See what it takes to build a WWI Sopwith Triplane from scratch. Have something to share with us about general aviation? Reach out to us here: bit.ly/GeneralAviation www.flitetest.com
You can hear in this man's voice, that he's proud. He's earned what he's made. He's passionate for his work. We need more people like him. Truly the greatest generation.
That is one of the most amazing videos i've seen on FliteTest! The story was just amazing to listen to. An incredible guy in my opinion and a big thank's to FliteTest for sharing that with us!
Alex, this is one of your best interviews I have seen to date. Great video editing also. I didn't even read the other comments and thought the background music was a bit loud.
Wow, thumbs up and added to my Favorite Videos! What a man; what a project; what a story. Great interview by Alex and amazing editing. This must have taken an enormous amount of work. Thank you Flight Test folks for making so many high-quality videos!
I think I learnt more about the sopwith tri-plane here than from pro documentaries, JUST AMAZING! Its all an honor to have such a gentleman speak and explain these technicalities, you just listen and absorb it all in, its all inspiring. Hats off to you Sir! AND THANK YOU FLITE TEST for the interview! You know we love our WW1 planes, the grace with which these war machines flew, just lovely
I might not have noticed if it wasn't so repetitive, but I can't argue this point. 1...5...6-...4 again and again... :) This guy reminds me of my 90-year old grandfather. Great story, great history, great respect.
probably could have muted it a bit more. I thought the background music was fine and I was so zoned in on the story that the music didn't distract me much.
My brother told me about this fellow. He was there when Mr Woodall took off. I believe the video where the inspection cover comes off is what he recorded that day. What a work of art that plane is.
Bless his heart love seeing these old aviators and their projects. The man is a living piece of history and a treasure. For the younger folks...when you meet someone like this...sit down, by them a meal and just listen. You can't always get thos kind of info from a boo, or even a video on the internet. You can't ask him a question on this video. Treasure the old folks man! They've learned the hard lessons and if your smart, you'll learn from them and save aggravation or worse.
Great job , I build 2000lb mini army tanks from scratch so my hats off to you for such a wonderful job and project. Maybe my next tank will be a ww1 Mark1 .
Wow, Awesome, Awesome, Awesome. Love these interviews capturing a history we are slowly loosing and thank you Alex for your great kindness to capture a story of an American treasure. This gentleman and his story is just awesome. The camera work and editing is amazing too. Thank you
Terrific story. I salute you sir. To have the drive and skills needed to bring this aircraft to life, not to mention the courage to get her airborne, is an inspiration.
I liked this a lot. Like Steven Pelayo said, asking the questions and respectfully listening to the awesome story without interruption, just how it should be,brilliant.
loved this video, maybe its just the way the video was shot/edited but it seemed as though he got more excited about talking about it as the show went on, almost like as he felt people cared more the more detail he was willing to give. amazing guy and one to feel proud of his accomplishments!
What a lovely old gentleman with an amazing story and a beautiful plane! Flitetest have come such a long way! The content just keeps getting better and better! Keep up the great work you guys do!
This is one of the coolest videos you guys have done. Model flight got inspiration from real planes and pilots. I love hearing stories like this man had to tell. More like this in the future please! That said, I like all you guys' antics. I love that you offer your plans for free and give sound advice on what beginners should look at getting and what is for transitioning etc. Y'all rock!!
Thanks Flite Test for demonstrating wisdom and grace. I thoroughly enjoyed the interview with Mr. Woodall. His life experiences are more than worthy of our attention. It was obvious that his passion for aviation drove him to take on the daunting task that lay before him in building his Sopwith Triplane. Had it not been for his choice to serve our country, I'm certain he would not have had the vision or drive to accomplish it. God bless him, and God bless all at Flite Test for sharing this man's life with us. Steve Dennis
Between this and the Flite Fest videos, I'm convinced that this hobby has the most amazing cross-generational engagement to be found and that you guys are doing your damnedest to keep that tradition going. Thank you for bringing this story to the community.
