I've been scratching my head for MONTHS trying to figure out how in the world you could possibly be so unbelievably productive . . . now I know, you have a RON!

Everyone needs friends like Mike and Ron in their lives.

I worked ten years for Missouri D.O.C. as a C.O. I wish I could say that the support you gave Ron was common but it is not. What you did sets the example of how to stop the revolving door or corrections. My respect has grown exponentially.

my appreciation of this guy just went up 98% after the Ron story.. What integrity

The story about Ron was great! What a great friend.

I'm 57 and have Never had a friend like Ron. That is a Genuine 'Once In A Lifetime' relationship. Aside from my wife, nobody has ever been that close to me, or me to them. What a very rare and special friendship you guys have. Thanks for sharing Mike and Ron. I have a lot of 'Acquaintances' but very few friends, cherish this as this is special.

A man can be measured in many ways. You, Mike, are measured by your success, your money, your knowledge, your drive, your commitment. However, after watching this video, I have learned that none of these traits are as big as your heart. Indeed special in many ways. You inspire and make a difference in this crazy world. God Bless.

The rocket parachute story would have been great all by itself, but it was eclipsed by the wonderful human interest story of these two brilliant men whose relationship is something special. Thanks for sharing! Keep Ron on the front side of the camera more often.

The part with Ron is by far the best part of the video. Really heartwarming. Of course I'll happily watch the rest of the content too. Thank you for sharing!

I wish there was a “love” button. Scrappy is amazing but, Ron’s story is better. You rock Patey!

I spent 2 years in Folsom for being a idiot racing on the street. I never got a single visit but.. when I got out a great man by the name of Cruz Pedregon gave me a second chance working on his Nitro funny car.

I have never left a comment on KZfaq, but I just want to say thank you Mike Patey for you wonderful videos and your contributions to General Aviation. Your knowledge and enthusiasm are tremendous. Your story about Ron and the commitment to friendship says so much about you and your character. Please accept my virtual handshake for all that you do and have done.

You are a legend mate, from the other side of the Atlantic we send our love and support to you. Thanks for being such optimistic and for transmitting positivity every time you talk to us Blue skies and tailwinds mate

Patey isn't "JUST HAVING FUN" building his planes - He is also "SHARING" the Great Knowledge he has - as well as the knowledge, gained during theresearch, testing and building his way to design and build planes that are DIAMONDS when he is finished ! We (us western Coloradoans) are having a blast watching a Master having fun. Thank you and God Bless - Mike Patey & everyone involved in the operation.

Ron just needed a break and found the one who would give it to him. I enjoyed that part the most

Everybody saying "i need a ron", hell i need a mike. Lol!

Mr Patey, after your story about Ron and your friendship and how you cared about him is so cool and I’ve got a different kind of respect for you. Hey I’ve got a special place in Alaska that’s on Lake Clark. 160 miles from the nearest road with 5 Cabins, kayaks and a 3,000 ft strip. Scrappy, you, Ron and your friends are welcome there to enjoy it all to yourselves anytime. Lakes 50 miles long with World Class fishing. Lake Clark National Park. Alaska’s hidden gem.

The story about Ron was incredible. I am glad he finally decided to get in front of the camera. You guys are great together now get back to work! 😆

All I can say is WOW!!!! Not about the rocket but about the REAL friends!!!

This story is really cool. Thanks for sharing and good on Ron for stepping in front of the camera and allowing us to get to know him a bit. Thanks again and keep up the good work!

Mike definitely had fewer than 75 coffees today. Unusual.

Mike you got me really excited when you said the magical word.... “FLOATS”

Your friendship is so wholesome i love it! You guys are amazing

Your best video ever !!! Thank you so much Ron for agreeing to let Mike introduce you to all of us we absolutly Loved meeting you , WOW the story of friendship between you two , oh I mean three , sorry Scrappy hah ! BLEW me away and so did Mike snd his test !!!! It's easy to see why you guys are dynamite together ! WOW MAN WOW I'M STILL BLOWN AWAY !!!!!!!

I wish everybody would find friendship like that. I had to brush away a tear or two... big boys don't cry. i settle for being average

Congrats on three significant points: a great life long friend, a wonderful supporting wife, and a super safe rocket test. May you never lose the first two, and may you never need the third. My friend like that passed 8 years ago and I still call his house on his birthday. Thanks for sharing.

Ron is the Man. Thx Ron for Your shots and help with Mike builds.

