New member in Mississippi

[gshearer]

Hello from the Magnolia State - just signed up from South Mississippi (Hattiesburg area)...been thinking about a 4-place that can get into tight spaces and have been looking at the BH for some time. I have quite a bit of experience building w/ composites (fiberglass/foam/carbon fiber...well over 1000 hrs at least) but none at all with tube & fabric and none (yet) with tail-wheel aircraft. In fact, one of my instructors from long ago told me to "stay away from those tail draggers...they'll bite you"

I'd appreciate the opportunity to visit with any builders/flyers in my region (maybe...MS, LA, AL, FL panhandle area, etc) and see the BH "face-to-face". Anybody in my general region?

Also, a question - could the 4 place BH (probably O-540), assuming a fairly good pilot of course, safely get in and out of a 1000 foot grass strip w/ trees on both ends (the proverbial 50 ft obstacle) ?

thanks,
Glen

[Deftone]

Welcome!

I know there are a couple of us in Lousiana. BDflies (Bill) is really far along with his project, although he is building a patrol not a 4 place. I, on the other hand own a growing collection of aluminum that in no way resembles an aircraft (yet).

Eric Newton is in Gulfport, Mississippi I think? His website is great, I would recommend checking it out!

Also add yourself to this map - you can see most of the builders on here http://bearhawkbuilder.com/

Getting along to Oshkosh would also be a safe bet for seeing the aircraft and meeting follow Bearhawkers. I assume there will be a dinner again this year?

[jaredyates]

I think regularly operating off of 1000 feet is quite doable with a 540. I would have no trouble with a light load and our 360, but with a heavy load I'd be concerned about clearing the trees on climbout. Landing would be no issue for either. Figure on 2000 pounds and under being "light" in this case. I grew up in between Meridian and Quitman on Highway 45, though I don't get back to MS very often anymore.