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AUSTIN, TEXAS, APRIL 9, 2021 – Bearhawk Aircraft announced today the successful operations of a Bearhawk 4-Place aircraft on wheels, floats and skis. The Bearhawk is a rugged design built originally for heavy hauling and bulky loads. As a “triphibious” airplane, the Bearhawk 4-Place performs equally well on wheels, floats and skis apropos of the season.

Owner/operator/builder of the kit-built Bearhawk, Robert Taylor is based in Kenai, Alaska, a coastal city southwest of Anchorage on the mouth of the Kenai River. Having access to shorelines, waterways and often-frozen tundra, Taylor accentuates his flying preferences with the turf, water and snow options of his triphibious Bearhawk aircraft. “My son and I built the aircraft together. The idea from the start was to put it on floats. I fly year-round here in Alaska. I am on skis now, but it’s time to swap to wheels. In June, the airplane will go to a nearby lake and be on floats again,” Taylor commented.

Taylor’s triphibious Bearhawk is powered by a carbureted Lycoming O-540-E4B5, 6-cylinder engine. (For comparison, this is the same big-bore block typically found on Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six and Britten Norman BN-2 Islander aircraft.) Taylor is an A&P mechanic and former inspector. Since completing his Bearhawk in August of 2017, he’s accumulated over 400 hours flight time in it.

On wheels, the aircraft is powerful and responsive, according to Taylor, with the 260-hp Lycoming O-540 up front. He indicated, “The flight controls are very responsive and can be flown with two fingers. Stalls are very predictable with no tendency to drop one wing. The 6-cylinder Lycoming has all the power you could ever need, which makes it a safe airplane to fly.” Taylor affirms having seen speeds of up to 160 mph IAS in the aircraft and claims landing speeds of 52 mph, both while on wheels. “The ability to fly fast and also fly slow makes the aircraft very versatile. At a power setting of 22 x 22 [2,200 rpm x 22 inches MP], the Bearhawk economically cruises at around 130 mph burning 11–12 gph.”

Building the Bearhawk as floatplane for operation on the Kenai Peninsula equates to placing it in its natural habitat. Landing locations are abundant. “It has proven to be a very nice, straight forward floatplane,” Taylor stated. The installation of Edo 2870 floats (now serviced and supported by Kenmore Air of Kenmore, Washington) required minimal modification. The model 2870 was originally certified for use on Cessna 180/185 Skywagons. Adding floats slows down the aircraft by 15 mph in cruise, due to increased drag, according to Taylor. A ventral fin (a single strake / tail fin beneath the empennage) was also installed. This enhances directional stability when flying at higher angles of attack. Taylor claims takeoff time from idle to separation is approximately six seconds at sea level. An allowed gross weight of 2,700 lb on floats makes the aircraft “truly useful,” he contends. Water operations thrive on agility, and that’s where a Bearhawk floatplane excels. Taylor added, “The double cargo doors really shine when loading or unloading cargo on floats. Forward visibility is exceptional on the float-equipped Bearhawk.”

On skis, Taylor notes, the cruise speed of the Bearhawk 4-Place is slightly faster than on wheels due to reduced drag. “The extra power comes in very useful on skis in deep powder snow, and especially on floats.” As winter conditions dictate, Taylor’s Bearhawk gets fitted with M3000 main skis (all metal wheel replacements from Aero Skis of Brooten, Minnesota) and a T3000 tail ski (an all-aluminum wheel-penetration ski for the Scott 3200 tailwheel). When flying frozen tundra, “This combination gives a very useful ski plane. Handling characteristics are similar to flying on wheels,” he added.

“As a pilot, I find the Bearhawk meets all my needs. As a licensed aircraft mechanic, I have had experience with just about all the classic general aviation light aircraft. With this in mind, I find the quality of materials and workmanship of the 4-Place Bearhawk compare favorably with any certified category aircraft I have worked on,” Taylor asserted.