Beautiful story of redemption for Ron. Blessings to you for taking the time to invest in him. Obviously you are being rewarded immensely as well.

That is what TRUE unadulterated friendship looks like, i wish i had a friend like that and at the same time i'm glad you do, as far as the rocket test goes that was great to watch, onwards and upwards, i can't wait to see Scrappy take to the skies for the first time...........Back to work !

You are unbelievably fortunate to have Ron. Every man should have a friend like him, but sadly most of us don't. Thank you, Ron, for everything you do and are for Mike. What a wonderful friendship! This whole video was an amazing, and emotional, experience. Thank you, Mike, for being who and what you are, and for sharing all this with us. We are blessed to be able to follow along.

It was so great to see you guys in that light I my lost my dear friend about 5 years ago the world just ain't the same that special spark that he brought to my life is terribly missed! Y'all savor every moment in your friendship you'll never find another Ron or Mike! Here's to you my old friend John Ryan Lilly you are not forgotten

What a great story about Ron, really touching! Already thought you were the guy every man deep inside knows he wants to be, now even more!

They should put scrappy in Flight Simulator 2020!

Awesome story abut ron. Got a friend who's daughter got in trouble, and managed to turn her life around , and is a amazingly sucsessful in spite of having the deck stacked against her. So major cuddo's to Ron. Brought a tear to my eye.

Have you ever seen a guy who loves his professional "hobby" more than this guy! He's almost giddy.. Good for you man! Its fun to watch a guy so passionate. 👍 *Ron is a true friend and a great guy!

Fantastic story about Ron, Mike...you are a top bloke! People like you sir...are far and few between!! 👍🏻😊

If anyone is lucky enough to have 3 people in their lifetime to call a "friend", they are BLESSED! !! !!!

Did anyone else well up with joy just watching Ron and Mike share their story and appreciation for each other? That kind of joy and contagious smiling is just what the world needs right now.

Mike: I always liked the energy you have for these projects. But after learning about what you did for Ron... you earned my respect! And kudos for Ron for turning his life around by recognizing the opportunity and valuing it.

The real Rocket is the "Ron" story. What a connection to a human being. That is what humanity is all about. A Big Sacred Bow to both of you. To hell with the rest of this episode.

Meeting Ron goes a long way to explaining how you’re capable of doin the things you do! Personally I’m the am when I’m the zone, but when I snap out of it I’m the one who has to clean up... I need a Ron!

i don’t know rons past but you have turned his life around he definitely loves his job working with you. you get along so well and the story is amazing bless you for what you did and bless ron for being amazing and agreeing to be on camera you two are amazing both of you on camera would be the best in the world so much uplifting energy and positivity from the both of you

I really admire how you guys opened up. Close friendships aren’t easy to put into words. It’s pretty inspiring to get a glimpse behind the camera.

True friendship is so rare these days. Thank you for sharing your story. Friends for life.

Not minimizing all the other subjects in the comments, I just want to say how much I like the interjected clips of movies to enhance a point. Such tiny things take a LOT of effort to pull off and you do it well.

Very cool. As a former paratrooper in the 70’s and a recently retired mechanical engineer I really geeked out on your descriptions.

So glad you found Ron. I don't know what I would do without my girlfriend helping me with my projects. Big shout to the people behind the scenes that help crazy and messy people stay on the right track.

This is why this guy is king of KZfaq. Combines the usual mind-blowing knowledge and passion about his aviation projects with a touching story about real friendship. As a fan is it weird that I'm excited about Scrappy and miss Draco? Time to watch some old Draco vids now. Man the things that plane could do.

Again! I put everything on hold for a Patey vid Then I'll be "Back to work"

Awesome tribute to your friend Ron. What you did for Ron while he was in prison, wow, God bless you Mike. Looking forward to seeing Scrappy get into the air. Unbelievable video, thank you for sharing a side of you that few people outside of your family and closes friends get to see. Jack in Missouri

Came for the parachute launch was touched by Rons story and your willingness to help him out.

The problem with most of us males is we don't get into these valuable friendships. When I say valuable, I mean priceless!

I can only hope to have a friend like this one day...

The main thing I took away from this is that guys can express and show love to each other without any embarrassment. Good on you guys, from the UK.

If every "Ron" had his own "Mike" the world would be a much better place. Fog on the runway? Misty in my eyes! A truly heartwarming tale.

