SOLO To Chicago in BAD WEATHER - Trying NOT TO BREAK THE AIRPLANE

No video

SOLO To Chicago in BAD WEATHER - Trying NOT TO BREAK THE AIRPLANE

Рет қаралды 121,023

Күн бұрын

In June 2019 I flew Athena to Chicago for my company's tech meetings. Although flying Athena beats the airlines, you as a pilot still have to deal with all the decisions and challenges of the flight especially when bad weather is involved.
Summer flying at its best, with some of the worst storms I have flown through, lots of IMC weather that put my skills to the test.
Enjoy this 1st part and don't forget to watch the 2nd part here • MOST DIFFICULT FLIGHT ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I am NOT a Certified Flight Instructor and my videos are not for instruction purposes. The video is intended for my own personal experiences and for entertainment purposes only. Do not use my video content as information about how to fly an airplane. To properly learn how to fly you MUST visit your local flight school and work with an experienced Certified Flight Instructor.
Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsou...)
On this episode you can hear:
- Bottai
- Leaving Serengeti
- Breaking Light
Also follow me on:
Instagram / nikoswings
FACEBOOK / nikoswings
Web www.nikoswings.com

Пікірлер: 435

@martinpauly 4 жыл бұрын

Nice cloud surfing, Niko - and a good example of what the delay of uplinked WXR does to pilots! Best, Martin

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Martin, the return flight was the day when we heard each other on the radio. I’ll send you a note about it

@juliancate7089 4 жыл бұрын

Martin, have you seen the old Western classic, "The Searchers" from 1956? It starred John Wayne and Jeff Hunter. Jeff Hunter's character in the film is named Martin Pawley.

@wardholbrook1478 4 жыл бұрын

As a long-time professional pilot (45+ years) and flight instructor (40+ years), I enjoy watching the videos and appreciate the approach you take in your flying. (Pun intended.) You set a good example for all of us. There are a couple of books that I recommend to my instrument students - Weather Flying by Capt Robert Buck and Instrument Flying by Richard Taylor. They are designed for the current and active IFR pilot. They are not for the beginning instrument student. I fly corporate jets for a living, I have them both in my library and still read them occasionally. Good stuff.

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve read both books and learned a lot from them

@myspaishot 4 жыл бұрын

Always get a feeling of riding with you on your journeys. I think the tension was just about as high sitting at my pc on the ground as it was for you in the clouds. Thanks so much for sharing.

@BrianReplies 4 жыл бұрын

Love the visual storytelling you’re doing in these.

@dheyes803 4 жыл бұрын

Niko, in all of your years of flying have any of your aircraft ever had a lighting strike? If yes, how long would a full check up take to make sure that avionics, the body, etc. are in good shape and you are able to take back to the skies? P.S., you make flying seem as easy as walking a dog. Safe skies as always.

@ja1cspikes 4 жыл бұрын

Your living proof the American dream is real Niko, keep climbing dude!

@truecrimejungle 4 жыл бұрын

LOL he's like 10 stages past that!

@mjotd8670 4 жыл бұрын

And that's why we followers love these videos! The drama, the tension, with the added heart beat soundtrack of course, Excellent video! More Please!

@murraydmark 4 жыл бұрын

Love that you're doing more vlogging outside of the plane. Loving the insight into more of your daily stuff.

@chrisc161 4 жыл бұрын

Great job Nikos. Started my IFR training and love to see your flights.

@BaronPilot 4 жыл бұрын

Trying not to break the airplane? What fun is that? 😂 Great Video as always! I still love how beautiful your interior looks.

@avtweet3269 4 жыл бұрын

Next August I hope to see some "Hurricane Hunter in an SR22" footage!

@markopenttinen4345 4 жыл бұрын

The fun is getting home alive! :D

@imachacker 4 жыл бұрын

Migrant, self-made, successful business owner, family man, extremely professional pilot, and he's got biceps.... why are you not subscribed?

@truecrimejungle 4 жыл бұрын

because he says "zulu" too quickly, his only fault.

@skillatech1 3 жыл бұрын

I'm curious as to why u would use the word migrant instead of immigrant?

@terencecottington4273 4 жыл бұрын

I never tire of your v-logs. Like others, I am there at your side wherever you fly. Always happy to be an arm chair pilot when your faced with challenging weather but always glad to be back next to you with crystal clear blue skies. Look forward to the next one. :)

@kellypyatt3144 4 жыл бұрын

This flight of yours is going to make it into every groundshcool curriculum for the rest of time. I can't text all the things I won't to say about that flight. Wow Niko, that was amazing, That's what its really like to fly into IMC. Aviate, navigate, communicate. Well done sir.

