Bender wrote:?...is it legal for me to make major mods like adding windows, third seat, belly pod, etc, on an experimental a/c that I didn't build myself?

You'll need an A&P to sign the log book on the mods.

Congrats on the kid on the way.

Yes you can those mods Bender. That is my plan but I'm reviewing the C180 option because I could fly sooner...I think.

You sure about that Barnstormer?

It is my understanding that the only thing an A&P needs to sign off on is the condition inspection. Now, the A&P you use may not be comfortable with you doing mods without his approval/oversight and therefore wouldn't sign off on a condition inspection if you've done a mod without him. Technically though the only thing you need an A&P for is the condition inspection.

whee wrote:You sure about that Barnstormer?

It is my understanding that the only thing an A&P needs to sign off on is the condition inspection. Now, the A&P you use may not be comfortable with you doing mods without his approval/oversight and therefore wouldn't sign off on a condition inspection if you've done a mod without him. Technically though the only thing you need an A&P for is the condition inspection.

I think you are right whee. I found this which I hadn't seen before:

"Sec. 43.1 Applicability.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this part prescribes rules governing the maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration of any--
(1) Aircraft having a U.S. airworthiness certificate;
(2) Foreign-registered civil aircraft used in common carriage or carriage
of mail under the provisions of Part 121, 127, or 135 of this chapter; and
(3) Airframe, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, and component parts
of such aircraft.
(b) This part does not apply to any aircraft for which an
experimental
airworthiness certificate has been issued, unless a different kind of airworthiness certificate had previously been issued for that
aircraft."

I'm so used to having my IA/A&P sign stuff off. This is cooler then I hoped. Thanks for straightening me out.

I really like this one. It looks like the back of the rear seat could be made a little thinner by using different padding/upholstery and give the rear passenger slightly more room. This one weighed in at 1430ish with an o-540. Add a pod and 1450 lbs should be realistic leaving 1050 lbs useful - 300 (50 gallons fuel) leaves 750 lbs for people and gear. Very Nice!

Dave's children got to big for the third row. They only used those seats a few times. Got a little stick time with Dave last year...unbeatable performance!

You could actually have 1300# useful; the Bearhawk can have a MTOW of 2750.

Bender wrote:Just found out that we're having a third child. I'm thinking Bearhawk with a fifth seat and a belly pod. If I buy a flying Bearhawk is it legal for me to make major mods like adding windows, third seat, belly pod, etc, on an experimental a/c that I didn't build myself?

Well shoot, right after the Pacer gets done too.... I told you not to do what I did and have 3.... [FACE WITH STUCK-OUT TONGUE AND WINKING EYE]

If I was to build a kit it would be the Bearhawk.... It is a great aircraft..

Brian

whee wrote:You could actually have 1300# useful; the Bearhawk can have a MTOW of 2750.

I've wondered what the gross would be if flown in the normal category. Most set the gross at 2500 in the utility category... 2700 on floats.

Brian-StevesAircraft wrote:

Bender wrote:Just found out that we're having a third child. I'm thinking Bearhawk with a fifth seat and a belly pod. If I buy a flying Bearhawk is it legal for me to make major mods like adding windows, third seat, belly pod, etc, on an experimental a/c that I didn't build myself?

Well shoot, right after the Pacer gets done too.... I told you not to do what I did and have 3.... [FACE WITH STUCK-OUT TONGUE AND WINKING EYE]

If I was to build a kit it would be the Bearhawk.... It is a great aircraft..

Brian

Congratulations! I want more..... Three ain't enough! ...not like we aren't trying...... Empty nest....

Brian-StevesAircraft wrote:If I was to build a kit it would be the Bearhawk.... It is a great aircraft..

Brian

There's going to be a Steve's Aircraft gascolator on at least one Bearhawk that I happen to be leaning against right this moment. Will post pics once I get my firewall on. Beautiful product!

We have used the third row seats extensively for our boys (x3) in a 185. Yes, it's a bit tight for adults, but for our kids, it's the preferred place, with the quickest two in the far back. You can pack an amazing amount of camping gear around them when that's the mission. Two in the middle and one in the back by the door with the gear stacked beside them. We'd run out of Volume before getting near Gross. None of them are teenagers yet though.

We even use the rear bench seat on commercial ops with another 185. Short A-B (30mins); pax with no gear.

Having said that, mirroring an earlier comment, the 'sensible' option would be to look at an older 205/206 if the budget extends. Great access to the rear seats, volume capacity and if it's a 206, the great double door option. They handle most of what the 180/185 can get into, are a bit softer riding in turbulence IMHO, and are a lot easier to load and unload than the taildragger.

But, the 180/185 is a lot of fun! And by the looks of it, so too is the 6 seat Maule!

whee wrote: Besides, for some strange reason I have an affinity for the 207. Maybe it is because that is what I took most of my PPL checkride in. If I was going to buy a 206 I'd probably try to find a 207.

Loooooooots of room back there in a Sled. And it handles the weight and remains in CG. Plus ya got 120 lbs worth of space in the nose baggage. A kid would fit there too.

Though I wouldn't want to work a non-turbo'd version anywhere near a place with high DA's.

Gump

Brian-StevesAircraft wrote:
Well shoot, right after the Pacer gets done too.... I told you not to do what I did and have 3.... [FACE WITH STUCK-OUT TONGUE AND WINKING EYE]

If I was to build a kit it would be the Bearhawk.... It is a great aircraft..

Brian

Wow, Brian - I never realized who you remind me of until just now...

Congrats Bender!

I don't know Cap.... Really think my bald fat ass looks like Mily..??

If you ask me, my wife looks way better... [emoji3]

Brian

Brian-StevesAircraft wrote:
I don't know Cap.... Really think my bald fat ass looks like Mily..??

If you ask me, my wife looks way better... [emoji3]

Brian

I still don't know - any chance there's video of you twerking? It might help me make my mind up once and for all...

Whoa, whoa, whoa...hold the phone. I think Mike must have been on something when he asked for a video of Brian twerking...please let's not go there. It would be really had to fly after I gouged out my eyeballs.

Heard from a BCP member that has a third row in his '59 C180 so it is looking like a possibility to buy an earlier plane that may fit my budget and have another seat installed.

Whee,

I had the third row seat installed in a '56 C180 once upon a time. My eldest son (now 25) would share that it is not a lot of fun to sit in the back without a view outside. If you spring for a 180 and want to use the third row seat, I recommend you pick a model year with the third window.

whee wrote:Whoa, whoa, whoa...hold the phone. I think Mike must have been on something when he asked for a video of Brian twerking...please let's not go there. It would be really had to fly after I gouged out my eyeballs.

Don't worry whee, not gonna happen.....

Mike, I concede... You win...LOL

Brian