Building 120 gal fuel tank for my crazy Bush plane | Scrappy #55 

Mike, don’t worry about the videos being to long. I’m here wishing you had 2 hour videos.

I never thought I could be fascinated by tank sealers, but here we are. :-) -Daven

12 Year USAF Veteran(87'-99') here. Thank you for your support Mike and keeping us old maintenance Airmen entertained.

Those dudes and dudettes in the 799th Expeditionary Squadron are all badass. One, for doing what they do, but two, recognizing a stud civilian and what he represents. To all of you, I salute.

Mike, as former AIr Force, I want to thank you on behalf of all of us who served, and who are currently serving. I'll have to check out your website and maybe order one of those shirts. You are an amazing individual. Thank you!

Mike, you are not doing it by the book, you are writing the book! I am blown away by the level of ingenuity, experience and craftsmanship you display! As an old aerospace engineer, I can tell this is going to be the most epic Cub ever, period! 😊

To the US Air Force - you could not pick a better person to hook up with and do things with in terms of aviation. Mike, and all the troops - love you all. Stay safe!

Mike, in my humble opinion you are the epitome of the American dream and the entrepreneurial spirit that makes America what it is. The squadron recognizes that as well and is what they dedicate their lives to protect. I believe you deserve the Presidential medal of freedom for your contributions. Outstanding!

Former 747 assembly mechanic here. Your explanation of tolerance for countersinking rivets is very good. It was 45 years ago but I believe our standard tolerance for flush rivets was + .001 to .002 / - .000. In other words, below flush was out of tolerance and grounds for a rejection and special repair for the reasons you mention. Also depending on the thickness of the skin, if countersunk too deep it creates a knife edge on the skin which can be a point of stress induction into the rivet potentially causing it to fail before service life was complete.

Easily one of the coolest things on YT. If all learning was this fun, we'd be such an advanced society.

Who ever does the lovely editing on these videos should get credit at the end of every video.

Mike continues to amaze. I’m at the point where I wouldn’t be surprised if he installs a redesigned, ultra lightweight, carbon fiber mini-gun, that harnesses the recoil energy as a backup power supply.

It's a real art the way Mike so effortlessly explains things that I had no idea about previously, and I just sort of get it. That's the real mark of a truly knowledgeable person; when you can explain something complex in a simple way.

The flag and certificate was a remarkable gift. You inspire a lot of people.

Extra work for Mike means more chances for the genius to work.

Mike, we are all here for your extreme attention to detail. No apologies needed!

“That last 10 percent makes 90 percent of the difference of the finished product.” Couldn’t agree more with that statement. Applies to so much more than wings!

Thank you Mike for being an inspiration in both aviation and engineering! Who else watches till the absolute end?

WHO GETS EXCITED DURING THE INTRO - BEST ON THE TUBE!

JD is a friend of mine! I actually got to Ali Al Salem just before they flew that, just got home right after July 4th. My unit is the C-130 unit in Colorado Springs, we also do aerial firefighting. Thanks for the support, Mike! I was showing people Draco and Scrappy videos all during the deployment!

The precision of both manufacturing and assembly is NASA level. Genius!

Ron, you are an absolute LEGEND! Mike, you are a lucky man to have someone like Ron helping you out!

Mike Patey......you my friend are the MAN. When Draco met it's demise and you introduced us to Scrappy I thought that there would be no way you could top the mighty Draco yet you have brought us along on the ride of a lifetime as you share your genius of forethought and attention to detail doing what you do as you create out of thin air a vision that is amazing. Thanks Mike. I truly wait with baited breath for the next instalment and I am starting to have twinges of regret as Scrappy is getting closer to the finish line...... still, I can hardly wait to see it in the air. Back To Work!!

Patey for president 2024.... need to make it happen.

I m watching from NZ and even I get choked up by the Air Force sending you that flag , I love how patriotic you Americans are ❤️

It blows my mind that Mike can manage so many details and just leaves nothing untouched by his specific form or perfection. If i was a student and not already established and tied to my life i would hike across the country and sleep out in the wild and work for free just to understudy with this amazing human being.

