Source: 2023 Q4 Beartracks, Oriana Kononchuk
I started my Patrol in February 2022 and finished it in September 2023. It has a Lycoming 0-360 with a 82” Sterna Ground Adjustable prop, 29” Alaskan Bushwheels, and a 10” BH tailwheel. I also got an idea to put a wrap over fabric from a guy in the US. I designed it and had a friend who owns a company called MPrint Signs and Solutions in Edmonton, Alberta take the project on. This was their first airplane wrap and they did an amazing job! I kept interior as lightweight as possible, and it weighed in at 1164 pounds empty. For panel I kept it simple, with an ILevil which acts like a glass panel on your iPad. Love it! And This beast performs! The first time I took it up I was so impressed with how fast and docile it was. I’m a new tailwheel pilot and I trained in a Citabria. Well it was a completely different beast when I first took off on my own with the Patrol.
Smooth controls and 45 degree banks were a breeze. I had trouble slowing down on final and had to overshoot a few times before I landed. It really wants to glide. I have Clamar amphibs for it so looking forward to some float flying. Also will be getting a belly pod to be able to put gear in as the small compartment at the back isn’t enough for a week in the back country. All in all I’m completely satisfied and am grateful I had an amazing builder assist-Shane Madson with Madcustom Cubs. I was there for every part of the build learning and wrenching from a talented builder. Oshkosh is on my list for 2024!