Mike, I’m not an aviator but I was a mechanical engineer for over 30 years. I grew up on a farm, in a mechanic’s shop and worked as a mechanic in the southwest VA coal mines to put myself through engineering school. I learned a lot about the difference between a mechanic’s perspective and an engineer’s perspective. When I became fortunate enough to be supervising engineers, whenever I hired one he/she would work with every maintenance crew and every shift in the plant for a minimum of 6 months total before he/she ever began doing engineering design work. I told them that that their time with the mechanics would determine whether they were a success or a failure at that company. The ones that learned to respect the mechanics’ needs and biases went on to make very good, very respected engineers. The others soon left. If only more engineers would learn that.

I gotta say... Seeing yall having a picnic on a mountain. That's way more inspiring than all those jets in Aspen.

11:47 Let it be known, Mike Patey CUTS CORNERS! 😜

Right now Scrappy is the coolest, world's most expensive go-kart!

There’s not much going on today, so let’s just fly the helicopter to the resort in Aspen. Man, I can’t imagine having a life like that. Good for you brother!

The amount of detail on every single one of these parts is just mind blowing. The amount of knowledge, time, and design effort going into every little detail of this plane is incredible, not to mention the experience to include all those little touches ahead of time. And all that's before Mike builds the whole damn thing by hand. Wow, just wow. Surely any normal engineer would need a team of 3-4 people working a couple of years on a project like this.

I've always said a helicopter is a perfect date machine. Put a huge smile on my face seeing you and your wife enjoying yourselves so much. Well done.

As a machinist I LOVE you explaining the various things that engineers overlook and the people who use these things have to deal with!!

If every engineer first spent five years as a mechanic the world would be a much better place. ; )

As an A&P I can't say how happy I am to see the emphasis on maintenance in this video, I know its just your plane, but hopefully any engineers watching will take note.

15:30 unbelievable how Mike is turning issues into opportunities and ultimately into big wins. This is the kind of mindset I really adore and why I like Mikes videos.

Mike, great to see you spending quality time with the Mrs. She certainly deserves it and your full attention every now and then.

When he say “ scrapy it’s gonna be a tanker “ in some place in his head it’s planing to do air to air refueling that it’s for shure hahahahahah

Putting the threads in the door is such a clever idea. Make the replaceable part the one that has the features most likely to need replacing.

I still have not figured out how your scrappy build is making me want to resume flight training more than any of the other aviation channels I watch. Love the content, keep up the good work.

I always looked at it as a positive that I installed HVAC for 4 years before I went into engineering. I heard from more that one contractor that they really liked when I designed the ductwork because they knew that, if they installed it the way I designed it, it would fit. No questions asked. In the ceiling, in penthouses on top of buildings, no problems... AND they could service the equipment when they were done because I always took that into consideration. It’s always a plus to know that your gonna have to work on it while your designing it. Good job, Mike. Beautiful shots of Aspen also.

At no point when I first heard about Scrappy did I ever envision that it would be part airboat, part carbon cub, part lowrider, and part KC-130 tanker… but what was I thinking, this is Mike Patey we’re talking about! So if next week he announces he intends to use Scrappy in a low earth orbit or something I won’t be surprised… because Mike Patey. Let’s get back to Work!

Scrappy is going to to have 100+ miles on the tires by the time the wings get on because mike is a child at heart. Keep hammering Mike! Great work!

Mike: Calculates every detail about scrappy Also Mike: I got lucky.

20+ years as a Aviation Structural Mechanic in the NAVY and its so nice to see metal work being done the right way !

If you had to pull the Shute on Scrappy, I think the suspension will absorb the crash with 0 damage, except cleaning the seat bottom.

With reference to engineers and maintenance techs, when I was building my Skybolt I subscribed to a newsletter by an old guy named Mac Mckinsey. He had many homebuilts under his belt, some Oshkosh champions. He didn't have a lot of use for engineers and was not shy about sharing his opinions. He once said, "You can draw and a$$hole on paper, but you can't make it sh1t."

