Potential builder in Oregon - Patrol or LSA??

[Chewie]

Hi all! I've enjoyed reading your introductions, it seems there will be an entire Bearhawk Air Force in about ... 5 years? Bearhawk has a lot going for it - build options, the fact that they answer the phones, and a great looking design. Looks like the builders are pretty cool too!

I downloaded Eric's first volume and looking through some of the sections to see if I'm up for the task. I'm excited to work with metal, totally new skill set for me. Been thinking about it for the last 3 years. I'm leaning toward the LSA because honestly the Patrol just seems to be more airplane than I need. The thing is a truck! LSA is probably more my pace based on payload and overall cost of ownership (any estimates?) but is there any other reason I should consider the patrol over the LSA? How large is the LSA baggage area?

Only considering scratch build at this point - saving time is NOT the objective. Time I have, money not as much! I volunteer at an antique aircraft / auto museum (google WAAAM) with on-site restoration shop, so that may prove to be a valuable resource in getting help.

Need to clear out the garage first, I got a wenonah canoe I'm fixing up and a powered paraglider setup... all for sale if anyone's interested. Will use the proceeds to get plans and a few tools...

Mark

[X'N]

If the LSA fits your needs then go that route! If you don't need the faster cruise and more payload get the lsa. I believe the baggage area is about a foot bigger on the patrol but there is still a ton of baggage area compared to most LSAs. The lower cost engine and operating costs will pay spades in the future for the lsa. Also there are very few people who have built one of Bob's aircraft lighter than he has so you may want to add 100-150 lbs to the empty weight if you want a bunch of frills n such in your plane. The prototype LSA is a very basic aircraft, no electrical system & minimum instruments It was a tough decision for me as well, but ultimately I figured I'd be flying over 1320 lbs most of the time so I went with the patrol.

[Chewie]

I figured I'd be flying over 1320 lbs most of the time so I went with the patrol.

I hear the LSA can be flown as a 1500 gross airplane, that's what I would do.

[X'N]

I hear the LSA can be flown as a 1500 gross airplane, that's what I would do.

True but then you loose the benefits of the LSA pilot regs. Once the gross weight is listed as 1500 it can not be reduced to 1320 down the road.

[Chewie]

LSA reg would only be a benefit if I sell the airworthy plane to sport pilots. I'd rather enjoy the 180 lbs extra useful load than always hold out for the day I might sell it. Unless I just flat out lie about my gross wt.

[MG1143]

I do not know your age or circumstances. Things unexpectedly change over time healthwise. If you are concerned about any possible medical problems in the future while building or flying the airplane I would just lie about the gross weight and take it from there. (O.K., i said it) If you are a professional pilot I would not do that as it would jeopardize your career.I would imagine the odds of somebody giving you a difficult time in such a small craft to be nominal but would also take my chances without career considerations. You can always up the official weight but it is impossible to go down and still be considered in the LSA catagory. That is providing the legislation introduced by Rokita and Graves is not passed eliminating the 3rd class medical. If that were to happen then it is a moot point.

[Rick]

I have waffled back and forth between the Patrol, and the LSA ever since the LSA came out.
They both have good points, they both have not so good points.
Patrol- good points - airfoil, capabilities, FLAPS that are huge, and great speed range
Patrol- not so good points are empty weight- and that is really the only bad point (speaking as a guy who has to make LSA weights, unless we get the "no medical" rule)


LSA - good points- empty weight, good speed range, (can an Lyc.0-320 get shoehorned in there??!!)
LSA-not so good points, no FLAPS!(really believe a way to kill lift is needed, stuff happens on turbulent, thermally approaches)...

At this point, with the regs the way they are...I am planning a Patrol with a 900lb. empty weight....maybe!
Or, if Bob decides a set of spoilers, or flaps can be added with his blessing, I will do the LSA.......maybe! :-O

Good luck with the choice, they are both very fine aircraft, whatever fits you best, get it!!
Rick

[X'N]

Lowrider on supercub.org is building a LSA with flaps. Along with other mods...

[Mark Goldberg]

Lowrider is NOT building a Bearhawk LSA with flaps. He has modified so many things that his project has been given another name. And that is for good reason and appropriate. Mark

[Zzz]

Hey Chewie, if you ever need to peep something on the 4-place completed kit, I'm over in Lake Oswego.

[Chewie]

ZZZ, I'd LOVE to check it out! I'll PM you in a bit. I'm over in Hood River.

[Zzz]

Having a tough timing editing on Tapatalk, but I would change my prior post to say "finished fuselage" from the AviPro kit, not a completed aircraft.

[Chewie]

ZZZ, did you get my PM? I'd still be interested in paying you a visit. Perhaps when it's not a blizzard out... Mark