@TeemarkConvair 4 жыл бұрын

some nail biting and some !! WOW !! moments.. never gets old!

@nickpapagiorgio5056 2 жыл бұрын

Wow thank you for sharing this video those clouds were absolutely beautiful, that’s what it’s all about right there man. Nice flying Niko!

@mauroedidi 4 жыл бұрын

Really tks the way you show how to manage a potential dangerous situation with professional, simple, clear, open mind attitude. Tower support, device but all filtered by your skills. Really top

@karimmifflin8738 4 жыл бұрын

Always enjoy watching your videos Niko. Although your videos are not intended to teach or give instruction, you give strong examples of how a plane should be flown and you obviously are a great example of what makes a great pilot.

@yrguitar1 4 жыл бұрын

I was nervous just watching this video. It's crazy how it just cleared up like that!

@felipec2875 4 жыл бұрын

Super interesting! Amazin to see how a pilot deal with this type of conditions... Not a single moment to rest. Greetings from Brazil, Niko!

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

Viva Brazil 🇧🇷

@rifke 4 жыл бұрын

I love the heartbeat music when you hit the scud.

@larrysmith1568 4 жыл бұрын

I love the aircraft and love how you fly it. I enjoyed the trip.

@lexke7 4 жыл бұрын

Good pilotage, love the way you always keep safety as your number 1 priority!

@chrisbrown05819 3 жыл бұрын

Good work niko. It’s great to show people what we deal with when flying. That’s a professional day of flying. I can tell you’re not an amateur pilot. Appreciate the videos!

@steini6771 4 жыл бұрын

Ohhh, was right there with you. Love that you always fly safe rather than risk anything even with your awareness. True pilot -

@CalBart42 4 жыл бұрын

that intense concentration going through that precipitation would be very tiring not to mention disorientating ... love your vids Nicko thanks again for bringing us all along for the ride .. Cheers Man .. peace love and blissful flying

@ttjclz 4 жыл бұрын

A great flight and an awesome video... Educational too... Many Thanks!

@simplyred6780 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Niko what up thanks for taking me along opening in the clouds very cool

@elmiguel6725 4 жыл бұрын

Niko, I know nothing about planes and flying yet fascinated with both. You have a beautiful plane and seem very skilled at what you do, I enjoy your videos.

@RK-de5wg 4 жыл бұрын

I liked this video because I used to live in Chicago suburbs, and now reside in Florida! I surely don’t miss that traffic!

@billnicholson2470 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Niko. I got nervous for you just watching you go through the storms. Love the way you handle yourself. Always calm and in charge. Thanks.

@markduncan6690 4 жыл бұрын

One more very smooth landing Nik!

@kestrel5065 4 жыл бұрын

Troll's are clearly NOT aviators to smash a dislike for this. Good one mate.

@todaywefly4370 4 жыл бұрын

Kestrel 506 The only fix is just to outnumber them.

@VenturiLife 4 жыл бұрын

I was curious what your company was, and you straight up answered it for us. Thanks!

@hcs4life21 3 жыл бұрын

I came across your channel earlier this morning after searching for random Cirrus videos. I gotta say, Niko, you put out amazing, highly informative content and the production quality is top-notch! Keep at it!

@96chevydually6.5L 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome flying Niko!👍✈

@hgbugalou 3 жыл бұрын

Commuting to work in your own plane. You are living the dream brother.

@lukew4955 4 жыл бұрын

I was disappointed when I cancelled my flight tonight but happy to come along for your flight. I’m about to start my multi IFR training when the plane gets back from engine replacement and this was a good taste of flying IMC definitely looking forward to it. Also I’m eyeing those Bose currently saving up for a set of my own maybe next year.

@milk-it 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Niko. Always a pleasure to watch your videos.

@Radionut 4 жыл бұрын

Another cinematically beautiful video Niko. As always I got to fly with you by watching this beautiful video. Look out for the bumpy’s

@bwagenberg 3 жыл бұрын

You'd think you could afford a pilot/driver so you could get some rest, then take the meeting upon your arrival, then back home same day. You can always be the co-pilot. Thanks for finally explaining your company. Excellent web site.

@NikosWings 3 жыл бұрын

Then the pilot would have all the fun of flying...

