How Do You Fly a Plane Through a Hurricane?

If you have even been on a rather turbulent plane journey, then image what it's like flying into the biggest most violent storm systems on earth, a hurricane. That’s exactly what the hurricane hunters of NOAA and the USAF do, every time a hurricane looks like it will make landfall. In this video we find out how they do this also discover the planes and crews that set off but never returned.

Written researched and presented by Paul Shillito
Images and footage : NOAA, USAF, Dr. Jeff Masters, NASA

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[MidnightGazebo]

10:36 You know it's serious business when you need an extra pilot on the thrust levers because the pilot flying needs both hands for the yoke!

[RSGTomcat]

I was a part of the WP-3D re-wing effort. Those planes are so incredible. Plus, there's actually not really much structural reinforcement over and above what a P-3C has over the P-3A/B. Iirc, the new wings we put on were just regular old P-3C wings. Those planes are just so robust and overbuilt (relative to their operational weight) that there's just nothing that can truly replace them (lb for lb). C-130s are a solid option for sure, but they are so much more structurally optimized (to carry more weight with essentially the same engines), that their excess margins of safety just arent as high as the P-3. That issue can somewhat be resolved by simply restricting the operational weight if the C-130 so that it "can" survive in the same flight envelopes that the P-3 inherently can, but thats way less fun. Nobody wants to get a hot new toy and be told they can't use it at its max capacity. I'm keenly interested in what they will do to replace Kermit and Miss Piggy when the time comes. Also, Miss Piggy doesnt have the barber pole either. Thats how you can tell them apart. Fun fact, they actually have a 3rd WP-3D (N44RF?) which is a non-operational parts bird which used to be called Gonzo I think before it was retired and the name was given to a Gulfstream? IIRC, that plane DOES have the barber pole. I forget the story behind why that plane is not airworthy. I want to say it's because of "widespread fatigue damage" which was not financially viable to repair. That was 8 years ago though so my memory is a little fuzzy.

[Keatosis_Quohotos]

They should make an expansion about these guys for Microsoft flight simulator

[wisdomleader]

This is like charging into the deepest layer of inferno and escaping afterwards. Hats off to these brave pilots.

[AnitaJobby]

Saw that footage from inside the plane. Almost 💩 my trousers...

[lesbendo]

Great video, liked the historical content and the art! 🇨🇦

[willhouse]

My Dad used to be a US Naval Aircrewman who was in anti-submarine warfare missions out of Florida back in the 60's, & his crew did a hurricane flight once because they were rated on the same kind of plane that was used for the task.
🤯

[darkwinter]

Why? Well, when roller-coasters just aren't enough anymore... 😛

[hootis]

There's a town in Utah settled by the Mormons called "Hurricane" specifically pronounced the same as in this video as apposed to the typical American pronunciation. I take it that is the typical British pronunciation. I realize this is most likely because the many of the pioneers were British isle emigrants.

[Ray_of_Light]

Thank you Mr. Shiilito for covering this. And my appreciations to all of the brave people monitoring hurricanes from within.
Greetings
Anthony

[RCAvhstape]

15:00 I used to live near a Navy base where they flew P-3 Orions, and it's nice to see an Orion so clean and shiny as this.

[Icridium]

Hey, Paul.
I hoping you’re doing well. If you read this comment, I believed it would be a really cool dedicated video covering the Northrop and Grumman B-2 Stealth Bomber. You have briefly discussed small bits about it it in previous videos regarding other aircraft. If you have the interest in making a video on it that is.

Keep up the great work!

[Jagcycle]

Looks like fun to me. I would honestly love to tag along on a mission.

[michaell]

When I was a young officer training at Kessler AFB in Mississippi during the late 1980’s I was able to talk my way on a flight with the famous 53d Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. We went through a category 1 hurricane, Jerry (I remember the name, it’s my brother’s name). I have never experienced such turbulence before or after that flight. I was the butt of crew jokes because it was mild compared to Hugo which was a Cat 5 a month earlier..

[DanH-uf]

Inside the eye is quite calm. The edges have the high winds.

[Well_Edumacated]

it's interesting hearing hurricane hunters when they are in the eye.

[jeremyheminger]

These guys know they are going into Hurricane and yet the video shows that, apparently, they have a bunch of lose stuff in bins that, not surprisingly goes flying all over the place. Shouldn't these bins be more secured? NOAA has only been doing this for 50 years. 😂

[JayTeeGR]

"But now I'm safe in the eye of a tornado
I can't replace the lies that let a thousand days go
No more living trapped inside, in her way I'll surely die
In the eye of the tornado, blow me away"
🎸😜

[MrGaborseres]

Brave pilots and personal on them planes 👍👍👍 my respect 👏👏💪

[florian]

I can't believe the top comment is a climate change denier. Goes to show how powerful the misinformation campaigns have gotten, truly a tragedy...
Anyway, really great video as always! And well researched.