Bearhawk LSA Video Request

[lsa140]

It would be excellent to see some additional video of the LSA. Loading, startup, taxiing, takeoff, landings, etc. If anyone has the opportunity to take some video, and doesn't have the resources to edit or post the footage, I have some decent video editing software and experience uploading videos online. I'd be happy to assist.

For now, here are the videos posted online that I know of. Please add links if you have any more.

http://bcove.me/dnlxcm4y - 2014 EAA LSA Interview with Bob Barrows

https://youtu.be/tlzOHScGWm0 - Great in flight of LSA

https://youtu.be/8IWNbPkzGFA - Short takeoff

https://youtu.be/1wB7qKapPWc - Oratex interview with Mark Goldberg at Oshkosh 2014

https://youtu.be/mwenTHwJs00 - Bob Barrow's interview at Oshkosh 2013

https://youtu.be/YTlSY6sE1uE - Bob competing in the 2014 Oshkosh STOL competition

https://youtu.be/gPcmb_lCeT4 - Bob competing in the 2014 Oshkosh STOL competition

https://youtu.be/ri4MeCllT34 - Grass field LSA takeoff

https://youtu.be/ScLA1AA_5kA - Bearhawk LSA Landing With Snow Skis

https://youtu.be/6Z9uN7N_kD4 - Bearhawk LSA Takeoff with Snow Skis

https://youtu.be/Ga149wNCXIs - 2015 Texas STOL competition

https://youtu.be/1jVVbEI1Dqc?t=7s - Bob competing in the 2014 Oshkosh STOL competition

https://vimeo.com/168241374 - Mark Goldbergs LSA

https://youtu.be/VbN_S7N9mHo - Photos of the LSA on skis

[Wayne Massey]

Your should have been with me this morning I've been getting ready for the Texas STOL roundup and practicing take off and landings in Mark Goldberg's LSA. I've come to the conclusion that I've been factoring in too much cushion for short field landings. I've probably been leaving 20% of max STOL on the table. Since it's not my airplane I'm not going to get too crazy. Now that I've had more time now to really get comfortable I've been closing the window a little more as my comfort level increases. I've probably closed the window down to 5-10% now. All I can say is "WOW" this airplane is amazing! And the next time I hear someone say that the LSA needs flaps I'm going to blow a gasket!

Max STOL performance in the LSA is to set up high on final and go into a heavy slip at 50-55 IAS (probably could be less than that but I'm not there yet). I use the left side of the fuselage as "flaps". (Have you looked at the profile of the LSA that's a lot of flaps!) Once in the slip set up glide toward your touch down target and modulate the slip as necessary to stay on glide path. This is where slipping has a huge advantage over having and using flaps. With flaps once you have full flaps selected and you get below glide path you have to add power. In a slip if you get below glide path you just take some of the slip out. You never need to add power with the LSA. If you take out too much slip the LSA as clean as it is will keep on flying. For max STOL landings you have to slip the airplane right down to the flare. If you kick out of the slip too soon you will float.

Every time I take the LSA out for some practice it always seems to gather an audience. One of the guys taxing out this morning commented over the radio after one landing, "that was impressive!". There was a construction crew working on a house at the end of the runway that everything I took off or landed they would stop what they were doing and watch. I wish I could take credit but it's the airplane!

Bob designed a great airplane. I've always wondered how he was getting such good numbers for STOL performance in his LSA compared to what I was seeing. I've followed his advise and technics he's offered. Now that I'm getting more comfortable I'm closer to seeing what Bob has been seeing. I'm not to the point Bob is yet but I'm getting there!

I'll see if I can get someone to take some video on my next practice session. Oh and today the LSA was rewarded for good behavior with a bath

[Wayne Massey]

One thing I should add is that I have flown the LSA at 30 mph IAS at altitude level with power on (1,800 rpm) and it is very stable but it is close to it's breaking point. Pull back to 26-27 mph IAS and it's not going to fly any more. No tendency to radically drop a wing it just tell you, nope not flying any more. It makes me think that you could probably do a power on low and slow nose high power on STOL landing with a very short roll out. I'm not going to try it but I'd love to see someone else try it!

[lsa140]

Sounds like you're having a great time Wayne! Thanks for sharing more about the flight characteristics and performance. Many of us builders live far enough away that it is difficult to attend one of the aviation gatherings or fly-ins. These write-ups, pictures, and videos provide great inspiration.

Hopefully you can get some good video of a practice session, or flying at the STOL roundup. I'm sure there are at least a few of us that would eat that up.

It's great to hear your description of how the LSA handles at low speeds. The clean airframe, low wing loading, and high aspect ratio wing gives the pilot more options in an engine out scenario.

[Wayne Massey]

Here's another video not on your list. It's the LSA and Patrol at last years Texas STOL roundup in the obstacle clearance competition:

https://youtu.be/Ga149wNCXIs

[lsa140]

Great, thanks Wayne. I'll add it to the list above.

[lsa140]

Here is a good one of Bob competing at the 2014 AirVenture STOL competition. https://youtu.be/1jVVbEI1Dqc?t=7s

[Wayne Massey]

Here's a new one: https://vimeo.com/168241374

[lsa140]

Little different plane, both are beautiful designs.

[Chris In Milwaukee]

Yep, more than once, people at my airport ask me, --You still working on your Bearcat?-- I wish!

[lsa140]

That sound... https://youtu.be/6CQLpByAbns

[lsa140]

That is great, thanks Wayne.

[lsa140]

This video has a few pictures of Bob's LSA on skis.

https://youtu.be/VbN_S7N9mHo