The Old Fly Guy Network

The Old Fly Guy

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Aviation

Our mission is to provide a platform to engage with leaders in the general aviation marketplace. Exploring the background of these leaders and how their journey in general aviation began. Discover what drives these aviators to share their knowledge. Learn what these aviators see for the future in aviation. Discuss the lighter side of aviation and be inspired to take to the skies to follow our dream of flying.

2 days ago

Battle of Britain to the SR-71: Exploring Duxford

Our Duxford journey begins here. Join the Old Fly Guy for the first full-length episode from Imperial War Museum Duxford in England, as we walk one of the world's most historic aviation sites and discover more than 100 years of military aviation history. From the original Duxford control tower, operations buildings and Battle of Britain history to incredible warbirds, restoration projects and the remarkable American Air Museum, this first episode gives you a ground-level look at a place where aviation history didn't just get preserved—it actually happened. Along the way, we discover the PBY "Miss Pickup," explore the Battle of Britain exhibits, step inside Duxford's historic operations area, visit aircraft and military equipment undergoing restoration, and get a close look at a rare Heinkel He 162 Volksjäger, one of Germany's last attempts to change the course of the air war with jet technology. Then we enter the American Air Museum, surrounded by legendary aircraft including the B-17 Flying Fortress, P-51 Mustang, B-25 Mitchell, B-52 Stratofortress and SR-71 Blackbird. But the aircraft only tell part of the story. The museum also provides a sobering reminder of the tremendous human cost of war and the American airmen and women who served from Britain. And this is only the beginning. This is the first of several Old Fly Guy episodes from Duxford. We'll explore the American Air Museum in greater detail, uncover more of Duxford's remarkable history and take you inside the airshow. And then there are the stories we're intentionally saving for later: our special conversations with the men and families of the SR-71 Blackbird community. Duxford. Battle of Britain. WWII aviation. Warbirds. American Air Museum. Aircraft restoration. Military aviation history. Imperial War Museum. SR-71 Blackbird. Aviation museums. Historic aircraft. Old Fly Guy.
7 Jul

Want to Fly for the Airlines? Start Here

How do you become a pilot in today's aviation world, and what does it really cost? At Sun 'n Fun 2026, The Old Fly Guy visits iFly Aviation near Chicago to learn how aspiring pilots are training for careers in aviation and the airlines. From modern glass-cockpit trainers equipped with G1000 avionics to structured Part 141 programs and flexible Part 61 training options, this episode explores the many pathways available to today's student pilots. We discuss training timelines, the commitment required to earn your certificates and ratings, and the realities of flight school costs in 2026. Whether you're a high school student dreaming of an airline career, a retiree looking to fulfill a lifelong goal, or someone wondering if flight training is still within reach, this conversation provides valuable insight into what it takes to earn your wings. Learn about modern flight training, Cessna and Piper trainers, King Schools curriculum, aviation careers, and how the next generation of pilots is preparing for the future.
6 Jul

Want to build an Airplane? Start Here

At Sun 'n Fun 2026, The Old Fly Guy sits down with Ray Fowler of CubCrafters to explore the world of Experimental Amateur-Built aircraft. Many pilots dream of owning a new airplane, but few realize they can actually become the builder of their own aircraft. Ray explains how CubCrafters' amateur-build program works, what the FAA's 51% builder rule really means, and why Experimental Amateur-Built aircraft have become one of the fastest-growing segments of general aviation. The discussion covers costs, safety, customization options, certification requirements, and the unique advantages of building an airplane tailored to your own mission. Whether you're a pilot, future aircraft owner, backcountry flying enthusiast, or simply curious about how airplanes are built, this conversation provides valuable insight into one of aviation's most exciting opportunities.
6 Jul

From Heart Transplant to Restoring History

Against nearly impossible odds, Bill was given less than a week to live. Today, he's back in the Air Zoo restoration hangar doing what he loves. In this inspiring episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we sit down with Air Zoo restoration volunteer Bill to hear his extraordinary story of survival after a life-saving heart transplant. After battling severe heart failure brought on by RSV, Bill's heart function dropped to just 8–10%, placing him in Stage IV congestive heart failure. At 69 years old—just months before reaching the transplant age limit—he became the first patient at the Meyer Heart Center to be supported by two Impella heart pumps while waiting for a donor heart. Against overwhelming odds, Bill received a new heart, underwent a record-setting transplant surgery, and made one of the fastest recoveries the hospital had ever seen. But this story is about much more than medicine. It's about faith, determination, the power of prayer, and discovering a renewed purpose in life. Bill shares how his passion for restoring historic aircraft at the Air Zoo helped give him something worth fighting for—and why he believes he survived for a reason. Today, Bill continues to volunteer alongside the Air Zoo restoration team, preserving aviation history while inspiring everyone he meets with his remarkable journey. If you've ever wondered how hope, faith, and purpose can change a life, this is a story you won't forget.
8 Jun

Who Would Spend 50,000 Hours on This?

