Grumman sure built some terrific aircraft over it's long history. Imagine being a downed airman during the war bobbing on the ocean by yourself with no land in sight. The sight of a Grumman Duck must have been the most beautiful thing you could ever see. I've always love amphibious aircraft and this is one of my favorites, right there with the PBY. I live close to Planes of Fame in Chino and they have a Duck in the collection that is another preserved beauty that is airworthy. I'm so glad there are museums and folks like Kermit who do such a wonderful job of preserving aviation history. Thanks Kermit!
You make it look easy. The water rudder feature is so well done it has to make you confident the rest of the airplane is also that well designed. Remembering that there were no computers, CAD, or lazer cutters back then, just hard working women and men designing and building these aircraft with their hearts and their hands - incredible, Thanks again Kermit.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Mr. Weeks. I am one of probably a handful of people on this planet that have had a personal experience landing in the water in a Grumman Duck. This video just took me back almost 40 years ago when I was just a child.
I once read a book about a B17 that flew into high 'ground' on Greenland during WW2 and a Duck was involved with the recue attempts. An amazing story but I can't recall the title, however, now I have 'flown' in a Duck by virtue of Kermit's cam - thanks!
HI Kermit, Graeme here from New Zealand, South Island . You are one of the BEST Pilots I know I just love watching your video's . You have a GREAT way of explaining things you are to the point with NO mucking around, and I love it Kermie This Grumman Duck looks like an amazing Aircraft I recon . I really enjoyed watching all 3 parts , it was right up MY ally, it really was . I have a PRO FLIGHT YOKE SYSTEM. in front of me and I use it quite a bit, AS I have the " FLIGHT SIMULATOR" 2004 which is just great also have the " Combat Flight Simulator " which I love to put on from time to time as well. I have done some flying myself too many yrs ago, but it so expensive, and being retired I just cannot afford to go flying, now as I'd love too. Plus I love reading BUT only RAF or American war stories. I have a small library of War books that I have read. . I'm sure you'll keep up your GOOD work.
To old airplane worshippers like me this is a lovely present, thank you very much Kermit for taking the time to share your spectacular vintage aircraft with us ! Hats off from faraway Argentina !
Ya know an Aircraft carrier might not be a bad idea Kermit... You would free up a lot of room by keeping your smaller planes on it, and you could have mini tours, with certain planes launching and landing on it.. Plus when docked, you could convert areas for guest rooms, dinning rooms, a bar, like the Queen.. How cool would that be! I'd go
I loved every second of all 3 videos, the landing and take off on water was a treat I wasn't expecting. You make flying the Duck look so easy, it's simply a beautiful aircraft, thanks so much for sharing, so nice to see old war birds like this looked after and enjoyed, who cares about Spitfires, that Duck is wonderful.
"It's a cold day..." -wears short sleeves... I guess it's all relative...! Lol Greetings from Canada! The plane looks very stable in flight. Thanks for taking us along!
Been watching for a few months now. You are an amazing pilot. Like being in the cockpit right with you. I can see why my dad had such a love of flying.
I flew a lot in my job (biologist), not as a pilot but as an observer, these vids take me back to good old days. I did not want to get out of the cockpit at the end!!!
Mr. Kermit, I truly enjoyed the pilot perspective on you flying the Grumman duck, I was super excited to see you put the duck in water and I understand why you have two bodies of water my your museum and aero drome. thank you very much.
Oh wow! That was a awesome video. Years ago I was a volunteer at Planes of Fame in Chino and I was on the Northrop "Flying Wing" project so early 90s, and I was the guy that could drive anything, so I drove the museum's OLD Checy c-60 truck to LA to pick up the starting equipment for the Flying Wings Franklin engines and was told to hurry back cuz it was my turn to go up in the Museum's P-51 two seat (I think it was called a Caviler) Volunteers get to go up if there's an empty seat in any of the warbirds on flying days. So I hurry!!! Damn LA traffic!!! I pull back in to the Chino Airport and see it taking off...…...They said they waited as long as they could......missed my chance...………...Thanks Kermit....this as close as I'll ever get to going up in a warbird.
Quack quack, i love it. One of my favorite warbirds too. Thank you for this series Mr Kermit, I've always dreamed what it was like to do what you just showed, awesome vids!
My Dad flew one of these to qualify for his monthly navy flight pay when we lived in Kodiak, Ak in 1946! He would go look for bears and may have put it down in a few bays. GREAT video. Thanks!
