Cory Robin flies a Carbon Cub he calls “Ghost” (which is on the Aug. 6, 2020, cover of General Aviation News). He also has a YouTube channel with nearly 47,000 subscribers.
And sadly, he recently crashed his plane in a river in Ohio.
Because he screwed up. Those aren’t my words — though I agree — they’re his.
He says so just 54 seconds into the video recounting what happened.
I respect that.
Take 12 minutes and watch Cory’s very somber video. We can all learn from this event.
We don’t have to be flying from river sandbars to succumb to pressure and distraction. This can happen to any of us.
Don’t let it.
Thank you Cory.
These guys and others doing YouTube videos and doing dangerous stuff have negatively affected all us tailwheel pilots. Our insurance has gone through the roof as of late. I really have no respect for these knuckheads. And yes, I was told that by an insurance company representative. My insurance has doubled in the passed 2 years.
A very instructive video that will serve the originator well in his future aviation endeavors. Kudos for making it as an example for others!
My own 43+ year aviation career (20 military and 23 FAA aviation safety inspector) had plenty of its own ego-driven moments of thrill and stark terror which we can discuss over as many beers as you wish to share. However, I can speak in retirement about some of the lessons I have learned that I’m sure many readers can also appreciate.
1. Aviation is an inherently risky business. As safe as it has become in the many years since it’s inception, there is always risk. Some forms of aviation are riskier than others, but even the supposedly safest forms are risky. Ask Capt. Sullenberger…
2. “There are old pilots, and bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots”. I attended enough memorial services where someone would offer a compliment to the deceased saying that he/she was the best pilot they knew. I vowed never to be the best, just the oldest.
3. “There are two kinds of pilots: those who have, and those who will”. When it comes to things like running out of fuel, landing gear-up, or having a mid-air collision, always strive to stay in the latter category.
4. “Plan the flight, fly the plan”. This is where the checklists come in handy. Try watching the coverage of any space launch to see how checklist-oriented those operations are. Attend a pre-show Blue Angels briefing.
5. “Judgment comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgment.” See the original video.
Safety First, Safety Last, Safety Always
Depends on who you call cowboys there fellas. How about Red Bull air racers or Reno? Remember the Mustang? This guy was endangering no-one but himself. They say suicide is painless. Give him a break. Learn something. Move on to next video.
It happens, no big deal.
Flying the edge is where it’s at…
As long as you walk away it’s a good day..
Rebuild, and do it again ..
like anything, there’s an element of risk…
Blue sky’s.. Fly Hard.. Stay Safe..
Flying Cowboys, or flying CLOWNS? Time to put those Egos away, grow up, And emulate real pilots. Jocks belong on the sports field, not in the air. Each time a flying fool has an incident it gives general aviation, and flying in general, a bad rapport. Stunts like these guys pull should be better done on motorcycles and four wheelers and not in airplanes. Tease the tiger often enough and eventually he will bite you and maybe even kill you.
He admitted he “Screwed UP”. Can’t say I’ve heard that from a whole lot of people. Kudos are in order.
IT CAN HAPPEN TO THE BEST.
Ease up commentators! Learning from other’s mistakes are the cheapest lessons you can learn. To watch an experienced pilot tell a story that is at least embarrassing to him is a brave act and a service to all other flyers. Your takeaway is that he has a big ego and shouldn’t be flying? My takeaway is to stick to your checklists and avoid distractions – this causes a lot of incidents and accidents and happens when we get complacent. My other takeaway is that even high time pilots screw up and to share the screw up keeps us all safer.
Wow!!!! I’m not impressed. I’ll make sure to avoid his videos. Hey let’s make him a roll model!
Yep, cowboys belong on horses.
Giddyup … and if not … giddyoff. How can anyone treat an airplane this way ?
These inferiority complex driven YouTube guys who have to have their egos stroked all the time by seeing themselves online – what a joke. They’re so needy they will even publicize their wrecks if that will get them more viewers. Grow up guys, you’re not 12 years old anymore.
Very well said. There is an FAR against operating an aircraft in a reckless manner. If I was going to do this stuff I wouldn’t videotape it.