Bearhawk in the backcountry

[Battson]

Battson:
How does a BH or any plane with big (29 or 31) tires handle that? You have a new and very expensive prop. No worries?

Provided there's not much air in the tires, big rocks are not much of a problem. There is only a small concern for the tail / belly. The prop is at risk from very small stones, especially thrown by tire tread. The major concern is a much larger rock hidden among the rest, which can be very hard to see amongst a myriad of same-coloured rocks.

 

[svyolo]

It will be a while before I get that brave. Awesome pics though.

 

[Battson]

Time for some new video content, while I sit at home with a busted back - wishing I was flying!

 

[Bdflies]

"Busted Back"??

Bill

 

[marcusofcotton]

Very nice, thank you - helps keep motivation up! Sorry to hear about the back, hope it's better soon.

 

[Nev]

Very inspiring Jon. Hope the back heals quickly ! (I know the feeling )

 

[JimParker256]

I always enjoy your videos, Jon. On this one, you sounded so laid back and peaceful... Hope your back heals quickly.

 

[nichzimmerman]

I hope you heal fast! ...but not too fast that you don't have time to make another video first =)

-Nic

 

[Battson]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone!

 

[Battson]

Not a sponsored post, but I want to provide a huge shout out to Matt Hayes (of NZ) for this collaboration on these photos: https://www.matthayes.co.nz

I would encourage anyone to reach out to Matt if you're interested in showcasing your aircraft.

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[Chris In Wisconsin]

I’m being prompted for credentials for the top three photos, but the last photo is stunning!

 

[Nev]

Very good. I like the profile pic too.

 

[rv8bldr]

Yup, I'm having the same issue as Chris. That last pic is gorgeous...

 

[JimParker256]

Likewise, I'm being asked for a password to view the photos.

 

[Battson]

Fixed the links, thank you.

 

[Battson]

Thanks Nev!

 

[robcaldwell]

We can see them now... STUNNING Pics!!!

Love your Hoerner tips, Jon!

 

[JimParker256]

Wow! Great pictures!

 

[James]

Geez I wish I were a New Zealander - just like living in Australia, but better.
Plus I'd be able to wander over and see your plane - a real flying Bearhawk!

Great photos Jon

 

[Battson]

Not exactly "backcountry" flying, however this is the biggest meeting of 'real-world' backcountry aircraft and fliers in New Zealand, so thought it worth sharing.

This year's Bearhawk entry is shown here flying against the venerable Maule M6-235 long-wing.

 

[Battson]

Our latest offering, I had to learn a new video editor (took all day) and I am still a little rough around the edges....

 

[svyolo]

Sweet. Thanks for sharing.

 

[robcaldwell]

Love these videos!

 

[Nev]

Had to share this video - Battson and I headed South for 3 days flying in the Southern Alps.

I knew it was a capable machine but I’ve got a newfound respect for just how capable. The weather was great and I got to see the Bearhawk in its natural playground.

 

[m.mooney]

Truly spectacular country. I thoroughly enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing.
Mike

 

[Nev]

Yep we’re very lucky down here to have this in our back yard.

 

[Mark Goldberg]

While the BH is certainly very capable - in the hands of a pilot with the flying skills of Jonathan it is really special. Mark

 

[Chet]

Beautiful video.How long was that grass strip?

 

[Enewton57]

Excellent video, beautiful country, exceptional airplane. Thanks for sharing.

Eric Newton

 

[Sir Newton]

Wow, Nice job!

 

[Nev]

I’m not sure, Battson may know. None of them seemed very long to me.

 

[Pbruce]

Beautiful video. Thank you for that. Looks like you had a great pilot too!

 

[Battson]

The gravel ones were the shortest, grass ones around 250m.

 

[DinoS]

Nice pic's, Beautiful country. I have a friend from here in Canada who flew a tow plane in Omarama for two seasons. There was a dispute between Gavin, the owner, and the government, he lost his job when the operation shut down. Mt. Cooke is a glider flight destination.

 

[Battson]

Here are a few snaps from last weekend's overnighter to the cold mountain valleys of the west coast.
Photo credit to Bissetg for the above and the last

 

[Nev]

Stunning !

 

[svyolo]

That is pretty awesome. I travelled a lot by sailing yacht 25 years ago. There is nothing like getting off the beaten path.
Right cowl inlet done except for rubber seals. Left one done in a few days.

 

[JimParker256]

Battson, that is some incredibly beautiful country you get to fly in... And the Bearhawk look SO good in that environment. Thanks for posting!

 

[Battson]

Seeing as it's been a while since I uploaded any photos (we are still flying as often, I am spending more time with the children and less time online!) here are some recent photos which I thought worth sharing.

This is an airstrip which I haven't posted before, I think.
It's relatively short (under 500ft long), pretty much a one-way deal, and definitely very (very!) rough (grass over huge riverbed boulders). The airframe certainly makes a lot of loud noises landing here!