New Zealand STOL Winner Trifecta for Bearhawk

For the third year in a row, Bearhawk pilot Jonathan Battson wins the annual Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) competition. The event is held in Blenheim, New Zealand, home to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center—a “living” museum commemorating the two World Wars (www.omaka.org.nz). The main objective in the STOL component of the competition is to get airborne in the shortest distance, and then touch down safely bringing the aircraft to a stop also in the shortest distance. Battson took top spot in the Heavy Touring Category (>2,550 lb) in his Bearhawk 4-Place aircraft. As has become customary for Battson in the Bearhawk, his winning score was by a wide margin. Battson completed the trifecta of wins in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

FMI go to www.marlboroughaeroclub.co.nz/healthy-bastards/Healthy-Bastards-introduction/

Whether flying for sport and recreation, to make the best use of one’s time, or out of basic necessity, there is no equal to the Bearhawk. A triphibious Bearhawk with its array of landing options, carrying capacity and superior strength is prepared, all around, to ensure each challenge is met with reliability and strength. The combination of wheel, ski and float options on the Bearhawk, along with three successive competition victories, exemplify trifectas of achievement—that involving three successful outcomes.

Bearhawk aircraft are available in kit or plan form. Models range from 2-, 4- and 6-Place configurations. All Bearhawk aircraft excel at accessing remote airstrips and are renown for their rugged construction and carrying capacity. Avipro / Bearhawk Aircraft manufactures high quality Quick Build kits for the Bearhawk 4-Place Model B, Bearhawk Patrol, Bearhawk Companion, and Bearhawk LSA, and Bearhawk Model 5.

For more information on Bearhawk Aircraft, visit www.bearhawkaircraft.com, or contact Bearhawk at info@bearhawkaircraft.com or 1-877-528-4776.

– Bearhawk –

AUSTIN, TEXAS, MARCH 1, 2021 – Bearhawk Aircraft announced today two first flights of Bearhawk Model B aircraft in Idaho and California. The Bearhawk Model B is a 4-Place aircraft designed by engineer Bob Barrows. Also, aircraft kits of the Bearhawk Model 5, a 6-Place design announced last May, have shipped. The first four customers of the Model 5 have received their kits and construction is underway. All Bearhawk aircraft models employ superior strength and durability in their construction. Designed to fly fast and land slow, Bearhawk aircraft are renown for their short field capabilities, gentle slow speed manners, and hauling capacity.

The Idaho-based Bearhawk Model B was completed in under one year by Brent Huddleston, a short timeframe considering he’s a first-time aircraft builder. Brent says his new Bearhawk has more performance than his previous O-470-powered Cessna 182Q. He had never flown a taildragger, but this did not deter him from comparing the Bearhawk to others in his search for a kit. In the end, according to Brent, “The Bearhawk was the fastest, had the best specs, big doors, and, by comparison, the 182 was too small for even my dog.”

Brent installed an IO-540 engine, “ported and polished to 9.5:1 compression,” on his Bearhawk. With the big 300-hp engine, Brent and his instructor say it’s very responsive, not light, and yet not heavy on the controls. Brent has his own landing strip and already appreciates the difference in climb attitude, noting that the 182 points up in climb, while the Bearhawk is still gaining speed at 1200 fpm and 3/4-throttle but “feels level.” He claims speeds of 155 mph TAS, and says he’s getting many compliments on workmanship, paint and finish.

A second Model B builder, Tim Newsome of California, flew his Bearhawk for the first time last month. The Bearhawk Model B is a “refinement” of the original 4-Place Bearhawk by Bob Barrows. Enhancements to the Model B include a longer, speedier and more stable Riblett 30-413.5 airfoil, and weight-saving aluminum fuselage formers, window sills, and door sills in place of steel. Airfoil shaped empennage surfaces improve stability, control authority, and speed. The 4-Place Bearhawk is long-established as best-in-class for its speed, STOL capability, and large payload carrying capacity.

