While he may no longer be throwing DC-4s around the Arctic sky, his spirit remains the engine of Buffalo Airways. The 2020-2021 health crisis was the closest call of his 50-year career, but as of today, "Buffalo Joe" is alive, recovering, and still swearing.
For fans of the hit reality TV series Ice Pilots NWT , few names are as iconic as Joe McBryan. Known affectionately as "Buffalo Joe," the straight-talking, no-nonsense founder of Buffalo Airways became a cult hero for his vintage aircraft, his fiery temper, and his deep commitment to keeping World War II-era DC-3s and DC-4s flying in the Canadian Arctic. what happened to joe mcbryan
His fame exploded in 2009 when Ice Pilots NWT premiered on History Channel. Viewers loved his gruff demeanor, his feuds with his son Mikey, and his obsessive love for "classic iron." He wasn't just a CEO; he was a living museum curator who happened to fly cargo. The major event that prompted the question "what happened to Joe McBryan" occurred in December 2020 . While he may no longer be throwing DC-4s
If you want to see him in action, new episodes of the revived Ice Pilots specials occasionally feature him in the hangar—just don’t expect to see him in the cockpit. | Question | 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. | The major event that prompted the question "what
But in recent years, the question echoing through aviation forums and social media has shifted from "Is Buffalo Airways still flying?" to a more urgent query:
The most dramatic moment came in . His son, Mikey McBryan (also a star of Ice Pilots ), posted a video to Instagram and Facebook showing Joe walking out of the Royal Alexandra Hospital under his own power. Leaning on a walker and wearing a yellow Buffalo Airways hoodie, Joe looked gaunt but defiant.
In late 2020 and throughout 2021, rumors swirled that the legendary pilot was gravely ill, hospitalized, or even deceased. Fans were left in the dark, leading to widespread speculation. This article cuts through the noise to deliver the definitive timeline of Joe McBryan’s health crisis, his remarkable recovery, and where he stands today. Before diving into what happened, it is essential to understand who Joe McBryan is. Born in 1945 in Saskatchewan, Canada, McBryan built Buffalo Airways from a single fuel truck into a northern aviation lifeline. Operating out of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, his fleet of piston-engine planes delivers fuel, food, and supplies to remote communities inaccessible by road.