Ron's story and you helping him rehabilitate and teaching him to do all of this is the best part of this. You're a hero for your faith in people. Good work pulling your life back on track Ron!

FORTY-EIGHT MINUTES! I knew good things come to those who wait. Sunday made. Keep 'em coming Mike!

That is the coolest story about Ron! So good to hear uplifting stories these days.

This is the greatest story. It's obvious you're 100% truthful about how much you enjoy each others friendship. It's refreshing.

Congrats on a successful test Mike. And it was a pleasure to be introduced to to your friend Ron. I don't know much about what your wonderful achievements have shown but I was raised in a machine shop and I tip my hat to you for your great builds and success. I enjoy watching smart people. Wish you all the very best.

Yup, I found my “Ron” so I know exactly how you and Ron work, feel and live you lives together. My best friend and I lived in different towns 35 miles apart. We met each other about 1962 when we were in junior high school because we both joined the Civil Air Patrol. Close friends early on, we both joined the military, Bob right out of high school, me after college. When we met again after our military service, years had passed. I was married, he had a couple of times, but the intervening years disappeared in an instant upon our meeting. I still cherish Bob though he was claimed by cancer in 2014. I know no one can take his place but if a “Ron” comes into my life I will welcome him. Oh, nice custom Tug too.

Man this episode had me teary eyed... Success is forged on friendships and it's clear that you guys are the best of the best.

So great to see your friendship story! Loving each other in practice! Very inspiring and touching. Thanks a lot to share.

That was awesome. And Ron’s story is also awesome. Everyone needs a Ron. I think a lot of us would like to find our Mike!

Mike, you gave Ron a second chance when most companies would turn him away. He is proving himself everyday for you and that explains why he is so productive. This is called "true friendship".

You are one crazy dude with a huge heart, Almost unlimited eNergy, Insane Engineering and Mechanical /abilities, IMPRESSIVE! And FUNNY, that’s entertainment!!! Thanks Conrad

So great to see you guys being able to show each other love, too many men are afraid to express those feelings! You're great role models.

Now I got answer 😀... I was scratching my head all these months how Mike get this done all alone.. RON !, man.. you are indeed best buddy Mike has got. - Lots of love to you both❤️❤️ from India

Mike, It’s been three weeks since a video... I can’t wait any longer!!! I’m dying here... c’mon man “BACK TO WORK”

It makes even more sense now that you get so much done. The work you do with Ron is like a dance. I get why you love each other. Keep on keepin' on. And I pray you never have to touch that handle.

Mike you are an inspiration because you are always smiling laughing and having a good time. Thank you for being who you are, don’t change for anyone. God bless you and everybody you know.🙂

Quite a story. Ron is a very lucky man. A lot of guys coming out of prison wind up back there in short order simply for the lack of someone willing to give them an opportunity. Mike, I found your channel a while back and watched the entire creation of Draco, the accident, and all. I was already very impressed with you. Seeing this video takes that up by orders of magnitude. You, Sir, are truly a mensch!!!

Mike I appreciate you more since we now have met Ron and heard about his past that you trusted and had faith in him to give him a second chance in making right to life. Mike and also Ron, have to say well done also that you as a team made the effort also in seeing you (Ron) doing well with Mikes help. Keep up the good work buddies and now get back to work guys. As I hear more stories the more I appreciate your video stories. A Big Wow Factor that brought tears of joy in this success partnership. Pray God's blessings in the future Ron.

Mike that bit about Ron is really touching. Could not help a tear roll down. You guys are great.

Such an in depth look into the BRS! And the story with Ron.. Awesome episode!

Who needs enemies when we can have friends like that. The world needs more of that today.

Mike Patey Drinking Game: Do a shot every time he says "I'm Excited" Liver: "oh, damn..."

You are both incredibly fortunate to have such a friendship. And the world is incredibly fortunate that your friendship produces such amazing machines.

Mike, you already looked to be a very generous person, by sharing your experience with others, not hesitating to mention others' skills or value, humbly. So I've not been surprised about Ron. But this is rare, so rare a person let its heart speak in priority... We don't know the details of the story, and this is fine. It is yours. I just hope you haven't had your "wings burnt" by too many others with a bad mentality... All in all, everybody need a Ron AND a Mike. You probably deserve each other... Thank you for what you do, and who you are. Respect.

