Florida YouTuber takes abandoned flying boat for first flight on autopilot wondering what can go wrong and then finds out
Published on Nov 06, 2025 at 3:51 PM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Nov 06, 2025 at 5:19 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
When a Florida YouTuber bolted the world’s lightest autopilot onto an abandoned flying boat, he figured it would be smooth sailing or flying.
The three-axis system was barely an inch wide, with just two wires for power and ground, making it look deceptively simple.
But as the saying goes, what could possibly go wrong?
Quite a lot, it turns out.
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Can an abandoned flying boat survive on autopilot?
What started as a quick retrofit in this Florida YouTuber’s hangar soon turned into a nerve-wracking engineering challenge involving a flying boat, otherwise known as a weird-looking airplane.
The installation looked easy until he realized the new system for the trim tab didn’t fit properly, interfering with other control surfaces and messing with airflow.
After hours of drilling, riveting, and realigning carbon fiber panels, the team finally mounted the world’s smallest autopilot to the world’s slowest flying boat.
And just when it seemed ready for takeoff, the YouTuber’s nerves kicked in as he remembered countless accident reports about the exact problems the airplane had, causing aircraft crashes.
The first flight was tense – on takeoff, the plane pulled hard to the right, forcing him to fight the rudder to stay flying straight.
Once airborne, the turbulence tested both the aircraft and the stomach of his co-pilot, Carlos, who immediately got airsick.
Despite the bumps, they managed to stabilize the flying boat at 3,000 feet and dial in the autopilot’s settings.
Against all odds, a smooth pilot flight
An hour later, the flying boat was gliding smoothly, a testament to persistence and quick problem-solving.
The YouTuber, who runs the popular Jimmy’s World channel, was pretty impressed with the maiden flight of his little flying boat that could.
Viewers got the full behind-the-scenes look: the wiring, the rivets, the setbacks, and the amazing first flight.
By the end, the abandoned flying boat wasn’t just back in the air; it was flying on autopilot, proving that sometimes even the most chaotic projects deliver the most satisfying conclusions.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