@JimPaar 4 жыл бұрын

Another outstanding video, I see you flew over my town of Nashville. I’m also a tech geek, love to help you with your company if I can fly to work ;). Thanks Nikko

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

We are virtual so you can stay right at home. Send me your resume if you are interested.

@JimPaar 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nikko, will do

@silverbeernuts4229 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Niko, I just joined your channel and watched several and I enjoy your voyages and enthusiastic when you show us how to overcome issues regarding flying or communications. Thank you and appreciate you!

@cg5562 2 жыл бұрын

I am new coder and new licensed drone pilot. A career change in my 40s and I could read the code from your site!! Almost there!! Thank you for the content and even though I am not a real pilot yet I am on my way!

@NikosWings 2 жыл бұрын

Good for you man! Licensed drone pilots know enough to transition to airplane pilots easier than others.

@chriholt 4 жыл бұрын

Wow I could feel the tension as you were navigating those storms, thanks for the ride!

@ozziepilot2899 4 жыл бұрын

Another great flight and epic scenery as you break out of IMC, thanks Niko, stay safe mate.

@CharleyAlphaAviation 4 жыл бұрын

ADS-B and XM are good for reference knowing the limitations, we are fortunate to also have onboard radar in addition to the ADS-B. Great to see your decision making and constant evaluation of the flight conditions.

@johndemerse9172 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Niko. Wow you can really appreciate the challenges of active weather flying from that flight!

@paulejbuckley 4 жыл бұрын

Got my PPL at KLZU back in 1993, was not towered back then, no cafe either! Pretty hairy on the next leg, difficult to avoid the bad stuff when you can’t see anything! Great job. 👏🏻👏🏻

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

I should had gone higher. I do remember that on that flight the lesson I learned was that I needed to use the turbos more and go higher. Stay tuned for the return flight coming out this week.

@easymemesniper 4 жыл бұрын

If you're open to video ideas, I love hearing about peoples' career stories and tips. I have a non-aviation career, and GA as a hobby is one of the reasons I've been wanting to step that up a notch. Flying your own business trip sounds amazing!

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I have filmed my stories many times before but during edit I find my story to be taking away from the real story which is the flying.

@malibujack4852 4 жыл бұрын

Niko, have you considered purchasing a Piper Malibu? Capable of flight at 25000, pressurized, ac, full de-ice, 6 seats, cabin class, and 213 knots cruise. I know I’m partial since I own one, but it makes flights so much more enjoyable when you can be above the weather most of the time. With the Continental running LOP, you have 8 hours (or 9.5 with the extended range tanks) of flying time. I own a Velocity that I built and remember many days flying in the soup at 9 or 10 thousand. Trust me, it’s much nicer above it. Just something to consider. You can get a really nice used one for the price of your Cirrus. Like Cirrus, Malibu’s have a cult following. You will hear some people knock them, but almost always it’s from someone who has zero time in them and knows nothing about them. I absolutely love them and don’t know how I lived without one for so long. They can be expensive to maintain, but very cheap for what they do (competing on a turboprop level). The only two aircraft I’m looking to get after this one is a Pilatus PC-12 and a Piaggio P.180.

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

I hear ya Jack, this video does not demonstrate what I typically do with the Cirrus SR22 Turbo, whiz is fly above 14,000 and typically at FL180 and above. Yes not having the pressurized cabin is an issue as oxygen is a pain, especially when you have passengers, but my mission is mostly solo. It all sounds wonderful in the Malibu, except one deal breaker item. No CAPS BRS. And that will always be a deal breaker for me. I suggest you put one in your Malibu if that is an option.

@RequenAir 4 жыл бұрын

Niko, what can I say... You're awesome. Great pilot buddy. Keep recording videos and keep safe alway. Thank you

@theotherjustin 4 жыл бұрын

Relatively new to your channel so I had no clue you were a software engineer! That's awesome, and congrats on your company! You might appreciate this. I wrote the billing code that applied the tax data to build the taxes for our residential VoIP customers 15 or so years ago. Not sure how it is with property taxes, but man, when you get into the guts of telephony tax code, it almost makes you want to chuck some tea into a harbor! 😀

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

I can relate, looking at property tax code and how it gets calculated means that someone indeed chucked tea into a harbor... lol

@bikerboy3k 4 жыл бұрын

I'm calling it, soon the channel is gonna be called Niko The Storm Chaser

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

Lol 😂

@josealfredocardenas5416 4 жыл бұрын

Why would people dislike this video? Great job man..