Step inside the restoration hangar at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum and meet the volunteers who are preserving aviation history one part, one rivet, and one friendship at a time. In this third episode of our Air Zoo Restoration Series, we explore the passion, patience, and dedication required to restore historic aircraft when original parts no longer exist. From 3D-printing components for a replica .50 caliber machine gun to recreating hidden aircraft systems that few people will ever see, the team shares why authenticity matters and what drives them to spend thousands of hours preserving the past. Learn how restoration projects can consume more than 50,000 man-hours, why even unseen details must be historically accurate, and how a community of volunteers has become a family united by aviation, craftsmanship, and service. More than a restoration story, this episode is about preserving history, inspiring future generations, and proving that the most important part of any aircraft project isn't the airplane—it's the people behind it. The Air Zoo restoration team continues to demonstrate the principles of C.A.T.S. — Culture, Attitude, Teamwork, and Service while bringing some of aviation's most important artifacts back to life.
18 May

No Parts Exist for This Aircraft… So They Make Their Own

Go deeper inside the restoration hangar at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum as the volunteer restoration team tackles some of the most difficult challenges in bringing a legendary Douglas SBD Dauntless back to life. In this episode, the team reveals the incredible craftsmanship, engineering, and problem-solving required to restore aircraft when original parts no longer exist. From custom-fabricated .50 caliber machine guns and functional 3D printed hydraulic pumps to painstaking engine restoration and historically accurate markings, every detail matters. Using modern tools like 3D scanning and printing alongside traditional machining and hand-built craftsmanship, these retired professionals combine decades of experience with a shared passion for preserving aviation history. But this story is about more than aircraft. It’s about teamwork, mentorship, and the culture that drives the restoration process forward every day. Built on the foundation of C.A.T.S. — Culture, Attitude, Teamwork, and Service — this team demonstrates what happens when skill, dedication, and history come together inside the hangar.
14 May

What It Really Takes to Restore a Warbird

Step inside the restoration hangar at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum and meet the people bringing aviation history back to life. In this first episode of our restoration series, we introduce three passionate volunteers working on the legendary Douglas SBD-1 Dauntless—an aircraft that played a critical role in World War II and is now being carefully restored piece by piece. From custom-built tools and hand-formed aluminum skins to decades of experience in machining and aviation maintenance, this team represents the heart of what makes restoration possible. Their work isn’t just technical—it’s deeply personal. Built on a foundation of Culture, Attitude, Teamwork, and Service (C.A.T.S.), these volunteers are preserving more than an aircraft—they’re preserving the stories, craftsmanship, and legacy of those who came before. This is just the beginning. In the next episodes, we’ll go deeper into the skills, stories, and dedication behind one of the most remarkable aircraft restoration efforts in the country
16 Apr

More Than a Museum: The Air Zoo Experience!

Step inside the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan—one of the most immersive aviation and space museums in the United States, where history, engineering, and education come together in a truly unique experience. In this episode, we sit down with President & CEO Troy Thrash as he takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum and shares the vision behind its transformation from a small collection of aircraft into a world-class aviation destination. From the moment you enter the “cloud tunnel,” you are immersed in over 100 aircraft and spacecraft, interactive flight experiences, and one of the most impressive aviation environments ever created. Highlights include the legendary Lockheed SR-71B Blackbird, hands-on STEM exhibits, and a massive indoor aviation mural that brings the history of flight to life. This episode also sets the stage for the deeper story behind the Air Zoo’s restoration program, including WWII aircraft recovered from the bottom of Lake Michigan and rebuilt through thousands of hours of volunteer craftsmanship—such as the iconic Douglas SBD Dauntless. Beyond the aircraft, the Air Zoo is also a center for education and inspiration, with STEM programs designed to engage students, spark curiosity, and introduce future generations to careers in aviation, engineering, and science. The museum’s evolution, aircraft collection, and educational mission reflect a broader story of growth, innovation, and community impact—making it a standout destination for aviation enthusiasts and families alike. ✈️ This video includes key aviation museum topics such as WWII aircraft restoration, the SR-71 Blackbird, and STEM education programs, helping improve search discoverability and relevance across aviation and educational audiences. ✈️ Natural inclusion of aviation and aerospace themes strengthens how this video is categorized by YouTube for education, history, and documentary-style viewers. ✈️ Related topics such as aviation museum tours, aircraft restoration, and military aviation history help the video appear in suggested content alongside similar aviation documentaries and museum features. ✈️ Broader coverage of aviation history, STEM learning, and museum storytelling improves semantic search performance for long-tail discovery queries such as “aviation museum tour” or “aircraft restoration process.” ✈️ Inclusion of major aviation landmarks, aircraft, and leadership storytelling helps improve viewer engagement by establishing credibility, authority, and context from the very beginning. ✈️ This is more than a museum tour… it’s a story about preserving the past while inspiring the future of flight

Our mission is to provide a platform to engage with leaders in the general aviation marketplace. Exploring the background of these leaders and how their journey in general aviation began. Discover what drives these aviators to share their knowledge. Learn what these aviators see for the future in aviation. Discuss the lighter side of aviation and be inspired to take to the skies to follow our dream of flying.

Creator

The Old Fly Guy
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

38
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 The Old Fly Guy Network
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The Old Fly Guy Network
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