We Found a Big Dangerous Crack In My Blackhawk Airframe 

I’m 100% disabled vet and want to tell you thank you for doing what you do. I can’t wait to see what you do with this and would love to be able to come ride in one again. The last Blackhawk ride I had was also my last jump with the 82nd airborne. Riding in one and possibly being able to fly one would be a definite bucket list item and am excited to hear the details about the non-profit. So thank you again for the opportunities you provide you’re amazing!

I’m a 100% disabled veteran, full time wheelchair user (paraplegic), who served over 21 years in the military. I love your videos and would love to come out to fly with you. I remember coming back from the field in an Army helicopter, outside seat with the doors open. One of my favorite memories from my time in the military.

You got that right. My first ride in a helicopter (UH-1) back in 1973 put a smile on my face that never came off and I eventually became an army helicopter pilot.

I work on these every day, for 8 years Army and now as a civilian, doing phase maintenance as an airframe structures mechanic. To come out of this inspection with only that one major repair is impressive. it's cool to see this go from being military to being a civilian-owned aircraft. Looking forward to more vids.

Hey Diesel, I come from a military family, my dad spent 23 years in marines as cobra a pilot and my mother did 13 years between the army and marines and left as a staff sergeant. I myself am on my own path to becoming a Marine Corps naval aviator and I already have some seat time in an MH-60 through the navy. We are a huge fan of you and everything you guys do. If you are able you should have a fan meet because we would love a chance to meet you in person and thank you for all your work as would many other fans.

20 year Veteran USAF, Aircraft Structural Repair Technician, 7 Level. Of the many Airframes I worked on, F-4, F-16, F-15, F-111, A-10, C-130 is included the HH-60 Blackhawk with the 41st Para-Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB. I am familiar with the major cracks that can and often do happen in the major structures and how important it is to inspect, find and repair these components. If you are in need of any help please let me know. I actually also repaired a US Army Blackhawk while on a TDY with the 41st Rescue Squadron over in Kuwait. The 41st liked my work so much I was rewarded with an Incentive Flight with them at Moody AFB. The Para-Rescue pilots are "nuts" and do things with a helicopter I had no idea before that could be done. They even did a max climb all the way to a stall and while we were falling from the sky like a rock, they have a check list they have to go through to get the engines back up and running, then the blades moving, then the blades catching air in order to produce lift again. All the while I was sitting on the outside seat in the back, door wide open. My first and only helicopter ride was just a bit scary! Fun though.

This is awesome! I'm a 60 guy myself hoping to get into the experimental pilot course so it's incredible to see someone documenting all the maintenance that goes behind keeping these machines flyable! Safe flying brother

I worked for a contractor that supported the mission at CCAD ( Corpus Christi Army Depot) millions of parts in a 27 acre hanger. What you guys do is amazing and demanding. The level of commitment to top shelf standards is mind boggling. Great video.

Heavy D. I have spent the last 39 years in Army Aviation. All of that time was dedicated to maintenance and flight crew operations. I wanted to say, I absolutely appreciate the fact that you have chosen to spend the money to get your aircraft airworthy. Also thanks for taking the time to explain how much of an effort it is to own and maintain a UH-60A and how much administration goes into owning your own aircraft. I wanted to also give a separate shoutout for you putting forth the effort to burn the blade hours, by inviting and allowing veterans to get a ride on your aircraft.

My Father Was A Crew Chief- Gunner On A Huey Slick With The 119th Assault Helicopter Division Out Of Plekilu Vietnam...He Unfortunately Is No Longer Of This World, But I'm Sure He Would Have Loved A Ride...Thank You For What You Are Doing For Those Soldiers And Others. Stay Strong Brother.

