I'm pretty happy to be able to share this photo - our new machine.



After a few hold-ups, here we are in August two months after schedule - but we're here! I'm just waiting for the registration paperwork to come through, I believe it's the first complete Bearhawk made in New Zealand.



I still need to put the prop back on, and there's a few tricky little jobs yet to complete before we can get approval to test fly, but as far as the build goes - she's finished. The photos show me and my friend the "crash-test dummy" (test pilot) who also owns a small share.

Very Nice Jonathon Congratulations on completing your Bearhawk build; it is all downhill and enjoyment from here on. Well, mostly anyway. We'll be looking forward to your flight reports on the new bird.

That is truly a major life accomplishment to complete a project of that magnitude. Now, get that paper work and just fly the pants off of it

Awesome! I look forward to flight test reports.

congrats!!!!

Congrats too!

Awesome looking machine, will keep an eye out for you if you head south anytime (NZRT)

Just been loosely involved and following a friend here building his Rans S7 from out of the shipping crate to the test flight over the last nearly 3 years, and what a great moment when the paper works all signed off!!! funny the colour of his Rans is not too far away from yours!! you'll have to call in now for a photo shoot!!

Well done anyways, a great achievement.

Enjoy the countless hours burning holes in the sky!!

blue skies matey

Rob

Good one Battson, looking forward to some formation flying - I might even be able to keep up with you in the cruise soon

Great achievement - get that paperwork sorted and get into it, can't wait to see how it performs!!!

Fantastic!

Awesome work!

Congratulations Battson !

IMHO make sure you read up on all the previous flight test reports, to make sure you are aware of, and ready for, any "first flight" problems that have cropped up. (I remember reading about Russ Erb's Bearhawk flutter incident, which would be a #$(%$*% unpleasant surprise on a first flight.)

Good job, and here's to your many years of safe adventures.

NZMaule wrote:... I might even be able to keep up with you in the cruise soon...

Haha - you'll be 5kts faster than me! But nothing that some ABWs wont fix, right?
Are you thinking 29s or 31s?

I'll post more photos once the prop is on, from the taxi tests, and other little milestones.
I can post photos of the pile of paperwork too....

Congratulations!

I'm loving the yellow.

Here's a few more photos for the bag:

Congrats Battson ! I'm only about 3 years behind you with a patrol. Can't wait !

pilatuski wrote:Congrats too!

Awesome looking machine, will keep an eye out for you if you head south anytime (NZRT)

Just been loosely involved and following a friend here building his Rans S7 from out of the shipping crate to the test flight over the last nearly 3 years, and what a great moment when the paper works all signed off!!! funny the colour of his Rans is not too far away from yours!! you'll have to call in now for a photo shoot!!

Well done anyways, a great achievement.

Enjoy the countless hours burning holes in the sky!!

blue skies matey

Rob

Is that Phil Merrideths plan Rob? That thing is modded to the hilt!

emflys wrote:

pilatuski wrote:Congrats too!

Awesome looking machine, will keep an eye out for you if you head south anytime (NZRT)

Just been loosely involved and following a friend here building his Rans S7 from out of the shipping crate to the test flight over the last nearly 3 years, and what a great moment when the paper works all signed off!!! funny the colour of his Rans is not too far away from yours!! you'll have to call in now for a photo shoot!!

Well done anyways, a great achievement.

Enjoy the countless hours burning holes in the sky!!

blue skies matey

Rob

Is that Phil Merrideths plan Rob? That thing is modded to the hilt!

Hey Emflys! yeah it is!! good spotting!! i'll pm you to save hijacking! cheers R

Congratulations on your completed project!

Are you going to shoot a clear coat over the yellow paint or are you going with the flat look?

Your hanger looks pristine!

Looking forward to your first flight reports and pictures.

[quote="MAU MAU"]Are you going to shoot a clear coat over the yellow paint or are you going with the flat look?
quote]

We will probably give it a little more paint in spots, then buff it for a semi-gloss flinish (in the interest of saving weight).

Sorry to join the party so late. Great looking Bearhawk. I was away from backcountry pilot since I didn't have the nerd skills to wade through google chrome and learn it. I like the yellow. I'm a Patrol builder.

Congrats! How is the test flying going. I need a trip to Wellington soon!