Home » Best Of » Aviation’s Coolest Working Dog: Tribute to K9 Piper (+PHOTOS)

Aviation’s Coolest Working Dog: Tribute to K9 Piper (+PHOTOS)

March 9, 2018
Steve Thorne
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I can neither confirm nor deny crying a little while editing this one…

I’d always known in theory what working dogs were. But to actually see one doing his thing — naturally and with so much passion — was truly amazing.

Honestly, I couldn’t have described the experience of meeting Piper if I wasn’t able to make this episode and actually show you what he was like.  I hope you enjoy learning about the roles of these very special dogs that keep airports safe, and please help the cause by sharing it.

Huge thanks to Brian, Piper’s trainer.  And if you’d like to donate to a good cause in Piper’s name, check out Spikes K9 Fund.  “In order to keep the runways safe, K9 Piper had the essential kit to help him do his job. Without these items he could not complete his mission and keep the runways clear. This is true for all working K9s – without proper gear they cannot complete their tasks. We created the K9 Piper Kit Campaign for this very reason. All money raised will buy items like heat alarms, GPS trackers, non-ballistic vests, Rex Specs. Something that K9 Piper was known for. Please help honor the life of a K9 loved by so many, donate to the K9 Piper Kit Campaign!”

You can find Piper’s various social media accounts by searching: @airportk9

There are many working dogs, falconers and other interesting animal control programs at various airports.  For instance, there are now eagles being trained to take down drones.
 
We will be covering more of this fascinating stuff in the future!  
 

It is sad that we lost Piper, but I am proud to be able to help tell his story – please SHARE this one!

To see more awesome stuff we produced during this trip, search “Coast Guard” and “L-39” here on the site.

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MASSIVE thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard for being a part of this!

For more info; See the USCG Recruiting Page

Explore USCG Air Station Traverse City

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If you enjoyed this episode, check out this related content!

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The Finer Points

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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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