Former OH-58 crew chief here. What I appreciate a lot is just how information dense you make this video, yet you do it in such a way that makes it easy for a normal person to understand. Low key envious that you have the $$ to do this, but very happy for you that you are able to, and especially that you are preserving this for posterity as well as personal use. Thanks so much for sharing this journey with us. :)

Outstanding news. As a retired A&P who has accomplished numerus hot section inspections and replacements on PW PT6a 114, 27, 28 You did very well $$ wise. My dad and I built an aircraft many years ago unfortunately we never got to finish it. I love to see your progress and enjoy your videos, your a real humble human being with a big heart. Best wishes, cant wait to see it fly.

Alan is going to love the Blackhawk being able to air drop supply on and off the compound

I never wanted to know this much about the inner mechanisms/regulations of owning a helicopter, but here I am listening to HeavyD explain in depth no problem.

I too am a veteran and one thing floored me was your generosity towards us guys. I was overwhelmed and simply will respond with a heart felt thank you!

I had the opportunity to fly in a couple of these as a Tanker in the Army in Iraq in 2008-2009 for a couple air assauls. It was an amazing experience. Good on you brother for getting what you wanted and for reaching out to the veteran community as well as others in the future.

I bet it was on the 308 beam. If it was beefed up during the repair, keep an eye on the right front chin bubble frame area for the next crack to appear. Known fact is when one area on a Blackhawk is repaired, it merely moves or transmits the stress point to another location.

I’ve been a UH-60 mechanic for 11 years in the Army. Everyone wants to talk about how redundant and over the top our maintenance programs are compared to other branches but this shows how effective they are if done correctly.

Love how in depth and informative this is. As an H60 airframer in the navy for years, love seeing this ole girl getting a new lease on life.

Although not on the Blackhawk, I was a crew chief on the Chinook in Iraq and other fun places. Offering a new flight experience to Veterans who only have trauma associated with the memories of flying is a wonderful thing to do! It would probably be the one remaining thing I need to do to come to terms with my experience over there and reassociate those memories to something fun and non-traumatic. Well done guys! Love everything you do and how it fulfills your own dreams, but also gives back in such a meaningful way!!!

Hey Dave. When you get to the section of the manual about the helicopters ability to spit out the sand it breathes in, you've got my Dad, and 4 other guys from GE Aviation to thank for that. The Army was experiencing failures, at the onset of Operation Desert Shield, due to the Blackhawks engines choking on the dust coming into the intakes. 5 guys from the Lynn Mass. Riverworks plant designed a solution. So, now you've got a few more pages to study, but, a much more capable helicopter.

I’m an army Blackhawk crew chief veteran, 2,400 hours flight time including combat zone. I will definitely be looking forward to contacting you after this project gets off the ground 😁 I really miss my flying days and it would mean so much to be able to fly in a Blackhawk again

You sir, are a kind soul! Thank you for giving back to those who signed a blank check. It could change someone’s life. Semper Fi

i have taken off in many more blackhawks then i ever landed in. What you are going to do for veterans is really appreciated. Its a huge investment and what you are doing is just plain awesome

Incredible! I have about 2500 hours in the Hawk (US Army '97-'13) and miss flying that amazing machine. I hope to see it in the air soon and maybe one day get to fly it myself.

As a non-destructive inspector in aviation I'm happy for the guys who found the crack: good job ! I know it sucks for the owner because of the costs, but that also means that everyone gets to fly safely once it's repaired because life is worth more than money. Great video, thanks for the details! Btw you being happy/excited is contagious :D

Thanks for sharing your journey, I'm very excited for you. As a first resonder, I have flown in once in a Blackhawk and it was an amazing experience. Thanks for taking care of the vets.

Old H-3 crewman here. Wow enjoyed this video, informative. Thank you for the time and money spent on this project. Thanks for supporting the veterans.

Sounds like you had the typical crack in either the floor beams, or the upper fuselage structure. Common occurrence on Blackhawks that do a lot of sling loading. There was a company at HeliExpo this year showing a brace system they have created to spread out loading and prevent those cracks from occurring.

