My Abandoned Helicopter Flies For the First Time in 10 Years

Today we FINALLY got to see Consuela in all of her glory... and we got to go on a near PERFECT test flight! This thing has had a LONG road back to being airworthy, what a project!



Our 2024 Sponsors:

[crispy]

This helicopter got me out of the mountains after I was stranded by Helene. Thank you, Cleetus. God bless you.

[hogie]

Can we all just appreciate all the content this channel has coming up? Basically brand new MD500 taking delivery on, 5000hp Eagle is going to powder coating, Leroy's engine is rebuilt and it is getting a freaking body, and world cup is less than 2 months away. Hell of a couple months coming up!

As someone who has been with this channel since before the whistle tips, i cannot thank you enough for all you do and the joy you bring to me.

[KDad]

Cleetus feels more like kin than some of my actual family. I couldn't be more proud of someone I don't know personally than I am of this guy. What a journey he's taken us on. Can't wait for what's to come. Thank you Cleetus for being such a solid entertainer, father, friend and a proud American. Legend!

[brandonmay]

I love how Paul instantly goes into professional mode as soon as they are in the cockpit. That’s what real professionals do. Class act and knows what he’s doing. Paul is the kind of man we all want to embody and emulate.

[MrRozzi]

20:40 "I got a whole table full of shit right here"....man I love Paul, felt that as a maintainer myself lmao

[ilovelamp]

One thing I have observed about proper aviators and aviation mechanics is that they are not offended by a second set of eyes inspecting an air frame. Everyone takes it very seriously and respects the process.

[STLVR]

Cleet, “Get your shit together!”

George, “ Dang, I need a flight suit.” 😂🤣

[KCC]

NC resident here! Thanks so much for helping with the disaster relief. My husband is a big fan of yours! I will say that Ashe County NC could use some help. The Emergency Manager here has been denying outside help. She reportedly tried to close the small airport we have to deter people from flying their private aircrafts here. I believe someone overruled and I just saw a private helicopter fly over my home. I have family here who are first responders. A swift water rescue team offered to allow the Emergency Response Director to use their specialized software to help keep track of what homes have been checked, as they have been doing this manually. She at first denied them and reportedly asked what it would cost. My understanding is that the swift water rescue team is letting them use it for free. Just an idea of the situation we are facing. Most of the response has been from locals and most of our fire departments are volunteer. We have people trapped in areas that may not get power for several more weeks and can’t get out. The temps are already starting to drop and this is not sustainable. Entire roads are gone and some places may not be accessible for a long time. A local fire dept was hit and lost three trucks and the building is very damaged. Ive been told that batteries are a big need as well. Again, thank you much for what you are doing!!

[GGT]

The second half of 2024 is going to be awesome!! The unveiling of Consuela, Eagle, Leroy 3.0, AWD Dale Truck!! Hopefully Ruby's return is in the works.

[The_Don_Beverage]

LS George flying the helicopter
It's upside throwing its blades 100 yards
"GOLLY, WHAT IN THE WORLD"
Cleetus running, "SH*T, GEORGE!"

[FeralRabbit]

For anyone who cares: the term "pickle" is from naval aviation when ordnance has to be dumped it is typically dumped into the ocean which is salt water hence it was "pickled".

[chiefsholsters]

Did you guys think you would be saving lives in NC with that thing 3 weeks ago? Thank you from WNC. I'm just SW of the runway in Hickory and have been watching all the helos operating out of Hickory go by for days. God bless and God speed. You have a new fan in NC. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

[landmine]

Paul is one of my favorite guests because he’s got that swagger you can only get by knowing how to do it fuckin’ all. The matching flight suits rule.

[brianfast]

For the shop a/c you need to put in a small window unit in your office 😂😂

[Cranksfabshop]

Having the opportunity to hang out with Cleetus, George, and Paul was awesome! Thanks again for lunch Cleetus! Was able to have a long conversation with Paul about his career, having been a MH60 mechanic for Lockheed for years I really enjoyed that. Consuel is a real looker for sure!

[whtarewetalkingabout]

What you are using that helicopter for to help the victims in Western North Carolina just got you a new subscriber. Thank You so much for what you are doing.

[bradpeterson]

So happy for you brother. I remember way back when. You said "mark my words, i'm going to own a helicopter someday" Well you've done that and then some. You have incorporated your love for flying perfectly on to your channel.

[ryanweintraub]

ATC recognizing Cleet is cool as hell lol

[thomasnassab]

The diversity of this channel’s content, all while maintaining the best quality in the industry is truly unmatched. You and your team are crushing it. Keep up the great work!

[backcountrylifemagazine]

I worked in Alaska as a guide back in the 90s. We had one of these birds. Crashed into a mountain after the leading edge abrasion strip de-laminated from one tail rotor blade, sending the rotor into a violent unbalanced spin….quickly shaking itself off the shaft…cutting the tail boom off as it was leaving the scene….at about 2, 000 feet above craggy mountain tops. I saw it happen from a distance..and was one of two people that was able to rescue our two friends that were onboard. THEY WERE F’D BUT SURVIVED. We were in the middle of nowhere. Took the better part of a day to evacuate those dudes to an Eskimo village where a Coast Guard Helo could meet us. We were way beyond their flight radius. Luckily we had an old Hiller Bubble chopper at our disposal, and were able to fly up into the rocks to pull em out….. ALWAYS PRE-FLIGHT AND CHECK YOUR TAIL ROTORS!!