I did it! T6 SOLO! Signed off as a Warbird Pilot! (a dedication to Grampa) 

Awesome job on passing your check ride Steve! And thanks for taking us along for the ride. This video really came through and I could certainly feel the emotion. Good job and keep doing what you obviously love doing! You got a new patreon subscriber. Cheers

Well done. My late Father learned to fly on a T-6, he was scared to death of the airplane and didn't think he would ever make a pilot. His flight instructor one day told him: "Make one touch and go, then go around and land, come to a full stop. He did. The instructor got out, leaned over into the front pit and told my dad "Cadet, you do the same thing again, I will be sitting over there by the runway, come back and pick me up once you have solo'ed, we aren't going back to the base until you do, that is an order". My dad did as ordered. At the end, the instructor go up, walked over to the aircraft, shook his hand, and got in the rear pit and said "Okay pilot, take us home". My dad kept flying, retired 28 years later as a Lt. Col rated a flight instructor on C-130s.

I got tears in my eyes Steve when you said „alright grandpa“ ! So emotional! LOVE IT!!!!

who else got teary eyed when he talked about his grandpa at the end

Imagine what it would have even like to see your grandfather flying, on film. Now realize, YOUR grandchildren WILL be able to see you doing just that. The legacy you have continued is truly amazing. You’re a true spirt of the skies. Well done Steve. We are very proud you and thank to your family for your grandfathers service.

Thanks for sharing your journey, Steve. You did Grandpa proud.

My grandfather was an USAAF instructor pilot at Warner Robbins Airfield beginning in March of 1942 and I completely understand how special this flight was. Congrats and keep going. Btw, he flew the same aircraft but he called it the Texan. One of my grandmother's favorite stories about his flying days was when he snuck her onto the airbase and she got into the front seat in the hangar so no one would see her get in. Imagine our families suprise when Pearl Harbor came out. My Grandfather was killed in a tractor accident when my Father was 12 and sadly I never met him, but from what I hear he was one hell of a guy and I apparently take after him a bunch. My father received his Commercial in 1968 and became an instructor that year. He stopped flying in the early 80's but my brother and nephew have carried on the family tradition of flying and I hope to soon start my training for private. Funny side note, my grandfather learned how to fly as a teenager in the 20's when a barnstormer was forced to put down on our hay field and they worked out a deal where the barnstormer could have room and board if he taught me grandfather to fly. My Grandfather was in his early 30's when the war started and joined up in Dec of 1941 after Pearl Harbor but was deemed to old to go fight and was asked to train the kids who would.

As a truck driver of several decades, I love the “funnel” to add engine oil. There is great value in a cut-off oil jug that has just the right shape and size for the job, especially one that allows you use both hands for pouring.

I can only imaging the feeling, My grandpa passed away before i was born but he was a pilot in the navy and trained on the T-28. Ive been able to track down the specific plane he trained on, and one of my long term goals is to learn to fly, purchase said plane and have it restored.

"Thumbs Up" doesn't even come close to describing my feelings about this... So cool... so proud... words fail.

Dude I was crying by the start of your solo! That is your Heritage, and your Destiny. A WARBIRD PILOT. Your Grandfather would've been proud! Thank You!

The thought crossed my mind that you are one lucky SOB. But then I realized that doesn't give you the credit you deserve. You earned the hell out of not only these flights but everything that got you to this point. Yes, I envy you. But I also respect the hell out of you and what you have accomplished. Well done sir. Keep up the good work.

This is great; my dad trained on a Harvard in 1941 T Grosse Ile in 1941 as a RAF cadet along with a batch of about 50 young men that were sent for training. America was not in the war and they were issued with civilian suits! No one passed and he went onto train as a navigator in 267 Pegasus squadron.

Great job and congratulations on your solo! I even got emotional myself, for you see, my own grandfather was a WWII flight instructor in the AT-6 Texan (as we call it in the US). My grandfather is now 97 but I was fortunate to go flying with him in a T6 about 25 years ago and loved every minute. Once we got in the air, he asked me "what do you want to do?" I replied, "you are the flight instructor so, give me your demonstration you would to a new student." And so he did. We did, barrel rolls, chandelles, yo-yos, and just about any other maneuver you can think of. It was fantastic and I will never forget it. When my grandfather got home that night, my grandmother asked him how the flight went, he told her that he could hear my excitement over all the sound in the cockpit, and you know how loud that is. She then said, "well, I guess you all had fun." Thanks for sharing.

