Happened To Joe Mcbryan — What
The question of "what happened" often refers to the legal battles Joe faced in late 2015 and 2021.
Buffalo Airways owner agrees to step away as airline remains grounded | CBC News
Despite persistent internet rumors and "fake news" suggesting otherwise, the legendary founder of Buffalo Airways and breakout star of the hit reality TV series Ice Pilots NWT remains a central figure in Northern Canadian aviation. While his role has evolved significantly due to regulatory battles, health considerations, and the natural passage of time, the 70-plus-year-old aviator has not truly left the cockpit. Stepping Down from Day-to-Day Operations
| | Answer | | :--- | :--- | | Did Joe McBryan die from COVID? | No. He was critically ill but survived. | | When was he hospitalized? | December 2020. | | Was he on a ventilator? | Yes, for several weeks. | | Can he still fly? | No, he no longer holds a commercial pilot medical certificate. | | Is Buffalo Airways still operating? | Yes, run by his son Mikey McBryan. | | Where is Joe McBryan now? | Living in Yellowknife, NWT, overseeing his company. |
: Mickey launched a highly successful YouTube channel called Plane Savers , keeping the Buffalo Airways brand alive for millions of fans globally. what happened to joe mcbryan
Joe loves old World War II airplanes like the Douglas DC-3. He is famous for flying these old planes in very cold weather.
This crisis led directly to a major change for Joe McBryan. Under immense pressure from Transport Canada, he signed a letter agreeing to . A consultant brought in to help reinstate the certificate described this as "an extreme step," but one that was necessary to prove that the company was serious about overhauling its safety management systems.
Joe McBryan , better known as " Buffalo Joe remains the owner and legendary pilot of Buffalo Airways April 2026
What Happened to Joe McBryan? The Legacy of Buffalo Joe and the Evolution of Buffalo Airways The question of "what happened" often refers to
Inspectors found:
McBryan's fleet became a signature of the airline—a collection of legendary . At its core were the Douglas DC-3, the Curtiss C-46 Commando, and the Lockheed L-188 Electra, aircraft dating back to World War II and the 1950s.
Joe transitioned into a behind-the-scenes, advisory role, allowing his children to handle the modernization of the company’s management and safety systems.
, continues to be a central figure in Northern aviation as of early 2026. While he remains the company's President and a highly active pilot, his role has shifted significantly due to long-standing regulatory pressure from Transport Canada. Recent Status and Role Changes Operational Role: Stepping Down from Day-to-Day Operations | | Answer
As of June 2026, Joe McBryan is still active in the North, living in Yellowknife, and continuing to oversee the legacy of the company he founded in 1970. While he has faced scrutiny from authorities and health checks typical for someone of his age, he has not retired from the industry. He remains an iconic, often contentious figure whose focus remains on ensuring that Buffalo Airways continues to operate. If you are interested, I can also: Find the for Buffalo Airways. Tell you more about the specific aircraft they fly.
My father, Buffalo Joe McBryan, is hopping on the King Air today. Mikey McBryan's post. Mikey McBryan Oct 8, 2025 Facebook·Mikey McBryan
Joe McBryan purchased Buffalo Airways in 1970 from legendary Arctic aviator Bob Gauchie. Under his leadership, the airline carved out a vital niche, flying essential supplies like diesel and groceries to remote and desolate communities inaccessible by road. His fleet became a flying museum, including iconic aircraft like the Douglas DC-3, the C-46 Curtiss Commando, and the Lockheed L-188 Electra.