As a retired USAF pilot and current freightdawg flying heavies, I love your passion for aviation and hearing about your dream. Not many people have the opportunity or resources to do what you are doing and it is cool seeing you share your journey online for others to see.

Can’t express how awesome this is! Thank you for taking some time to explain the incredible process it takes to accomplish flying this beautiful aircraft.

Love how you explain things from the basics up for us that have no experience :)) really appreciate it

I'm glad you're creating a neat program for military veterans. To have such an experience under non-threatening conditions may be healing as well. Laying down a new track of memories likely filled with good times will be amazing. Thank you for making this happen for the guys and gals who gave our country their time, talent, energy, and effort. They help keep our country in one piece in body & soul. I also have a military family background. I recently read that a grandfather back to the 1700's was an admiral. His nickname was Commodore. My family members have served in the military branches of Army, Navy, and Air Force. I believe there has been family members in every war since the beginning of these United States of America.

Dave, at the end of this video, you brought me to tears. Just to think that veterans like myself could have the chance to fly again in our airframe we once did for 1000’s of hours. I personally have 1000hrs in model, and miss it every single day. I was a Combat Search And Rescue crewman, and a SAR swimmer for 8yrs. I look forward to researching this program you’re setting up! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I’m sure rest of the veteran community thanks you as well. Much love!

From front to back, top to bottom... just wow! The undertaking and effort involved, all of it. That's just incredible!

Diesel, this was an awesome explanation of your Blackhawk journey and process. I'm not a pilot but it is something I always wanted to do. Hope you get a ton of enjoyment and many flight hours from your new airframe.

A digital camouflage in black and 3 grays would be sick… but I totally understand why you went with the 1 color black

I've been searching surplus 60s on gov auctions for a long time and thought they usually sold cheap, relatively speaking, but after seeing everything you are having to do, I've realized this is pretty much an unreachable goal. Glad to see someone achieve what I always dreamed of. I will live vicariously through you. Can't wait to see that beautiful helo in the air.

Dave, great job presenting your dream for the Blackhawk. I was one of the designers that made it come to life and looking at those video clips brough back a ton of memories. My work was the T-800 installation and the sub-systems. I related to your excitement of the first engine run up and Maintenace flight. Mine was being on the flight field Oct 17, 1974, for first flight. Again, your plans to honor all our vets is awesome and wish you all the best.

One of my LEO buddies sent me this series of videos, while I’m recovering from cervical spine surgery. He said, “I found the perfect watchlist for you, ‘Crewdog’, and it’s gonna make you jealous”, and he was right. Since leaving the Army, as a Blackhawk Crewchief, in 2004 I’ve so missed the rush of hanging out of that window and feeling the wind as we NOE through the mountains. Thank you for producing this series and taking this old broken Tango back to some good ol days memories!

I work with a reserve surgeon/pilot! Flies F 16 but said the most fun he ever had was learning and flying the Blackhawk! Thank you for bringing us along, you guys are a blast and I'm never sure what's next.

Care with the hyd system in the cold when you get it home. We were going through gallons of hyd fluid in the artic cause the seals would shrink and leak out. Navy seahawk could of been cool for the blade fold into your hanger but aviation electronics are disgustingly expensive. It would be sick if you could get the seahawk flir turret mount for the nose and set up a hollywood aircraft camera on it.

Much respect to all military personnel. Glad to see Heavy D doing all of this for a great cause.

I never knew this was even possible. What an incredible dream for anybody to make into a reality. Congrads for all you do and will do with this opportunity that very few people could ever accomplish in a lifetime. This is beyond awesome if there is such a thing, clearly it does in Heavy D's case. Spark the fire brother.

Absolutely dynamic! As an old guy. VIETNAM VET. I salute you for your compassion, love and dedication to your craft, and love for the Vet.

