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

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

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

___

Huge thanks to all the Supporters on Patreon!

Productions like this wouldn’t be possible without your help! For those that haven’t seen it, please check the Flight Chops Patreon page to find out how you can be a part of it! 

There are several raw/uncut supporter exclusives from the TBM – here is the most recent

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

https://flightchops.com/2016/12/08/rescue-survivor-qualification-u-s-coast-guard-mh65-helicopter-training-vlog-part-1/

https://flightchops.com/2016/12/23/i-was-hoist-rescued-by-the-coast-guard-mh65-helicopter-training-vlog-part-2/

https://flightchops.com/2014/08/22/tail-dragger-training-wheel-landing-on-pavement-super-cub-pov-flying/

The post Aviation’s Coolest Working Dog: Tribute to K9 Piper (+PHOTOS) appeared first on Flight Chops.

An awesome distraction from IFR training! 

The Coast Guard series is linked below – I am proud do have done this and consider this production some of my best work: 

Rescue Survivor Qualification – U.S. Coast Guard – MH65 Helicopter – Training VLOG – part 1

I was Hoist Rescued by the Coast Guard! MH65 Helicopter – Training VLOG – part 2

To learn more about how you can fly the L-39, please visit 45 North Aviation.

The post Pulling 5 G’s (Grey-Out) L-39 Jet Aerobatics and Cloud Surfing – Flight VLOG appeared first on Flight Chops.

There have been so many memorable moments on the journey to Year 4 and 100k subscribers!  

Here is a look back on some of the moments that stick out in my mind

(click any image below to watch the episode it came from):

MOST PIVOTAL MOMENT

My First Solo (Again) – a.k.a. “Holy Sh*t, I’m alone in this thing.”

This experience is what put me firmly on the path of turning my dream of flying vintage warbirds into reality.  

MOST GOOFY

Getting Slapped in the Face by Bradley Friesen

No explanation required…

Or is there?

MOST EPIC

Being Hoist-Rescued by the US Coast Guard

No contest – the most epic thing I’ve ever done.

MOST PAINFUL

Pulling +6 and -3 G’s — a.k.a. “I need to be in better shape for this.”

This was intense and I quickly learned that I need to work out more often than never in order to be an aerobatic pilot!

SCARIEST MOMENT

Learning to understand air currents and their similarities to water – a.k.a. “The Scariest Thing We’re Going to Do Today” 

Flying this close to ridges is very, very intimidating.

MOST FUN

Getting to fly three models of CubCrafters in one day

PINCH-ME MOMENT

Doing aerobatics in the L-39

COMING SOON – Full episode not yet published but you can get a taste of it here in the 2017 teaser:

WHY I FLY

This one is all about chasing my childhood dreams.  Soloing the DHC-1 Chipmunk was a very emotional experience, and brings me one step closer to flying a Spitfire like my Grampa did.

WOW MOMENT

The Fifi episode hits 1 Million Views

“The craziest place I’ve ever rigged GoPros”

MOST REWARDING

Flying with fellow pilots that I have been lucky enough to meet through the FC Community and Patreon.

Like surprising Paul with a vintage military jet:

And flying over San Francisco with Elliott: (coming soon)

COOLEST MOMENT 

The Youtube Channel hits 100,000 Subscribers!

Cheers to all of you who have stuck with me throughout this journey, and here’s to many more

The post Flight Chops Turns 4! The Good, the Bad & the Ugly on the Road to Here appeared first on Flight Chops.