Flap handle poition

[jflindner]

On my first flight I noticed that the flap handle, for me, was very difficult to reach. After the second notch of flap the pressure for the third notch was very heavy, Is this normal? Have the builders found another way to install the flap handle so it isn't as difficult to reach?
Jim Lindner

[Chris In Milwaukee]

There's a version of the EZFlap for the Bearhawk that might be a less-expensive and easier-to-implement solution than any other you might consider:

http://www.ezflaphandle.com/

https://backcountrypilot.org/forum/ez-flap-bearhawk-announcement-18972

[Mark Goldberg]

Getting the BH slowed down to the flap speeds Bob recommends is important in making it not too hard to pull. Mark

[Chris In Milwaukee]

I'd always had it in the back of my mind if that was the case: waiting until you get down to a lower speed before that last notch was attainable.

[jflindner]

Thanks Cris, I was down around 70-75 indicated, and the real problem is reaching the flap handle for the first notch. I will look for this handle attachment you speak of.
Jim Lindner

[jflindner]

Where might I find the flap speeds that Bob recommends. I haven't had the airplane long enough to have located these numbers, like one day, before I turned it over to my AI for a complete inspection.
Jim Lindner

[Mark Goldberg]

On page one of the plans. MG

[Chris In Milwaukee]

In case you didn't get plans with your plane when you bought it, here's what's on page 1:




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Mark Goldberg]

I actually use 75 mph max speed for the 3rd position - not 85 MPH. And 65 MPH for the final notch of flaps. Maybe that's why I say it is not too hard to pull the flaps down? I use 100 mph for the first notch. 90 mph for the second notch. 75 mph for 3rd notch, and 65 for full deflection. Mark

[jflindner]

Thank you very much Cris. That is what I was looking for. I might have the plans, but I left all of the paper work with my AI. I talked with Mr. Barrows today and he gave me some numbers and told me to look on page 1. Again, thank you.
Jim Lindner

[jflindner]

Thanks Mark, I will use those numbers when I fly it again. I have used the third notch, but didn't try for the forth. Can I ask, how often you guys use that fourth notch???? I had a guy tell me to re-rig the flap cable so that the first is flaps up and the next three are flaps 1, 2 & 3. Don't want to do that until I have some time with the machine.
Jim Lindner

[Mark Goldberg]

Since I never go into the short places some Bearhawk pilots go - I never use that 4th notch. I have a few times just to try it. But I always use the 3rd notch. That seems to work well for me..

I asked you in another thread whose 4 place BH you bought. I think I know but would like you to confirm. Mark

[Wayne Massey]

It becomes a feel that you will get a clear sense of once you get some more time flying the airplane. Reach location for the handle without looking becomes natural in a short time. Basically if you reach down and pull flaps and it's fighting you wait until you slow down another 10 mph at a minimum. You should never have to fight the flaps in either the 4-place or the Patrol. Don't get used to using the airspeed indicator as a guide but use the feel of the airplane. If you are pulling flaps too soon the airplane will let you know. That's why I love manual flaps! Listen to your Bearhawk and it will talk to you.

[jflindner]

Mark, This aircraft was built by Web Thorn of Custer, Michigan. He had flown the forty hours off and I picked it up at forty two hour. This is a very good looking airplane and well built,
Jim Lindner

[jflindner]

Hi Wayne. Thanks for the tips. Your right, after I get the feel for the airplane it will absolutely talk to me. With two hour you can not expect to know the machine. It's just that I have to nearly get under the instrument panel to get to the handle for the first notch. I have to have the seat belt so loose that it is no longer a seat belt. If I could make that first notch easier it would help.
Jim Lindner

[Mark Goldberg]

Jim, I thought you had Web's plane but wanted to confirm. You should look at one thing on your aluminum "quarter moon" flap guide that has the indents in it for the various positions. The bottom two ones should enable you to pull the first two notches without having to push the button on the top. If that is not the case, it can be easily modified. The first notch is super easy to pull. It really only takes the tension out of the flap cables and maybe a little more. Mark

[Battson]

I made the handle longer, and it is a DREAM.

Now I am used to the long handle. When I try pulling the handle only using the original length (grabbing it halfway down), I can't believe what a difference it makes.

If you want to make the problem go away, just lengthen the handle. It only takes a few hours and someone who knows how to delicately weld 4130N steel. I posted an instruction for how to do it in another thread.

Unlike some others, I use the 4th notch on every single landing apart from x-winds. Good practice for small spots, and it just makes the plane "stop flying" more positively. It's a personal preference thing.

[jflindner]

That seems to be the answer to the problem. I don't have these skills to do this mod, but my AI does. I will bring this to his attention and see where we can go with it.
Thanks Much.
Jim Lindner