Flew From Texas To Oshkosh In 9.7 Flying Hours

The first kit-built Bearhawk LSA aircraft has made its maiden flight to KOSH. The Bearhawk LSA made its debut at AirVenture 2012 as a prototype constructed by its designer Bob Barrows. The Bearhawk LSA, available as a quick-build kit, is manufactured by Bearhawk Aircraft of Austin, Texas.

Bearhawk Aircraft owner Mark Goldberg completed the first Bearhawk LSA quick-build kit. "Bearhawk Aircraft is excited to announce the maiden flight of the first Bearhawk LSA to be built from a quick-build kit," stated Goldberg. He continued, "The completed aircraft, N514AK, was present at AirVenture-Oshkosh on display in Bearhawk Aircraft booth. Visitors were welcomed to view the plane and it was readily identified by its bright red and silver Oratex covering."

The Bearhawk LSA completed the journey from Texas to Oshkosh in 9.7 hours of flight time. Cruise speeds during the flight varied from 98 miles per hour (MPH) burning 4.5 gallons per hour (GPH) to 118 MPH using 6 GPH. Empty weight of this aircraft is 818 pounds, allowing for a useful load of 322 pounds with a full 30-gallon tank of fuel. The airplane is designed for a maximum weight of 1500 pounds (with utility category strength), an additional margin for the aircraft's certified 1320-pound LSA limit.
The Bearhawk LSA sports a 105-horsepower Continental O-200 engine completed by Bob Barrows. It includes a full electrical system. Barrows's prototype Bearhawk LSA was also present on the grounds and participated in the Valdez STOL contest. In Monday's event, Barrows, in his Bearhawk LSA, performed a takeoff roll of 94 feet and a landing roll of 140 feet.

The Bearhawk LSA lets current, and future, Sport Pilots join in the pleasures of the Bearhawk clan. With its similar look and feel, the Bearhawk LSA is a clean-sheet design with an all-new airfoil, developed by Harry Riblett. Construction is similar to other Bearhawk aircraft, with fuselage and tail surfaces of welded 4130 chromoly frames covered in fabric. The all aluminum, flush riveted wings are supported by a single left- and right-hand strut.

Bearhawk Aircraft manufactures high-quality quick-build aircraft kits for the 4-Place Bearhawk, Bearhawk Patrol (2-place) and Bearhawk LSA (tandem). Designed by engineer Bob Barrows, the Bearhawk designs have in common excellent performance and superb flying characteristics. Bearhawks are known for their short field capability, higher than expected cruise speeds, and very gentle slow speed manners. For utility and recreational use, Bearhawk aircraft are flown by customers around the world.

(Image provided by Bearhawk Aircraft)

FMI: www.bearhawkaircraft.com