Congratulations !! My father was a T-6 pilot at the Brazilian Air Force and we are very much in love with this aircraft. I was thrilled with your soil and your grandfather, without a doubt, is very happy !!! Congratulations again

Grampa would be proud!!

When I looked at your grandfathers picture I could see your grandfathers spirit in you. I don’t fly planes or anything I just admire your dedication and humility. The dedication a care you take in flying is truly inspiring. Wishing you love honour and respect. ✈️🧘‍♂️✈️🧘‍♂️✈️🧘‍♂️

Im not crying you're crying. Well done Chops

Congrats grampa would be proud

pilot grandpas are the best

So youre the guy whos been rattleing my windows lately. Congrats man.

It's mesmerizing and almost unbelievable how the quality of your videos not only doesn't drop, but never even as the same as the previous one. ALWAYS better than the one before. Ron's influence could be felt from here! Congratulations for the fabulous personal achievement.

So beautiful! My grandpa is the only reason why i'm flying today, i know exactly how you're feeling.

Epic Video! You and that T6 just seem to fit together. So cool to see you flying it all by yourself.

I felt that emotion. My RAF flying instructor father flew a Harvard across Canada from Ganda to Calgary in 1940 to help teach flying.

I saw the T6 taxing back in that sunset with one pilot and it had to be you. Good job Steve glad you did it and cheers to Grandpa

That "feeling" is why I became a pilot. Keep it up!

That is so awesome, you have no idea how blessed you are to be able to experience flying the T-6 solo, something most of us can only dream of... thanks so much for sharing, I am sure your Gran Pa is very proud of you. Great job Steve. Well done.

Very emotional, well done, Grandpa would rightly be very proud of his Grandson.

Proud of you Steve. Quite the adventure. THANK-YOU for taking us along HARVARD 👍

Congratulations

Getting really dusty in here...great job Chops! I remember a few months ago when my Grandma told me for the first time that her dad, my great grandpa, had his own airplane back in the day, and how proud he would have been of my accomplishments. I never met my great grandpa, but that connection to him made me emotional as well.

What an amazing video! Definitely appreciate how real you are with us to let us in on your experience. I'm sure your grandfather is proud of you. He was riding along in the backseat the whole time🙏

So proud of you Steve......that would have been a tough one for you with Grampa in your corner.....This would be a stellar moment for him! Congratulations!!!

Well done. One of my all time favorite Aircraft is the Harvard as we called them in South Africa. Unmistakable roar from that engine and prop tips breaking the sound barrier as they roll and loop etc. I am sure grandpa was sitting in the back seat with your solo smiling.

This was easily one of my favorite videos of yours, Steve. Also the one I anticipated the most! Great job and you are an inspiration!

I think this is now my favourite video on this channel. Congratulations on this milestone you achieved. MAD respect for the work you and organizations like ch2a do to keep this pieces of history flying high. Cheers!

"Got it flying, now I got to land it." .... wow, know that feeling.✔

Steve! Wonderful tribute to Grampa. My eyes watered over at the end with yours. Grampa was a fine looking young man. Ever notice that all of our WWII vets all seem to jump out at us in those old black and whites? I have my pop's photos from that time period (Pacific Theatre - WWII) in my office. I talk to him through them.

Awesome job, and your grandpas is watching I believe that with all my heart. To him and all the others who served, Thank you for your service. God Bless.

