Best 4 Seat Homebuilt??

[enewton57]

If you want a plans built 4-place, carry everything with you airplane, it's hard to beat the Bearhawk. I scratch built mine over a 4 year period and fly it regularly. You can see my website, building experiences and flying fun at my website. Check out my recent trip report to Oshkosh on the website:

Oshkosh '09 page 1

Enjoy,
Eric Newton - Long Beach, MS
Bearhawk N57EN - "Miss'ippi Mudbug
http://mybearhawk.com

[bmcj]

If you want a plans built 4-place, carry everything with you airplane, it's hard to beat the Bearhawk. I scratch built mine over a 4 year period and fly it regularly.

Eric, are you familiar with the Christavia Mk4? If so, how would you compare it with the Bearhawk? Just curious.

Bruce

[enewton57]

Eric, are you familiar with the Christavia Mk4? If so, how would you compare it with the Bearhawk? Just curious.

Bruce

Hi Bruce,
I am not too familiar with the Christavia MK 4. I tried to do a search for the specs on it to make a comparison and came up blank.

Attached are pictures of the Christavia MK4 and the Bearhawk for comparison.

Here are the Bearhawk specs:


Top Speed (Vne) 175 mph, IAS
Cruise Speed (260 hp) 155-160 mph (60%), TAS (varies with builder,engine,weight)
Cruise Speed (180 hp) 140 mph, TAS
Landing Speed 40 mph, IAS
Takeoff Roll 200-500 ft, demonstrated (depends on engine)
Rate of Climb @ gross 1,500-1,700 fpm (varies with builder,engine, etc.)
Range @ 65% est. 650 mi.
Range @ 50% est. 900 mi.
Empty Weight 1150-1350 pounds (varies w /builder /engine /prop)
Gross weight 2500 pounds (2700 pounds on floats)
Useful Load 1350-1150 pounds (varies w/ builder/ engine/ prop)
Fuel Capacity 50 gallons (standard) 68 gallons (optional, w/aux tanks)
Wing span 33 ft.
Wing Area 180 sq. ft.
Length 23 ft. 6 in.
Cabin Width 42 in.


Cabin Length 9 ft 8 in. (firewall to back of back of baggage area)

Engine HP range 150-260 hp

[Galt Airport]

I have a CF-4 Four Runner for sale if anyone is interested email me at maintenance@onezerocharlie.com.

[Voyeurger]

If anybody is interested in the Four Runner there is an article in Sport Aviation, August 1974 page 35. This was published right after it was flying. The plane has been cleaned up substantially from the photos in that old issue with a different cowl, windshield and what not, its a beauty now. but the article gives you an idea of the construction. Calbie also has plans for a metal wing for the Tailwind which is pretty popular.

I really would like to build one myself if I get the chance. Group build anyone?

Great looking plane.
I am also out of Auburn Muni. If you get some plans, I would like to have a look. Maybe work on the build with you.
Gary (hangar #37)

[Lowcostplans]

Yes, the Christavia is a very good choice. A friend of mine has one in the final stages of construction. For those not familiar, it looks very much like an enlarged, 4-place Aeronca Champ.

Bruce

How much would you estimate on overall cost?

[topspeed100]

Isn't Lancair Evolution also possible to build as a homebuilt ....as a kit at least ( same thing ? ) ?

http://www.generalaviationnews.com/w...Evolution2.jpg

With 330 KTS speed that is no underdog in travelling.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancair_Evolution

[Midniteoyl]

Then again, I'm partial to this plane.. Composite Aircraft Technology

[topspeed100]

What actually killed the White Lightning ?

White Lightning Kit Plane

[autoreply]

Yeah, I'd be interested in that too.

To put some oil on the discussion: The Dyn'aero MCR4S is one of the best recent designs I'm aware of. 750 lbs empty, 1650 MTOW, and perfect performance on the 100HP Rotax.

Dyn'Aero MCR01 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The newest version beats the C172 on every aspect. 2/3rd of the HP, much more speed, climb, comfort and a third of the cost...

[orion]

What actually killed the White Lightning?

As I recall it was a combination of factors. Despite the Lightning's impressive performance numbers, the aircraft's other features were less attractive. According to the original story I heard, the plane was originally to be a large two place however, a subsequent market analysis showed that a four place was to be more attractive to the buyers, especially considering the rather high kit price. The problem though was that the interior would not accommodate the two aft seats so the designer put the two seats in the back facing aft. The buyers just didn't like that since it turns out folks don't like sitting facing to the rear.

Then, like with most homebuilts, the great performance came at a price - size. The plane was quite small on the inside so the appeal to the larger market just wasn't there.

And of course it also came out at a point where the economy was turning downward so spending on toys was dramatically reduced.

It's a good example of a market where it's rarely one thing that kills a project. Usually it's a combination of things, especially in this case when the project was developed not so much to meet a recognized need but more so to satisfy the developers own goals.

[rheuschele]

Then again, I'm partial to this plane.. Composite Aircraft Technology

I've always liked this plane, is it back on the market?
Ron

[Midniteoyl]

I've always liked this plane, is it back on the market?
Ron

Yep.. though right now they are working on prior kit/part fulfillment..

[Tom Nalevanko]

Somewhat coincidental to this thread, a White Lighting has started flying out of KSZP while less than 10 miles away at KCMA, a newly hatched Wheeler Express made its first flight on Christmas Eve day. So come and visit and check them out....

[Grelly]

I agree with autoreply. I also love the look of the Dyn'Aero MCR 4S.

Celier (maker of the Xenon autogyro) do a version with a Rotax 912 with a Mitsubishi Turbo giving 135 HP. This makes for some even more impressive performance figures. See the link: Célier Aviation Airplanes

Grelly