That segment on the flag got me choked up. What an amazing gift and honor to receive that. Mike, you are a great human being. Your reaction was touching.

Mike, your love for American Troops is so infectious! God Bless the United States and all who honor her.

Man, it's always a special time when there's a new Patey/Scrappy video! Never thought there would be someone so enthusiastic and would show so much of the detail of what goes into designing and making your own parts and aircraft. Super Stoked!

I almost wish I'd discovered Mike latter so I could watch the whole build at once. It's torture waiting a week for these episodes. It's amazing how compelling this is compared to mainstream media. You realise how much producers ruin content. Here you are with a iPhone and I'd watch this over anything. To those that criticise new media. DO BETTER! Amazing.

Heh Mike, Thank You for being a patriot to this great Country That We Love ! What a privilege and honor I had serving our Country for 31 years. Beginning as a 21 year old kid starting as a FE/FM flying on C-119C's with R4360's and then onto C-119G & L's with R3350's for 8 1/2 years then as a Crew Chief on C-130H's and retired working on our Unit's C-130H Phase Maintenance Dock. Loved working and flying on the Herc .... What an awesome aircraft ! Your sealer looks like what we used in the C-130's wet wing tanks. Absolutely Love your build videos and look forward to each one ...... Back To Work !!! GOD Bless !

Whenever I see Scrappy in the future I will always remember the beauty of the parts hidden inside.

Mike is the science teacher that we wish we had in high school…

Imagine if Mike designed a bullet proof vest. Rated for 9mm but tested to 50BMG.

This isn't a airplane, it's a work of art.

I vote after Scrappy is finally finished you combine all the vlogs and make a movie out of them. It would be awesome to see how Scrappy took form in a matter of hours rather than months/years even though it's been an amazing adventure being along for the ride!

I never thought I'd like scrappy like I did Draco but Scrappy is growing on me.

Crashing Draco turned out to be a blessing, thank you for making the world a better place, you truly are Mr. Inspiration.

Love watching Scrappy come together. Get back to work Monday. Enjoy your Father’s Day.

Thanks for supporting our troops! You are such a great example of how to work and the proper work ethic I think your videos should be compulsory for all school children and collage engineering courses!

Normally I ask You Tubers to remove their introductions that just eat up valuable minutes, however, Mike I would not ask you to remove or reduce your introduction since I believe yours is not capable of improvement. Your introduction is spot on. You are simply terrific beyond words... Blessings to you...and yours.

OMG man, each rib is separately CNC’d????? Holy freaking crap man! That is insane. Absolutely amazing!

From a retired veteran, thank you and God bless

Love seeing my trade explained in a way that everyone can understand and watching a craftsman who worries about the little things.

Had to like it immediately

Ding Dong !!! It’s the doorbell again. HOLY COW ! It’s MIKE AND RON. “DROP EVERYTHING! “. Gary

Mike, the amount of attention to details which you are doing, should be taught in schools man. I'm so fascinated. God bless you, man.

This man is gonna end up in some hall of fame.

MIke's building his own custom wings in his own shop. Designed and machined to precision. What a stud! Meanwhile, I just personally changed the oil in my Silverado but i don't feel quite as accomplished as Mr. Patey.

Scrappy is going to be the greatest flying machine ever built when it flies.

My grandfather's (was on the P51 design team) favorite quote was "90% there - 90% to go!"

I don't believe you have EVER bored the crap out of me Mike!! I really enjoy hearing all the reasoning behind the way you are assembling your tanks! Seeing how someone builds something without getting the long in-depth reasoning behind every step is just watching without understanding!

I I'll have one of those shirts, Got to say this Mike when you were talking about the gift from the Squadron I knew you were going to shed a tear a bit cause I was doing just that, I'm English I live in the UK but very Patriotic for UK and US forces, Red White and Blue all the way!