Hands down the best Flight Chops episode ever. Thank you. ✈✈✈😊

Thank you for the flight! I was so lucky some 20 years ago to be a passenger in one of these (LN-WNH) in Norway. The pilot was turning 80 but was young at heart and asked me if I was up for som acrobatics ... "No heart problems, backpain or issues with your blood pressure?" "Only hang over to report" "Well, you know where to find the sick bag ..." After a loop we were supposed to return, it was a paid 15 minutes flight, but the pilot said: " You liked that, didn´t you? And still not sick?" "I loved it!" " Me too, and only God knows how many flights I have left at my age. Let´s fly some more. Up for higher G´s?" "Go!" First another loop, then a tighter one and the last one ended in a full roll on the outcome! I was literally in heaven! Will never forget it :-)

CONGRATULATIONS brother!! You did it, and you did it WELL! 👍👍 Your grandpa would be amazed that over 14 THOUSAND people (as of right now - that number is guaranteed to climb HIGH as the years pass) saw his picture, and watched his grandson solo in a T6! I can see him smiling with pride! Thanks for sharing such a personal experience! You can bet he's been with you since your first flight - I'm sure you know this already. :) Got a small novel to share with you all ... 😁 .... since we're on the topic of remembering our forefathers: My paternal grandfather was a mechanic - a jack-of-all-trades, actually. He literally had done it all. Served in the Army, rode motorcycles, flew airplanes (and probably fixed them too), repaired cars built from 1890 to 1976 (was a Model T guru), was a machinist, an oil burner tech, carpenter, plumber, and outdoorsman. He built his own house out of scrap wood from the hurricane of '38 that hit central Massachusetts hard, after the bank turned their nose up at him for a loan (when he was building the house, that same banker passed by in his big expensive Buick, backed up, and pulled into the driveway - he asked my grandpa who's house this was .... "IT'S MINE", he said. Banker says, "Well sir, it seems we've made a mistake! Come in tomorrow and I'll give you whatever you need." My grandpa responded, "Well, I don't need you anymore, as you can see." - loved that story!!). Anyway, I have an aviation story that I wasn't going to share here at first (don't want to dampen the good spirits here), but I think it's worth telling, for anyone interested ... My grandfather and another man pooled their money together, and bought an airplane - I estimate the timeframe to be after the depression, but before my dad was born (1941) - probably the 1930's. Wish I knew the manufacturer, and a million more details, but they've been lost over time. When my father first told me this story, I was shocked - I had no idea my grandpa flew! He never told me himself.From what I was told, when they first got airborne, they were daredevils, reenacting barnstorming shows that were popular at the time - flying through old barns, feet above the ground, doing barrel-rolls in the air, etc.. Of course, they had to pay for this new toy that they acquired, so they chartered sightseeing flights for anyone who wanted to, this in the days LONG before the FAA was a thing. Guess they had been doing this for some time, and were doing very well with it financially. Since my grandfather was a mechanic, I can only imagine that he did all the mechanical work to the aircraft. Anyway, he was scheduled to take a couple up flying one day, but the day before, while on his motorcycle heading home around dusk, a hay wagon was crossing the road (no lights or reflectors in those days), and he didn't see it - at 30 mph - until he was literally 2 feet away from impact. He swerved to avoid the wagon at the last second, but as he skidded sideways, the end of the wagon grazed his head. He pretty much got scalped - peeled it back pretty far, along with a couple broken bones (arm and leg, if I remember right). Needless to say, he wasn't going flying anytime soon. His co-owner would have to take the couple up for the sighting flight. Anyway ... they went up for their flight ... and never landed. All 3 perished. My grandfather never spoke much about it - it obviously was a sensitive topic. All I know is what has been relayed to me from my dad. I can only imagine that since my grandfather did all the repair work to the plane, he felt 100% responsible for those three souls, whether or not it was even his fault at all. For whatever reason, the aircraft crashed - could have been mechanical, weather, pilot error - I just don't know. Wish I knew the people involved, the dates, the place ... but my grandpa took all that with him to his grave over 20 years ago. If he were still with us, he'd be celebrating his 111th birthday in just a couple weeks. That's about the only aviation history in my family. Despite that, my dad always enjoyed flying whenever he could. He took me on charter flights a few times as a kid. I still remember them vividly. For whatever reason, I wasn't drawn to it, and since none of my friends, or anyone I knew flew, it just got stuffed in the dark recesses of my brain, lol. That is, until I got high speed internet, and discovered RU-vid in 1080p! Now I'm hooked! 😊

Congratulations Steve. You are living the dream for many of us. Your grandpa would be proud.