Four Bearhawk Model 5 kits have arrived in the hands of their respective builders. Virgil Irwin took delivery of one in Oklahoma, albeit, the aircraft is ultimately destined for West Africa. “The kit has been fantastic so far,” said Virgil. He plans to have it flying by October, and meanwhile will be finishing up his A&P certificate. The Bearhawk is Virgil’s first complete build, adding, “I will have a couple of guys helping off and on.” The instrument panel will be IFR-capable and built around the Garmin G3X. Once in Africa, the aircraft will be based on a dirt runway. Virgil states there is no actual IFR in the country, however, “Niger weather in the Sahara desert requires special VFR due to dirt in the air.”

The West African destination is tied to the missionary work the aircraft will service. Hence, Virgil expects to obtain permission to operate off-airport. He noted that Niger has no general aviation and only six such aircraft are based in the country now. Thus, no avgas is available. While it can be special ordered, at an exorbitant $22/gal., the Bearhawk will need to run on auto gas. Per its mission, the aircraft will be operating heavy all the time and Virgil needed, “a big aircraft that hauls a lot.” The Bearhawk Model 5 fit the criteria. It will employ a Lycoming IO-540 engine with 8.7:1 compression and EFII (Electronic Fuel Injection and Ignition).

A second Model 5 kit was recently delivered to a customer in the Houston area. Ryan Barker of Livingston, Texas, is a commercial pilot. After flying the Bearhawk 4-Place and 6-Place models, Ryan determined the Model 5 is the best all around plane for him and his family on their grass strip. Ryan is another first-time builder and expects to work solo on the build, enlisting help when needed. He looked at other aircraft, including certified models, for his family of five. “I wanted a family truckster,” he stated. “The demo flight really validated my choice. The engine will be an angle-valve IO-540.”

Two additional Bearhawk Model 5 builders have begun construction in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Jackson, New Hampshire. The aircraft’s design was in response to a customer’s call for more cabin and more payload. It’s the only 6-seat purpose-built kit aircraft on the market, and the first in the lineup of Bearhawk aircraft to use a 300-horsepower engine. The Model 5’s fuselage is slightly wider by two inches, and longer by 14, than the original 4-Place Bearhawk. The Model 5 has considerably more interior room than Cessna’s load-carrying 185 Skywagon. Gross weight is 3,000 lb, with utility category strength at full gross. Cruise speeds of 160 mph combine with exceptional takeoff and landing performance on the Model 5.

Bearhawk aircraft are available in kit or plan form. Models range from 2-, 4- and 6-Place configurations. All Bearhawk aircraft excel at accessing remote airstrips and are renown for their rugged construction and large cargo areas. Avipro / Bearhawk Aircraft manufactures high quality Quick Build kits for the Bearhawk 4-Place Model B, Bearhawk Patrol, Bearhawk Companion, and Bearhawk LSA, and new Bearhawk Model 5.

For more information on Bearhawk Aircraft, visit www.bearhawkaircraft.com, or contact Bearhawk at info@bearhawkaircraft.com or 1-877-528-4776.

– Bearhawk –

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Bearhawk. NOTHING… Flies as fast, that lands as short, that hauls as much weight as a Bearhawk. Two, Four and Six-Place aircraft.

SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS, FEBRUARY 11, 2021 – American Legend Aircraft Company announced today its participation with McKinney ISD High School students and local STEM project organizers to build a Legend Cub two-place airplane. Organizers state that the project represents the team’s first time building a Legend Cub. The project is currently underway at McKinney National Airport (KTKI), a short distance from the Dallas-area school, and 49 nm due west of Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport (KSLR), home of the Legend Cub.

The Legend Cub is a thoroughly modern recreational aircraft manufactured from tubular steel and covered in fabric. The design takes its cues from one of the world’s most recognized small airplanes, the Piper Cub. The Legend Cub is renown for incorporating contemporary features and construction methods. The first Legend Cub was manufactured in 2005.

The impetus for the Legend Cub student build project began when organizers of separate projects were discussing future options. One casually suggested, “Why not replace your Cub?” The Legend Cub is well-regarded among pilots whom often volunteer their time on similar projects. The lead volunteer/mentor at McKinney High School, Phil Campbell, had previously built two other aircraft under the program. Campbell’s friend Ernie Butcher, in the Houston area, had worked on an estimated 24 builds. Campbell was aware that Butcher enjoys flying his Legend Cub.

