YES! Buy the Albatross! That would be the coolest project yet, by far!

Flying has become a rich man's game. That is THE BIGGEST obstacle for most to get in to aviation. New aircraft are unobtainium for the average guy and because of this, quality used aircraft prices are either very high or the aircraft needs a lot of work. Even in the Homebuilt market, kits prices are relatively high. Yes, a lot of people are building but not nearly as many as had been. Years ago, I started building an RV-6A. It was one of the most affordable kits out there. Now, the tail kit costs as much as most of the full kit I started with. I had to sell mine because my eyes started to go bad. I've gotten past that and they are great now but I started looking to get back in to it and even ultralight kits are more than what it used to cost to build a nice homebuilt kit. I'm now looking at PPG or powered parameters because it will get me back up in the air at a price I can afford. In my opinion, one of the best things you could do with your vast aviation and engineering knowledge would be to develop a reasonably priced entry level plane, You'd enable many more pilots to get flying and stay flying or get back in to flying. Many get started but the cost of aviation in general drives them back out. Old, affordable planes become unaffordable because of the cost of maintaining an old, used airplane. One more thing, you keep talking about getting new pilots into flying. Why not also focus on getting guys that used to fly back in to it. There is a vast wealth of experienced pilots out there that would probably love to get back in to it and pass on their knowledge if they had a reasonable way. Don't just look to the future but look to the past to create a new future. I used to be in the EAA until I sold my RV-6A. I left because I couldn't bear to look at all the kits that were being built knowing that I had to give up on mine. I was a member of AOPA. The reason I left was that even though they did a lot for aviation, I felt they were not focusing on the little guy. I'd look at their magazine full of new airplanes and fancy avionics and realized that can't be sustainable. Anyways, not sour grapes. I'm not jealous of those that can afford those but I'm sad for those that can't and therefore can't enjoy the freedom and joy of aviation.

Everyman's affordable airplane is the Patey sized challenge in my mind. Hard to quantify because it's different for everyone. But I can think of some good qualifications: 1 - Hangars are expensive. Trailerable, and make the trailer part of the support system for the plane. A 'portable shop' designed to support the aircraft, even disassemble major components 2 - 6 seats with tradeoffs in baggage weight, etc. Physics only goes so far 3 - Modular engine systems that are easily maintained 4 - Possibly inline twin for safety? 5 - A dramatically less expensive engine option - biggest challenge 6 - Printable components - make use of "maker" technologies such as plasma tables and 3D printing for most components 7 - 1,000 nm range 8 - 150 knots or greater 9 - Turbocharged for safety even in the flatlands. Climbing over weather becomes a possibility 10 - Dirt simple systems I've been working on this for years. Lots of ideas.

I’m a retired Dual Rated Marine Corps pilot, with fixed wing ATP and 10,000 total hours, CFI/CFII. Worked the commercial helicopter business after the USMC for Bristow. Would LOVE to own my own plane, but that goes to my 3 comments: 1. Precious little is going right in GA. 2. What is going wrong? One word… lawyers…. As a 25 year active member of the Florida Wing CAP, I gradually became very disillusioned with the bureaucracy, over regulation, and paperwork requirements place on an “all volunteer organization”. Costs for anything aviation related are at least 10x what they should because of “liability”…. It’s positively ridiculous. Involvement in GA seems to be reserved for the wealthy, and by that I mean zero malice toward folks like you guys. You earned every single nickel that you have imho. 3. I’m a member of CAP (retired now), former member of AOPA, and Life Member of the Marine Corps Aviation Association.

My big request would be to help out the private airports that have a public use certificate, we are loosing airports all around the country! Certification standards and airport equipment is INSANELY expensive, making the business model tough! Sharp business savy folks like you could be a godsend to hundreds of local airports around the country!

These 2 dudes are not human. How do I/we all get a fraction of the energy that feeds them and gives them this positivity.

So glad you're both ok! Absolutely yes to the Albatross!!

YES on the Albatross!!!!!! One of my favorites. Team with Margaritaville and call it the Hemisphere Dancer II.

Mark Patey for Congress! I almost joke, but honestly I see a lot of challenges that come from the FAA and a lack of ability for the administrators of the FAA to relate and build relationships with GA. I think there is a lack of communication and they rely on confrontational ways of meeting the goals of safety in aviation. I truly believe that if the FAA was a solid partner with general aviation, and not just an enforcement agency, safety would increase and it would be easier to lead people into GA.

When James Bond fantasizes about who he wants to be, he pictures Mike Patey. Mark looks much faster, without a gallbladder. The aviation community is lucky to have these two. Everyone is fortunate that these two are still well. Much love.

Guys, First of all thank you for all you do for GA! Been watching Mike for years and have had the pleasure of meeting both of you at Oshkosh and Sun And Fun. With your scary incidents we thank God you are both still with us! #1 Saving lives. Every year we loose way too many pilots, friends, and entire family’s in GA. The saddest thing is that so many of those accidents are totally preventable. I know this all hits very close to home with you both recently loosing Creighton King. I actually met him a couple times over the last several years and had spoken to him just last year at Oshkosh. What a great guy he appeared to me in just the little I knew about him. Tragic loss. I have been flying for nearly 25 years and believe Creighton is the first person I actually knew that had lost their life in an aviation accident. I don’t have the answers, and I do know there are great resources out there, such as the Air Safety Foundation and others, but we need to figure out something more. Something better, more effective, what ever how ever, to keep from having more accidents and deaths that could be prevented. Better training, better conditioning, more awareness, what ever it takes, we need to figure out a more effective way. You know Dan Gryder. Love him or hate him, he is very motivated and dedicated to this cause, and I do believe he has helped many pilots be safer, and more prepared for when something does happen, by using his You Tube channel and speaking events sharing AQP. As you both know at sometime, that something, will happen to you! #2 Saving lives, #3 Saving lives. Just my thought on priorities. Yes there are many other issues in GA that can use attention and I am sure you will get a lot of good ideas presented here. And yes there is a lot of great things going on for GA in very positive ways! I have been a member of AOPA, EAA, and RAF, for many years. I believe they all do great things for GA, although some struggle as they become so large. And Mike, for sure build the Albatross! And make sure Kermit Weeks is following. 😁 Thanks again guys! Hope to see you and say hi at Sun and Fun and Oshkosh. Best.

So far the best boss in the world ! My appreciate Dear Michael!

