Steve Thorne, aka "Flight Chops" https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/author/stevethorne/ Practice, Review, Improve Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:32:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.9 https://flightchops.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FC-logo-blue-circle-e1525723692871-150x150.png Steve Thorne, aka "Flight Chops" https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/author/stevethorne/ 32 32 DIVERTED Away From AirVenture – FAST Pilot Decision Making! https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/ifr/diverted-away-from-airventure-fast-pilot-decision-making/ https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/ifr/diverted-away-from-airventure-fast-pilot-decision-making/#respond Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:32:30 +0000 https://flightchops.com/?p=15364 This episode covers the lead up to what was absolutely my most Difficult AirVenture arrival experience. Every year there are #Storms and super high traffic volume… I’ve flown the Fisk arrival many times over the years, and have always managed to skate through fairly smoothly. But 2023 was the first time that basically everything happened: We had to divert due to storms being parked over the entire arrival procedure, then got spun at Fisk multiple times, had to go around due to a wrong way landing aircraft, and then had to join the holds when the airport was closed - all in, we spent over 2 hours doing what should have taken 25 minutes.

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It started off fun… But got more difficult quickly.

This episode covers the lead up to what was absolutely my most #Difficult #AirVenture arrival experience. Every year there are #Storms and super high traffic volume… I’ve flown the Fisk arrival many times over the years, and have always managed to skate through fairly smoothly. But 2023 was the first time that basically everything happened: We had to divert due to storms being parked over the entire arrival procedure, then got spun at Fisk multiple times, had to go around due to a wrong way landing aircraft, and then had to join the holds when the airport was closed – all in, we spent over 2 hours doing what should have taken 25 minutes.

I was so glad to have Katie as a crew member on this one! Learn more about her here: https://www.AstroKatie.com

Quantum 101 series produced by the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and Digital Sabbath
https://www.digitalsabbath.ca/

Full series here:
https://perimeterinstitute.ca/quantum…

SiriusXM Aviation is a long time Flight Chops supporter.
The current GDL-52 rebate is a great opportunity to get started with onboard weather data!
https://www.siriusxm.com/aviation
https://www.siriusxm.ca/aviation/ (For Canadians)

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This could cost $30,000 and End the Flying Season https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/aerobatics/this-could-cost-30000-and-end-the-flying-season/ https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/aerobatics/this-could-cost-30000-and-end-the-flying-season/#respond Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:32:28 +0000 https://flightchops.com/?p=15312 In this episode we’re sharing the aftermath of the RV-14 being grounded due to a Prop Strike, and the pivot to salvage plans to fly my first aerobatic competition. Huge thanks to Adam and his family for lending me their RV-8.

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In this episode we’re sharing the aftermath of the RV-14 being grounded due to a #PropStrike, and the pivot to salvage plans to #fly my first aerobatic competition. Huge thanks to Adam and his family for lending me their RV-8.

I had no time in that particular type when I got there to see it for the first time. It was a rewarding challenge to push through the #adversity and make it happen.

Adam’s Channel:    / @turned_n_banked  

Ryan’s Sukhoi-26 crash episode:    • 74 Seconds: Engine Failure to Crash!  

SiriusXM Aviation
The current GDL-52 rebate is a great opportunity to get started with onboard weather data!

https://www.siriusxm.com/aviation

https://www.siriusxm.ca/aviation/ (For Canadians)

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Thinking Inside The Box – Aerobatic Competition Prep! https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/aerobatics/thinking-inside-the-box-aerobatic-competition-prep/ https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/aerobatics/thinking-inside-the-box-aerobatic-competition-prep/#respond Fri, 11 Aug 2023 12:25:19 +0000 https://flightchops.com/?p=15302 In this episode of Flight Chops, I'm sharing the process of preparing for my first aerobatic flying contest. Solo practice was great, but being coached from the ground was a game changer! A full episode about the 3 day camp is coming soon. Leave a comment if you'd like to learn more about the coach camps that Aaron runs.

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The most Physically Demanding #Flying I’ve ever done!!

In this episode of Flight Chops, I’m sharing the process of preparing for my first aerobatic flying contest. #Solo practice was great, but being coached from the ground was a game changer! A full episode about the 3 day camp is coming soon. Leave a comment if you’d like to learn more about the coach camps that Aaron runs.