I must say 1000 thanks to you!!! It is like we are flying this plane! thanks for sharing your passion like that! On this plane, I always dreamed about seeing the interior and how the rear seat "swing" to let access to the basement, and you showed all the interior! I love the "2 seats basement" feature! Again thanks for your comments during the video, the work...You made my day!
As a kid in WW2 I remember Ducks flying out of Floyd Bennet Field very 30 minute or so passing over Marine Park where we lived.Most of the time they had bombs on them.They flew South and then East along Long Islands South Shore
I had the privilege of seeing Frank Tallman fly his Grumman Duck at the Reno Air Races in the early 1970's. It was amazing to hear and see it take off. Tallman spent quite a bit of time gaining altitude while our attention was called to other demonstrations. Finally he reached a good altitude and performed several aerobatic maneuvers with that Duck. As God is my witness, I saw Frank Tallman loop that airplane... oh so slowly.
thanks Kermit for the ride & memories . I was blessed to be able to fly in several warbirds with the CAF & meet you @ the airshow in Harlingen TX back in 84 or 85.You have a gr8 collection and next time I go to FLA I'm going to Fantasy of Flight!
Makes me grin from ear to ear just watching this! So much fun as it seems like the perfect combination of my three "Most Fun" airplanes: The Stearman, The SNJ and a 180hp Volmer, and its a Grumman to boot! Also, my Dad flew in these in the Navy, and I recall him saying it was a really good airplane.
I've always had a soft spot for the Duck and the Catalina. So if your a pilot and want to have fun go to Jack Browns in Winterhaven Florida and get a seaplane rating. The most fun you can have clothed and sitting down. Thanks Kermit
Absolutely fantastic! I never thought that I would see one of these Ducks fly thank you. You explain the aircraft very well and the filming is great. I have subscribed and I look forward to the next vids. Fore me I have always been interested in older aircraft, but because of medical reasons I could never fly, so watching you is the next best thing. Kind regards John Kinnane from Tasmania Australia
Quack quack Bwhahaha!! A workout for your right arm cranking the gear. That’s got to be a thrill for the traffic on the highway to see these war birds fly over. A sweet smooth landing in the water and then the grass field. A nice low fly by cutting the grass down the runway! Thanks for showing us these birds and the opportunity to hear and see what they are like and some of how they operate. Just plane awesome pun intended. 👏🇺🇸
Thanks for saving so many of the best military amphibian ever. Is there any chance you could open the cowlings of that fabulous R-1820 and give a frustrated modeller a look under the hood?
ah, that bit where you made a foto of yourself is now called a 'selfie' :) we are lucky to have guys like you with the means and interest in preserving these old planes! My wife's cuz in FL has a couple of homebuilts and others where he lives do have military stuff..thanks very much :)
Amazing airplane. I'm just outside of Anchorage Alaska, Eagle River, if you ever need anthing from up here just let me know. We have lots of Beavers, Otter's, Wiggin's, and a few Goose's left around here. Also have the The Queen of Dago Lake. 1943 Consolidated 0A-10A PBY (CATALINA) here needs someone to restore it.
Awesome! Just wondering, to keep the peace with your neighbours do you have anything like a special “ neighbours only” open day and perhaps raffle off a husband and wife joy flight in the duck? Greetings from Perth, Western Australia!
Awesome video! I just stumbled upon your channel & I'm glad I did. I know it's important to try to keep the aircraft in as original condition as possible, but have you considered having the landing gear retraction/extension motorized to make it easier? I know that when the aircraft is within 1000 feet of the ground that it's the most dangerous/labor-intensive of any flight & to have to crank like a madman during that phase of flight has got to be a bit nerve-wracking. Thanks for what you do!
Grumman should have put the landing gear crank on the right side of the cockpit in some aircraft, and on the left side on other examples....that way, pilots would have huge muscles on BOTH their arms from all the cranking... :)
![An Often Forgotten Oddity That Served The US Navy | Grumman J2F Duck [Aircraft Overview #40]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/7bMOM4OICWs/mqdefault.jpg)
Kermit, you’re living the dream of most people! Way too cool!
Grumman sure built some terrific aircraft over it's long history. Imagine being a downed airman during the war bobbing on the ocean by yourself with no land in sight. The sight of a Grumman Duck must have been the most beautiful thing you could ever see. I've always love amphibious aircraft and this is one of my favorites, right there with the PBY. I live close to Planes of Fame in Chino and they have a Duck in the collection that is another preserved beauty that is airworthy. I'm so glad there are museums and folks like Kermit who do such a wonderful job of preserving aviation history. Thanks Kermit!