Loved watching this video, learned a lot. Even cooler was reading through the comments, all the vets with their stories and experiences along with the amazing people who helped design this aircraft and improved it over the years. Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve 🙏. 🇺🇸

I love that you are doing this. I was a MTP on Hawks in the Army and I am living vicariously through you guys right now! Can't wait to see your first Cav takeoff in it :)

I love it! Glad to see that old girl going to someone who’ll treat her right. I flew and maintained 60s in the Army then as a contractor. They always brought me home down range. It’s an incredible aircraft! You should read the book by Ray Leoni.

Always good to see a stand up guy like D realize his dreams. While the majority of your fans will never be able to buy and maintain a Blackhawk, we can enjoy watching you. We know you will do great things with that bird. As a Navy veteran, I would like to thank you for what you are doing for other vets. I personally have no desire to fly in helicopters. Man, those things are dangerous! Best of luck from all your fans.

Hey Dave, I watched this twice because there was a lot of emotional things going on in this video and I could hear a little crackle in your voice and the way you moved around , even the way you looked showed how much you wanted this to happen so you could achieve one of your dreams and let all of us share it with you.! I known that a lot of the people that watch you, like myself love Helicopters and love to have one, but even though we can't will be apart of yours through your videos and I know the non-profit your starting will make a lot of Veterans very happy people.! your a hell of a lot of great Hearted people doing a hell of a lot of Great things from the Heart, Lots of love from Newfoundland ( The Newfie )♥♥

I want to hug you bro, thanks for doing things like this for veterans.

This is awesome, I was a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne and jumping out of the Blackhawk was one of my favorite jumps…would be amazing to jump from your Blackhawk! Congrats on your Blackhawk purchase!

Thank you for the update on the Blackhawk I am excited to see what all you have planned. I truly admire the respect you guys have for veterans my Uncle was a Vietnam Vet and a POW who was missing for a year. I have a ton of respect for veterans. Keep up the incredible work that you do

I seriously remember those PMI's. It's so very important to get every single little thing right. I was a crew chief, it was my life on the line. It was my other brother's lives on the line. Yes, it has to be perfect!!

As an airline pilot who just found your channel, I have to say this is so awesome. I love seeing videos like this!!! And the production quality is awesome, instant sub ✅

I fully expect you to get through the pilot stuff in one go, You are one of the most clued up well organised people I've ever seen on RU-vid.

Congratulations again Dave it’s awesome what you are doing and even though I can’t own my own Blackhawk (yet). I’m so thrilled to go on the journey with you. I’m a Army veteran and was an instructor pilot teaching Army pilots at Fort Rucker. It’s awesome to have you in the community and keep making great videos.

I did 4 years as a Blackhawk crewchief with just under 2000 hours. Good to see you guys taking this old bird and bringing it back to life and using it in such a good way to bring Veterans some happiness. Love the content guys keep up the good work. 22 a day.

Thank you for what you and your team do, keep being the awesome people you are.

Heavy D, You are living the dream of so many! I know first hand how much system knowledge study it takes. I 'm a vet of 24 years on Hawks. I would love ❤️ to experiance the thrill again. Great memories and many stories!

This is awesome... im glad you're bringing us along for the ride to watch your dreams come true @HeavyD. Even more so is the non profit your setting up for the Vets to come fly with you. Being a Vet... Im thankful for where I'm at in my life... but there are other fellow Vets that could use this to help in their recovery or what ever else is troubling them.... so just want to say thank you for all you're doing for them as well.

I was a 15Tango of course there wasn’t anything wrong with the helicopter. an awesome job that I miss dearly. You got a 79 but that means nothing. These aircraft were maintained heavily. We had preflight post flight weekly and monthly phases these aircraft would go through. We treated these things like Bugattis. Anyhow love the content. Your living the dream. 🥂

Hey diesel Brothers love the big black bird. I think you guys are amazing always giving back to people. Especially military veterans. I served in OEF with the 25th infantry and just wanted to say thank you.