@chriswarrington6502 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, personally (I'm not a pilot) think I'd rather fly around thunderstorms than drive through Chicago and I drive a commercial vehicle for a living. If you can get through town at 1or 2 in the morning your usually good, if you take 294 you'll go past O'Hare. During the night there's not much going on but if the weather is good you can see a line of planes coming in to land. Looking forward to the next video, happy landings.

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

When I lived in Chicago when I was in college I used to watch in amazement all the airplanes lined up in the sky and my mind would wonder about all the places in the world they were coming from

@clarencethomasisthegoat 4 жыл бұрын

As an air traffic controller.. pretty amazing to see the other side. Thank you!

@desbold4898 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome video as usual, enjoy the different shots included. Hope you had a good stay!

@katpis9121 4 жыл бұрын

Great video yet again. Ur editing and the way u make us feel like we are apart of the adventure is amazing! Thanks for the video my friend 👍👍

@billbehrens4487 4 жыл бұрын

Great flight your facial expressions were priceless

@paulnavas3196 4 жыл бұрын

Nico, you 3 miles from my home. Enjoy your videos safe travels my friend..

@TibDriver 4 жыл бұрын

This wx radar business is indeed something that we always think is the dead truth, and the lag is important to remember. What a great video!!

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

Correct, it’s definitely not dead true, it has to be used very cautiously.

@lauraradigan4114 4 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy watching your process flow in the plane. Great video, great production.

@markslandingsandaviationvi3123 4 жыл бұрын

I Really Enjoy Your Content! You are such a pro pilot. Thanks for posting!👍😎✌️🤝👀

@michaelm3881 4 жыл бұрын

Please don't break the airplane! Cirrus and the insurance company would not like that! Love your videos!

@niceguy2171 4 жыл бұрын

Heavy weather systems pretty much across the country, and trying to find holes to fly through. Can't always be sunshine and clear, but that white-out haze is difficult. Great job getting through it.

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

You should see the return flight coming this week. 10 times worst...

@paezgonzalo 4 жыл бұрын

@@NikosWings you have the video of that returning flight? I liked this one a lot! I made some similar conditions flight some days ago in the Caribean of Central America in my Commander 114, and know exactly why these facial expressions come up.

@niceguy2171 4 жыл бұрын

@@NikosWings , as I was wishing you better weather, am sorry to hear that. Know though as older pilot, before the weather available to you(and even the ATC guys then) we flew through some hairy stuff at times, and it's always challenging.

@joecarpenter4522 4 жыл бұрын

Niko, cool stuff sir! I’m an instructor in the Cirrus in central FL and definitely feel your pain trying to deviate around the nasty stuff! LZU is where it all began for me back in 2000 as a Private student. The Flying Machine is a fun restaurant!

@lmartinez3633 4 жыл бұрын

Nice to see having a successful business and enjoying aviation, enjoy

@Xpyburnt_ndz 4 жыл бұрын

Gr8 flight in REALLY gnarly conditions Niko! Glad you made it safely!!!

@flycow69 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking us on your journey Niko . Few things I missed about the 70s. The Bartering system: I offer a discovery flight time for a one night stay in exchange and Hitch hiking. They were no AirBnB or Uber and Lyft.

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

True, I saw some of that in the 70’s and 80’s in a Europe. No more...

@dickmoore7341 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Niko, was a bit stressful for you but don't you have a little fun weaving around the clouds like flying through a mountain ridge without worrying about hitting something solid. You can have Chicago traffic though, I could see where the weather is less of a problem. Thanks for the ride along!!!

@klmelj 4 жыл бұрын

Flew to my area. KLZU is near my home airport KFTY. Flew there once. Nice flight and video.

@nsw72 4 жыл бұрын

Threading the needle 😎👍 And I'd take that over driving in traffic any time!

@BoB4jjjjs 4 жыл бұрын

That had kept the heart pumping!

@Democratsareracist 4 жыл бұрын

Well done Sir!!!!

@andrewmartin8739 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Niko , well done getting through that crappy weather👍

@duckydrummer6331 4 жыл бұрын

Really enjoy watching you navigate around bad weather, it sort of puts you on the edge of your seat. Not too enjoyable for you though! The music was especially fitting, the low beating murmur of rain soaked clouds then the relieving high of breaking through. Nicely done.

