The Go/No Go can be tough, regardless of what you Fly!

Hope you learn as much about aviation helmets as I did!

Thanks to Jeremy from TacAero!

#NeverStopTraining #TAEliteHelmet

To learn more about Tail Wheel and Back Country Flight training, and of course aviation helmets – They are definitely the place I recommend!

The post Tough Pilot Decision to SCRUB + Why Fly with a Helmet? appeared first on Flight Chops.

Catching up on ~3 months worth of progress in this one!

In this “Airplane Build Vlog” episode of Flight Chops: The Van’s Aircraft RV-14 Finishing kit and Wing QuickBuild kit arrives, And the first major inspection happens!

Special thanks to the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association for hosting this build! Come and visit some time to see the build, visit the museum, and fly some warbirds!

Also shout out and thanks to GRYPMAT for supporting the build by sending us their very cool product.

To see the other episodes in this special airplane build series, see here!

The post WINGS are here + Pre Cover Inspection COMPLETE! – Build VLOG #6 appeared first on Flight Chops.

If it doesn’t feel right… It probably isn’t! (that goes for Building AND Flying)

In this Flight Chops RV-14 Build Vlog episode, we’re preparing to mate the tail kit to the fuselage kit. We’re also auditing the inventory and instructions of the quick-build fuselage to better understand the work that needs to be done. Then, onto the primer mishap!

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Special thanks to the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association for hosting this #KitPlane build! Come and visit some time to see the build, visit the museum, and fly some warbirds!

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To see the other episodes in this special airplane build series, see here!

The post Mistakes were Made, Lessons Learned – Build VLOG #5 appeared first on Flight Chops.

Seriously, no title sums this one up. Hope the aviation community finds + enjoys it

(This video title may or may not have been inspired by Rick and Morty)

How do you combine airplanes, hamburgers, sheet metal work, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a series of firsts, aviation enthusiasts, a museum and lots more into one weekend?  You just do.  

This episode is a must-see for all fans of aviation – we couldn’t stop smiling and neither will you. 

Huge thanks to the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association for hosting us!

And if you’re not caught up on our Van’s Aircraft RV-14 build, here’s the build vlog playlist!

The post Airplanes! and Building stuff and Flying and hamburgers with a contest and people at a museum and… appeared first on Flight Chops.

Super Catch Up episode – coming together almost too FAST!

In this “Airplane Build Vlog” episode of Flight Chops: We catch up on the summer of work that’s been completed on this Van’s Aircraft RV-14!  See this unique take on the build project told from different vantage points, in addition to Steve’s story.

Special thanks to the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association for hosting this build! Come and visit some time to see the build, visit the museum, and fly some warbirds!

The post Looking like an Airplane already! Build VLOG #4 appeared first on Flight Chops.

SEE YOU THERE!

UPDATE: We’ve just added more warbird flight times on SUNDAY OCTOBER 6th!!  If you can’t make it on Saturday the 5th you’ll now also have a chance to fly warbirds on Sunday.  However, the rest of the activity above — including the Burger Burn BBQ — is all happening on Saturday. We want to see you there either day!

UPDATE: We’ve just received the Fuselage for the Flight Chops RV-14! Come help us crack this crate open and see what’s inside!!

And if you can’t make the weekend of Oct 5th, we’ve got over a year of building the Flight Chops RV-14 Build Project still left to go and viewers are invited!!

Click below to learn more about this!

https://flightchops.com/2019/08/13/wanna-help-build-the-flight-chops-vans-aircraft-rv-14-heres-how/

You’ll also enjoy watching this episode!

https://flightchops.com/2019/08/16/she-flew-open-cockpit-helped-build-our-plane-inviting-viewers-to-do-the-same/

The post Come Fly Warbirds With Us October 5th 2019! + so much more… (UPDATED)! appeared first on Flight Chops.

Big congrats our latest winner!

Hey! Have you heard?  You’re invited!

SEE YOU THERE!

And if you can’t make the weekend of Oct 5th, we’ve got over a year of building the Flight Chops RV-14 Build Project still left to go and viewers are invited!! Click here to learn more about this!

Here’s what was up for grabs in our latest FC Experience giveaway:

A chance to be filmed and appear in a future Flight Chops episode with Steve Thorne!

During this Experience you will fully experience the CH2A and fly the warbird of your choice from the fleet – Harvard / T6, Stearman, or Chipmunk – with stick time! (Flying with Dave, the warbird check pilot that helped get Steve signed off!).

Also, you’ll get as much hands-on time as you want (or need) on the Flight Chops RV-14 build project which is hosted at the CH2A

The winner will have airfare covered to Detroit (up to $500) plus hotel accommodations for the weekend (currently scheduled for October 4, 2019) + CH2A membership included!

The winner will also receive their choice of PIVOT case for iPad + knee board or suction mount!

AND a Foreflight Performance Plus subscription!

PLUS Bose IE2 wired in-ear music headphones!  

