Hello from Nevada

[Av8rPaul]

New to these forums. I've been shopping for a plane for quite some time and was narrowing it down to a Maule or 182. After realizing my linebacker sized frame did not like the Maule and not wanting to pay the crazy parts prices for a 50+ year old Cessna I decided that the right direction for me is the Bearhawk. I did get a demo ride in N303AP back in 2008 and really liked the airplane a lot, but never got to a place where building one would work out too well. Everything has lined up now, including my best friend who is a very accomplished A&P/IA moving just down the road from me and agreeing to be my build partner. I've promised my wife we will be able to finish it in a relatively short time so she's onboard with it too.

Planning on IO-540 power, maybe an MT prop, if I can get past my old school love of the way a Hartzell will whack a rock and survive.

Looking forward to this project big time!

[patrickh99]

Welcome to the forum. Good luck with your build.

[Austin]

I'm new here as well. Welcome! I noticed your in Nevada. I have grandparents that fly out of Carson City.

[Av8rPaul]

I'm new here as well. Welcome! I noticed your in Nevada. I have grandparents that fly out of Carson City.

Cool. I moved down here about 3 1/2 years ago after spending most of my life in Alaska.

[JimParker256]

...maybe an MT prop, if I can get past my old school love of the way a Hartzell will whack a rock and survive.

First, welcome aboard!

Second - I think the "hot ticket" for the Bearhawks is the Hartzell Trailblazer prop. It's a bit pricier than MT or Whirlwind, but seems to provide more static thrust.

Since I'm more limited by finances than absolute Takeoff/Landing performance, I'm still all over the place on the prop for my Patrol. One day, I've talked myself into the Trailblazer, the next I've dropped all the way back down to a fixed-pitch Catto prop, and the day after that, I'm looking closely at the Whirlwind constant-speed prop... Good thing I've got time to make that decision (fuselage still in progress, wing kit sitting in the garage).

[Austin]

Cool. I moved down here about 3 1/2 years ago after spending most of my life in Alaska.

Sounds like you and my grandfather there would have a lot to talk about. He use to fly in Alaska as well. If you're on Backcountry Pilot, look him up. GumpAir.