Mike just a note. A few years ago a friend of mine gave his cub a bath. We rebuilt it as well as the 85 horse. He sold it and he bought a Wag aero Cuby kit built it up with a set of wings from a basket kit. Flew both to Oshkosh on floats. At 84 I am able to enjoy watching you build scrappy and how far from a and start 85 to what you are building . Keep up the great work. From the great white north in Canada. Thanks for all the work your sharing.

Man, do I ever wish my aviator dad was still around to see Scrappy being built.

This is what happens when a mechanic designs and builds a plane, everything is easily accessible. That would be awesome if manufacturers adapt that style of construction.

Every time I see Scrappy I'm amazed at the design of the engine cowl and how it completely belies the size of the engine - if you didn't know you'd never guess there's a monster flat-eight in there (ETA >>) with an extremely sophisticated intake and cooling ducting system.

Thank you Mike for making my days much more enjoyable watching your KZfaq Channel. I'm a 70-year-old male with a disability and I'm pretty much home bound. I don't watch much tv so I turned to KZfaq a while back and I find many of the KZfaq channels much more entertaining. I follow all of the Flying Cowboy members I have always loved aviation. As far as I'm concerned you're up there with Nikola Tesla, Edison. and all of the great engineers of the past. I was heartbroken when Draco crashed but as we all know poo happens. I can't wait for Scrappy to go airborne. You and Mark and your families are an inspiration to all.

Mike, it must be so rewarding to design, test and build a airplane that exceeded your expectations and is performing above and beyond your initial hopes. My hat is off to you, Sir! You are a joy to watch and a inspiration to so many fellow pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Blue Skies My Friend🙏

Mike in next video probably: Hey guys did i tell you about my new Cirrus scrap build?

I am a VERY firm believer that all engineers should have to work on the systems they are designing. it makes life so much easier for the next guy when they anticipate someone has to build the part, then someone else will have to service that part! Super cool to see the cooling system on Scrappy is working as planned!

I would watch a 24/7 live stream of Mike building the wings

Another great video. And I really love the way this guy thinks. Thread the lids, not the plane. Mike should be obliged lesson material in every engineering study.

21:12 "...I feel like I got lucky..." No Mike, there was no luck involved. It is pure skill, talent, imagination and determination.

Insurance company: This Cirrus is totaled. Mike: This is an easy fix. Scrappy: Mmmmm more parts.

I loved this video. The best part is Mike admitting that he dose not DO Naps. My hat is off to you, your love of life makes me tired. Don’t stop please.

Thanks for the great side-by-side Cub shots in the video. Like you said in the video, Engineers and designers can learn ALLOT from people who build and maintain things. Talking to the guys in the field helped me a quite a bit with my design projects over the years.

_"... I know nobody wants to see anything about wings"_ ... haha!

Not relying on a laser to get it accurate. Sounds like something Mike would say

Being lucky is a virtue of the prepared.... You worked more on the inspection doors on the wing as many engineers work on the whole wings. It is always a pleasure to watch.

Best thing they ever put into an airframe, everyone is alive & walked away that's what counts...

Mike Patey, engineer. Mike Patey, mechanic. Mike Patey: mechangineer. Love seeing you drop Destin in there for the engineering v machinist clip. LOL

Amazing. All the thought that went into just one set of brackets so they are perfect in every way. When I unspin the oil filter on my ford, it pours on the crossmember and runs down the frame to the taillights !!!

Grew up on a small farm and have always been very "Hands On", rebuilding equipment, engines, etc. Graduated from High School and went to Engineering School. Started out my Mechanical Engineering career in Maintenance Engineering in a non-union heavy industry situation where I could "get my hands dirty". Had my own set of tools and would be right in the machines with the Millwrights. We all learned a lot from each other, had great respect for each other and got along together very well. I later worked at a large fabrication and machine shop as Engineering and Maintenance Manager, but I still spent a lot of time talking to the maintenance guys and the machinists; mainly learning as much as I could about how to make things as simple as possible, easy to work on and still be strong, long lasting and safe. From the beginning, because of my background, I have always designed parts, assemblies and machines with the machinist and maintenance man in mind. The easier it is is to manufacture and maintain, the more cost effective it will be. Bottom line is I appreciate your design/fab philosophy, and just wanted to let you know that there are more of us "like-minded" Engineers out there than you might realize. Take Care and God Bless!!