One of the most beautiful aviation pieces I've ever seen. Congratulations and tremendous respect. What a perfect way to honor your grandfather.

Well done sir. Very well done. - Eddy

I have full confidence that your grandpa was in the back seat. The little extra light in the cabin you might have noticed, was the shine off his great big smile. Great job, and very inspirational.

This one really touches close to home for me. I'm starting to prep to get my PPL, also inspired completely by my grandpa, who flew in the Army Air Corp in WWII, and was a well-known instructor in his area. I would really love to do something like this in his honour.

@flightchops, i've watched a good many of your films while prepping for my return to the skies after life got in the way for nearly 20 years. this one really made me smile. Thanks for allowing us to come along.

Thumbs up for Grandpa. Great going Chops.

I know this is some time ago now but congratulations and nice job. What a feeling that must have been. I remember my first solo in a 152 and that was an incredible feeling but in Harvard, very envious. I am certain your Grandpa would be VERY proud of you.

Chops, you made Grampa proud and made us cry with tears of happiness for you! Thank you for sharing this most personal and meaningful video to date.

Your grandpa would be super proud. I'll admit, I've got something stuck in my eye, this is wonderful.

As a third generation pilot and someone that has leaned on my Dad and Grandpa for aviation guidance, wisdom, and instruction, I fully felt the raw emotion in this video. Fantastic job, what a great accomplishment! I've enjoyed watching your journey through aviation and can only imagine how much higher you will go! Keep the great videos coming and as my Grandpa would always say, "Happy Landings."

A nice tribute mate. My grandfather also inspired me in aviation and shortly I'll be heading from Australia to the U.S to finish my commercial. Sadly he wasn't able to see me complete my dream but he new I'd get there. Clear sky's.

Great achievement - kudos. :) R.I.P. for Grampa. A great salute to him.

"I know where the ground is now in this airplane" that was the best line in this entire video. Love the videos Steve. Congrats, absolutely phenomenal!

This is awesome. I'm getting ready for my private pilot checkride, and it's really cool seeing someone with all the time flying that you have still experiencing the same emotions with a new challenge that I'm feeling now! Awesome job.

Nicely done Steve! Grampa was with you the entire time my friend 👍

My dad also flew the spitfire in north Africa and Italy 1944 with the US army air Corps. He later transitioned to the P51.He had a lot of interaction with the British and Canadian pilots. I get emotional when I think about it too.

Well done..! Can't thank you enough for documenting your journey for others to learn from. The impact of FlightChops videos makes on kids would be tough to measure but very important. Quite an education. Makes one really appreciate the dedication it takes not only to be a pilot but all the different ratings to earn & maintain along the way. Best wishes in your continued flying career!

You the man Mr Chops.

Congrats Sir.......from me and Grampa.....

That butter at 4:50!!! :D

Congratulations. You earned every bit. Even my Paw would be proud.

Congrats Steve! You worked hard for this, we're all proud of you. Great Job! Excited for what's to come!

Congrats Steve! You did it. Grandpa would be very proud. Great video.

Way to go, I miss the taildragger videos.

Spitfire next man ! Good job !

Congrats Steve!! What an awesome achievement!! I know your grandfather is proud and was with you the whole time!!

The worst part about this video is that you can only press the Like button once. Congrats man :). By the way I'm working on my private and it was my Grandpa that got me into aviation as well.

Yeah man, all the feels. You totally nailed that flight. And i'd be a liar if i didn't half join you with a small teary eye. Frickin so well deserved, and a lovely reverent way of acknowledging your grand fathers service.

Wow. I come for the flight content, but stay for the good feels. CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice work Steve! I'm sure your grampa was or would have been proud long before this flight.

Congratulations! Thank you for inviting us on your journey to this awesome moment in your life.

I also had a grandfather that flew in WWII. He wasn't a pilot but was a crew member. It's why I fly as an air crew member with the Civil Air Patrol. I teared up when you talked about your grandfather. I know the feeling.

I can relate. My Gramp was a Squadron leader in the RAF, earned the distinguished flying cross from the Queen, met Winston Churchill and flew Vulcans in the Cold War and various other aircraft in WW2, as well as flying Sunderlands in Canada I think. He passed away 2 years ago and I’d very much like to get my PPL to at least experience what he loved so much.