1. There's great momentum and community building going on general aviation right now. 2. General aviation still seems to be plagued with accidents and a high incident to death ratio. 3. No association affiliations. I'm a fan of general aviation. I've had my face pressed against the glass, looking in at all the fun, for many years. From an outsiders perspective, here are the key barriers that I, or anyone in my position, will need to overcome in order to become an insider: •Enormous financial startup costs and significant ongoing maintenance costs. •Sometimes the "general" in general aviation makes it difficult to decifer which camp is right for me. •Space. Aircraft kits are just to bulky to assemble. They are overly time consuming to build so a modest privateer like myself feels pushed toward entry level ultralights and less safe decision making. My proposal for the Patey Bros: • Design a GA aircraft that has zero kit components, rather, only accessible materials. One that is the safest in the skies. A plane that is a true quick build. Maybe it uses advanced adhesives instead of rivets. It needs to be jaw dropping cheap ($10-$15k) all in. It needs to operate like a conventional fixed wing aircraft as an ideal time/experience builder. It should be docile and intuitive with just enough delight in flight. It absolutely must be trailer friendly for at-home storage. Lastly, it needs to be a fine looking bird, with charm and simplicity that instills confidence and pride of ownership. The Volkswagen bug of the skies. In short, I think the greatest contribution you two could give to GA is accessibility. Love the channel, and so glad Mark is healthy. Best regards, Ben

Y'all will never lose our attention! Mark, we are so blessed you are still with us and keep fighting the good fight. This world needs you both.

First off, I'm greatful you're both still alive! Your passion and joy for your work is contagious. If you really want a BIG project, I have an idea! With the shortage of mechanics, especially in general aviation, I would like to see an online, or at least partially online, A&P training program. Lectures can easily be delivered through virtual classrooms or pre recorded. Pre recording has the benefit of editing for accuracy. Some labs could be completed in a garage or home workshop by sending materials to students. The students would then record themselves completing the work. Teachers would then review the videos and when it's done correctly, the student sends the material back to the school. This would work well for some smaller items about the size of a magneto. The bigger parts and projects that require more specialized tools would still require students to travel to a training facility. Training facilities could be either a centeral campus, or a partner school that teaches the hands on portion of this program. Alternatively, build a curriculum and license it to schools. A completely different way to accomplish this would be to use an online model to facilitate obtaining an A&P license through experience. Perhaps the student buys an airplane to be restored and pays a membership fee to have licensed mechanics advise and supervise the work. I think the hardest part would be satisfying the FAA because they tend to be risk averse.

My first airplane flight was in a floatplane in the Adirondacks in NY state as a boy scout age 14. Glad to see you’re thinking of a seaplane. The world needs more seaplanes/ floatplanes

1. GA, as a whole, is still going strong. 2. The price of entry is very high, and it can be difficult to find good flight schools that aren't crazy expensive. 3. I've been a member of AOPA for nearly 10 years now.

I’ve been a private pilot for about 3 1/2 years. 630 hours. Working on IR currently. What’s going right in GA? The freedoms to fly that we ave in America are incredible. GA opens up so many amazing opportunities. What’s going wrong? This list is longer. It’s gotten cost prohibitive. Hangars are virtually impossible to come by. FAA medical needs a complete overhaul. Instruction is primarily done by youngsters who are just building hours and not fully dedicated to instruction. I’ll reiterate; it’s gotten cost prohibitive for the common man/woman to buy, fly, and maintain an aircraft. I own a couple of businesses and do pretty well and it’s still a stretch to operate my 182. I don’t know what can be done to change that, but the barrier to entry for GA is insurmountable for many.

YES on the Albatross!!! Make it a tribute to Jimmy Buffet's twin seaplane

You guys are amazing! I love your thoughtfulness and drive to create.

1) The community of GA is wholesome and welcoming. 2) The entry and financial help for blue collar working Americans. Most scholarships are based around high school/college students (which is great!) But severely limits men and women that wish to accomplish their dreams later in life. Certified low cost workshops even for the ground portion would be a immense help. Who doesn’t work with someone that says “I always wanted to be a pilot, but could never afford it” 3) I only started flying two years ago so no memberships at this time.

1. Whats going right in Aviation - positive social media (ex. You Both, Cletus and Dave Sparks). Whats going wrong in Aviation - the actual cost for the average citizen (license, flight time / training). Not enough people around us to support said adventure. 3. 5 year falloff is real, 3 year fall off is real, in fact 2 year falloff is most likley if your #2 is not met. You just become a spectator, ill watch and research type of person, wish i could type of person,a rc plane type of person. As close as i can get type of person.

You guys are really the essence of what I aspire to be! You guys are talking about leaving more behind, than 'just' showing us, you having fun. I can tell you, you guys 'just' having fun - has already moved thousands of people and everybody is praising your contribution to this wonderful world of aviation! Thank you. Thank you for everything you have done and thank you for what you are going to do in the future! If I could, I would love to contribute to your questions, but I still have my PPL waiting for me in my near future! Thank you for moving my attention into aviation, there is no doubt in my mind that it is also where I will spend a lot of my time, for the rest of my life. Much love to both you, Mike, and you wonderful brother Mark and your beautiful families! God speed and much respect from a young guy in Denmark!! BACK TO WORK!! 💪

Thank you for everything you both do for the GA community and for helping foster excitement in aviation and STEM for not only the folks already involved, but also for the next generation! Glad you get to continue together on this journey! 1. The community is very welcoming and inclusive. I'm relatively low-time and have had nothing but positive and enthusiastic interactions with everyone I've met in the GA world. The good side of social media helping spread the enthusiasm for GA 2. The concerning growth (possibly also the dark side of social) of NIMBY efforts caused at least in part by misinformation due to a lack of understanding as well as intentionally being misrepresented due to developers wanting to take over valuable real estate. Aviation in general isn't a cheap endeavor but the most recent issues highlighted in Vegas show other threat vectors to keeping GA for everyone 3. Not quite 5 years, but a member of and supporting both EAA and AOPA And heck YES to the Albatross!

WOW, I had no idea we almost lost Mark!! Thank God he pulled through that! Great project lineup, fellas - can’t wait to see them all.👍👍

Your bond as twins is an incredibly special thing that most of the world will never understand. My dad is a twin (his name is Mark and my uncle's name is Mike!), and to this day they still experience uncanny things and know things about each other that neither of them should rightly know, even when they're separated from each other. I have no doubt, Mike, that your voice and presence when Mark was in the ICU is what brought him back (as I'm sure you know). The presence of family can help access the deepest memories and feelings your body holds and can give you an incredible amount of strength when you need it most. This hold more true for twins than with almost any bond I have ever observed. As an observer of your life, it is an incredible inspiration to see what you and Mark have done with your families and careers. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with us, and thank you for your continued service to your fellow man!

Two amazing individuals! Good bless you both.