And if you’d like to learn more about Luke: He’s on instagram follow him there at these accounts: @harvsairinverted + @teamcanadawaac To follow the journey to World #Aerobatics Championships later this season!

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All the ANSWERS after 2 years, 200 hours Flown https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/best-of/all-the-answers-after-2-years-200-hours-flown/ https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/best-of/all-the-answers-after-2-years-200-hours-flown/#respond Mon, 24 Jul 2023 05:09:10 +0000 https://flightchops.com/?p=15220 In this episode of Flight Chops, I'm doing my best to share what I've learned operating the airplane for 200 hours. I'm also answering a bunch of the key questions such as what did things cost, what do we like, what did we modify, what do I wish I knew, what snags have there been, etc...

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The costs, a thorough review of the RV-14, and detailed breakdown of components.

In this episode of Flight Chops, I’m doing my best to share what I’ve learned operating the airplane for 200 hours. I’m also answering a bunch of the key questions such as what did things cost, what do we like, what did we modify, what do I wish I knew, what snags have there been, etc…

Here are some of the major component partners we are proud to be working with on the Van’s Aircraft RV-14:

https://www.vansaircraft.com/

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/

https://www.lycoming.com/engines/thunderbolt

https://www.evokeaviation.com/

https://hartzellprop.com/

https://www.steinair.com/

https://www.earthxbatteries.com

https://hartzell.aero/

https://aeroleds.com/

https://www.classicaero.com/

https://www.mcfarlaneaviation.com/

https://www.hookerharness.com/aviation.html

https://www.vettermanexhaust.com/

Center console:
https://www.aerosportproducts.com/product/rv-14-armrest-throttle-quadrant/

Glare shield:
https://www.aircraftspecialty.com/rv-14.html

Air / Oil separator – Raven Aircraft
– have it now installing ASAP
https://ravenaircraft.com/products2/engine-firewall-forward/

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Maybe don’t Fly Solo – AirVenture Arrival – World’s Busiest Airport! https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/ifr/maybe-dont-fly-solo-airventure-arrival-worlds-busiest-airport/ https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/ifr/maybe-dont-fly-solo-airventure-arrival-worlds-busiest-airport/#respond Sat, 15 Jul 2023 18:52:42 +0000 https://flightchops.com/?p=15213 In this episode of Flight Chops, we’re sharing tips and insights from experts and insiders about how best to prepare for, and execute your arrival into AirVenture, the world's biggest Aviation event!

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In this episode of Flight Chops, we’re sharing tips and insights from experts and insiders about how best to prepare for, and execute your arrival into #AirVenture, the world’s biggest #Aviation event!

If you’re planning for 2023, come visit the Hartzell booth to see the RV-14 and get a fist bump! The rest of my event scheme will be at https://www.FlightChops.com, posted on the various socials, and in the Flight Chops community mailer this week.

Fred Stadler has been the EAA lead on the #Oshkosh NOTAM for 30 years. A long time pilot and mechanic, Fred also volunteers at the EAA Pioneer Airport, flying old airplanes and Young Eagles. To learn more about volunteering during AirVenture, visit the EA website, or try this link: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/support-eaa/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities-at-airventure/available-airventure-volunteer-positions

Ed Wischmeyer is an aviation safety researcher who asks questions like, why do pilots only lose control in turns at low altitudes? At AirVenture 2023, he will be presenting forums on Setting Reasonable Expectations for Angle of Attack, Base to Final Turn Loss of Control, and the Expanded Envelope Exercises®, a fun way to make pilots safer and more at home flying their everyday planes. He is also a widely published aviation journalist.  

Ed’s events at Osh 2023: (they’re all at 10am)
Monday: NAFI tent behind Garmin
Tuesday: Forum tent 3
Friday: Pilot Proficiency Center

And thanks to CFI Claire for being a good sport when Ed introduced me and we threw a camera in her face for comments with no notice 🙂

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3 Reasons to Fly IFR on a Nice Day + Glass Panel Walkthrough & Procedures https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/ifr/3-reasons-to-fly-ifr-on-a-nice-day-glass-panel-walkthrough-procedures/ https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/ifr/3-reasons-to-fly-ifr-on-a-nice-day-glass-panel-walkthrough-procedures/#respond Mon, 03 Jul 2023 03:43:51 +0000 https://flightchops.com/?p=15177 It’s a beautiful day (although a bit bumpy) and I took the opportunity to file IFR to get some solid practice working with the automation in the Garmin glass panel; It went well for the most part, but I felt I captured some learning moments worth sharing.