You make it look easy. The water rudder feature is so well done it has to make you confident the rest of the airplane is also that well designed. Remembering that there were no computers, CAD, or lazer cutters back then, just hard working women and men designing and building these aircraft with their hearts and their hands - incredible, Thanks again Kermit.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Mr. Weeks. I am one of probably a handful of people on this planet that have had a personal experience landing in the water in a Grumman Duck. This video just took me back almost 40 years ago when I was just a child.
I once read a book about a B17 that flew into high 'ground' on Greenland during WW2 and a Duck was involved with the recue attempts. An amazing story but I can't recall the title, however, now I have 'flown' in a Duck by virtue of Kermit's cam - thanks!
you know what I liked about the j2f duck it had respectable range when used for search and rescue
I love how Kermit loves amphibious airplanes, it's like he's getting in touch with his inner frog.
HI Kermit, Graeme here from New Zealand, South Island . You are one of the BEST Pilots I know I just love watching your video's . You have a GREAT way of explaining things you are to the point with NO mucking around, and I love it Kermie This Grumman Duck looks like an amazing Aircraft I recon . I really enjoyed watching all 3 parts , it was right up MY ally, it really was .
I have a PRO FLIGHT YOKE SYSTEM. in front of me and I use it quite a bit, AS I have the " FLIGHT SIMULATOR" 2004 which is just great also have the " Combat Flight Simulator " which I love to put on from time to time as well. I have done some flying myself too many yrs ago, but it so expensive, and being retired I just cannot afford to go flying, now as I'd love too. Plus I love reading BUT only RAF or American war stories. I have a small library of War books that I have read. . I'm sure you'll keep up your GOOD work.
Thanks for watching, and your support Graeme. Appreciate it.
To old airplane worshippers like me this is a lovely present, thank you very much Kermit for taking the time to share your spectacular vintage aircraft with us ! Hats off from faraway Argentina !
Ya know an Aircraft carrier might not be a bad idea Kermit... You would free up a lot of room by keeping your smaller planes on it, and you could have mini tours, with certain planes launching and landing on it.. Plus when docked, you could convert areas for guest rooms, dinning rooms, a bar, like the Queen.. How cool would that be! I'd go
That is one mean machine - I could not believe how fast that Duck left the ground on take-off! Cool video Kermit! Thanks for being you! Lol!
I love Ducks! Awesome video!
These videos are truly some of the best on TH-cam. Good job.
I was just thinking the same.
@@gailraby1722 Ditto!!
I loved every second of all 3 videos, the landing and take off on water was a treat I wasn't expecting.
You make flying the Duck look so easy, it's simply a beautiful aircraft, thanks so much for sharing, so nice to see old war birds like this looked after and enjoyed, who cares about Spitfires, that Duck is wonderful.
1 of only 584 built.. wow. What a world class gentleman to take the time and show it off to the world. Thanks!
Has always been one of my favourite airplanes too.
Absolutely great that waterlanding and start.
Thanks again from Holland!
"It's a cold day..." -wears short sleeves... I guess it's all relative...! Lol
Greetings from Canada!
The plane looks very stable in flight. Thanks for taking us along!
Awesome! I love the shot, at about 275 ft. watching the Duck's shadow down the center of the runway. Another great video. Thanks for taking us along.
Saw an aerobatic display of a Duck at Reno some 40 years ago. Loved it ever since.
You look a little like Peter O'toole in the movie Murphy's War which featured the Duck, of course. Great Video...
Been watching for a few months now. You are an amazing pilot. Like being in the cockpit right with you. I can see why my dad had such a love of flying.
I flew a lot in my job (biologist), not as a pilot but as an observer, these vids take me back to good old days. I did not want to get out of the cockpit at the end!!!
Mr. Kermit, I truly enjoyed the pilot perspective on you flying the Grumman duck, I was super excited to see you put the duck in water and I understand why you have two bodies of water my your museum and aero drome. thank you very much.