Mark, your story resonates with me. Seven years ago I went down with sepsis. I was a different bacteria but it leveled me. I was one sick puppy and the doctors told my wife I may not make it. I spent two week in hospital, but am still here. I am glad you are too.

Mike and Mark Patey are my two best HEROES! God Bless you and yours!

Wow guys… what an absolute miracle. As a paramedic, I have a very good understanding of how serious this was. I’m so thankful that you are still here with everyone, Mark. Even though I have never met either of you (yet) I care very much about y’all. Praise God for such a miracle!!!

I'm a nobody in the aviation world, own a very nice, updated 1946 Navion E (placarded as a D model but has the 250hp IO-470). The panel has an Aspen Avidyne, Garmn Aero 760 and GTN750. For a person that just wants to get there in a sturdy, safe, stable aircraft, it meets my needs very well, and along with my iPad and GDL52 as a backup, it's a nice IFR platform. When my Air Force plans changed due to a broken back, I put aviation dreams on hold, focused on business until my kids were grown, then started chasing an old dream. I have belonged to the AOPA and EAA (National and Local) since shortly after my first flying lesson 4 years ago, and will remain so until I die, most likely. I think my concerns are valid, but it wasn't until I saw the Mark for Congress idea that I thought my concerns were moot. That's probably the best idea on the board so far. It's probably the most effective solution to what I see as the biggest problems. I can't help but wonder if you guys spend any time watching KZfaq? With all that you accomplish, I doubt it. OK, back on track, here they are: 1. Like every federal bureaucracy, the FAA needs a serious overhaul. The burden it places on aviation advancement is ridiculous in my opinion. Whether it's outdated pilot certification methodology, the incredibly cost prohibitive red-tape needed for "certificated" aviation advancement, or just the difficulties an average person has trying to update an older aircraft, the FAA needs their hand spanked and turned into a friend of GA, rather than what seems to be increasingly hostile. GA is a fine representative of a free people, and I doubt many would argue that our gov't views freedom as the enemy of bureaucracy. Most recently and big in the news is the example they are making of Trent Palmer. I'm not picking sides, I wasn't there, but based solely on the law and merits of the case, I think his case should be extremely concerning to anyone with an aircraft capable of off-runway landings. 2. Aviation fuel. As if fuel is not enough of a problem already. Let's not "get the lead out". Or let's get serious about enabling the many capable engine options out there to enter the aviation world. I personally do not believe we have the capability of destroying this planet. Green is just another word for More Control. Earth has done a fine job of taking care of itself, and ... well, I think God's in control and it's pretty arrogant of men to think they can destroy it. I'm old enough to remember the Cuyahoga River catching fire. There's a big difference between pollution and being green. 3. GA airport support.... Do you see a theme here? It's a federal governments that's out of control, and working steadily to cripple this country, remove it's freedoms, and keep people under "The Thumb". MARK FOR CONGRESS!!! You'd have my support. Love watching you guys, and sure glad you're still with us. God Bless and good luck with all those plans for the future.

Awesome video guys. As a Critical Care Paramedic, I see lives changed in an instant. So glad you both are here to continue giving back. 1. TRAINING! We are losing too many lives in General Aviation. Why do we keep killing ourselves, but 135 and 121 pilots have a stellar safety record? I am 52 and started my pilot journey just 3 years ago. I have less than 500 hours but I can attest, that training simply got me in the air. I've had to purposefully seek out further training away from learning maneuvers. Upset recovery is great, but what are the things that are likely to kill me. I take my wife, kids and grandkids flying and it weighs heavy on me the responsibility I have to keep them safe. We desperately need a structured training program for pilots far away from the training it takes to get the certificate. I see people discuss "AQP" and other acronyms and while I don't think the name matters, I think it it very clear we need more training on deadly scenarios. Let's focus on what is taking out GA Pilots and then create a structured training program to create muscle and brain memory to react to those scenarios.

1) We have a shortage of A&P ... possibly sponsor people into this critical element of Aviation... help folks see this as a worthy life goal ... 2) What can you do to help us kit builders who don't have your level of knowledge and confidence complete successfully ? what seminars could you hold or workshops ? ... the kit arena is so necessary given the cost of cert. planes ... helping to grow would be wonderful. 3) Maybe become your own honor system where you award builders / Pilots with recognition having completed necessary work through your efforts. You two are amazing ... I really appreciate you and your individual and collective efforts ... thanks !

My dad is a GA pilot, brother is a commercial pilot, and I am just starting flight training and building a kit experimental helicopter in parallel. My experience in GA is limited as I am just getting started. The cost of GA has been a huge deterrent for me. 1. What's going right? Without question, the community. Aviation brings people together and for the most part is filled with extremely generous individuals who are happy to share their passion and support others, whether it's taking someone up on their first flight, or helping someone with their home built. I am sure you both will get a lot of support in making GA better for everyone because we are all in this together. 2. What's going wrong? 2.1 The cost of GA has far out paced the wages in the last 20 years. My father was able to buy and fly plane as a middle class individual, but I don't think that is possible today. Light sport, and experimental kits seem to be the only real entry point, and even then, it's still pretty expensive. Reducing the regulations might make things cheaper, but at the cost of safety? I don't know what the solution is. Operating cost is huge when you consider annuals and purchasing certified parts. Not everyone should be working on their own planes, but for those who enjoy building and maintaining planes a much as we fly them, there should be a solution for those individuals. 2.2 Finding quality flight instructors. Many of them are using it for time building. Turnover is huge and the training is poor. 3. I haven't been part of an association for more than 5 years.

1) The GA community as a whole is just amazing at helping new pilots/builders and are just really wholesome people 2) I’m starting to see a lot on negative with GA when it comes to training. Many schools are just trying to get students out the door and off on their way without really going in depth on particular subjects such as spins. I am 19 years old and have only about 50hrs TT in GA and many more in ultralight flying and I can say for a fact that most new pilots aren’t getting all the information they need to be safe competent pilots. I am also 2 semesters in at my A&P school and have been doing a lot of research on crashes lately and many are maintenance issues and that includes avionics upgrades as well. The other issues with maintenance is in the KZfaq side of things, many channels are starting to restore aircraft on a “budget” and those two things don’t go together well. 3) I am a member of AOPA and EAA! Thanks you guys for everything! I’ve been following y’all since the beginning and truly appreciate everything y’all do! BACK TO WORK 💪

