I've been lurking on here for too long but I've learned an absolute ton. Thank you all for that. I will be either building or buying an experimental 4 place as soon as I can. I have it narrowed to the BH, the Super Rebel, and haven't ruled out a Moose. I'm leaning BH because of the community and seemingly excellent support.
I have interest in out west backcountry flying, but I'm in deep south florida, it will be a while until I "get out there". Which is fine. Bahamas trips, medium length cross countries and small airplane exposure for two young ladies are the immediate mission. Also, when the FAA decided on that 170#/person thing? Yeah, they weren't asking me or anyone I seem to know. I find a 172 to be laughably tiny -- fun for 10 mins, but I'm not looking forward to flying something that is just that tight. Went and sat in a Pacer 20/22 -- again -- super cool capability -- just not something I'd sit in for very long. I don't think I'm a giant lard -- but I do wear a size 50 jacket, i enjoy lifting weights, i don't see myself getting smaller (not a goal) -- and I'm just not that into being THAT intimate w/ my buddies.
So -- 1000# useful is a bottom end. I'll happily sacrifice some airspeed for comfort, but under 130 starts to be a bottom end. I'd like a nice known airframe. I'd like the ability to do longer adventure type trips. I'd like the ability to work off of grass and dirt, I don't need sandbar short, but I'd like to not think twice about a 1400' stretch of hayfield.
I realize that some people might be thinking "Hey man, uhhhhh, maybe a Cherokee 6 is what you should be looking at?". I get that argument. You'd probably win a rational argument w/ me on that. However. I been flying other people's airplanes for a long time. I want things set up the way I want them for once. I want a panel that I like. I'd like a relatively new airframe and engine package that I am intimately familiar with. I'd like seats that are actually comfortable, with a darn head rest.
Cost is a factor, so is operating cost, so is build time (or acquisition). If I do a build it would be a QB kit for sure. Building does have appeal to me, I recognize the work that goes in (built my house) -- but like the known awesomeness result.
I have read every post on the forum about cabin size and width. I have tried to find where guys have bubbled their windows. I have looked at the gull wing door mods. I have read all the comparisons to other "more common" airplanes. I just can't wrap my brain around shoulder to elbow room. The idea of having to sort of lean to the right and have my left elbow pinned to my side is just not something I am willing to accept. EVERYTHING else about the BH is pretty awesome. In the 172 I pop the window for most of every flight just for relief in this area.
The Murphy stuff scares me a bit. I have been reading about Murphy "beef up" kits ... why would I build an airplane that needs a beef up kit? Perhaps that is just with "ludicrous" power options, not sure. I sense that the Murphy kits aren't as complete as the BH kits. I have yet to find a "support community" like this one (except maybe Vans, but I have zero interest in that style airplane). I get the sense that going Murphy you are a bit more out on your own and "more" experimental.
Any big folks out there have comments on the shoulder room or ideas how to make that ... work? Heck, I've never even SEEN a bearhawk in real life -- anyone in S. Florida know of one I can just plunk into and see? Maybe it's fine...?
Great forum, you guys are wicked talented and have some AWESOME airplanes!!
I have interest in out west backcountry flying, but I'm in deep south florida, it will be a while until I "get out there". Which is fine. Bahamas trips, medium length cross countries and small airplane exposure for two young ladies are the immediate mission. Also, when the FAA decided on that 170#/person thing? Yeah, they weren't asking me or anyone I seem to know. I find a 172 to be laughably tiny -- fun for 10 mins, but I'm not looking forward to flying something that is just that tight. Went and sat in a Pacer 20/22 -- again -- super cool capability -- just not something I'd sit in for very long. I don't think I'm a giant lard -- but I do wear a size 50 jacket, i enjoy lifting weights, i don't see myself getting smaller (not a goal) -- and I'm just not that into being THAT intimate w/ my buddies.
So -- 1000# useful is a bottom end. I'll happily sacrifice some airspeed for comfort, but under 130 starts to be a bottom end. I'd like a nice known airframe. I'd like the ability to do longer adventure type trips. I'd like the ability to work off of grass and dirt, I don't need sandbar short, but I'd like to not think twice about a 1400' stretch of hayfield.
I realize that some people might be thinking "Hey man, uhhhhh, maybe a Cherokee 6 is what you should be looking at?". I get that argument. You'd probably win a rational argument w/ me on that. However. I been flying other people's airplanes for a long time. I want things set up the way I want them for once. I want a panel that I like. I'd like a relatively new airframe and engine package that I am intimately familiar with. I'd like seats that are actually comfortable, with a darn head rest.
Cost is a factor, so is operating cost, so is build time (or acquisition). If I do a build it would be a QB kit for sure. Building does have appeal to me, I recognize the work that goes in (built my house) -- but like the known awesomeness result.
I have read every post on the forum about cabin size and width. I have tried to find where guys have bubbled their windows. I have looked at the gull wing door mods. I have read all the comparisons to other "more common" airplanes. I just can't wrap my brain around shoulder to elbow room. The idea of having to sort of lean to the right and have my left elbow pinned to my side is just not something I am willing to accept. EVERYTHING else about the BH is pretty awesome. In the 172 I pop the window for most of every flight just for relief in this area.
The Murphy stuff scares me a bit. I have been reading about Murphy "beef up" kits ... why would I build an airplane that needs a beef up kit? Perhaps that is just with "ludicrous" power options, not sure. I sense that the Murphy kits aren't as complete as the BH kits. I have yet to find a "support community" like this one (except maybe Vans, but I have zero interest in that style airplane). I get the sense that going Murphy you are a bit more out on your own and "more" experimental.
Any big folks out there have comments on the shoulder room or ideas how to make that ... work? Heck, I've never even SEEN a bearhawk in real life -- anyone in S. Florida know of one I can just plunk into and see? Maybe it's fine...?
Great forum, you guys are wicked talented and have some AWESOME airplanes!!
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