Bearhawk - Camping Adventures in a Bushplane
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- Опубліковано 19 лип 2023
- Out and about in the backcountry of New Zealand in my Bearhawk bush-plane - a collection of video clips from the last few months featuring backcountry flying, camping overnights, beach landings, and gravel bars.
240 hours in about 18 months, that's about 3 hours every single weekend! For all the weekend flyers out there, this is probably the ultimate dream (being able to go flying every weekend), and you're living it!
It is a bit difficult to determine, from this video, but it looks like you're bringing the missus along for some of these. Having four seats in it makes it a family-friendly flyer, and ultimately, that seems like the greatest fun a family can have. Judging by your videos, NZ has some spectacular wild nature, so it seems you have plenty more fun flying ahead.
There are many homebuilders who are documenting their build online, and it is immensely gratifying to see all this progress, but this particular channel stands out as the most aspirational -- build it in a (bit over a) year, then flying every single chance you get. Too many have to stretch that build process over 8 - 12 years (we all tend to have full-time jobs), and once they are done, the job (and family) severely restricts their flying. Your channel provides great motivation, showing how it actually can (and should) be done!
Thanks so much. Yes, I built mine as a first year retirement project, full time. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
My wife comes with me about 1/3 of the time, particularly if we're overnighting. The rest of the time it's usually a friend, or solo, and flying with other aircraft. To be honest the back set doesn't get used as much as you would think and I've had it removed for the last 3 months. I thought I'd be going everywhere with kids and friends, but in reality you tend to get the occasional time when there's 3 of us.
Also, for operating in the backcountry to shorter airstrips (mostly what I do) I like to have the weight at 2200lbs or less. This uses less runway (approach speed is lower) and is easier on the airframe. So that means 2 POB, 3 hours fuel, and camping gear. So it's a good 4 seater, and a GREAT 2 seater.
Yes I'm very lucky to be able to fly regularly, and to be close to such good backcountry flying !
I can't believe I didn't know your channel! Amazing videos! Subscribed straight away!
Thank you, enjoy !
I’d love to see more of the beach landings and maybe some comments on techniques
Ok I'll try to add that next time.
merci
I watched all the build vlogs and watching you fly it is amazing. Thanks for the content.
Thanks!
Reminds me of the flying in NW Nevada. Beautiful!
Best Video so far! Truly amazing
Thanks Jay ! Enjoy following your progress.
This makes me drop everything I'm doing and get to working on my bearhawk! Thanks for the inspiration
That's great Dan. Get at it !
Good flying. Enjoyed the video.
I love seeing you enjoy your Bearhawk!
Looks like a lot of fun! Nice B Hawk!
Cool video!
Really enjoyed the video Nev!
My wife and I will be in New Zealand the last week of Oct thru the first week of Nov.
Looking forward to seeing that beautiful scenery in person.
You'll have a great trip John !
Great stuff Nev, looks like you're doing well at picking your flying weather! 👍
Yes mate, if you're down this way we'll dial up some similar weather :)
Beautiful country!
Thanks Craig!
Fantastic video as always. Gosh that strip towards the end with the dog barking seemed pretty short ! Or maybe just the video perspective. The 180 was probably working hard getting in and out of there !
Yep it was about 300m. Probably I should allow a bit more height crossing the threshold next time, there was a small bank hidden in the kong grass by the gates that I'd didn't see! Live and learn :)
Loving these vids mate. I'm looking at starting a build but torn between the companion and the 4 place. I'd use mine much like you do, 2 POB + gear, so the companion seems like a good fit, but might lack the utility of the 4.....decisions decisions
I was very tempted by the Companion, it's got a lot going for it. Certainly the CG envelope will be tighter and I think that's a good thing. Power to weight with a 200hp IO360 will also be favorable.
Nice!
Good day Nev i am looking at getting a bearhawk model 5 for going bush in a aircraft what would you do differently also how many celeo did the bearhawk used with the bearhawk i like the useful load as well thanks
Hi. Mine is a model 4B with a useful load of about 1000lbs. I can carry 4 people and 3 hours of fuel. In the backcountry I carry 2 POB, 3 hours of fuel and camping gear, so I use a lower landing weight. I wouldn't do much different to be honest, I'm happy with the engine and avionics. Just small things that I learned while building it that might make the build quicker. Next time I would use Oratex fabric, that would save time and make fabric repairs easier. Also I would possibly increase the vertical stabiliser area a small amount. But I'm used to that now.
@@bearhawkblog3527 with the oratex is bad since you have to throw scrap away i research also stewards system can repair any fabric system out there that's from the FAA a prove
Have you ever considered flying abroad? I know it's a cumbersome route (Norfolk, Lord Howe islands), but theoretically, it could be done (with a bit of reserve fuel). Is that even appealing to a New Zealander, as an adventure?
I've looked at it a few times, and it's something I might do in a few years. With light winds it could be done with standard fuel tanks. NZ is a small country, but in reality I haven't seen 1/3 of it yet and that's with a lot of flying. I'm looking forward to exploring the North Island soon and seeing the beaches and terrain - I used to be based there in the 1990's as a junior instructor/charter pilot and there's some great flying there too.
Hey Neil, where do you recommend doing the PPL course in NZ?
Most cities have a local flying school and/or an Aero club. They all follow the same syllabus. I did mine many years ago at Air Gisborne, and more recently I renewed my NZ license at Canterbury Aero Club. However there are many to chose from. Hope this helps.