Talk about an inspiring story... And the idea of building something like this and then getting into it and actually lifting off the ground...... That is the very essence of the spirit of flight......WOW 😱
It's hard to imagine the determination it took to build this plane. Also the courage to fly it under the circumstances he describes. An amazing man for sure.
Exceptional build, just amazing. The sheer amount of work humbles me. As others have said, a respectful and informative interview; well done Alex and crew. Got quite a surprise when Bill mentioned the Benson gyro-glider kit. I too built one (with Rotor-Hawk rotors) and flew it without an engine, as I learned to come to grips with gyrocopters, before I installed a VW engine. Like Bill though, I saw too many accidents with them, one fatal, and so sold mine and went over to fixed wing light aircraft and gliders. Sadly, I can no longer fly solo due to a heart condition, so got back into flying RC planes, especially with FPV goggles. I have a model Stearman and a Focker DVII that I fly that way, which is great fun. Interestingly we have an elderly pilot in my RC club who flew Vampire jets for NZ and later flew all sorts of commercial jets. He flew a WWI Fokker triplane for exhibitions in Sydney. His experience with it in mock dogfights was hair raising, just to hear about.
Saw that the streamlined wires the same asa Hawker Huricane (had some in my old Hurricane cockpit project). What a charismatic amazing gentleman who was inspired as a boy about the first world war flyers & he built his dream all those years after.
Wonderful video. Great story. I really enjoyed when he got into all the details of building the plane. Amazing how small those planes were and what they did with them.
Well done! I built a Murphy Renegade 2. Push-pull tube controls; differential frieze ailerons. The tailplane wire braced with anti crush tubes around the bolts to stop possible deformation of the 3/4inch tubes making up he tailplane. SS wires; lots of turnbuckles safety wired.... +10G, -6G.
The fact this guy ran into problems and custom fabricated what he needed and came up with his own solutions... Just damn.. Dudes part genius that's for sure.
Fantastic video. Great old guy and loved listening to him! I was involved in rebuilding an old aircraft many years ago. Our lessons learnt were, first, work out how long you think it will take then double it. Second, do the same for the budget.
Alex sounds a bit robotic, but I could listen to Bill all day. Also the music seemed a bit out of place for an interview, but still a great story to hear. I look forward to more Flitetest doctrinaires and RC videos :-) I'd like to also see you guys make a video on regulations and safety protocol for your powered paragliding series.
Excellent video guys! Hey, just noticed that "homebuilt" was missing the "e" on your thumbnail, just an fyi! I've said it before but you guys have to tour the Naval Air Museum at NAS Pensacola. Would make a great episode! Cheers! Fergy
Excellent interview ... . flown for thirty years and enlightened from new information provided by inspiring history through a respected aviator you've provided... Appreciating you very much sir....
fantastic documentary and log. I learned a lot more from this brilliant man. Thanks for this production. It is something we need more of with the old timers before history gets lost.
I got my wings at 3G3 in 2007, and people were still talking about this project and the first flight. Awesome guy. Cheers to the R.O.M.E.O.s (Really old men eating out).
Just wonderful in every way. What determination it must have taken to see the project through to the takeoff It is very inspiring that Bill worked so hard to keep the aircraft as authentic as possible. I thought the interviewer was intelligent and respectful. My only criticism is that there could have been better credits in the information box.
That's a sweet old man with a wonderful dream God bless him I love it when people r determined to complete something great. Great videos guys loved it👏
This was so cool -- don't see many Benson gyrocopters any more! I have a set of plans for building a plane, but never had the money to do it. This was quite an accomplishment!
Great interview of an amazing build by an intelligent and talented gentleman. Really enjoyed listening to the story. Thanks for documenting it for others to view! Excellent work!
You can hear in this man's voice, that he's proud. He's earned what he's made. He's passionate for his work. We need more people like him. Truly the greatest generation.
Firebird Aviation Couldn't agree more. People just don't understand what it means to work and earn things these days.
It's men like this that made America GREAT !!!
Firebird Aviation imnotcrying
Nah
Great interview. Thoughtful, informed and respectful questions, then shutting-up and listening without interuption. Well done!