First off, I can not imagine aviation without either one of you in it, at this point. You are definitely the Rutan of this century. It is really awesome for my son and I to watch these videos and vicariously through your achievements and builds. 1. There are a LOT of things going right in aviation. There are so many opportunities out there, for young kids to get started in aviation (as a career and/or as a hobby/passion). There are channels, programs, classes, and seminars that promote safety, awareness, competency, and currency. The glass cockpits of today's world are a far cry from when I earned my license back in 1993. Although, maybe a reason why a lot of pilots are not honing those airman skills enough, as the GPS, software, and aids are doing it all for them, and in turn making us rely on them too much. ( NOT that is a bad thing!!!) but there is something to be said for going out and just flying stick and rudder, VFR dead reckoning every once in a while. Just like Juan Browne does. I guarantee he is a MUCH better 777 pilot, because of his hobbies. These builds that you do.... these aircraft push the boundaries of what was once available in dreams. KEEP IT UP!!!!!! You have given my love for aviation and helped me tremendously to pass it along to my son, which is heartwarming!!!! We are also ADHD, and it is so nice to see others excel, that also have this condition! 2. There are a LOT of things that are also going wrong in aviation!!! We are losing TOO MANY people to senseless crashes. Love him or hate him, But Gryder's AQP for GA is a BIG start!! So, is overhauling the overly bureaucratic FAA. Look at the Palmer case. Look at the senseless crashes that could be avoided if there was a more safety driven approach to the FAA's rules, guidance, and interaction. Yes, they are THE ones with the power. But, if something needs to be fixed, the FAA is known for throwing the judge's gavel at you, instead of mandatory retraining, or a safety driven approach. Mark, I know you probably are not wanting to get into politics, but the FAA needs an OVERHAUL!!!!!! We need to get more people to adopt the 3 strikes rule. I want Gryder to not have anything to post about!! I want us to be as accident free as we have ever been!!! I would LOVE to see a A&P or a pilot school that has a more cost-effective way to get into for a young adult. As we all know, Aviation is a very expensive hobby, and one must swallow the pill and dues up front in order to even get the training to become what you have always wanted. Yes, I understand that's a utopian dream, but you said think BIG!!! 3. I was a member of the AOPA but have stopped several years ago. They have become over bloated with very high paid upper management, that does not have the best interests of GA in their dockets. I am a member of the EAA. I have not flown in several years, as life got in the way. I retire in 3 years and have started my own business the first of the year. Like you both, I have a TON of goals. One of which is to build my own kit aircraft after I sign the ink on my retirement paperwork, along with my son (military A&P here). I watch every single video you and Mark put out, as well as Juan Browne, PremereOne Driver, Jimmy's World, Gryder, Trent Palmer, Mentour Pilot, My Layover Life, Smarter everyday, Practical engineering, and a TON of others. My son and I WILL make it out to your open house with the cars/ aircraft, etc. in the next few years. I say, that you both ARE already helping out GA and aviation as a whole !!!!! You have no idea how may fires of excitement and seeds that you and your families plant every single day!!!! Your enthusiasm, zest for life, love of God, Family, and Country, and your support of fellow LEO's, and public safety as a whole does NOT go unnoticed!! In a world where you can identify as a pencil, and that is accepted, you are a breath of fresh air. Thank you.... seriously, thank you for ALL that you and your families have done, and will continue to do. I am SOOO thankful that you are both still here with us all! You do not know me from Adam, but you are both family, to us. We look forward to see what you both come up with next and continue to wait for the next Patey video!! Rock on, gentlemen!!! BACK TO WORK!!!!!!!!!💪💪

Hi guys. A UK based guy here. I think you already give back a tremendous amount by sharing your lives, builds and aviation experiences with the world, evidenced by the comments you receive on every post I have watched over the years. However, in the UK there is a charity called Aerobility that you might like to Google. I think something similar in the US fronted by Icons like yourselves would be huge. Just think of the joy you could bring to individuals less fortunate than ourselves. All the best to you in finding your way forward with these fantastic aspirations. You guys are amazing.

You two make me wish my brother liked me. What a joy having your best pal as a coworker, and business partner.

Glad you both are still around, you guys have so much more to offer humanity 👍

God bless you both! Thank you for all of efforts in aviation. Looking forward to your plans!!

Apologies for not having any current suggestions. I used to fly- was knocking out the last steps to get my license but got too expensive. There isn’t much you can do about that. But, I tune in because I love the content and the “get back to work drive.” Much respect to the both of you and to your families. You are truly just good people.

1. I’m retired aerospace. My father was a WWII vet who was a gunner on B-17s, later a Mechanic on P-47s. He always got us involved in Model Rockets, U-control model airplanes and RC model airplanes. For me this involvement resulted in a 35 year career in aerospace on some pretty awesome programs. Today, I still fly Model RC airplanes. What I notice in our club is there are no youngsters at all, just retired old guys. If you can figure out how to attract young people into aviation, whether it’s Model aviation or general aviation, that would create great possibilities, good times and possibly awesome careers. Please do something to get youngsters jazzed and involved in aerospace. 2. Safety seems to be a problem in commercial aircraft lately, this sucks and is dragging down the industry. 3. I’m a long time member of AMA, American Modelers Association, does this count, lol. Love you guys, glad you are both ok.

You guys are amazing and are a prime example of what is great about our industry. You guys have to keep going and being you!! 1. What’s going right. Advancement in technology and practices. We’re just getting into the good stuff in aviation. Bush planes are performing at levels never imagined all the way to commercial airliners are flying higher, faster and cheaper than ever before and everything in between. 2. What needs fixing. I’ve been in aviation since I was 7. You name it, I’ve basically worked on it or flown in it. I’ve helped set up 145 repair stations and run MRO’s. I can say the biggest worry I have is the new generation of people coming into this and taking it over. A lot of them see this as a job and not a life. There isn’t the passion we had. I’ve been working at giving that passion to anyone coming in and on the fence about whether or not it’s right for them. I really want to do more as well. I think the right path or adventure with the new generation can turn it around. 3. What association. Again. I’ve been doing this my whole life. I have an A&P. I’m an IA and a pilot with a bachelors degree. I’ve been part of AOPA for a long time as well as the EAA. I’ve donated time and parts to the industry as well as taught new folks coming in. I currently work for an airline as a heavy maint tech rep and have time and would love to help in any way you guys can use it if needed and wanted. Please guys stay safe and keep forging ahead!!

Look up Albatross N98TP. It’s a conversion that is so cool! Good inspiration for your build.

Glad you're both still here - the world would be worse off without you!

