Lets Go Aviate

Question for you.

TLDR: LGA on Patreon; yes 👍 or no 👎? And what would you expect in return for $1 per month?

With multiple channels I watch recently facing channel takedown threats from YouTube for ridiculous reasons, I've been wondering how I would handle it if my channel were to be deleted for some reason. I consider LGA to be a part of my life now, so I feel I'd still be creating content even if not on YouTube.

So I'm strongly considering creating an LGA page on Patreon, where I'd upload all new content to, which would serve as an alternate, more permanent "library" of my content. YouTube would remain the primary platform for the channel.

But, I don't really have time to offer you much else on there. The only real benefit to you would be ad-free watching, perhaps early release of videos, and potentially a place for me to air ideas for video topics, where you can have your say/vote. I can later add more tiers, offering something of actual value, but I simply don't have the time to manage something like that right now.

So finally my question, would subbing to a $1 per month Patreon option be something you'd consider? Or would I be wasting my time managing two separate platforms? And if interested, what would you expect for $1 pm?

1 month ago | [YT] | 5

Lets Go Aviate

I'm happy to announce a new presenter on the channel, Mr. Snuggles. His first video will be about famous cats in aviation.

2 months ago | [YT] | 34

Lets Go Aviate

I avoid politics on this channel, but this move from the SACAA (South African Civil Aviation Authority) is killing general aviation in South Africa. The pictured privately owned Cessna 210 was flown in for an MPI (mandatory periodic inspection), when it was unexpectedly grounded by the authorities.

The Continental IO-520 in this Cessna 210 is at about 850 hours. There is nothing wrong with the engine, but the plane has been grounded due to an arbitrary rule - the "12 year" rule - that makes it required (previously recommended) that that engine be overhauled, regardless of its condition, when it reaches 12 years of age. All in the name of "safety".

The owner of this privately operated C210 doesn't fly massive amounts of hours in a year, and so would have at least 15 more years to enjoy his plane (assuming its condition remains good at every MPI) before needing to overhaul the engine at 1,700 hours. Those years of enjoyment have been stolen from this owner.

The plane is based not far from the South African highveld, more than 250 nm from the closest coastline, hangared, and in that dry environment only about one 30+ minute flight per month is required to stave-off corrosion (more is better of course).

To overhaul the engine will cost well north of R1,000,000 in South Africa (equivalent to $56,000+ US). Statistically these engines are far more likely to fail soon after an overhaul, than when close to TBO years. Engine age means nothing, condition is the important factor. This engine as it stands is in known-good condition, very unlikely to have an unexpected failure without prior warning, unlike a newly overhauled engine.

The plane can't even be sold at anything close to its actual value as it can’t get a certificate of airworthiness without first having the engine overhauled.

This is but one story of one grounded plane. There are almost 2,000 other aircraft in SA currently grounded due to the change of this rule.

This change will have no positive impact on safety, but could actually have a negative safety impact. That’s not even mentioning the financial impact, not just to aircraft owners, but also AMO’s and its staff who will lose their jobs if this isn’t stopped soon.

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5 months ago | [YT] | 82

Lets Go Aviate

And I'm back. Here I'm just going over some notes before hitting the record button. I've been wanting to do this subject for a while, but had trouble finding the inspiration for it. Nothing like a holiday to recharge and reset.

10 months ago | [YT] | 28

Lets Go Aviate

My final video of 2024 is coming out tomorrow. I'm taking a much needed break from making videos to do some flying, read a book and just sit back doing nothing for a change (we'll see how that goes...) but I'll be back with new videos by mid-January.

In the upcoming video I'm addressing a mistake that I made in a previous video. Not only am I correcting the mistake and explaining in-depth why what I said was wrong, but I decided to dive deep into the rabbit hole of this phenomenon. It sure was super informative researching over the past month or two. I'm not spilling any beans, but the image is a clue 😉 Feel free to take a stab at what it's about.

I then want to thank everyone for the massive support the channel got in 2024. It was beyond my wildest expectations and really centered the focus of the channel. I wish everyone an enjoyable festive season, be safe, have fun and see you in the next one!

11 months ago | [YT] | 24

Lets Go Aviate

Which fixed-wing airplane/aeroplane type interests you the most?

Me? I still can't decide. Maybe someday I'll have a clear preference.

1 year ago | [YT] | 13

Lets Go Aviate

Something more personal, I competed in the National Landing Championship here in South Africa this past weekend. Don't let this pic fool you into thinking I did great though, between the heat (33°C / 91°F), up-and-downdrafts and gusty wind it was tough! I had a target score of 600 I wanted to beat (less is better), but missed it by 50 (link below that explains the scoring).

I recorded the event from the cockpit as well as from the ground, but I won't have a video out in the next few weeks due to time constraints. I won't keep you waiting though, the results and a short writeup of the event can be seen here: www.pilotspost.com/PsPpyarn3472

1 year ago | [YT] | 32

Lets Go Aviate

My upcoming video scheduled for Sunday 11 Aug is the culmination of my aero engine layout series of videos. It's also my favorite aero engine layout! I've also started working on an interesting video about propellers, but what other video topics would you like to see more of in the future? Help me line-up some upcoming videos.

1 year ago | [YT] | 12

Lets Go Aviate

What is your take on electric ⚡ replacing internal combustion 💥 power in light aircraft? Realistic in the next 10 years?
Tune in for new video on Saturday 20 July 16:00 UTC+0:00.

1 year ago | [YT] | 7

Lets Go Aviate

I managed to capture the moment the subscriber count ticked over to 5 digits. It might not seem like much compared to some big channels, but nevertheless a number I never dreamed of achieving, considering the humble beginnings of the channel. Thanks to every single one of you who clicked on subscribe and helped the channel grow, I appreciate you. I have an enormous list of aviation topics I still wish to cover in videos, so onwards and upwards to the next one!

1 year ago | [YT] | 26