Oh wow! That was a awesome video. Years ago I was a volunteer at Planes of Fame in Chino and I was on the Northrop "Flying Wing" project so early 90s, and I was the guy that could drive anything, so I drove the museum's OLD Checy c-60 truck to LA to pick up the starting equipment for the Flying Wings Franklin engines and was told to hurry back cuz it was my turn to go up in the Museum's P-51 two seat (I think it was called a Caviler) Volunteers get to go up if there's an empty seat in any of the warbirds on flying days. So I hurry!!! Damn LA traffic!!! I pull back in to the Chino Airport and see it taking off...…...They said they waited as long as they could......missed my chance...………...Thanks Kermit....this as close as I'll ever get to going up in a warbird.
What a smooth operator! Not a sitting duck!
Greeting from the UK. Thanks for the ride Kermie. . . that water T/off didn't seem any longer than the land one! Ace videos.
Quack quack, i love it. One of my favorite warbirds too. Thank you for this series Mr Kermit, I've always dreamed what it was like to do what you just showed, awesome vids!
These are amazing! Thanks so much for doing them!
My Dad flew one of these to qualify for his monthly navy flight pay when we lived in Kodiak, Ak in 1946! He would go look for bears and may have put it down in a few
bays. GREAT video. Thanks!
He wasn't kidding, that plane is noisy. Love the water landing&take off. Really cool stuff Kermit. Thanks for a great flight.
I must say 1000 thanks to you!!! It is like we are flying this plane! thanks for sharing your passion like that! On this plane, I always dreamed about seeing the interior and how the rear seat "swing" to let access to the basement, and you showed all the interior! I love the "2 seats basement" feature! Again thanks for your comments during the video, the work...You made my day!
That water landing was so smooth! I didn't even know he had touched down until he turned his head. Love this airplane. Great flying!
The Duck saved more aviators and seaman than any other single engine aircraft in WW II!👍✌️🇺🇸
That was beautiful, thank you Mr Weeks.
The best job in the world! Flying the old war birds!
Great vid! I really enjoy seeing the whole operation of these old birds. Keep em coming please! :-)
As a kid in WW2 I remember Ducks flying out of Floyd Bennet Field very 30 minute or so passing over Marine Park where we lived.Most of the time they had bombs on them.They flew South and then East along Long Islands South Shore
Many thanks Kermit! from all,
that only can experience this on TH-cam and which cheer this with us.
Got to be my favourite Kermie Cam to date:) thank you
Kermit, you have a dream job!! Yes, the Duck has a face only a mother could love, but she's one nice bird!!
I had the privilege of seeing Frank Tallman fly his Grumman Duck at the Reno Air Races in the early 1970's. It was amazing to hear and see it take off. Tallman spent quite a bit of time gaining altitude while our attention was called to other demonstrations. Finally he reached a good altitude and performed several aerobatic maneuvers with that Duck.
As God is my witness, I saw Frank Tallman loop that airplane... oh so slowly.
thanks Kermit for the ride & memories . I was blessed to be able to fly in several warbirds with the CAF & meet you @ the airshow in Harlingen TX back in 84 or 85.You have a gr8 collection and next time I go to FLA I'm going to Fantasy of Flight!
You are truly blessed to do what you love.
So smooth, kermit is loving flying this baby 🙏❤️💪
Great film! Thanks! "Quack, Quack"... Making me smile!
Makes me grin from ear to ear just watching this! So much fun as it seems like the perfect combination of my three "Most Fun" airplanes: The Stearman, The SNJ and a 180hp Volmer, and its a Grumman to boot!
Also, my Dad flew in these in the Navy, and I recall him saying it was a really good airplane.
That was a picture perfect water landing Kermit. Excellent skill sir
I love that plane too! Such a great tour of your flight and the Duck, keep em coming! Thank you!
I've always had a soft spot for the Duck and the Catalina. So if your a pilot and want to have fun go to Jack Browns in Winterhaven Florida and get a seaplane rating. The most fun you can have clothed and sitting down. Thanks Kermit
Do you have to do it clothed?
Clothing optional
Kermie you are the BEST-:)
SALUTI from north-Italy..
Absolutely fantastic! I never thought that I would see one of these Ducks fly thank you. You explain the aircraft very well and the filming is great. I have subscribed and I look forward to the next vids.
Fore me I have always been interested in older aircraft, but because of medical reasons I could never fly, so watching you is the next best thing. Kind regards John Kinnane from Tasmania Australia
Pretty cool indeed, Mr. Weeks.
You must have the luckiest Maintainers working for you! Love the videos! Love the aircraft! Keep 'em Flyin'!