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I Never Regret Filing IFR, This Is Why! I’m #Flying #Singlepilot #IFR to reposition the RV-14 from Toronto to Windsor where the museum I fly with is based.

It’s a beautiful day (although a bit bumpy) and I took the opportunity to file IFR to get some solid practice working with the automation in the Garmin glass panel; It went well for the most part, but I felt I captured some learning moments worth sharing. I owe a great deal to long time mentor Dennis for getting me through many phases of my flight training, including transitioning to the panel in this airplane.

Check out his company Next Level Flight Training: https://www.nlft.ca

Jason Miller is an other great CFI that I’ve learned a lot from. He’s doing some great this with The Ground School App.

I am proud to be a member of the Canadian Aviation Museum (formerly CH2A). They are a not-for-profit organization that anybody can visit, and (almost) any pilot can join and fly the planes. Please consider sharing their link, visiting the museum in Windsor, and/or sending a small donation to help them keep our historic warbirds flying! https://www.canadianaviationmuseum.ca/

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Flying in Europe, Not So Different? VFR Water Crossing with my Family https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/general-aviation-in-europe/flying-in-europe-not-so-different-vfr-water-crossing-with-my-family/ https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/general-aviation-in-europe/flying-in-europe-not-so-different-vfr-water-crossing-with-my-family/#respond Mon, 03 Jul 2023 03:40:00 +0000 https://flightchops.com/?p=15174 Wanna learn about General Aviation in Europe ?  In this episode of Flight Chops, (a Travel Adventure filmed in “the before times” of 2019), we’re flying the second half of our water crossing leg with friends from Hässlö Flygförening, just outside of Stockholm.

Hässlö Flygförening is located at Stockholm Västerås Airport (ICAO code ESOW) about an hour drive from Stockholm. With more than 600 members they are the largest flying club in northern Europe.

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Wanna learn about General #Aviation in #Europe ?  In this episode of Flight Chops, (a #Travel Adventure filmed in “the before times” of 2019), we’re flying the second half of our water crossing leg with friends from Hässlö Flygförening, just outside of Stockholm.

Hässlö Flygförening is located at Stockholm Västerås Airport (ICAO code ESOW) about an hour drive from Stockholm. With more than 600 members they are the largest flying club in northern Europe.

Being so close to Stockholm, while still keeping out of the more congested airspace around the big international airport, HFF is a great place to start your #GeneralAviation flying adventure in #Sweden. They have access to many different airplanes to rent, together with a group of highly competent instructors ranging from airline captains to aerobatic instructors.

For pilots visiting Sweden, they can assist with anything from information, checkout flights on new types to the paperwork needed to act as PIC on a Swedish registered plane without an EASA license.

Learn more at their site: https://hasslo.org/in-english/

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Had to DIVERT – Flying to test the FUTURE of Flight Sim https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/ifr/had-to-divert-flying-to-test-the-future-of-flight-sim/ https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/ifr/had-to-divert-flying-to-test-the-future-of-flight-sim/#respond Sun, 28 May 2023 16:58:25 +0000 https://flightchops.com/?p=15091 In this episode of Flight Chops, we’re #Flying #IFR in the RV-14 to visit Sporty’s and see the latest in #FlightSim tech! (We face some challenging weather along the way, but do what general aviation pilots do, and adapt the plan to execute the mission! :)

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In this episode of Flight Chops, we’re #Flying #IFR in the RV-14 to visit Sporty’s and see the latest in #FlightSim tech! (We face some challenging weather along the way, but do what general aviation pilots do, and adapt the plan to execute the mission! 🙂

The Yawman Arrow used in the video is a 3D printed pre-production model that is used for testing, but is 100% representative of the final design and all the controller’s features. Sporty’s is going to be the exclusive distributor in North America (and they’ll have better international shipping rates).
You’ll be able to buy in two places:  https://www.Yawmanflight.com and Sporty’s https://www.sportys.com/yawman-arrow-…

Infinite Flight is a mobile flight simulator designed for iOS and Android, letting pilots and flight sim enthusiasts get their flying fix on the go. Combined with the new Yawman Arrow gaming controller, Infinite Flight lets you can take your simulator setup to the next level, anywhere.
Learn more at https://www.infiniteflight.com and download Infinite Flight in the App Store or Google Play.