Be careful we still need You guys!!!😮😢😊

You guys are the greatest! I have met you a couple times at OSH (Mike, you and I had a long conversation at the B&C booth a few years ago - you are as personable and passionate as you are in your videos+++), (Mark you and I discussed tugs "at an affordable range for the < 40k aircraft people). I love how much both of you have contributed to the advancement and safety (and training) in aviation things that I have interests in. I know you are involved with gobs of other things also! I am certain your heart and "give back" mindset makes those ventures as fantastic as you have made your contributions to me!!! I try to be like you when working on projects (others and my own) getting people involved and making a difference. As far as the list: 1) We are so fortunate in the US to have these freedoms to get so involved with aviation. I have lived and visited other countries. One does not grasp this until you hear what THEY have to do in order to do aviation things! 2) I am concerned about the reductions of requirements in A&Ps and the forecasted shortages. Watching what Boeing has gotten in trouble with (focusing on margins over safety and pushing timeframes to "get things out the door" (from a friend of mine that works for Boeing). I am seeing MANY of the "old" A&P/IA retiring (or just throwing up their hands and saying it is not worth the stress/frustration/etc.). I have enough hours and have signoff to take my tests - I have NEVER worked on pressurized cabins, turbine, and jet engines... yet I am REQUIRED to know what I am doing! #3 will go into what I would like to happen. 3) a) Make a catagory of A&P/IA that is GA specific (say up to 12,000 lbs and not jet/turbine) [kinda like the SLA Rotax program] b) Make MOSAIC like what it originally was intended. Be able to introduce experimental like things (e.g. glass cockpit, engine swaps, other mods) for certified non training aircraft. We used to be able to do that, then it was shut down (pretty much when experimental aircraft (from scratch) really took off. There are a LOT of aging aircraft that will remain on the ramps and dusty in hangers as bringing them back with original parts is just no longer feasible (availability as well as cost when they can be found is HIGH). c) Like the idea of extending the SLA to include some of these aging plans (makes more sense than the "ya gotta by a 300k airplane to be SLA because all the Luscombe and ercoupe C are sold" - HOWEVER, not so sure I like the mcDonalds menu of options. d) Shortage of instructors NOT going into the airlines. As the demand for airline pilots go up (and hr requirements go down), the turnover rate at airports that I am involved with has a MUCH higher turnover rate that I have ever seen. If the Govt has 7.4 billion dollars to give away to college students that took useless college courses (and now cannot get a good job to pay them off) - the purse strings should be opened to the aviation world to encourage LONG TERM instructors some how. e) Help EAA get focused on EXPERIMENATAL aircraft - rather than "anything aviation". I feel that they have lost Paul Poberezny objective and now have become an "if it makes us money we are in" (as I open my 3rd solicitation for money mail from them this week). Best of luck (and health) to the two of you and your supporting families in so you can continue to inspire and encourage people to be like you! M.

I vote yes on buying the Albatros. It would be cool if it had some parachutes on it in the retrofit. We want you to be extra safe.

The big things that would help with general aviation: 1. Mental health reform with FAA. 2. Bringing down aircraft and insurance costs. Those two things will do wonders for getting more people into aviation. The cost for second hand aircraft over the last 10 years (last 3-4 specifically) has gone up significantly, which has barred me personally from pursuing an aircraft purchase.

Thank god you’re both still with us, the world would be worse off without either of you.

I'm a life long aviation enthusiast. Currently a Student Sport pilot (At 57 years old I wanted to check off the bucket list item) 1. The community in Aviation is strong. As an older student pilot I have been welcomed by many local pilots, instructors and others. It's great! 2. I have a few items for this list :) a. Cost. You know the thing. It is really expensive to learn to fly these days. b. Medical - I have a couple of things that would require more paperwork to get my medical. I don't want to sit on the ground for 6 or more months to do that while I could be learning and flying. As a sport pilot, you only need a driver's license. I see no reason why that couldn't also be for Private pilot . Maybe VFR only or whatever limits, but I would have gone for private if it were not for the medical delays. c. Small airports. We need to save airports. A lot of them are closing. 3. I belong and participate in my local EAA, National EAA, Eagle flights (as a ground helper) and AOPA.

Here’s a project for you. Adding RATO/JATO to small aircraft. Most aviation fatalities occur at takeoff. We need a simple, reliable, quick acting light weight way to add boost in an emergency situation. Building the system into the engine support would minimize weight and put the thrust right where it’s needed. I am just an internet follower of aviation. I have no associations or friends in aviation but this seems like a worthy pursuit to save lives.

Oh please buy the albatross asap. I have been in love with the albatross since i was a kid. You would be fulfilling a childhood dream for me. That would be the absolute #1 project.

I, too, have had a near death issue. Started vomiting, then went to bed with a bucket. 6 days later, I wake up in recovery with a lovely nurse saying the 2 neurosurgeons went up my nose & took my swollen, bleeding with a benine tumor piturity gland out. They said I am 1 in 2.5 million that survive. I love your channel's Mike & Mark....😊

The albatross idea sounds awesome! Go for it! You guys are awesome, God bless you two!

You guys are awesome. Love watching the channel and how you show everything you guys are doing with your builds. I fly for a corporate flight department, part 91 only but my family and I have been a part of aviation and especially GA for several generations. GA is still a great community, but like others have said the price to play is very high. Another aspect of GA, and aviation as a whole, that needs help is medical certificates. Medicals are a necessity, but they can also be very stressful and not helpful. This includes addictions, medication usage and phycological/depression issues. Many pilots have to hide these things in order to keep their medical and jobs instead of dealing with the issues. There has been some work done and options available but these still have a sense of being unsure, take a really long time, and again can be stressful!! Work in this area would be helpful for a lot of pilots. I've been part of AOPA for 20+ years, along with all of our pilots in our department and our department is active in several safety organizations for corporate and GA aviation. Keep up the good work you two!

Back in the early 70's my dad was seaplane fishing on a lake in Canada and came across a guy with a PBY Catalina converted into a RV/motorhome. It had a full bathroom with a gravity shower, master bedroom, and kitchen. He told my dad he was considering putting turbines on it instead of the Pratt & Whitneys, who knows what became of it? YES Build it and film IT!!!!!

I’m glad you made it Mark. We need people like you around.

Lots of good things to come. Love it and back to work!!

Im glad you boys are still around!

1.) Access to GA - IMO you used to have to "know someone" to get involved in GA. I think that's improved - 2.) FBO's and City municipalities that see their airports as cash cows. Crazy FBO fee's, cities not renewing long time leases going after "Jet" business, "landing" fees - etc. Certified aircraft pricing - new aircraft aren't being built in the same number as the legacy GA fleet is slowly disappearing. LSA flopped and could be improved/renewed. 3.) EAA - AOPA - I thought the Albatross may have been it - that answer is absolutely yes!

Thank you for inviting comment. I am a 65 yo retired NZ salesman, private investigative author & blogger, with no aviation involvement but I love your honesty and enthusiasm for your passion for aviation. I joined your channel because of Mark's build videos. Whatever you choose to do, please ensure that those videos still keep coming.