I’ve worked on aircraft for 20+ years and this guy is a genius when it comes to airplanes.

Somehow I see a retractable fuel line with a ground stake going on Scrappy. Now we have more of an idea why it is taking awhile for the wings. Custom fabrication of sheet metal parts, C.N.C. parts and of course all the engineering beforehand. Excellent Mike Excellent. 🤠👍🏻💪🏻

Nothing like a fresh video from you to go with the morning coffee!

THIS EPISODE PLEASED ME BECAUSE I'M A MECHANIC AND ENGINEERS ARE REALLY NICE GUYS, BUT THEY CAN MAKE A MECHANIC'S LIFE MISERABLE AT TIMES. MIKE DESIGNS PARTS WITH THE MECHANIC IN MIND. NICE JOB MIKE!!

Good lord Mike, I'm an IT systems engineer, have been for 32 years and you make me feel like an idiot for your thoroughness of thought in building things. I'm so impressed! Love this channel!!!

That’ll be an incredible fuel supply! And at today’s fuel prices, you’ll be able to double the value of Scrappy just by filling the tanks!! Great job, and great video - as always. Thanks much.

I see that Destin "Smarter Everyday" reference about engineers and welders.

As a mechanic of 40 years, it’s very cool to see you think things clear through to the “ease of service/repair” level. Of course I also realize that you aren’t designing it to compete commercially and can do what you want. I think I asked this once before, but I can’t remember. 💧WHAT’S YOUR TARGET FUEL BURN?💧I’m going to guess it will be in the 14-18 gph range depending on cruise versus play mode. Again, thanks for the inspiration!

Great video seeing Scrappy running around outside, and look at that articulation of the suspension.

CnC laser cutter, CnC brake press ect DAMN YOU HAVE SOME COOL TOYS.

Crazy how the harder you work the luckier you get! Thanks for bringing us along on your build.

This mechanic is calling for a standing ovation. Mike is building it like I built my race cars. Ease of access and turn-around time. Most machinery these days are to extend service time (add $'s here) and P..# off the tech guys. Shout out to ya.

Thanks for giving attention to design for manufacturing/assembly/maintenance. This is for some reason not only overlooked by most engineers but often ignored.

Now it is a good Saturday morning!

"Got lucky"? A shooting buddy of mine was asked would he rather be lucky or good. Lucky, he replied then added, the more I research, learn and practice the luckier I get.

Just what I needed to start the day... Hearing Mike say I don't take naps...I feel that!!!

Not sure if anyone else noticed, but when he was taxiing @ 18:07 and the light was perfect it was a really cool affect seeing the dandelion seed heads exploding off the prop wash.

Cmon Mike, no in air refueling? We’re so disappointed... 🤣

Man you motivate me to develop my ideas and get the power to the pavement. Nothing parked on an airstrip somewhere could impact my life more than you have from your corner of the world. Been working hard to finish trialing and begin using some analytical tools I’ve been spending a long time to develop for futures analysis. I think what you have shown me is that it’s an emotional choice to stay excited and to keep your head in it. Thank you for sharing your passion because it has directly helped me with mine.

I use to work in a job shop so watching you make your wing parts was a 30 year step back in time for me. Pioneer did a lot of Boeing stuff. Nicely executed design work Mike, you are so right about many engineers when it comes to designing side of things. As a welder and metal fabricator many times I wanted to plant a three foot chunk of heavy wall pipe between an engineer's ears! Them to have them blame the welding for their design failures. Mike when we meet, ask me about the engineers at Genie Ind. from when I worked there. Yeah the blue and gray man-lifts.

No pressure Mike. It's wings time. Glad you both had a break. You probably were the first two humans to be on that plateau ever. THANKS for sharing. Regards, Mike from New Zealand.

Quote of the day : perfect place to take a nap. But I don’t do those…

Can’t wait to see a full power takeoff! Let’s get the wings done and scrappy in the air!

I'm glad I expressed my concern for your safety, but I'm more that impressed by "you" listening to your viewers. Love to see you live buddy.

Smart man Mike, making memories and having fun with the wife, you are both Lucky.

As an aerospace engineer we had to do a 6 mo. rotation working in assembly and test before doing anything in engineering. It was time well spent.