Butcher serves as president of Eagle’s Nest Project, a national organization providing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education experiences in aviation. According to Campbell, “The program we have devised is not directed at luring kids into aviation. Rather, aviation is the hook to get them involved in STEM studies.” The two leaders contend it works both ways, and added that the majority of student participants do tend toward a career in aviation.

Butcher co-owns a Legend Cub that logs much of its time training new pilots; and it’s a very high-time airplane. The other owner is Bruce Bohannon, legendary racing performer also known for his many record-setting altitude and time-to-climb flights. Bohannon currently devotes much of his time training others to fly. The “replace your Cub” suggestion by Campbell mushroomed into, “This time let’s build a Cub,” by Butcher.

The Legend Cub’s reinforced tubular frame, numerous integrated components, and lightweight covering system present a hands-on approach to fabrication. Each airplane is built by teams of workers, where in a factory setting the hours add up quickly. Giving others the opportunity to build a Legend Cub, from a kit and outside a factory setting, naturally lends itself to STEM and hands-on learning. In a student environment, where classroom time stretches across weekends, semesters and summers, participants become “owners” as well as masterminds of the project.

Legend Cub Kit

Approximately 80 Legend Cubs have been completed and approved from kit form. The list includes many notable builders, even aviation celebrities. First Legend Cub kit customer was Rand Siegfried, a former Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Director, who completed the build with his teenage daughter in 2008. Another father/mother/son team, the Takacs family built their Legend Cub kit in 2014. Both builds were done in a factory-assist program and both airplanes were flown to their West Coast homes upon completion.

McKinley’s Cub, EAA Sport Pilot, March 2009

Family Affair, Kitplanes, September 2015

Others have built a Legend Cub kit in their own airport-based hangar, or in a home-based hobby room. Notable are Craig and Sandy Gainza, a husband/wife build team, and their “Pirate Cub.” Their prior building experience was an all-metal airplane, like those of earlier STEM projects. Craig noted, “It’s a Cub, but it’s really a Cub that’s been modified and improved—it’s been pirated.” Their Pirate Cub won a Bronze Lindy for craftsmanship at EAA AirVenture 2013.

Sport Aviation Pirates, EAA Experimenter, February 2014

Danny Clisham built his Legend Cub kit in homage to airshow performer Harold Krier. Clisham, a veteran airline pilot, a.k.a. Skytalker, spent 55 years as an airshow announcer. Shortly after touring the Legend factory, accompanied by “six trusted friends and aircraft restorers,” his dream build was completed. The “Clisham Cub” was painted to resemble the late Harold Krier’s aerobatic airplanes.

Remembering Uncle Hal, EAA Vintage Airplane, May 2000

Danny Clisham & His Cub, EAA Sport Aviation, July 2012

A Legend Cub kit was delivered to Brazil in 2009. The design was selected for its outward appearance to, and finished to resemble, the Piper J3 Cub. Important considerations for the buyer were the kit being derived from the factory-built Legend Cub, FAA approval, and respective bilateral agreements with Brazil aviation authorities. Moreover, the kit enables the manufacture of personalized versions of a Cub with all the buyers’ desired features and options. A kit-built Legend Cub has been flying in the UK since 2012, and several are currently operating in Australia.

First International Texas Sport Kit CUB Assembled, Today’s Pilot, April 2010

Retro Delight, Light Aviation, July 2012

The Cubman, AirSport, September 2015

Considerations for STEM students as well as builders outside the factory include customized tools required in the manufacture of aircraft. A Legend Cub kit eliminates the need for many specialized tools and fixtures. Each airframe is fully welded and sealed for corrosion protection, and the all-aluminum wings are fully riveted at the factory. Assembly of components, finish details, and installation of nuts, bolts, etc. during fabrication requires only common hand tools.