You guys are amazing & just blow my mind. Love watching you both - and am obviously glad you both are doing well !!!

What’s most amazing is that there are two of you. Keep up the outstanding work.

Please repair and restore Draco. That plane deserves to live.

Glad you’re both okay! God is amazing and he’s not done with you yet.

The Patey Albatross would be the most epic build I could imagine. Please do it!!! And make a load of videos on it!

True brothers love! Family is life! Keep friends close and family closer! Cant wait for more content!

1) You two and other fun aviation content creators are the best thing happening in aviation right now. You’re stoking energy in the industry and introducing flying to new people. 2) By far the biggest expense of owning an airplane is the cost of the hangar, and they are usually dreary places to hang out. Perhaps you duplicate your Spanish Fork hangar complex in airports across the country. 2.1) Aircraft engines are the second biggest expense. Perhaps you could buy the EPS company and bring the diesel piston to market for the GA industry?

Thanks for the opportunity to add our input and thank you both for your passion about growing GA. #1 - The community in GA is growing and vibrate #2 - Serious shortage in GA mechanics, issue with small airports not being properly managed and driving people out due to lack of hangars #3 - Member of EAA and AOPA

Don't normally do this but here goes. Skydiving, paragliding, base jumping, built an RV 12 with friends, decided to buy a plane last night (OK, few wines involved) It will probably a Sling. He is a kind of ninja in twin turbine helicopters. 3 deaths in three weeks and cancer diagnosis (including my sis is Australia) plus employee and and a friend gets you down. Your video lifted me up. Thank you. You and your spouses need to book a holiday to Namibia. Nobody will know you and you will have the time of your life.

For Mike Patey: Yes to Albatross build. You are doing plenty to create interest in aviation via your crazy airplane builds and highlighting them on KZfaq. For Mark Patey: 1. What’s right with aviation in US is all the freedoms we have and all the airports that exist (and we should do everything we can to keep it that way). 2. What’s wrong in aviation: A. Cost - need higher volume to get costs down B. Safety - with technology, safety can surely be increased (although relatively safe now, we need to do better - stall/spins continue to plague us) C. Publicity tends to be negative - the media loves to focus on airplane crashes; also the general public hears how expensive new planes are and concludes it’s not attainable not realizing older planes can be more affordable D. More CFIs and DPEs - need more experienced CFIs doing the teaching and more DPEs so a student can actually get a check ride E. Getting young people interested - at first glance, it doesn’t seem like young people are getting involved in aviation, which is discouraging to 60 year old pilots. But that is because we are looking at it from our perspective-building model airplanes and RCs. Kids aren’t doing that, they are interested in drones. So maybe we need to shift our focus a bit. Kind of like the old skier looking at all those snowboarders with disdain - but those snowboarders revitalized the ski industry. 3. I’ve belonged to AOPA for 41 years and EAA for 40 years, built a Kitfox 30+ years ago and now own a C-172. Ideas for Mark Patey to give back to aviation: 1. I agree that Mark Patey taking over for retiring Mark Baker is a great idea. 2. Help make it easier to get a pilots license. Fund pilot scholarships (like the Ray Foundation does) and create better more efficient training programs and encourage FBOs to adopt them. 3. Figure out a way to make existing planes safer, stall resistant. 4. Crazy idea that unfortunately involves starting another business, which is the opposite of what you are trying to do. The Patey twins, with their unbelievable intelligence and skills creating cool planes and running extremely successful businesses, are uniquely the perfect people for this idea. Create a life size drone (2-4) that could be massed produced to keep the cost down to around the cost of a nice SUV. With their computer/gyro stabilized flight, they would be easy to fly and would have mass appeal.

Thanks guys for being such good influences for aviation!! 1. Mosaic a good thing 2. Shortage of a&p’s 3 lifetime member EAA

Both Mike and Mark have already done SO MUCH for aviation... I can't even fathom asking them for more. They've been incredible ambassadors for General Aviation and are 2 of the best guys to ever come out o Utah. Love them both.

I'm happy both of you are here among us! I really like the idea of the modernized "Van-Life" Albatross! Areas to Address: Reduce the overall costs for flying a plane- 1. Economical GA airplane power plants- The Diesel engine (EPS Aero) is a huge loss for GA. It could have been a family of extremely reliable, reasonable engines (4-8 cyls) which could be retrofitted into older airframes / kitplanes and deliver a reasonable per hour costs of flying. Perhaps resurrect the project and figure out how to make production affordable. Include propeller pitch control... The reduced pilot workload of a water cooled, single lever engine operation could attract new pilots. 2. A PC based Arduino/PC flight panel that is reasonably priced to be able to retrofit into older airplanes & new build kits. Something with pre-assembled wiring harnesses to make quick and fast installation for the most popular aircraft in GA. 3. Get the FAA to set a maximum limit liability for GA lawsuit awards. All the best, M-

1) MOSAIC 2) The incessant growth of rules, regulations and requirements that make aviation extremely expensive 3) USHPA - Hang gliding is dying in America. Wills Wing, an iconic American hang glider company was recently sold and is now operated out of Mexico. I'm not sure what could be done about this just yet, but it breaks my heart. Hang gliding is very special. Have you two ever given it a shot?

The friendship between you two is very inspiring as a father of 2 boys. I always emphasize to them that they'll have eachother for life and that's the most precious thing. You guys are exactly what I would like them to be when they grow up, not necessarily in terms of financial success, but just how you treat your family.

Hi guys…I’m somewhat of a newcomer to aviation (got PPL in 20’s and then stopped flying for 20 years before deciding to become a pro pilot in May of last year) and I’ve been really enjoying your videos. 1. What’s going right in aviation? Well…in my world, the thing that is going right for me and the thousands of guys that have flocked to my channel is that the career opportunities in aviation have never been better. If you want to fly as your profession, this is literally the best time in history to do it. 2. What’s going wrong in aviation? From my POV, there is a few things that need fixing. #1 is the DPE shortage. The fact that pilots have to wait months for a check ride is nuts. #2 is the cost of training. Most schools tell students that they should expect to spend $100K and train for 12-18 months to become a CFI. That is nuts. I went from PPL to CFI in 91 days for $47K. Considering that most pilots become a CFI in approximately 250-270 hours, why on earth does it need to cost so much and take so long? 270 hours divided by 180 days is only 1.5 hours of flying a day. Bottom line: I think flight schools are broken and students are paying the price (literally). 3. I’m a member of NAFI…but only recently. Should you choose to work on any of the problems above, I’d be happy to help! Thanks!