Your early this morning! Was just getting ready to mix up some epoxy. See things are moving along quite nicely. Now to use you're line. "It's back to work." 🌳🛩️🏞️

Mike, you are living my dream... Taking my Helicopter and landing on top of some undisturbed plateau where very few if any humans had ever set foot. Love it!

It brings me joy when a bad situation works out okay for everyone involved. Safety, it's a beautiful thing. 🙆‍♂️

Next week on the Scrappy build: I'm building solar panels into the top of the wing to power all the electronics as well as the built in coffee maker and microwave.

A collaboration between you and Destin would be an absolute hit on both channels.

as someone who spun spanners for a living for years I totally agree with you and the thought you are putting into making it easy to either access to work on or if something goes wrong replacing or repairing it isn't a major job

Dude. 100+ years of aviation and only now does someone figure out how to make access panels that aren’t a nightmare to work with. Well done

The design of the openings is genius. Low pressure vessels use the door inside approach. Air tanks, separators, and oil tanks is where I've mostly seen it. And all the Dandelions said "Quick! Everyone get ready. That dude that drives the big windmill around just fired it up! Time to PARTY!!" Anyone surprised that Scrappy never had a "fever"? Nope... me neither.

Genius redesign of inspection doors. I hope Boeing and Airbus are watching, let alone Cessna et al.

Got to love a guy who appreciates irony. Absolutely nothing scrappy about Scrappy😁

Mike, your attention to details regarding future maintenance access is amazing. As a professional aviation maintenance tech (AME in Canada), I can’t tell you how many times I have cursed the engineer that designed a part or system on an aircraft. I’ve always said that an engineer should have to work as a maintainer first, to understand what the downstream users of the product will have to deal with while making their design decisions. Can’t wait to see Scrappy take flight!

That’s how Mooney did their fuel panels, nut plates built into the access panels.

I think when Mike goes to bed, he takes out his eyeball and plugs in a USB port in there every night. Absolutely brilliant guy.

Thats the right way to start the day ! Finally - it starts to look like the "wingless" bird is getting some feathers :) - Thank you for sharing your joy and enthusiasm for aviation is such great detail!

I could listen to you all night Mike. I’m not a pilot but loved aviation for over 30 years. One day I’ll get there, and it will be down to people like you 💪 Can’t wait to see SCRAPPY fly

I want to see Mike make a spacesuit. After Scrappy is built of course. That attention to detail....

You are an amasing guy with an amasing life. Real insperation. All the best from South Africa. 👍

You’re enthusiasm is highly contagious!!! And the tech is amazing. Thanks.

I really appreciate the rethink on the fuel door; putting the tapped holes on the cheap and easy component is brilliant. Engineering school should include internship in the service bay; that is where you can discover the long-term costs of a particular design.

16:00 - 16:25 is required curriculum for EVERY engineer ever.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YEW. Nothing like a bed time vid from the greatest! Hola from Australia.

You might want to put tab or grab of some sort on the tank inspection port covers to make them easier to hold while you are starting the first couple of screws. Great build/video.

Hey mike out here in Iwakuni 🇯🇵 and loving the videos. Keeping my GA fix alive and well. Thanks for everything you do for GA!

As far as I'm concerned, the shop that did the annual owes that guy a new airplane!!!

That’s my yellow airplane landing in the beginning of the video!!! Way cool. I made it in one of Mike’s videos 😜🤪

Mr Patey’s enthusiasm is what makes a great teacher. I’m a car guy and not an aircraft guy but I learn so much from him. I look forward to all of the videos.

Mike, I'm an Air Force Crew Chief (airplane mechanic) and you are spot on with the mechanic/engineer comment. Although they are brilliant people I'm sure, SOMETIMES we feel like they hate us from the designs. With love, Boom

That's not "luck." Mr Patey, that's foresight.

There’s the doorbell again. MIKES HERE !!! Drop everything !!!! Gary

Mike, I'd like to thank you for sharing all of this project. It inspires an old pilot to get busy with some fun work:-)

Beautiful footage, Glad you took some time off with your wife. Thanks for sharing. So happy of the good outcome with the people in that airplane.