Kit builders of the Legend Cub are presented with an easy-to-follow, detailed and illustrated manual for each step of the aircraft’s assembly. The manual serves as both how-to guide and textbook.

American Legend Aircraft Company continues to be one of the most successful manufacturers of personal aircraft, and is renown for its exceptional product support. The Legend Cub is sensibly modern, a pleasure to fly, and built-to-last.

For further information on the Legend Cub, contact American Legend Aircraft Company at 1810 Piper Lane, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482; call 903-885-7000, or log on to www.legend.aero. Follow us on facebook.com/LegendAircraft and instagram.com/legendcub.

– Legend Cub –

It was late 2004. I was approached by Tim Elliott and Darin Hart regarding the prospective launch of a remake of the Piper Cub. Development of a prototype new aircraft had been underway for several months. The two entrepreneurs were associated as members of a local EAA chapter and area business owners. Both were experienced pilots, both in high-performance and tailwheel aircraft.

The construction of the “new Cub” was being handled by Hart, who at the time operated a custom shop principally involved in the production of interiors and components for corporate and head-of-state aircraft. A licensed A&P mechanic, Hart had previously rebuilt a 1946 Piper Cub that was earned, among other awards, Best in Class at the Oshkosh fly-in in 1991. At the time I met them, Elliot flew a family-owned 1939 Piper J3 Cub purely for recreation and a Cessna twin for business purposes. Both founders contributed their unique vision of the new company that was soon to begin.

First flight of the Legend Cub was celebrated at Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport (KSLR), home to the nascent American Legend Aircraft Company, on March 11, 2005. With 100-plus spectators present, including employees, volunteers, airport personnel, local officials, aviation and community press, family and friends, the bright yellow remake performed exceptionally. It was flown by Danny Goggans, a commercial pilot and local legend. Upon its return, the Legend Cub descended gently towards the paved surface of runway 19 steady into a headwind, and settling down slowly as if in a natural hover.

With decisive plans in place, and an added measure of panache, the Legend Cub debuted at Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in, April 2005. The startup’s “vintage exhibition,” as it were, drew large crowds and earned the new company an eagerly welcomed backlog of new aircraft production orders.

In June of that year, American Legend Aircraft Company announced the successful first flight of its Legend FloatCub. With KSLR situated on a lake and Hart residing on another nearby lake, adding floats to the airplane seemed an automatic next move.

Anticipating the company’s return to Florida in 2006, the first Legend FloatCub was transported to and debuted at Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base—a world renown facility for pilots seeking a seaplane rating and their #1 training aircraft are vintage Piper Cubs on floats. There it made a splash, confirming the universal love for the Cub and the ubiquity of its use on both land and sea.

When Piper produced the Cub, they tested numerous engines among many available at the time, eventually concluding that Continental Motors offered long-term stability both for aviation in general and Piper itself. The durability of Continental engines has proven, even today, their lasting relevance. Moreover, the sounds they produce are beyond compare. Four gently humming cylinders speak the sound of a “small airplane” while, in much the same way, the Cub’s bright yellow paint stirs emotion for flight.

Regulatory approval of the new Legend Cub came via the FAA’s newly authorized S-LSA designation. A set of consensus standards, published by ASTM, offered American Legend a streamlined means of obtaining airworthiness approval for their production of aircraft.

The new light-sport aircraft initiative set out to do a number of things, among them, reduce barriers to entry for both planes and pilots. The concept forged its appeal early on among an aging generation of pilots. Legend’s first customer was a prime example of this new trend. The third delivery of a Legend Cub was also significant as it was the first “glass panel” Cub sporting the newly introduced Dynon EFIS-D100.

For most sky gazers, upon first glance of a small airplane aloft, the delightful Cub comes to mind. Yellow Cubs with their complementary lightning bolt stripe and black “eyebrow” cylinder baffles are perhaps the most famous. However, when Legend decided to offer a closed cowl version of its Cub, what came to mind for the paint scheme was a Cub Special. The new closed cowl Legend Cub featured an regal blue base on its belly and aft fuselage, including the vertical fin. This aircraft was unveiled as the Legend Cub Special and it too was an immediate success.

