What Happened To Joe Mcbryan Jun 2026

Joe McBryan , the legendary founder of Buffalo Airways and star of Ice Pilots NWT

He remains the sole owner of Buffalo Airways, which is still operated as a tight-knit family business with his children—Mikey, Rod, and Kathy—holding key executive positions. The Battle with Transport Canada Buffalo Joe Could Lose His Pilots Licence

Many rumors say he retired or passed away. These rumors are false. He still works hard in Northern Canada. However, he has faced big challenges with health, safety rules, and government audits. ✈️ Still Flying at Buffalo Airways

, Joe’s commitment to "the physical art of flying" remains unchanged. HOME - BUFFALO AIRWAYS 25 Nov 2025 —

Even in 2026, Joe still takes a hands-on approach to his aircraft, demonstrating his lifelong passion for the DC-3 and other vintage planes. Summary: Where is Joe McBryan Now? what happened to joe mcbryan

Joe's relationship with regulators has remained complex. In March 2026, reports surfaced regarding a 10-day license suspension stemming from an alleged low-visibility flight years prior. Despite this, Joe remains an active pilot, frequently operating the "sked"—a daily route between Yellowknife and Hay River—in his iconic Douglas DC-3 [6]. Joe McBryan's Legacy

but has officially stepped away from day-to-day management as of early 2026. He continues to fly vintage aircraft like the Douglas DC-3

Joe’s legal filing painted a dark picture of betrayal. He claimed that Mikey and Julie had used his heart attack as an opportunity to sideline him, that they had changed locks and passwords without his knowledge, and that they had even removed personal photographs from his office. The lawsuit became a bitter, public, and very expensive family feud.

This article will explore his life in detail, from his early days as a pioneering air cargo pilot to his rise as a reality TV star, the serious regulatory crisis that temporarily grounded his career, and his life today. Joe McBryan , the legendary founder of Buffalo

Here's a brief rundown of what happened to Joe McBryan:

He was transferred to a rehabilitation facility to relearn basic motor skills. Months in a bed had atrophied his muscles. For a man who spent his life climbing into DC-3 cockpits, the physical therapy was brutal but successful.

Buffalo Airways owner agrees to step away as airline remains grounded | CBC News

In late 2015, Transport Canada suspended Buffalo Airways' Air Operator Certificate (AOC) due to safety concerns. To regain operational status, Joe McBryan signed a formal agreement to step away from the airline's day-to-day management [8]. A consulting firm, DTI Training, was brought in to overhaul safety standards [8]. By early 2016, the AOC was restored, though scheduled passenger flights remained a point of contention for years [5]. Recent Activity (2025–2026) He still works hard in Northern Canada

: While Joe still commands the hangar, his son, Mikey McBryan , has taken on a much more public-facing role, managing the airline's brand and modernization efforts, including the expansion of their aerial firefighting fleet for the 2026 season.

(which includes many Ice Pilots fans and some former employees) argues it was a cold-hearted betrayal. They point out that Joe built Buffalo Airways from nothing. They argue that the "mental decline" was exaggerated, that Joe was simply old-school and abrasive, and that his children were impatient to cash in. They note that Mikey had chafed under his father’s authority for years on the TV show, and that this was a long-planned power grab.

He was brutally honest about the aftermath. He admitted he couldn't walk up the stairs to his own office without stopping to catch his breath. He confessed that the "bug" (COVID-19) was the toughest enemy he had ever faced—tougher than -50°C weather, tougher than Transport Canada bureaucracy.

The show’s appeal was undeniable. Viewers were captivated by the family dynamics at the heart of the business, with Joe's children— (the savvy general manager), Kathy , and Rod —all playing key roles. Mikey later reflected on the family's global fame, noting, "When we travel we hear stories from all over," mentioning that "the show is pretty big in Croatia."