As a crew chief on KC-135’s, I spent many hours scraping conformal coating off of the insides of the fuel tanks that wasn’t prepped properly and was pealing off! Yes there were clogged fuel filters! Pain in the rear but at least the tanks were big enough to fit inside! Go USAF! Retired after 38 years of working on C-130’s, A-7’s, and finally KC-135’s. Definitely going to order one of your shirts!

Mike has a way of making a 30 minute video feel like 2 minutes. When I hear his outtro song softly starting to play in the background, I can't help but feel disappointed that I'm at the end of the video and once again, it'll be a waiting game till the next video. Love your videos Mike!

damn, nice one crome 91. glad we got you out there supporting us and mike, he loved that.

Mike that flag must be onboard for Scrappy's first flight.

I'm not an aviation guy, never flown a plane... Hell, I've never even flown in a plane but you're such a good guy and so smart about engineering I can't help but love these videos. I'm an armchair engineer who loves to build all kinds of cool things and I have to say Mike, you're an inspiration buddy. I'm glad I found your channel. The things you do for people and the way you help your friends is amazing. Everyone should have someone like you to call friend. Keep it up Mike. Back to work 💪

I can't wait to see scrappy slip the surly bonds of earth. Maki you have no idea how invested we all are in this project. The detail of the build is mesmerizing.

Aircraft manufacturers watching Mikes videos👀 Write that down!!!😂

This torque tube will rotate all the BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!! nice Mike real nice!!!

The longer the video, the better Matey

I've got to say, as a Navy veteran, I could feel your support while you were reading the citation and thanking those that sent it to you. So much so that I teared up myself. Nothing gives me more pride than those that appreciate what those who served and are serving. It makes it all worth the sacrifices knowing we kept America safe and the best nation on Earth. You are a true Patriot, Mike!

After 15 yrs as a structure mech, still learning new ways to build.. Love to see how the wings look after 100 hours of flight.

The amount of engineering in everything you do is simply astounding. I'd love for you to do a video telling us about your childhood experiences (good or bad) and decisions you made as a teenager that might have contributed to your genius. I'm 43 and I just can't imagine knowing a fraction of what you know.

Much as I can't wait for each new episode, I don't want this build to ever end. What will I watch then?

The letter, flag, and seeing Mike's reaction got me. I had no doubt Mike was a 100% proud American. Thank you Mike for acknowledging our men and women in the military, and for being such an inspiration to them. It's obvious they love you as much as you love them. So incredible. My God continue to bless you and all our heroes fighting for freedom.

I'm a US Army service member currently overseas I found your channel shortly after getting to Germany and I just wanted to let you know that I have been really enjoying your scrappy build to the point where I might eventually get a single prop pilots license

This Vietnam vet loved your reaction to the flag gift.

Work can wait, it's "Back to Scrappy"

"You want to stay wet during the whole process" - Mike Patey, 2021 Mike dropping knowledge bombs all over the place in these videos. Not to mention inspiring a whole new generation of engineers and aviators both old and young.

Just cant wait for another Scrappy video! Better entertainment than Netflix and way more educational. You’re my hero Mike! And Mark, and Ron, and Chandra, and Jason, and Kevin, and Cory, and Trent, et al.

If I lived close to Mike I’d be at the hanger every day working for free just to be a part of the awesomeness. So excited to see scrappy complete.

How do you manage to make a 30 minute video fly by so fast and leave me wanting more.... I have been involved in no more than dozen home build projects and this build is fascinating even through a digital screen laptop in the Philippines. I feel like I am in your shop learning and wanting to help. It's a very touching moment when the world is watching and you get FULL recognition for your work and creativity from your countries armed forces. So proud of you Mike...

Hey Mike! Your video's are not silly. I always like watching talented builders, its like watching an artist paint a picture. Although, I do think Scrappie's cargo door is begging for a picture of Mr. Scrappy. Thank you for sharing your builds, keep moving forwards and get back to work!!!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! With almost 44 Years as an aircraft technician/ Inspector, half of that in the USAF Air Force, half with Cessna Aicraft Company working business jets, your vids re far from boring to us mechanics who love what we are doing. Wow, what a sentence! Anyway, keep the videos coming, we love the. I’m 72 years old, retired, and still have to look up whenever any type of aircraft fly’s over. Can’t wait to see Scrappy FLY!