Quack quack Bwhahaha!! A workout for your right arm cranking the gear. That’s got to be a thrill for the traffic on the highway to see these war birds fly over. A sweet smooth landing in the water and then the grass field. A nice low fly by cutting the grass down the runway! Thanks for showing us these birds and the opportunity to hear and see what they are like and some
of how they operate. Just plane awesome pun intended. 👏🇺🇸
Thank You for another neat vid explaining technical points, & letting us see how these old birds fly :-).
You seem to have a God given talent to fly anything with wings and a prop.
Honestly, it is still a beautiful machine. It is a pilot's aircraft and you can see that in the way she takes off and lands water or field.
Thanks for saving so many of the best military amphibian ever. Is there any chance you could open the cowlings of that fabulous R-1820 and give a frustrated modeller a look under the hood?
Kermit, you're a legend. Kind regards from the U.K.
Hi Kermit, what for a Sound!!! Thank you, Greetings from Switzerland
Awesome!! Loved the bonus water landing! Love this series. Sure glad those GoPro cameras came out.Cant wat to see more Thx.
ah, that bit where you made a foto of yourself is now called a 'selfie' :) we are lucky to have guys like you with the means and interest in preserving these old planes! My wife's cuz in FL has a couple of homebuilts and others where he lives do have military stuff..thanks very much :)
Sweet! I always like the royally ugly as beautiful concept in historical war equipment. A fantastic example of a very versatile aircraft.
Thank you again Kermit. I really enjoy your videos.
Thanks for the flight! Great airplane.
Watching this video - I can actually smell the AvGas burning. Thanks again for taking me back. :-)
What a beautiful old girl. She obviously loves being in the elements.
beautiful, nice plane, nice scenery. thanks for the ride, It feels we're there with you ..
Sounds so beautiful...
shouldnt have been "quack, quack, back"?
awesome! thanks for taking us flying!!!
The ducks in my neighborhood are fierce. They will chase grown men like a rude boss. lol they own our local bike path.
What a neat aircraft... Performed a very important role in saving downed airmen in WW2, among other vital tasks.
Damn! I thought you'd never shutup and fly....smile.😂
Thank you, I can see why. Awesome, especially the water part.
Amazing airplane. I'm just outside of Anchorage Alaska, Eagle River, if you ever need anthing from up here just let me know. We have lots of Beavers, Otter's, Wiggin's, and a few Goose's left around here. Also have the The Queen of Dago Lake. 1943 Consolidated 0A-10A PBY (CATALINA) here needs someone to restore it.
Amazing Kermit !!!
most enjoyable! you are one lucky guy
So very cool Kermit! Nice smooth landings too! :)
Great videos man. You have to much fun.Keep it up.
Wow, never experienced a water landing, thanks for sharing this video and information!
Thanks for a great ride
great video-great aeroplane-great pilot ! I love that DUCK ! Thanks for sharing !
I love that plane too, your'e a lucky guy Kermit.
The Duck is one of my favorites also P40 is #2.
Awesome! Just wondering, to keep the peace with your neighbours do you have anything like a special “ neighbours only” open day and perhaps raffle off a husband and wife joy flight in the duck? Greetings from Perth, Western Australia!
Unfortunately, no!
This was an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing!
It has a great shadow!
I bet you do! So do I, great flight, great vid. SUPER aircraft!
The "Quack, quack" made me laugh. :D
Awesome video! I just stumbled upon your channel & I'm glad I did. I know it's important to try to keep the aircraft in as original condition as possible, but have you considered having the landing gear retraction/extension motorized to make it easier? I know that when the aircraft is within 1000 feet of the ground that it's the most dangerous/labor-intensive of any flight & to have to crank like a madman during that phase of flight has got to be a bit nerve-wracking. Thanks for what you do!
Thank you for your amazing video and wonderful experience, Greetings from Colombia
I've never landed anything that floats. Looks like a cool time!
you live my dream life... Sensational!
Which airfiled?
Fantasy of Flight
Thanks for sharing!
No doubt she loves you for looking after her.
That is amazing cockpit management.
Grumman should have put the landing gear crank on the right side of the cockpit in some aircraft, and on the left side on other examples....that way, pilots would have huge muscles on BOTH their arms from all the cranking... :)
Any way to put an electric motor to retract the gear?? LOL! Feel the burn! Any aircraft that is amphibious is my favorite:-)
Nice way to go for a refreshing swim.
They should have put gear cranks on both sides of the cockpit so your right arm doesn't get bigger than your left.
Well, the horizon took a shit but the needle and ball were fine...all you need to keep the old lady happy...