FlightSimExpo is North America’s community-driven flight simulation conference. The next event takes place on June 23-25, 2023 in Houston, Texas. I’ll be there with the RV-14 displayed across from Microsoft with the panel powered up so you can check out out – stop by for a fist bump and a sticker!
Learn more at https://www.flightsimexpo.com

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74 Seconds: Engine Failure to Crash! https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/best-of/74-seconds-engine-failure-to-crash/ https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/best-of/74-seconds-engine-failure-to-crash/#respond Wed, 10 May 2023 00:15:16 +0000 https://flightchops.com/?p=15037 Ryan had absolutely no time spare time to pull off this Forced Landing.

In this episode of Flight Chops, we debrief Ryan's #emergency landing in his Sukhoi 26. I'm putting the word #Crash in here for the hashtag / search term, but he really did an amazing job under very difficult circumstances.

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Ryan had absolutely no time spare time to pull off this Forced Landing.

In this episode of Flight Chops, we debrief Ryan’s #emergency landing in his Sukhoi 26. I’m putting the word #Crash in here for the hashtag / search term, but he really did an amazing job under very difficult circumstances.

Watch for more content #flying and training with Luke soon!
https://www.harvsairinverted.com/

Help Ryan:

Donate and/or share his GoFundMe and view the Details for how to win the flight in our mk4 Harvard!
https://www.gofundme.com/f/sukhoi26

For Sukhoi updates, (and other great aerobatic content) visit Ryan’s youtube channel:
   / @kahaaerosports  

Ryan’s Sponsor deal codes:

Lost Aviator Coffee
http://www.kahaaerosports.ca/
Use Coupon code: Kaha10

Bonehead Composites
https://boneheadcomposites.com/
Discount code for 5% off at checkout: kaha5

I asked Ryan to describe his world for me to use as a basis for one of the initial voice overs, and here’s what he wrote:

“Competition aerobatics is all about precision and flying for the judges. Every maneuver is graded starting from 10.0 and the judges deduct from there, based on a set of criteria in the rule book. What’s more important is what the judges see on the ground, vs what you see in the cockpit. You not only have to fly clean, you also need to manage the aircrafts energy throughout the flight while accounting for the environmental conditions to make sure you’re actually flying in the right spot, because parallax and position, affect your scores. At the world level, one mistake can push your ranking right to the bottom that will automatically put you out of contention for a top 10 finish.”

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Europe vs North America; Some Pilot Habits are Hard to Break https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/flying-in-europe/europe-vs-north-america-some-pilot-habits-are-hard-to-break/ https://flightchops.com/flying-videos/flying-in-europe/europe-vs-north-america-some-pilot-habits-are-hard-to-break/#respond Mon, 24 Apr 2023 16:10:36 +0000 https://flightchops.com/?p=15007 In this episode of Flight Chops, (a #Travel Adventure filmed in “the before times” of 2019), we’re flying from the Swedish mainland to an island off the coast to stay at a WWII military base.

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In this episode of Flight Chops, (a #Travel Adventure filmed in “the before times” of 2019), we’re flying from the Swedish mainland to an island off the coast to stay at a WWII military base.

Thanks to our friends at Hässlö Flygförening, just outside of Stockholm for making this possible. Hässlö Flygförening is located at Stockholm Västerås Airport (ICAO code ESOW) about an hour drive from Stockholm. With more than 600 members they are the largest flying club in northern Europe. Being so close to Stockholm, while still keeping out of the more congested airspace around the big international airport, HFF is a great place to start your #GeneralAviation flying adventure in #Sweden.

They have access to many different airplanes to rent, together with a group of highly competent instructors ranging from airline captains to aerobatic instructors.

For pilots visiting Sweden, they can assist with anything from information, checkout flights on new types to the paperwork needed to act as PIC on a Swedish registered plane without an EASA license.

Learn more at their site: https://hasslo.org/in-english/

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