I am glad the both of you are OK. You are an inspiration for all of us amateur builders and business owners, or at the very least to me! As for your questions, I am most interested and hopeful in what is coming down the pipe with MOSAIC. I think expanding the Light Sport category is a great idea. I would love to see the sport category regulations include more advanced aircraft, similar to Europe, where a constant speed prop or even retractable gear are allowed. I have high hopes for what the future holds in the world of LSA's (OK, I mostly fly LSA's and both aircraft I have built/am building qualify as LSA's, so that is a particular interest of mine). Many people seem to discount the light sport arena, but I think it has a lot to offer, especially in the experimental realm. Plus, I think options like the Light Sport Repairman are a great thing, opening doors for people to be more involved with their own aircraft and helping keep costs of ownership down, making aviation more accessible to more people. It even has started a whole new business path for folks wanting to be aviation mechanics, which is great considering the world today. The biggest concern I have is around medical certification for airmen. I am switching to BasicMed as it meets my needs, so I am happy that there has been some improvement in this arena. The issue I see is one of fairness. I know several pilots who have had medical incidents that are 'disqualifying' and lost their flying privileges with no hope for getting them back. In almost all of these cases there would be no risk at all for operating a LSA or other GA aircraft, but due to the circumstances, the FAA has denied a medical and that is that. Hard stop. Meanwhile, with a slightly different set of circumstances, I know of other pilots who still fly with virtually identical histories who can just operate under either BasicMed or the LSA 'drivers license' requirements. This raises a huge issue where someone who is more than competent and medically capable is not allowed to fly, where another, who is in the same boat, is. I would love to see someone push on the FAA to reform the medical regulations to make them more inclusive to folks who have had issues but are fully recovered and can have medical professionals back that claim. This is a huge issue and I know of several folks who have really been beaten down by the FAA on this despite full medical clearance from multiple professionals. I do understand that for a professional ATP pilot, caution needs to be taken around medical issues or conditions, but for someone wanting to fly a LSA or a 172, it's a different story. OK, I'll get off my soap-box. As for the third question, I am a long-time EAA member (15+ years), and have visited several local chapters, and in the past was much more active in the local chapter. I am also a long-time AOPA member (also 15+ years), but not very active on that front. Good luck in whatever you decide to do! I look forward to seeing the next big projects you guys both bring to fruition!

Mike and Mark, your message hits home hard, both the carpe diem, and the awe of what aviation can give us. I'm a 1300 hour SEL pilot, grew up in central Alaska, dad was a government health aid worker, rescue mountaineer, glider pilot, glider instructor, CAP volunteer pilot, and had a Taylorcraft that we adventured in when I was a teen. I taught him how to snowboard when he was 65 and he became a certified instructor at 70, teaching in Utah. Sadly, he died the next year. Got my license at age 34 in a C-140 taildragger. Dad said if I could learn in a taildragger, they'd just seem like airplanes, not some exotic threat. That was some of the best advice I ever took. I helped a friend build a Glasair Sportsman, and have ended up owning and modifying two Glastars, rigging the latest one one with a T3 tailwheel and 31" Alaska Bushwheels, and touring the backcountry in my home state of Alaska. 1) I feel so privileged that I've been able to keep a license, and own two airplanes, and move freely from certified to EAB. Compared to many places, GA is incredibly open in the US. But there's a lot to do to keep it that way. 2) It's not that hard to argue that insurance has more power over us pilots than government, and that's a tough problem. I'm trying to set up my 17 year old son to learn in the same plane I learned in, a Cessna 140 -- a certified aircraft! used for training for decades -- and literally EVERYTHING is lined up to make it work, yet insurance may literally have the final say about whether he can live that dream or not. Seems pretty wrong. 2a) I think every small airplane on the planet should have calibrated audio angle of attack with at least three if not FOUR distnict audio signal levels, and the practice of landing to proper lift reserve should be integrated 100% into fundamental training for EVERY STUDENT PILOT. Landing to a well calibrated audio angle of attack keeps the pilot's eyes ENTIRELY outside the plane, automatically compensates for loading and density, and yet delivers the most consistent, safest information to the pilot to create safe landings in essentially every condition. If you need a high performance STOL landing, the audio angle of attack comes closer to guaranteeing it than anything else I've experienced. Plus, properly training the initial super-conservative AoA audio levels can be used to keep the aircraft completely out of the stall-spin zone. Distracted or simply unrefined student accidentally comes too close to spin/stall in a poorly executed pattern? first level Audio AoA comes on and student has been trained to automatically lower the nose and add power no matter what. Out of trouble just like that. I have never seen a more powerful tool for keeping landings consistently controlled and pilots safe. What if all landings by every pilot were safer? Heck, might even help with the insurance issue. 3)I'm an AOPA member and an EAA member for many years, and I've been a Young Eagles pilot for many kids, and mentored many of them into deeper involvement in aviation.

Nothing changes the direction of your life more than a near death experience. Glad you both get another chance. Thanks for sharing!

I'm happy that you're doing well now Mark. There's something to be said about the power of twins.

So glad to hear that you both experienced miracles! It’s great to hear updates and can’t wait to hear what you do to impact aviation even more!

You guys are awesome, keep up the good work, stay safe and healthy, blue skies ! ❤

Develope a 2 seat Patey kit plane with engine, airframe, avionics, takes less than 1,000 hours to build, 800 mile range, 160 knot cruise, stall under 40 knots! Pros About Aviation: 1. Social Media Exposure 2. EEA 3. Airshows Negatives in Aviation: 1. Not Enough Young People Getting Excited About GA(To Much Emphasis on Becoming Airline Pilot) 2. FBO prices, Gas Prices 3. Chopping and Changing of Flight Instructors When Learning to Fly(Training Cost) 4. Forced Learning on Glass Cockpits For Basic PPL, Driving Learning Cost up Suggestions: 1. Broad Use of Kit Planes For Flight Training(Vans Aircraft) Member of EEA and AOPA

Mark, so glad you're still here.

So glad you're still both okay, you make the world a better place.

Yes, build the albatross. That's something I've had floating around in the back of my mind for years. It would be amazing to see it brought into the real world.

My number one would be the cost of getting a PPL and purchasing a simple 4 seat aircraft to travel with your family. I am in Law Enforcement and feel I make ok money but having two kids and day to day expenses have priced me out of a dream of being a private pilot. I think the requirement of ADS-B has made flying safer and I only see better advancements in the future. And for Marks 3 question, I am a member of AOPA. I got hook on flying in the 80’s when my uncle took me up in his Bonanza A-36 and to feed my addiction I began to build and fly RC planes. Later I build a home simulator with Microsoft FS and for my work I get to fly around NV transporting inmates for extradition, but my goal is to have a simple plane (Piper Cherokee, Cessna 172 or 182) to travel around in with my family. Hope this helps with your questions Mike and Mark. Thank you

I work in aviation and I’m about to get my PPL license, just for fun. My flight school is nice but we’re still flying on 1978 C172N. My ideas to you: 1) Design a trainer that would revolutionize and lower the cost of initial PPL and IFR ratings (do what the Cessna Skycather was meant to do but unfortunately failed. 2) Another idea is to design a modern 2 seater to be an entry path into aircraft ownership. Better performing than typical LSAs but still docile and suitable to the average-skilled pilot (maybe a Cirrus-like 2 seater?). Love you guys! All the best, Breno

Glad y’all are healthy and are able to be around to share your love but also be here for your families.