I bet he's proud of you!

Welp... I’ve got a new Flight Chops video now. Beautiful job balancing the nerdy stuff w the personal. Fantastic job, and incredible job on the video. Congrats on such a milestone achievement on your way to the Spit!

From Piper Cub to Stearman to Harvard. What a progress over a few years. Thanks for taking us along via video. Oh and needless to say, (but I will) congratulations!

Congratulations on soloing the Harvard MK 4! They are wonderful birds, I owned three of them in years past, really enjoyed them. The MK 4 was license built by Canadian Car and Foundry in the early to mid 1950z, the last of the T-6 aircraft, and the most advanced, with a full time automatic hydraulic system and other improvements. The backwards.mixture control takes a bit of getting used to, and constant vigilance. A very honest airplane, great in the air, just remember there is 6000 lbs of airplane trying to pass itself on the runway! Enjoy your time in it, your grandfather would be proud of you.

That was awesome, just so insanely cool! Congrats man.

Absolutely fantastic. Congrats. I know you're Grandpa is proud of you.

Congratulations Steve. You rock, you're living my dream.

This is my favorite of all your episodes -- ever ! Congratulations on your fantastic achievement dedicated to Grandpa. Your emotion is contagious. I felt it throughout. Loved the shot where you turned the Harvard at the beginning of your solo taxi. Hats off to your production team as well, for a superb job telling this story.

Great job Steve - well done another top video I think we were all there with you on this one....

Grandpa sure is proud of you, FC! Way to go man!

Great accomplishment Steve and a fantastic way to honour your grandfather. Those that know Ron know his quiet confidence and leadership. Things that speak to who he is as a person and the overwhelming experience he has as a pilot and teacher. Not a pilot myself but having had the honour of flying with Ron in the back seat, Ron introduced me to some basic aerobatics in the Harvard. Feeling quite green but not willing to admit it back on the ground, Ron quipped “I hope you enjoyed the flight. And, you know, I took it easy on you”. Needless to say, I enjoyed the flight immensely, knew very well he had my comfort in mind the whole flight, and, was very glad that he took it easy on me!!! Clear skies Steve and I look forward to seeing you fly the Harvard at our next Kids in Flight event at YQG.

After following this channel for a while now and learning about the goal to fly a warbird and then this great episode... I reeeaaallly am happy for you FlightChops! This gave me the goosebumps! Congrats!

Congratulations Steve, what a great video and a fantastic achievement. My dad learned to fly in the RAF in the Harvard (actually starting off in a Tiger Moth) and we have photos of him flying in formation with other Harvards over Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). It was pretty emotional watching your video and imagining how he felt around this time. Thanks for some excellent content. Keep up the good work!

Fantastic job Steve! Loved the series, keep 'em coming - the balance is perfect.

Congratulations. Its awesome to have you as part of our flight community at the CH2A. You are truly inspiring the next generation of aviators. Almost all of the new ground school class at the WFC has been watching your videos. You are having a profound impact on this and the next generation. Lead the way my friend I start chipmunk training in 20 more hours. See you around the hanger.

Great work Steve. Grandpa was sitting in back enjoying the ride! Thank for sharing. Salute! Carl Cgul

Congratulations!!!!!!! I am sure your grandfather is proud!

Hard to put into words how special this one is. Well done. Well done.🙏

Good for you man. Sincerely. My Grandpa flew those in the war training new pilots for the RCAF with the RAF in London and Scotland during occupation. As a 26 year old, his nickname was “old man” . Wish I could follow in his footsteps but unfortunately being born colour blind grounded me before I could even become aware of such a dream.

Congratulations! It got emotional at the end, you did a great job! Now it's to find a Spitfire to fly.

You made Grandpa proud.........

Congratulations man! I'll be honest, there were some tears running from my eyes at the end of the video. Another great video! You could see that this meant a lot to you. Once again, congratulations!

It’s lovely to see so many people who’s grandad is there inspiration. My grandad got my into Aviation and since then it’s been an obsession.