPL ages ago. I used to just sit in the grass and look at it! Looking forward to some flying videos!
Thanks for that. More videos coming soon. We have shot lots. Now I just need to get them edited.
What an awesome aircraft. I am looking forward to more content from you Tom. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching! More content is coming!
I'm convinced! I am in ❤ with C-GRBR Too!😅
Great!!
Beautiful bird ! Love it !
Me too!
I've always liked the 337 - haven't seen one for quite awhile. We always, "lovingly" referred to it as the "Mixmaster." "-) Nice airplane, Tom. N6395T (But the Arrow is my fav.)
By far the BEST review of this incredible airplane! We are an Air Force family. My son went to the Air Force Academy here in the States. This is still the plane that I wish he had now he is a civilian. He doesn't currently own one. Last time we flew into Orca Island he piloting a 172.. we got to see a Skymaster at run up / takeoff. You have a distinctive sound for sure. Appreciate your detail,and explaining thoroughly the uniqueness of take off and landings. Again thanks for just an enjoyable video on an incredible airplane.
Thanks for watching and for your for your comments Michael.
just found your channel and will subscribe , i am a flight simmer and this is one of my favorites airplanes in the simulation
My grandfather flew one for a major university in the early 80s. I got to ride once or twice. Grand memory for me.
Thank you for sharing that.
Nice lookin 337 Tom. Many moons ago I helped my friend do a 100hr on his "PushmePullewe".....great flying airplane. Thanks for the vid
Thanks 👍
Great video. I fly a 1969 T337D and love it as well. Keep the videos coming.
Thanks, will do!
That is such an awesome aircraft. I want one!
Mixmaster is a cool design.