I think the number one thing keeping people out of general aviation, and also not helping with the safety factor is finances. I can’t think of anyone I would rather learn more about business than you two. Please do some talks about business, starting companies, running them and selling them. Please make a business course and sell it. I will be the first customer and biggest fan!

Mike & Mark, retired cockpit designer here. We lose many pilots every year to loss of control accidents. Seems to me with the advent of AHRS in light airplanes there should be an economical way to design a retrofittable recovery system that could take over if an unusual attitude is sensed. Of course it could be turned off for training if needed. If it was cheap enough to be retrofitted to all the existing Cessnas and Pipers etc the benefits could be multiple. First saving lives from loss of control accidents and possibly inadvertent flight into IMC but it could also lower the insurance costs that have skyrocketed in recent years. I have some other ideas and would love to talk to you about them.

Glad the BOTH of you made it through each of your life "scares"!!!

This was an amazing story of Marks brush with death, it is so scary that it happened, but so glad that he survived and came back to this world, it proves he is not finished with his work on this planet yet. I am glad to hear you are both wanting to do more to help the aviation community. I am in Canada and I am a aircraft mechanic, and I have a few hours in towards my private pilots license. The good things I see in aviation are all the people who are out there willing to help, you see it through events like airshows, fly-ins, seminars. Also the new technology that is being made available for aviation. A lot of it is expensive and so takes time to access, but things are advancing. And the fact that people are seeing aviation as a interesting industry to get into, and not think of it as for some weird wingnuts. The bad things is definitely regulations. I know that things have to be done right, but I have seen that because of some people in the past cutting corners or doing things wrong and having a problem, it puts more burden on the rest of us as the regulators find ways to close loopholes. I still see accident reports where people are pushing the limits or not doing things properly and causing accidents. We need to do more to share experiences to hopefully prevent the next guy from having an accident. I personally tell stories to the apprentices of things I have heard or seen in the past to plant things in there heads to hopefully save them in the future. Mike and Mark you are both incredible role models for everyone in the aviation community, and by having this discussion you are helping aviation already just by starting the conversation. Keep up the good work, and Glad you are doing well Mark. Keep up the great videos and love watching all the stuff you show us from the house build to the airplanes and stories also.

I must admit, I had tears in my eyes when Mark talked about his near death experience. Good to see you're back at it! My greatest thought about aviation where I live, Norway, is that it's extremely expensive. Not many have funds to own their own aircrafts, and the few clubs available have not that many "time share" aircrafts as I call them. You buy a piece of the craft and share all expenses on it, and have limited time to the aircraft for flying. This works, but there should be more available, and prices should be more manageable. I really want my own motorized glider. My grandfather was a WW2 fighter pilot and one of his biggest dreams was for me to become a pilot myself. When my time came for mandatory military service, the military placed me in the Navy. (Not complaining, I've had loads of fun and it have opened many doors for me later on). But my ticket to a pilot license and the actually use for it went out the window as I kind of relied on getting on through the military. Now, as I've become older, past my 40's and racing close to 50. I'm in a good place with family, work, financial etc. But aircrafts are still CRAZY expensive here in Norway, and gliders are a bit cheaper. And... another reason for me wanting to get a glider is... My grandfather always wanted me to start with gliders from I was 16 years old, but my parents did not approve of it. Norway is a beautiful country from both land and air, and sailing above, relaxing and "disconnect" from work is a dream for me. So, option 2 is probably the only thing I can answer you on that can give a meaningful output. If Mark (or both of you) start a "Time Share" aircraft leasing business to help others into getting up in the air. You could stand as the majority owner of a craft, and have spots open for others. This might be a way into getting more active pilots... Might also be a paper nightmare with lawyers, so you should consider the drawbacks as well. PS: If I'm one of the random to get a gift. Please donate to something Children's Hospital ore something similar. I'm always donating to an organization called "Stiftelsen Sykehusbarn" here In Norway.

Guys, you are the best thing in aviation history today. I have followed and watched Mikes builds for a while. From my meager perspective to aviation is the cost. I got my pilots license in my 40’s. Growing up I have always thought that flying was for the wealthy. Today I am still far from wealthy. A friend and I have the privilege to acquire our LSRM certification in a couple months. I have been a member of EAA and AOPA since around 2014. Have been a volunteer for our local young eagles event two times a year since 2013. How can the average Joe enjoy the great world of aviation? Henry Ford understood that need in the automotive industry in his early days.

1: General Aviation is growing! So awesome that aviation people have dove into KZfaq and Instagram and continue to grow this awesome industry that we all love. 2: affordability and public perception are both really struggling in the industry right now. It's too much to go into here, but a renewed focus on PR issues surrounding aviation and accessibility is absolutely essential. 3: I've been an AOPA and EAA member for over a decade and strongly support both organizations, both for their work from a public policy/political standpoint, as well as how they support the aviation industry and pilot community. Lastly, do a Mike Patey Edition turbine Albatross!! That would be incredible.

5 plus year member of EAA and AOPA, your third question reveals the way Mark can have the largest positive impact on general aviation. Mark should replace Mr. Baker at AOPA if and only if the board will give him the authority and support to refocus the organization to improve general aviation. The numbers and infrastructure are there, it just needs a wise leader with the right goals and motivations.

First of all, the Albatross is my favourite plane. I had several models of it when I was a kid and I'd love to see what you could do with one! Second, I have a pilot I follow on KZfaq: "Glen's Hangar - Canucks Unlimited" and he is part of an organization "Hope Air" that travels to the remote parts of Canada (which is most of it haha) and brings sick and injured people to facilities for non-emergent medical care. It's volunteer-driven and pretty great. One thing that I think is sort of missing in general from aviation is a plane that is accessible. It can be very challenging to get people who have mobility issues into the tiny cramped cockpit of a plane that is small enough for the mission. (and cheap/reliable enough to fly for normal GA pilots to operate). I'm sure there's lot of great ideas by my fellow commenters, but I think this is something that could serve humanity all over the world and would be a challenge that applying the Patey ingenuity to would produce something really great. Be safe!