I totally agree great interview technique. Well done!
Agreed, this guy had a great story to tell.
music slightly to loud other then that nice
What a smashing chap, articulate, unassuming and, clearly, possessing of great skill and knowledge.
Where's the "i love it" button.. like is just not enough..Beautiful person to stand next to Alex! I can listen to this all day long :D
JaRCo de Rover Me to I really enjoy listening to stories like this. Truly motivational for an aspiring pilot.
That is one of the most amazing videos i've seen on FliteTest! The story was just amazing to listen to. An incredible guy in my opinion and a big thank's to FliteTest for sharing that with us!
Alex, this is one of your best interviews I have seen to date. Great video editing also. I didn't even read the other comments and thought the background music was a bit loud.
Wow, thumbs up and added to my Favorite Videos! What a man; what a project; what a story. Great interview by Alex and amazing editing. This must have taken an enormous amount of work. Thank you Flight Test folks for making so many high-quality videos!
I think I learnt more about the sopwith tri-plane here than from pro documentaries, JUST AMAZING! Its all an honor to have such a gentleman speak and explain these technicalities, you just listen and absorb it all in, its all inspiring. Hats off to you Sir! AND THANK YOU FLITE TEST for the interview! You know we love our WW1 planes, the grace with which these war machines flew, just lovely
Mad respect for people who pursued their dreams & went on doing what they love. A truly inspiring story. Awesome video!
Amazing guy with an amazing story, great stuff. I have one point of feedback on the editing though. The background music a bit dominant in my opinion.
Thought the same.
I hate background music and this detracts hugely from what is a very interesting video about an outstanding engineer.
I might not have noticed if it wasn't so repetitive, but I can't argue this point. 1...5...6-...4 again and again... :)
This guy reminds me of my 90-year old grandfather. Great story, great history, great respect.
probably could have muted it a bit more. I thought the background music was fine and I was so zoned in on the story that the music didn't distract me much.
Jason Phipps - 1-5-6-4; just like modern christianish music. Can't unhear it once you notice it. Awfully annoying.
My brother told me about this fellow. He was there when Mr Woodall took off. I believe the video where the inspection cover comes off is what he recorded that day. What a work of art that plane is.
Incredible dedication to a project. We don't call them the greatest generation for nothing. I'd like to shake his hand.
Bless his heart love seeing these old aviators and their projects. The man is a living piece of history and a treasure. For the younger folks...when you meet someone like this...sit down, by them a meal and just listen. You can't always get thos kind of info from a boo, or even a video on the internet. You can't ask him a question on this video. Treasure the old folks man! They've learned the hard lessons and if your smart, you'll learn from them and save aggravation or worse.
Great job , I build 2000lb mini army tanks from scratch so my hats off to you for such a wonderful job and project. Maybe my next tank will be a ww1 Mark1 .
Great story! You can really feel the respect and admiration you have for him in the interview. Please invite him back for another interview.
Wow, Awesome, Awesome, Awesome. Love these interviews capturing a history we are slowly loosing and thank you Alex for your great kindness to capture a story of an American treasure. This gentleman and his story is just awesome. The camera work and editing is amazing too. Thank you
Absolutely amazing interview. I could listen to this guy tell stories all night long!
BRAVO!!! very enjoyable feature of the sopwith triplane! Great job with the interview also!
What a great story! Thanks FliteTest and Bob Woodall for showing us and telling us about this awesome done-it-myself project!
Terrific story. I salute you sir. To have the drive and skills needed to bring this aircraft to life, not to mention the courage to get her airborne, is an inspiration.
I liked this a lot. Like Steven Pelayo said, asking the questions and respectfully listening to the awesome story without interruption, just how it should be,brilliant.
loved this video, maybe its just the way the video was shot/edited but it seemed as though he got more excited about talking about it as the show went on, almost like as he felt people cared more the more detail he was willing to give. amazing guy and one to feel proud of his accomplishments!
wow! this has been my favorite flight test videos by far. the ammount of information that man has is amazing. and that plane!!! its beautiful .
