Tell us what you did today on your Bearhawk Project

[Mark Dickens]

In 1999, I had just started work on my RV-8 which I finished some 17 years later, so I get it. Life gets in the way, but what a beautiful plane you have now! Congratulations!

[Flygirl1]

Congrats! Sounds like an “award winning “ achievement!! Actually if you take it to OSH and it’s your first time, they give you a wood plaque the is an “ perseverance “ award. When we got ours I thought somebody “gets” it! Something else they started the last few years is that they will also sing to you. Now who wouldn’t want that!? Enjoy the fruits of your labor! DnD

[alaskabearhawk]

I believe I may have the unenviable record for longest time to complete a Bearhawk. But I persevered and got it done. My first build log entry was 6-1-1999. It struck me that that is a quarter century ago, somehow sounds worse than 25 years. Received my special airworthiness certificate today.

DSCF2624-1.jpg

That is amazing Rod...and congratulations! I'm really glad you stuck with it, if only to unseat me for the Red Lantern Award. Here's a blast from the past. You, me and Dan over at Dan's house for breakfast, Feb 2006 and November 2007!

Dan Rod and Me 02-06.jpg Dan Rod and Me 11-07.jpg

[rodsmith]

Thanks for that Paul. Really enjoyed those breakfast meetings! Do you know if Dan is still flying his Bearhawk?

[rodsmith]

I really appreciate the kind thoughts expressed by so many. Most of you I haven't personally met but we are all a group of friends. Participating on this forum has certainly helped me complete my plane and helped make it a better plane. Thank you all.

[Bcone1381]

The fuel flow test is complete and unusable fuel check was performed last week. I did a battery capacity check today and installed the Tanis Engine pre-heater. My next big goal is installing everything like cowl, fairings and what not, put the aircraft on scales. I'll also be doing a flow test on the fuel injectors. I think I'll have everything ready to download onto the FAA's portal for their inspection.

[OhioLSA]

Congratulations Rod! I'm a slow builder too, but the success of you and others inspires me to keep pushing toward the finish line.

[svyolo]

N776BE, Special Airworthiness Certificate, complete.

[svyolo]

Thanks, and thanks to everybody on the forum that made this possible. I would not have even attempted it if I hadn't known it existed. Special thanks to those with successfully flying BH's that continue to contribute, Mark for great customer support, and maybe the unsung hero who keeps this forum going, Jared. I did 3+ hours of training last month which with Jared which was invaluable. Highly recommended and Jared is a great instructor.

[Redneckmech]

Congratulations! Now it is time to enjoy flying it!

[alaskabearhawk]

That is fantastic....congratulations! I can't wait to see some pics and get a PIREP.

[huntaero]

Congratulations another Bearhawk takes to the skys

[DBeaulieu]

Nearly complete with fabricating engine stand for the airplane engine (Lycoming YI0-360) - plan is to put factory firewall, engine mount and engine on the stand and be able to work on it in a comfortable heated garage. Might even be practicable to start fabricating the cowl after I dress the engine? Built with material I had around, except for the 1/4" plate I had to buy (ouch). It seems to be plenty beefy and very stable for storage and moving around the shop.

Engine stand.jpg

[rkennell]

IMG_5290.jpg IMG_5292.jpg DBeaulieu I did something similar and have found it very useful to prep the engine before installing on the air-frame. I used scrap lumber I had around the farmstead and bought some casters. If I was doing it again I would raise the engine a little higher. It sure helps to be able to move the engine around. I like your clean design.

[DBeaulieu]

rkennell ...That looks pretty good to me! Just finished mine up today and I think I too should have made it just a bit higher.

[DBeaulieu]

Finished engine stand today and mounted firewall and engine mount. I plan on mounting the engine next weekend. Anyone with good info on hardware and proper install technique of the engine isolators, let me hear y'all! I've got the Patrol kit dynafocal type 1 engine mount and the Lord J7402-16 isolators. Engine stand with mount.jpg

Cheers, (Dave from Maine)

[DBeaulieu]

Ended up using AN34-6 bolts and castle nuts per Virgil's recommendation. Fit well, though I did not put the large area washer under the bolt heads

[DBeaulieu]

Got the engine out of the unheated hangar and brought it "home" for the winter to a nice climate controlled garage. Got it mounted to the engine stand and was pleasantly surprised that the engine mounted right up to the dynafocal without fuss. Now I can figure out what I've got to do to get it ready for use!

mounted on stand 2s.jpg mounted on stand 1s.jpg

[svyolo]

N776BE first flight complete. Little bit of a heavy left wing. Rudder trim tab needs adjusted.

Pilot forgot to turn on the video cam. arghhhh

[svyolo]

Thanks. Hardest thing was trying to figure out how to fly VFR at a tower controlled airport. Last time was probably 1982. Or just VFR.

[kestrel]

Congratulations!! ...but, I have to say it, video or it didn't happen! :-)

[DBeaulieu]

Congratulations, can't wait to get to the same stage on my project too!

[alaskabearhawk]

Congratulations!!! Can't hide from ADS-B.

N776BE.jpg

[svyolo]

Hadn't even thought of that.

[old pete]

sure you can just dont have it installed!

[Bcone1381]

My Patrol was put on scales earler this week. 1190lbs, 10.3" It will require effort to fly it aft of CG like this. 10.5" is the forward limit, and when I get in it with an hour of fuel I'm at 11.0".

Yesterday Arborite and I did the first engine start. I have dual Surefly Mags. Arborite has a history in hobby auto racing, and a long time general aviation background. (He has an LSA under construction). I mean to emphasize that he knows engines and has lots of experience with various ignitions, and magnetos. He was impressed with the ease my first start. With the throttle cracked, mixture lean, zero Fuel Pump instigated prime, he and swears it lite off on the first blade! We seemed to have stumbled upon .....learned ....that the Bearhawk's gravity fuel system is sufficient to prime the engine thru the Bendix FI servo.

[rkennell]

Glad to see the progress and the wonderful first start. Seems that is a confirmation of the care taken in building. Congratulation.