Steve Thompson Patrol Flying Update

This article is available for purchasers of 2010 Beartracks access. Click here to purchase access or validate your prior 2010 subscription. Multi-year bundles are available here.

Bearhawk Spin Test Evaluation Initial Impressions

Source: 2009 Q2 Beartracks, Lee Taylor
1. Background
Recently I was approached by Eric Newton about the possibility of my participating with him in evaluating the spin characteristics of his new Bearhawk homebuilt. I inspected the aircraft thoroughly, and have been favorably impressed with the overall construction and cleanness of Eric's aircraft.
2. Flight
As the previous owner of a Cessna 180, which I had flown all over the US and Alaska, I was particularly interested in Eric's aircraft, as it comes close to being an idealized Alaska plane in respect to what an individual would want in that environment.

This article is available for purchasers of 2009 Beartracks access. Click here to purchase access or validate your prior 2009 subscription. Multi-year bundles are available here.

Correcting a Heavy Wing- The Washer Method

Source: 2006 Q4 Beartracks
The following info was developed by Jim Clevenger, owner & builder of the just finished Florida demo Bearhawk – plans serial # 448 (prototype kit). If your plane has a heavy wing in its initial flights, after checking the flaps are inline on both sides, and you notice that when flying hands off one aileron is high and one low.

This article is available for purchasers of 2006 Beartracks access. Click here to purchase access or validate your prior 2006 subscription. Multi-year bundles are available here.

Controlling Adverse Yaw: Reflexing the Ailerons

Source: 2005 Q3 Beartracks
As more Bearhawks get into the air we should all be prepared for widely varying comments on the way the airplane handles. Some will love it, and some will dislike it. The difference can most likely be found in how the ailerons are rigged.

This article is available for purchasers of 2005 Beartracks access. Click here to purchase access or validate your prior 2005 subscription. Multi-year bundles are available here.