That was an amazing video and story about you and Ron and how your friendship has survived a lot of trials. Restoration stories are always the best. Thank you for sharing sir and thank you Ron for allowing Mike to share your story. I'm sure that helped someone else out there too, it certainly spoke to my heart. You two do amazing work and have a friendship worth more than any amount of money or things the world could ever offer. Thanks again, now get back to work. Haha

Mike..... man I can't even begin to tell you what that story about Ron means to me. I made a bad judgment call in a self defense shooting incident and did 27 months for it. My friends don't have million dollar race planes, but they did the best they could to make sure my wife got up to see me at least one a month. When I got home, they made sure I stayed out of trouble, and did what they could to help. The vast majority of a person's "friends" write them off the second the gavel falls on their sentence. To see you, this hard-working guy that seems to have everything he could ever want, take the time to go see a friend like that.... I already had a lot of respect for you.... This just launched it through the roof like your parachute!!! Question for Ron.... Could you hear Mike coming in that hotrod of his? That would be so awesome! And to know he's doing this because your friendship means that much to him.... partner you take good care of that friendship!!!! That doesn't exist anymore!!! I have one friend like that too... I've been sitting on his property overhauling the motorhome he gave me for the last 18 months.

Mike. I have been following you from before Scrappy Build, the Draco days ( about two and half years). This has been by far the most Heart warming in two ways. First your friendship with Ron. Not many can be and remain true friends like that. Second, the ''heart'' as the rocket launched the parachute. Priceless. A moment in time. Also what most did not pick up is that it was Scrappy's not ''fully exposed'' trip out of the hangar, out on its own wheels by Best Tugs.. Now ''get back to work''.

I love this guys spirit . I love the "breaking stitching idea" to slow down the rocket and am pleased he included that.

Like, then View! It’s Mightnight here in Germany, And school tomorrow! But Patty vid First! Love the Content! Love you Ron!

So my Icon A5 has a BRS Chute, and I learned a heck of a lot more about it in this video than everything Icon has described and published. Thank you for the outstanding informational description!!

Mike is blessed to have Ron and Ron is blessed to have Mike. God bless them both.

Love the story of Ron and your friendship and commitment to each other - SO refreshing!

that friendship, reminded me of military duties. We fixed airplanes. Through smoke, explosions, fire and blind.. we'd still get something done, knowing each one of us was there somehow...with split seconds not to think about it, just do.

To be lucky enough to have friends like that is something not everyone has a chance to experience, a real fox hole buddy.

I've always thought that everything Mike did was awesome. I didn't know the half of it. The world needs more Mike.

Mike that was a beautiful tribute to Ron... most people have to wait for a funeral to hear those kind words... I agree Ron is Amazing and I think the world of him also! I have only meet you a few time doing a buildout in a hanger near you, but for sure... you are one of the kindest and Tony Stark people I have ever met!

Heck ya ive been waiting for days!!!!

I like the fact he explains everything’s purpose

Mike, you and I are a lot alike. I work alone mostly these days so I end up driving myself nuts having to keep running around grabbing this that or the other thing. Just ruins my flow and I just feel like I waste so much of my time. When I have my best friend around, we marathon and get stuff done. I work best "in the zone" too and he'll start picking up my tools as I just keep going at it. "Hey I need a-" and he's already hit me with what I'm looking for. Replaced a motor in 16 hours from in the garage to out of the garage and in break-in - first time doing it. Those friendships are priceless. I see you guys and I see myself and my best friend, and you're doing what we're working towards. Thanks for keeping me inspired!

I am blessed to hear the story of your friendship. How fortunate you guys are to have that. God bless you both.

He's not really working on an airplane recovery system, he just doesn't want to admit it. This is prototyping for the LES and recovery system for his next project, an orbital class manned space ship that starts life as a trash can, but ends up being solid carbon fiber. I hear he's already in talks with SpaceX for a launch until he can build the booster.

I love it! "Whats a crescent wrench?" We all started somewhere!

I voted for the installing the parachute and glad you have done it, It makes sense. You realize you have put yourself in a precarious position in that people will want to see a FULL LIVE DEMO! Now that would be a scoop. Imagine your beloved Scrappy going through that! It's a big ask and god forbid you be inside so your do it remotely.......

My Ron is named Kris. We all need a person like this in our lives. You are lucky to have each other.

OMG, "this is the very best bad idea, we have so far, sir" Just watched "ARGO" this weekend. Best inserted clip EVAR, Mike!!!!!