What a lovely old gentleman with an amazing story and a beautiful plane! Flitetest have come such a long way! The content just keeps getting better and better! Keep up the great work you guys do!
This is one of the coolest videos you guys have done. Model flight got inspiration from real planes and pilots. I love hearing stories like this man had to tell. More like this in the future please!
That said, I like all you guys' antics. I love that you offer your plans for free and give sound advice on what beginners should look at getting and what is for transitioning etc.
Y'all rock!!
As a retired airframe and powerplant technician that is one beautiful plane.
Thanks Flite Test for demonstrating wisdom and grace. I thoroughly enjoyed the interview with Mr. Woodall. His life experiences are more than worthy of our attention. It was obvious that his passion for aviation drove him to take on the daunting task that lay before him in building his Sopwith Triplane. Had it not been for his choice to serve our country, I'm certain he would not have had the vision or drive to accomplish it. God bless him, and God bless all at Flite Test for sharing this man's life with us. Steve Dennis
This was a wonderful presentation. I love to hear older men who are alert and recall their history.
No doubt a man with patience and perseverance. Thank you for a job well done on this interview.
Between this and the Flite Fest videos, I'm convinced that this hobby has the most amazing cross-generational engagement to be found and that you guys are doing your damnedest to keep that tradition going. Thank you for bringing this story to the community.
Fascinating story, and one brought out very well by the interviewer's thoughtful questions. Very well done all round!
Great interview. I love how humble the builder of this magnificent machine is.
Talk about an inspiring story...
And the idea of building something like this and then getting into it and actually lifting off the ground......
That is the very essence of the spirit of flight......WOW 😱
It's hard to imagine the determination it took to build this plane. Also the courage to fly it under the circumstances he describes. An amazing man for sure.
That is beautiful, I love this kind of general aviation content. Keep up the great work!
Exceptional build, just amazing. The sheer amount of work humbles me. As others have said, a respectful and informative interview; well done Alex and crew. Got quite a surprise when Bill mentioned the Benson gyro-glider kit. I too built one (with Rotor-Hawk rotors) and flew it without an engine, as I learned to come to grips with gyrocopters, before I installed a VW engine. Like Bill though, I saw too many accidents with them, one fatal, and so sold mine and went over to fixed wing light aircraft and gliders. Sadly, I can no longer fly solo due to a heart condition, so got back into flying RC planes, especially with FPV goggles. I have a model Stearman and a Focker DVII that I fly that way, which is great fun.
Interestingly we have an elderly pilot in my RC club who flew Vampire jets for NZ and later flew all sorts of commercial jets. He flew a WWI Fokker triplane for exhibitions in Sydney. His experience with it in mock dogfights was hair raising, just to hear about.
The music is drowning out what the man is saying.
Great Video, Fantastic Story. Well done guys.
best video I've ever seen on CZcams, seriously!
This guy's story is great!
Alex,Excellent Interview. Mr Bill Woodall thank you for sharing your story. God's Speed.
This was a capital interview! I look forward to more talks with these old chaps, especially those who flew warbirds.
I got shivers listening to bill’s story. Thanks for sharing this amazing journey.
Saw that the streamlined wires the same asa Hawker Huricane (had some in my old Hurricane cockpit project). What a charismatic amazing gentleman who was inspired as a boy about the first world war flyers & he built his dream all those years after.
A great interview. What a wonderful guy. Greatest generation.
Wonderful video. Great story. I really enjoyed when he got into all the details of building the plane. Amazing how small those planes were and what they did with them.
Well done! I built a Murphy Renegade 2. Push-pull tube controls; differential frieze ailerons. The tailplane wire braced with anti crush tubes around the bolts to stop possible deformation of the 3/4inch tubes making up he tailplane. SS wires; lots of turnbuckles safety wired.... +10G, -6G.
theres a true legend in aviation history right there! what a hero!
Watched this when it was first posted had to come back and watch again Very interesting stories. Love the old biplanes. 👍🏻
That's real commitment! An authentic a project as you could get.
Very humble down to earth and simple person
amazing story
What a great story. Beautiful old plane.Good job telling story!
what a lovely interview. Beautifully done young man.
