100 hrs

[rodsmith]

I've reached 100 hours on my hobbs meter, 106 hours logged in less than 10 months from first flight. This has been an amazingly trouble free airplane. I am still so impressed with the performance. I can't imagine wanting anything different.

[TJ_Slice]

Great to hear. I'm getting really jealous of all the flying Bearhawks lately!

[N204jh]

I've reached 100 hours on my hobbs meter, 106 hours logged in less than 10 months from first flight. This has been an amazingly trouble free airplane. I am still so impressed with the performance. I can't imagine wanting anything different.

Rod, you set the standard for 1st year flying. May I be so fortunate to get that many hours with my new Bearhawk 5 when it's done in Spring.

[Bcone1381]

Hey Rod! I just hit 100 hours too! Specifically, what aspects of performance impress you? I'll watch/listen then give a few areas I see in my Patrol that impress me.

[rodsmith]

Hey Rod! I just hit 100 hours too! Specifically, what aspects of performance impress you? I'll watch/listen then give a few areas I see in my Patrol that impress me.

Hi Brooks, your question prompted me to look back through my flysto logs to get the numbers right. The most impressive to me is take off and climb performance. Most of my take offs at 2100-2200 lbs are around 550'. This is at typical density altitudes of 9-10 thousand feet. My one sea level take off at 2400 lbs was 325'. These are normal take offs, not short field. When I started testing the plane last winter I was seeing Vy climb rates of 1700-1800fpm starting at 6500'. With summer temperatures still seeing 1500fpm. Also impressive is the speed range from stall to cruise. 125 kts at 10.2 gph lean of peak. My typical approach speed is 55 kts with full stall touchdown in the high 30s. VGs definitely improved slow speed handling and decreased the stall speed a solid 5 kts at all flap settings. Just feels so stable in slow flight. I find the Bearhawk to be the most forgiving tail dragger I have flown. Lets just say some of my heavy crosswind landings (15 gusting 25) have been less than perfect. A quick stab of the appropriate brake straightened things out when they started to go sideways. In summation, it just does everything well. My plane has the original wing. The B model should have slightly better performance on both ends. I don't think it is enough difference that it should be a factor if you are looking for a used Bearhawk 4-place.

[rodsmith]

IO-540 parallel valve, Airflow Performance mechanical injection, cold air induction, Light speed dual ignition, 83" 3-blade MT prop.

[Bcone1381]

Thanks Rod! Those are fantastic numbers! Im taking off max 2000' density altitude.

Here are my impressions of my Patrol. I'm taking off at 1450 - 1700 lbs.

1. I have an IO-360 180hp with mechanical FI and Surefly Mags. Nothing special. Mags do advance timing at low power settings.
2. I use two knotches of flaps for takeoff unless its windy & gusty. I don't know if I've had one longer than 400' More like short 300' maybe 225' with less gas and just me and 5 kt headwind. They say I took off shorter than a Carbon Cub EX3 one day.
3. Steep climbs at work set off too many TCAS alarms. I like 1000'/min climbs and starting out I'll see +95kts. I keep 1000'/minute until I hit Vy and then keep Vy. I make it from 800' to 10,500' in about 11 minutes.
4. Cruise: I'm seeing very efficient cruise numbers. From my memory, I'm getting 120 kts (138 mph) at 6.8gph (25.7 l/hr) at altitudes 7500' and up. That is leaned to 0-30f LOP. I still have gear leg fairings to install. Relfexing the ailerons increased speed 4 kts. 2300 rpm seems about right. higher rpm just make more noise and burn more gas. Slower RPM's going over square reaps lower fuel flow and a bit slower but Engine temps can get low (oil, CHT).
5. Cruise settings are 1/2" mp below wide open throttle... I get 4 more kts if I go WOT.. I think I get some wonky-ish mixtures (Peak EGT's not as even) at WOT which is a Bendix FI issue that I may get a fix for in the future.
6. I have no VG's yet. I know I need them on the bottom of the Hortizontal Stab. I fly approach just under 50 kts. I dont know my speed when I land.
7. Patrol's Crosswind capabilities exceed mine right now. I've not ever flown an aircraft that has so much control authority. Roll - Yaw authority is powerful at low speeds. So is the tailwheel steering authority. I feel like I can push the aircraft around in conditions that normally I get pushed around and am along for the ride.
8. Fuel: I only fill up to 25 gallons per side. I've filled up near the 27, but then I have a good chance of fuel draining out the caps vent hole. A slight lean from the ramp or shock strut compression and I've got a mess.
9. I think the trailblazer prop plays a big roll in this outstanding performance.

[rodsmith]

I've heard nothing but good things about the trailblazer prop.

[svyolo]

I have 66 hours now, based at SL. I usually take off 24 squared so I am predictable for tower and the rest of traffic. Full power takeoffs I get no practice taking off as it is over in a few seconds as well.

My TW time other than the BH is 5 hours in a Champ last year. I wish I could give an opinion of how it flies by I have so little esperience in GA (82 hours 43 years ago). Seems easy to fly and a lot more responsive than the Pipers and Cessnas I flew long ago.

Performance is in line with other 540 BH's. I have SDS EFI/EI which I would do again.

[Bcone1381]

That is a very interesting idea about reduced power takeoffs to give more time in that phase for proficiency. Very good! I think the Four with the 540 is more over powered than a 180 hp Patrol. But I’ve recently started using 2500 rpm for takeoff to reduce noise …. Wanting to be a good neighbor. I am a very curious and a bit envious of your SDS system.

[svyolo]

I think less about being a good neighbor, and just wanting to be predictable. Safer for everybody. One annoying thing for me with this is I don't want to practice T and G's with anyone else in the pattern. Having to fly a mile or two upwind to follow a 172 in the pattern is a giant waste of gas, and my time. I did just over 3 hours dual with Jared. Shocking how many landings you can get in an hour in a BH. The traffic pattern is barely wider than a circle.

I love the EFI. But it is also a bit of a "high school science project". For me, perfect. But for a lot of others, maybe just buying something that works is better.