In August 2019, he was inducted into the Order of the Northwest Territories to honor his decades of service to Northern aviation.
: As of late 2025 and early 2026, Joe has been spotted flying various aircraft, including a Cessna 185 Skywagon and the King Air .
Joe McBryan , the legendary founder of Buffalo Airways and star of the reality TV show Ice Pilots NWT , continues to be a central figure in Northern Canadian aviation. As of , he remains the owner and president of his company, though his role has evolved significantly due to regulatory challenges and a shift toward training the next generation of pilots . Current Status and Recent Developments
In 2014, another DC-3 experienced an engine fire on the very day of the Ice Pilots NWT finale. Pilot Joe McBryan disputed the report, claiming it was only a cracked cylinder and smoke, but the incident added to the scrutiny. A Transport Canada report later noted the airline's "response to deficiencies" was insufficient. what happened to joe mcbryan
: In March 2026, McBryan faced a 10-day license suspension related to an incident involving low-visibility flying two years prior. He used the time to visit a founding member of the airline in Victoria, BC, viewing it as a rare period of forced time off. Legacy and Ongoing Operations
Joe McBryan, affectionately known to the world as "Buffalo Joe," became a household name for aviation enthusiasts and fans of reality television through his role as the gruff, unwavering president of . As the heart of the hit show Ice Pilots NWT , which ran from 2009 to 2014, Joe showcased a gritty, old-school style of aviation, piloting WWII-era propeller planes through the harshest conditions of the Canadian North.
: Joe has recently focused on training the next generation of northern pilots for aerial firefighting. He introduced a two-seat training version of the (Air Tractor AT-802) and a dedicated simulator at their Yellowknife Vintage Restoration In August 2019, he was inducted into the
. He is the famous founder of Buffalo Airways. People call him "Buffalo Joe". He starred in the TV show Ice Pilots NWT .
Joe McBryan has not retired; rather, he has moved into a patriarch role, preserving the history of vintage aviation while allowing the next generation to modernize the airline's logistics.
This is the most common follow-up question. As of 2024 and into 2025, . As of , he remains the owner and
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
Here is the latest update on the man, the legend, and the airline he built. Still Flying at 70+
He does not appear in Buffalo Airways’ promotional materials. He is not on the company website’s leadership page. The man once known as "Buffalo Joe" has been completely separated from the "Buffalo" brand.