BIG THANK YOU TO

OUR LUCKY WINNER IS…….

JOANNA M!

Here’s her story:

I am a mother to six kids and have stayed home and homeschooled them for 17 years. I got into flying over a year ago and started flight training in January and absolutely love it. I am almost done with my PPL and plan to take it as far as I can and one day soon get paid to fly. Flying has been the most challenging and confidence-building thing I have done in my life, and the aviation community is the most supportive. Also, I love passing on a passion for aviation to my kids and to my cadets in Civil Air Patrol. The picture is me, my instructor, and one of my kids riding in the back seat.

WAY TO GO JOANNA! WE CAN’T WAIT TO MEET YOU IN WINDSOR!

The post Announcing the Winner of the FC Experience: Warbird Edition! appeared first on Flight Chops.

Seriously – We’re inviting You to do this!

In this episode, Steve “Flight Chops” Thorne flies with Jon in a Meridian and they discuss tailwheel vs IFR flying. Meanwhile, back at CH2A, the RV-14 is being built with additional help from friends Sarah and Brock… and you’re invited to join us! Find out how in this episode.

Massive thanks to Jon for the tools, the trip and the continued support!  Look for more to come from him about mixing general aviation and playing in an Eagles Tribute band!  HINT: I might be helping him get his YouTube on  

For the Fall contest where we’ll fly you out here and cover your hotel:  

Current Flight Chops Contest

For long term to come out and visit the Flight Chops RV-14 build any time: 

https://flightchops.com/2019/08/13/wanna-help-build-the-flight-chops-vans-aircraft-rv-14-heres-how/

For general info about the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association (click the logo): 

And for those asking about the kneeboard / iPad case I am using – there is a deal code active until Sept 1st!  (I’m not making anything from this – wanted to get you guys the full discount that was available)

PIVOT – THE Case for Aviation. There’s a reason, I and over 150+ airlines worldwide use this product for easy and secure iPad mounting. Right now, PIVOT is running an Oshkosh special exclusively for Flight Chops Subscribers – 25% off with the code OshChops at checkout:

>> Shop Here for PIVOT – THE Case for Aviation <<

Looking For More Videos?

Check out what we’ve done on tailwheel flying

Check out what we’ve done on warbird flying

The post She Flew Open Cockpit + Helped Build Our Plane – Inviting Viewers to Do the Same! appeared first on Flight Chops.

The Flight Chops RV-14 build is being hosted at the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association (CH2A) in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

This organization is very dear to me and the build project quite simply could not have happened without them assembling a team, loaning us space, and otherwise making it a real thing.

You can and should bring the family to visit the CH2A to tour the museum and fly some warbirds!  You might be able to see the Flight Chops RV-14 build in action (more on this below) but, they’re not necessarily working on it every day.

Before you go please double-check the Museum opening hours here on their site.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE HANDS-ON IN THE BUILD PROJECT?

Want to be part of the Extended Flight Chops Build Crew?

We’ll be opening up group build days where viewers who’ve expressed interest in the build can come participate in an all-hands-on-deck building frenzy.

Museum membership is super affordable, but required to be a part of the team; currently half price now that we’re in the second half of the year – so for $35 you’re supporting the museum charity that keeps these warbirds maintained and in the air, while also gaining full access to the site (including warbird flights*), a gift shop discount and newsletter.

(*Note: Warbird flights can be purchased anytime, but must be pre-arranged to confirm pilot availability, and are subject to additional fees based on aircraft type.)

Let us know what your previous building experience is (note: we can find something for you to work on regardless of your skill level)!

UPDATED: You can get your name on a piece of history in the making!!  If you come help us build, you’ll be invited to sign your name on an inside panel.  Awesome!

YES! I WANT TO HEAR ABOUT WHEN THE BUILD DAYS ARE HAPPENING!

To get the updates directly sent to you, please send us a note here under the subject “Flight Chops RV-14 Build”

We’ll keep you posted as things develop!

There you have it.

I’m looking forward to meeting you at CH2A on the Extended Flight Chops Build Crew days!!  

Catch up on the Flight Chops RV-14 Airplane Build Status Vlogs

The post Wanna Help Build the Flight Chops Van’s Aircraft RV-14? Here’s How appeared first on Flight Chops.

Some aircraft parts were harmed in the making of this video.

In this “Airplane Build Vlog” episode of Flight Chops: We begin the work starting with deburring, and destroy our first part as we commence the project to build this aircraft!

Special thanks to the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association for hosting this build! Come and visit some time to see the build, visit the museum, and fly some warbirds!

And if you’re going to AirVenture 2019 – meet us at the Van’s booth on Saturday and win a flight!

The entire schedule is here:

https://flightchops.com/2019/07/02/flight-chops-at-eaa-airventure-in-oshkosh-osh19-50inosh/

The post Work Begins! + 1st Part Destroyed – Deburring – Airplane Build VLOG #3 appeared first on Flight Chops.