Dynon was the maverick new company in experimental avionics in 2006. They offered many vivid new products which pilots were eager to embrace. Their FlightDEK-D180, combination EFIS and engine monitor, became standard equipment on the high-end Legend Cub Special. Niceties of the EFIS included display of fuel flow and carburetor inlet temperature, plus up to 16 engine gauges. This signaled the beginning of many new options offered on the now hallowed Legend Cub.

SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS, DECEMBER 11, 2020 – American Legend Aircraft Company announced today the addition of two awards from the 2020 Central Florida Classic of the National STOL Competition Series. Challengers from American Legend placed second and fourth in the STOL event final held in Lakeland, Florida, on December 5th.

The National STOL series is an aviation event/activity—sport, one might say—that continues to grow enthusiastically. STOL competitions are where pilots compete on two primary skills related to backcountry flying, Short Take Offs and Landings. The activity dates back to the early 1980s, when Alaskan pilots were offered prizes for displaying their prowess at off-airport departures and arrivals. Similar events have become frequent at fly-ins around the lower 48 states, drawing crowds and building camaraderie among pilots at every skill level.

Pilots from American Legend performed at the Central Florida Classic, in the Experimental class, with their factory demonstrator Mother Of All Cubs, a.k.a. MOAC. The aircraft is an AL18 Legend Cub and a big brother to the Legend Cub S-LSA that first came to Florida in 2005. MOAC boasts a Titan engine beneath its closed pressure cowling. It also features leading edge slats, half-span wing flaps, and 36-inch tundra tires splayed out on a Shock Monster undercarriage from TK1 Racing. In the hands of two well-prepared pilots, MOAC showed once again to be a strong competitor.

The duo of American Legend challengers included John Wisdom who finished with a score of 284 feet and took 2nd place. John’s takeoff distance was recorded as 126 feet and his landing at 158 feet. Luke Spoor scored 336 feet total and took 4th place. Luke’s takeoff distance was 152 feet, and 184 feet in landing. Among pilots of the Legend Cub, these benchmark distances, while remarkable, are routinely achievable given the right wind and field conditions. Published specifications for the company’s Classic Legend Cub boast 210 feet in takeoff ground roll and 210 feet in landing distance. Final standings of the Central Florida Classic can be seen here.

The two Legend competitors flew the same aircraft, albeit in separate heats. (Note: The live streaming announcers were at least initially confused about whom was flying). Luke is the stepson of American Legend Aircraft Company owner Darin Hart. An accomplished youth who has mastered the Legend Cub platform, Luke has enjoyed easy access to the company’s aircraft. He soloed at the age of 16 and received his pilot license at 17. Luke has been flying for 10 years. John is a factory demo pilot and CFI who spends much of his time demonstrating the Legend lineup. John is graciously known as the company’s Chief Fun Instructor.

Darin commented on the Florida Classic, “The guys at nationalstol.com did a great job hosting this event. We enjoyed sponsoring and being a part of the competition. It was an exciting weekend for me watching my son compete and do so well up against many great pilots. Luke added, “This was my first time competing in a STOL competition. I was excited when I qualified, and even more excited to learn I came in fourth place.”

The 2020 Central Florida Classic of the National STOL Competition Series was streamed live, and can be watched via replay.

Since their introduction of the Legend Cub, American Legend Aircraft Company has held strong among light aircraft manufacturers. MOAC, designed for personal and backcountry use, is a global phenomenon with standout features, including: Up to 208 horsepower, optimized wing and tail surfaces, Shock Monster TK1 front suspension, aft fuselage storage and turtle deck, seating for up to three, extended rear windows and skylight, doors on both sides, advanced avionics, and much more.

For further information on the Legend Cub, contact American Legend Aircraft Company at 1810 Piper Lane, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482; call 903-885-7000, or log on to www.legend.aero. Follow us on facebook.com/LegendAircraft and instagram.com/legendcub.

– Legend Cub –