Amazing story,amazing man,glad he still around!
can't beat listening to people's story's from the past . could listen to them all day long .
There really is something special about this generation of people. I love listening to these stories.
What an absolutely MAGNIFICENT video!
That was awesome. Please do more of these episodes.
Really would like to meet him if he is still round! What a tale of ingenuity and tenacity! You go boy!
I love these full scale videos that you lot are producing, absolutely beautiful craftsmanship
The fact this guy ran into problems and custom fabricated what he needed and came up with his own solutions... Just damn.. Dudes part genius that's for sure.
Well done interview. That gentleman has a wealth of knowledge.
Beautifull episode and keep doing more interviews with people like this gentleman, just great to share in his passion
Fantastic video. Great old guy and loved listening to him! I was involved in rebuilding an old aircraft many years ago. Our lessons learnt were, first, work out how long you think it will take then double it. Second, do the same for the budget.
Amazing story! love this segment of Flight Test great job!.
One of your best episodes yet guys! I hope to be half as switched on at Bill's age as he is!
What an episode, more of this please! Great mix between this and the RC stuff
Thank you Bill, for sharing your passion and your knowledge.
If I could add a photo I'd be saluting.
Alex sounds a bit robotic, but I could listen to Bill all day.
Also the music seemed a bit out of place for an interview, but still a great story to hear.
I look forward to more Flitetest doctrinaires and RC videos :-)
I'd like to also see you guys make a video on regulations and safety protocol for your powered paragliding series.
Awesome story. Thanks to people like this gentleman history will not be completely forgotten.
What an achievement ....... we need more guys like him around
One of the best videos from FT in a while, well done!
Excellent video guys! Hey, just noticed that "homebuilt" was missing the "e" on your thumbnail, just an fyi!
I've said it before but you guys have to tour the Naval Air Museum at NAS Pensacola. Would make a great episode!
Cheers!
Fergy
Excellent interview ... . flown for thirty years and enlightened from new information provided by inspiring history through a respected aviator you've provided... Appreciating you very much sir....
Fascinating guy.Wonderful story.Thanks for posting.
fantastic documentary and log. I learned a lot more from this brilliant man. Thanks for this production. It is something we need more of with the old timers before history gets lost.
The amount of Inspiration in this video is definitely over 9000!
This video is amazing!
I got my wings at 3G3 in 2007, and people were still talking about this project and the first flight. Awesome guy. Cheers to the R.O.M.E.O.s (Really old men eating out).
What an incredible project and story!!
What a great guy. Living history right there.
What an awesome video! Would love to see more videos like this one sharing the stories of building real aircraft. Thanks for sharing👍🏼
Just wonderful in every way. What determination it must have taken to see the project through to the takeoff
It is very inspiring that Bill worked so hard to keep the aircraft as authentic as possible.
I thought the interviewer was intelligent and respectful.
My only criticism is that there could have been better credits in the information box.
Amazing interview. That guy had guts to do what he did.
Wow! Quite remarkable design and engineering.
Great video. Awesome story. loved it.
Your job on this aircraft is amazing..
That's a sweet old man with a wonderful dream God bless him I love it when people r determined to complete something great. Great videos guys loved it👏
Thanks frIends, great and lighting conversation!
Awesome video. Awesome story. Please keep producing vids like this.
Great story and I think Alex did a great and respectful interview. Nicely done!
Beautiful story and excellent editing!
I'm glad this series is back, I was worried it had died out.
One of my favorite videos from you guys!
This was a pretty top notch interview.
Great interview. Nice job Alex.
This was so cool -- don't see many Benson gyrocopters any more! I have a set of plans for building a plane, but never had the money to do it. This was quite an accomplishment!
Great interview of an amazing build by an intelligent and talented gentleman. Really enjoyed listening to the story. Thanks for documenting it for others to view! Excellent work!
Great job putting this story together for us
Considering building this as my/our next big aviation project, perhaps beginning summer 2024. Useful video!
Brilliant....A great man, and a great story. Well done guys.