1 month sounds incredibly fast given some of the leadtimes I hear about in the small plane world for relatively minor work. Kudos to the team! 💪

I cant even imagine the stress of having to study/learn that manual in order to fly that beast! The excitement of knowing what you get once you pass is AWESOME! I was a mess back in the day just getting my CDL..Right on , cant wait to see what you do with it.!

I worked in avionics years ago in SLC, it will be interesting to see your upgrades Dave. Thanks for the awesome update.

That lookd amaxing.... I have 26 years experiense on aircraft, (21 years in the Navy) I cant wait to see this thing when is completed. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🇺🇸. Please keep up NDI inspections amd all schedule maintenance. Thank you brother

I really like where you’re going with this and your plans for this helicopter, For you to do this for veterans that want to fly again it’s just truly a class act kudos to you and your team! I know you will be using it for other things such as videos and recoveries and so forth, but it’s pretty awesome for you to do this for the vets that have served our country once again your class act my friend take care and keep making these great videos👍🏼🤩🙏🏼❤️

dude I have to say that you are amazing. the passion and knowledge you have about everything you get yourself involved in is phenomenal. I couldn't even begin to wrap my head around the intricacies of the things that you do here on this Earth. you are quite the superhuman. I have lived most of my life as a simple man. I got into some high-end mud racing but that was just one category... be blessed and we appreciate what you're doing and always look forward to your next videos...

Congratulations Dave!! Thanks for sharing your dream with all of us. Super excited for you and my fellow Veterans you share it with. 👊🏻

As someone who's been in civilian aviation since 1984, I don't find a lot of these videos interesting, BUT this for some reason, has fascinated me in only seeing two videos..God bless and keep flying!!!

My close brother was a black hawk pilot and just retired after like 20 years in service. That's a badass journey and undertaking that you're doing.

Dave, I am so happy for you brother ! Anyone can see the joy in your eyes and smile when you talk about the Blackhawk and its progress. I am so happy one of your dreams is so close to becoming reality...you deserve this, you bring joy to so many 💖

Yo brother. I’m a veteran of 23 years as seahawk/Blackhawk maintenance tech/manager. Wish I could have been more involved in your process. What great things your doing! And yea. I’ve done the main beam replacements and what a big job!

I'm a flight medic in the navy, flying on an MH-60 S. As a dude getting qualified, these videos are dope. Please keep the content coming!

I’ve been a Blackhawk mechanic in the army for 6.5 years and still currently am working with UH-60A/L and HH-60M in the MEDEVAC. Be careful how much stuff you take out and where you take it out of. There’s always going to be CG (center of gravity) issues once you start removing a significant amount of weight from one area. These aircraft are very aft heavy so if you remove too much weight from up front, the CG is gonna get worse and worse

Pilot: "I have to know this HUGE manual just to fly it" Mechanic: "That's cute"

Ive always been so impressed by military as well as civilian aircraft mechanics. The amount of work and knowledge it takes to keep these modern marvels flying is amazing, and I have the ultimate respect for everyone who does it.

This so cool and what you want to do with it especially for our veterans is just totally awesome,and I Sir applaud you. You and your team are amazing.

As a veteran myself, I'd like to thank you for support! For a nation that was formed because of our military, there's not enough appreciation for what our great men and women do for it it! That Blackhawk is going to be sweet! Can't wait to see videos of you guys using it!

As an aircraft technician, I could not imagine the ASTRONOMICAL cost of doing a heavy inspection on a helicopter...yet alone a former military helicopter. Crazy money.

Yeah the sounds, feel, and smells that only a Blackhawk has, always takes me back to the times that I was able to fly in them and loading/unloading wounded during my service. One of the coolest aircraft to be made. Just hearing it run on the video just brought back so many memories and emotions. Glad that you're able to get this one going and keep it going.

