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Announcing new partnership between Flight Chops and Van’s Aircraft

TORONTO, ON, March 29, 2019. The marketing world has changed: Forward-thinking companies are forming alliances with authentic members of their communities to create original content that genuinely connects with a target audience, such as aviation YouTube content creator Steve Thorne does with “Flight Chops.”  

Through a new breed of deal that’s been nearly 20 years in the making, Flight Chops and Van’s Aircraft are excited to announce a partnership that will see a brand-new Van’s RV-14 being built and flown — becoming the official aircraft of Flight Chops. This relationship will focus on creating new video content, telling the stories and documenting the experiences of building a Van’s RV-14 aircraft and then following the airplane on its flying adventures.

“I’ve been carrying around a dog-eared photo of a Van’s Aircraft RV-7 in my wallet since 2001. Discovering that such a capable aircraft was both accessible and affordable was inspiring,” says Steve Thorne from Flight Chops. “So the opportunity to meet “Van” himself to discuss building and flying the RV-7’s big brother — the RV-14 — is very exciting and means a lot to me.”

FC-Vans_the image that started it all_Steve Thorne showing the dog-eared photo of the Vans Aircraft RV-7 he's been carrying for nearly 20 years

 

“We knew Steve had his eye on the RV-7 for quite some time,” says Greg Hughes of Van’s Aircraft. “When he came to Oregon and took the opportunity to fly several of our aircraft, that look in his eye as he pulled up after his RV-14 flight made it obvious that he had a new aviation love. We knew right then that Steve would eventually start building an RV-14, and we’re excited he’ll be documenting and sharing the real-world story of what it takes to build these awesome, fun aircraft.”

The Flight Chops Youtube channel has always been about a regular-guy private pilot working hard to chase his aviation dreams and follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, to ultimately fly a Spitfire (WWII Fighter). The flying community’s generosity and involvement has made it possible for Steve to share increasingly fascinating flying adventures, stories and aviation personalities.

The companies plan to thoroughly cover the RV-14 build process via on ongoing “vlog” beginning this summer, with the aim to be flying the aircraft within 2 years.

 

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This just in:

Fans and viewers of all ages will have the chance to meet Steve in person at the Van’s Aircraft booth during Sun n Fun, in Lakeland Florida, on Thursday April 4th at 1PM.  Please see event details for the exact booth location.

Where to Meet Flight Chops at Sun n’ Fun 2019 | #SNF19 (Updated)

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Media Inquiries:

For additional info and media downloads, please head to The Flight Chops Newsroom.

 

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For more background on how this idea began, please be sure to watch this episode:

 

READ ABOUT THIS IN AOPA NEWS

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Huge thanks to all the Supporters on Patreon!

Check our Patreon page to find out how to be part of the Flight Chops Community.

Productions like this wouldn’t be possible without your help!

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Flight Chops is Proudly Supported by:

ForeFlight

Bose Aviation

Van's Aircraft

SiriusXM Aviation

CloudAhoy

Infiniteflight

EarthX Batteries

 

The Finer Points

Next Level Flight Training - NLFT.ca

I’m a Private Pilot, doing my best to stay current and learn. I fly for fun and might just be the least cocky pilot on the internet! My self analysis videos can seem self deprecating at times, but I am trying to learn from the small mistakes to avoid making a big one; I’m happy to share and find it rewarding to help other pilots or aspiring aviators in any way that I can. How does the saying go? “Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards”. And in aviation, not all tests are survivable.

My virtual “ride-along” flying videos are aimed and sharing my experiences and giving back to the aviation community which has been so helpful to me. I shoot multi-camera angles, get detailed real time instrument panel shots, and have radio intercom audio. I respect people’s time, so I put a fair bit of work into editing to keep the videos concise and engaging; I add animations and further graphics and voice overs where needed to add context and explanations.

My hope is to continue to grow and evolve the “Flight Chops” project with input and support from the aviation community!


Steve Thorne, aka "Flight Chops"

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Flight Chops Disclaimer

I am a “weekend warrior” private pilot, I fly for fun with no intentions of going commercial. I have had my PPL for over 15 years, but still consider each flight a learning experience – I generally take detailed notes after each flight to remind myself what went well or what I could do to improve…. Having the GoPro cameras to record flights like this is invaluable. I find these self analysis videos very helpful in my constant quest to improve, and am happy to share.

Feedback is invited; however, please keep it positive.

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  • The 14 is probably my dream plane….Still haven’t made it down to Aurora when they are actually open though! Just night flights….hopefully soon!

  • Two of my most favorite people / companies in the aviation world are teaming up to do what I’ve been saving up to do?! I’ll be glued to YouTube. Congrats to both. It’s like your two best friends are getting married and you can’t wait for the baby…

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