A fascinating video once again Mike. It was great seeing your wife, son and your loyal wingman Ron helping you along the way. The torque tube has got me intrigued. This is going to be a wonderful when it is completed.

Mr Mike Patey you are a "Master". A National Treasure. Very proud of you. God Speed !

Excellent description of how to build to a very high standard that is much appreciated by an engineer who has tried to maintain a good standard all my life

Mike Patey's nobility, generosity, acceptance of different people, insane work ethic, flat-out genius is all of it, inspiring. It inspires me to be more neighborly, more open to others and other's viewpoints and beliefs. He builds community, fellowship and comradery through his example. My patriotism has taken a huge hit over the past 5 years, especially over the last year, through a violent riot/attempted insurrection, and since, as large groups of people and some politicians have organized to undermine our democracy and our democratic process at the state and federal levels. Our 2020 election was saved from being subverted by local volunteers and officials who, no matter what side of the aisle they were on, made sure the election was fair and accurate. However..... when watching the flag/award portion, I was sobbing. I do love our country and while I'm a grandmother, I would defend my neighbors and fellow citizens with my life if need be. Mike Patey, his brother Mark and their family (including Ron) are amazing and they motivate me to be a better human being. So, thank you, all of you. (hugs)

I’m curious if Ron, being that he works alongside an unbelievably talented teacher, is going for his A&P.

Hey Mike! I thought i'd let you know that i've been sharing your videos with other students in my program in college for aircraft maintenance engineering. Learning from profs is okay and all but you tend to put a very positive twist on what some would say is tedious work. We love watching this project come together and learning new tips and tricks in the trade along the way!

Mike, I NEVER get bored watching your videos, quite the opposite. I salivate waiting for the next one to be posted. Count me in for one of the T shirts. Keep up the great work.

Thanks Mike, I feel privileged to be part of your fan club! Thank you for all the transparency, I would've never known if it wasn't for your videos!

That's an awesome tribute the military did for you Mike. Your stoked and rightly so.

Crazy amount of work and attention to detail. What an awesome journey following this project along. Thanks Mike and the rest of the crew working on Scrappy.

Happy Father's Day Mike.

Tell us more about Ron as well. What a lucky guy to work with Mike. You guys are amazing! I am an A&P with a major airline and love aviation as much as you guys!

Guys, if this is the level of madness that Mike's up to with Scrappy, ... what's going to happen with Draco II when he rips into that airframe. :))

Mike is like a modern day Howard Hughes(without the weirdness) pushing the barriers of aircraft engineering and design.

The attention to detail is just beautiful.

I don't know much about building an airplane but I sure do enjoy your engineering attempt and successes, your continuing reach toward the stars, and your organization and build processes. I cannot imagine another custom builder who possesses all these skills and success in a better package as yours. You are firing all cylinder, plus one, for sure. Continued success and presence in the field you have chosen. You are Alpha.

The longer the video the better for me.

Yes

Mike is a genius to GA aviation , most of his inventions and how he thinks should be implemented throughout the industry . Especially his Manifold, that should be sold commercially . What a pleasure to have a guy like mike help us

Its just a peanut gallery's opinion, but i think that those shirts shipped to the Airforce Squadron should be specialized and unique in some way. Really cool that you're doing this for them 😎👍

Mike, be sure to print the flag on the sleeve as if it were flying as your moving forward. Friendly reminder. Love your work.

Hrmmm, so in a previous episode Mike says he wants Scrappy to be like a tanker to fuel his buddies, and now he is getting friendly with the USAF....I'm calling it; He's working toward tapping them up for an in-flight refuelling hose!

Scrappy build, you are again a damn genus ! As for for the Air Force personnel, that is OUTSTANDING !!! God bless America along with the crew of CROME91 & TSgt J.D Lindsey. I was in tears.

I love when you get technical Mike, as you break things down to where it's very understandable for those of us with minimal or no experience in these types of construction.