@jamesunger8433 3 жыл бұрын

LoL... Trying not to break the airplane....for the non aviators out there it's really difficult to break an airplane unless you're performing aerobatics in a non aerobatic certified aircraft. And Niko knows this up to or at maneuvering speed Va a pilot can perform full deflection of the flight controls without causing any structural integrity problems to the airframe. I had a mountain wave seriously slam a 172 I was flying down several hundred feet in seconds while I was at cruise speed maybe 110kts and all my charts and everything flew up into the air momentarily.... It was definitely a learning experience.... Fly a little higher to avoid that mountain wave.... hahahahaha. Excellent videos again Niko really enjoy watching your professional aviator skills..... I have to get back in the air one day before I'm 90! God bless!

@MrFeinhan 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Niko, like your videos! You are are GA pilot, but you act very professional in your flying abilities! Your videos can inspire and teach many new pilots in how to be able to fly safely!

@budcarr8673 4 жыл бұрын

It is the loneliest place up there in the soup and bad weather.

@jameshyatte7230 4 жыл бұрын

Nice showing how delayed those radars can be in real terms. Excellent video, been missing these as of late.

@funcle8572 3 жыл бұрын

Love your plane. Looks really cool

@MarioLoco03 11 ай бұрын

Thats one fancy plane!

@derekinPhilippines 4 жыл бұрын

We had a vulcan mind meld going on Niko. I was sitting here watching and saying 'Yeah baby cloud surfing' and you came back with 'Yeah baby'.

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

Haha we are on the same page... “yeah baby”

@MichaelLloyd 4 жыл бұрын

Ok, I can relax now, the video is over :) Thunderstorms are pretty on the ground (over yonder) but they creep me out in the air. Nice work getting her on the ground safe

@nikosgeorgakis6759 4 жыл бұрын

Nice job Captain!

@connorknudsen5602 4 жыл бұрын

What a amazing video especially with that background music it was almost like being next to you feeling the same feelings and thoughts Great vid keep it up mate 👨‍✈️

@garydell2023 4 жыл бұрын

Good video Niko. Good piloting skills and decisions. What did you say you do? I remember Meigs Field. Mayor Daily was it? Closed it illegally yet nothing happened to him. I here that there is a move to get it re opened? Thank you. Fly safe.

@SmittySmithsonite 4 жыл бұрын

I don't know, Niko - I think it would be more enjoyable flying straight through a cat.4 hurricane than driving in Chicago! 🤣 Wow, that was some intense weather! Nice job navigating through all that - I'm sure you're fairly used to that, living in FL. Was fantastic to watch, though! Beautiful shots weaving through those buildups - was like we took a ride through Heaven! Loved it! 😎 I just have to say, brother ... I am impressed beyond impressed with your business! I checked out your website - I had no idea that was even a problem, let alone to be able to create what you've created to solve it! YOU are the American Dream, hands down! You are a prime example of why America became what it is today. You're an inspiration, Niko! A genius from where I'm sitting. So glad I found your channel! 👍👍🍻

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Smitty! Always good to hear from you!!!

@BenA-bu1cz 4 жыл бұрын

Definitely driving thru Chicago.....Nice Footages Thanks Nic

@bodriver9719 4 жыл бұрын

I always learn watching your videos! Great job, stay safe!

@Rugbyfan1973 4 жыл бұрын

Great video as always Nico, good work under pressure.

@ElAvionazo 4 жыл бұрын

Great video as always Niko! Thanks for sharing!

@seaneastman8817 4 жыл бұрын

Great flying, Niko. Enjoy your videos. Used to live about twelve minutes from Chicago Executive in Glenview.

@aviatorel32 4 жыл бұрын

Niko I went to LZU from SFZ two weeks ago, and LZU was better option than PDK. Really enjoying your videos and your plane looks so awesome.

@Wayman_Simmang 4 жыл бұрын

You have nerves of steel Niko.. lol Glad you made it ok! Happy Thanksgiving!~

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

Same to you

@bruceowens480 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great video.

@derekgreeson2088 4 жыл бұрын

Gwinnett is my hometown! The Flying Machine is owned by friends of ours! Great place to eat! Enjoy the videos man!

@Helinut 4 жыл бұрын

Good video Niko. I hope your meetings were productive. Stay safe.

@thekill2509 4 жыл бұрын

Another awesome video.....thanks!

@philipchandler330 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent thanks for sharing very informative

@BurtsBees33 4 жыл бұрын

Next time you're in Atlanta I recommend stopping at KPDK for The Downwind Restaurant. Just a few miles away from KLZU! I noticed you stop there a decent amount when coming through Atlanta.

@NikosWings 4 жыл бұрын

Yes because it’s easier to get in and out. But when I have more time I will do