New member

[Skyhunter]

Just saying hi. Joining this forum as am thinking of building a bearhawk. Have been researching amateur built aircraft for 25 years and may finally be close to starting. I am a retired RCAF pilot and have since flown twin engine bush and airline in the Arctic and am now an Air Canada First Officer. Outside of flying my passions are hunting and fishing. I live in a river in North Eastern Ontario and would be definitely considering a floats. Looking forward to reading old posts and asking questions from builders and those currently flying. Cheers.

[Skyhunter]

On a river not in. Sorry, posting from an iPhone and not proofing enough.

[jaredyates]

Welcome! It sounds like you have many talents, and even though amphibious living isn't one of them, that would have also been impressive! The only float-equipped Bearhawks that I've heard of have been in Canada, but I can't remember where. Maybe someone else can chime in with the details.

[Flynguy521]

Welcome! I'm in the same boat as you. Been researching and pretty sure I've settled on the Bearhawk. I, too, am very interested in an amphibious one as I really want to get my seaplane rating. Not sure what modifications to the plans that would entail but this is the best place to find out. Good luck to you! Andy Martinez CFI CFII MEI

[Enewton57]

If you are plans building the modifications needed are in one of the Beartracks Newsletters or in the Bearhawk book that came with your plans. It involves replacing a couple of the tubes called out on the fuselage for some heavier walled tubes. Also need some attachment fittings. If you are buying a kit, the tubes are already the correct ones for floats and you can order your kit with the attach fittings already welded in place from the factory. This only adds a few hundred $ to the cost of your kit.

[alaskabearhawk]

Welcome! There are at least two in Alaska that are going on straight Edo 2870s. Here's a YouTube video of the first install: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On1FWllDybs

The only variable is the incidence of the floats and that we will determine on testing. There are may considerations in addition to the float fittings. Water rudder cable retract location, pulley mounts on the longerons, etc. Also the forward ventral fin attach location in Beartracks is in the wrong spot and won't work. It's too far forward. A lot also depends also on what you are planning for power and floats. So many options!

[aerolite]

There's a very nice example of a BH on amphib's in Sudbury.

[Enewton57]

There's also one on straight floats in Cold Lake, Alberta

[Skyhunter]

I get out to Cold Lake now and again. Used to be posted there. I will have to check it out when I do. Sudbury an option as well about a 4 hour drive. Thanks for the insight guys. Curious if anyone has the rough demensions of cargo compartment (rear seats out). I am curious if there is any chance a small motorcycle would fit back there.

[Enewton57]

Very roughly its about 3 feet wide by about 6' long without the rear seats and about 4' high. Someone else can give you better measurements but I remember thinking that I could lay down back there and I'm 6' tall. The cabin is 42" wide at the shoulders in the pilot's seat area.

[Mark Goldberg]

See attached. In B.C. Mark

[wingnut13]

Haha, what a great picture.