You have no idea how much it would mean to the vets out here to do something like this. You my friend are a true gentleman and a scholar

Hey Diesel. Love what you all are doing. You guys rock and totally blessed. I just retired from the Army 12 Oct 2021 with 26 years of service. Would love the opportunity to hang with you guys riding, flying and or giving back to my family brothers and sisters at arms. Currently still dealing with my transition and still working on reuniting with my family who I have not been with going in 5 + years due to life challenges. God Bless you all and thank you all once again.

congratulations man - your commitment and dedication are evident, you've earned every bit of this.

Turns out my dad is one of the guys who helped work on this, pretty sweet to see it here.

I was googling military helicopters last night and this morning you showed up in my feed, Glad it did! You have an amazing positive attitude, and a new Subscriber!

Engine run cert class was a blast. I was a crew chief on several aircraft, but didn't become engine run cert until I was on the C-130j-30. We got to spend a good bit of time in the sim, that was sweet. It had the local area, base, and everything in the screens. Absolutely awesome tech.

Never have I ever been so happy to watch someone else own something I know I could never own myself! Been a fan of you guys for years now, it’s awesome to watch you achieve these things and give so much back to the people that deserve it at the same time!

Hey Dave, thanks for bringing us along on this adventure. Glad to see just what's involved in buying a helecopter from the military and putting it into civilian service. Good to know you are doing everything by the book. Best of luck and we'll see you next time.

Hi Dave, What an awesome adventure you guys are on. Gave me goosebumps as I listened to your journey so far. I am a retired (2008) helicopter pilot/instructor pilot/safety officer. Flew almost everything the Army had in my 24 years of service except the Chinook. (multiple models of each of these airframes...UH-1, OH-58, OH-6, UH-60, AH-1, AH-64). And some time time in the Sky-crane fighting fires. I too, miss it every day. I'd love to meet you and your crew some day and if the stars align, maybe go for a flight in one of your helicopters. Wishing you and yours, the very best of luck. Fly Safe! (btw, I've been watching your video's for a long time and you guys are living the dream)!!

You are my IDOL! I was a Blackhawk Crew Chief for 5 years many with the Nightstalkers....PMIs bring back so many memories!!! Safe flying my man!!!!

How absolutely wizard! Thanks for the update! I was SO curious about what was going on with it. And that is just so amazing of you guys to set up a non-profit to help vets like that. I also can't wait to maybe see it at places like airshows, or maybe even, oh, I don't know, maybe sling loading stuff up to a certain mountaintop ghost town... (Cerro Gordo, not Alan's, btw...).

Dave, I was in the Army in the 80's stationed in Germany. We flew air missions (just one of the troops) in various helo's, jolly green giants, cobras, small scout helicopters and what I rode in Vietnam era chinooks. There were al lot of bullet holes covered in Duct tape. It was always a lot of fun, I miss those times. If you get the ride thing going i would love experience it again put me on the list. Love the videos Thank Dean

Glad you struck a Home Run with your helicopter, that is just awesome! I enjoy your adventures in everything you have done . You never have to worry about being bored, thats for sure! Good Luck, be safe.

One of my employees is a reservist and a crew chief on a Blackhawk. I got to go on a flight with him a couple years back, and it was AWESOME!!!! Excited to see where you go with this project.

As a former maintenance inspector, I loved your comment about the paperwork! Most aircraft can't carry the weight of the paperwork it takes to fly them.... this particular BlackHawk may be the exception!

As a veteran I want to say thank you for wanting to start this program. I think it’s awesome you’re going to do this, I know for myself I never got a chance to fly while I was in service and would love to get a chance to. So I know a bunch of other veterans feel the same. I look forward to seeing what you do with the black hawk!

Amazing work, I’m super glad to hear you say that you are planning to do an outreach program for veterans, with this helicopter, super exciting to hear and thank you, I commented earlier on the simulator video, glad the old girl is working out great for you, and yes I was a crew chief/door gunner and have 1500 flight hours flying on Alphas , Alpha+’s and Limas . Again, Thank You

This is why I love aviation. Its my career, its my hobby and its my life. Thanks for this