You wouldn't be stuffed like a sardine into a Bearhawk. If you want a
similar sized plane that will accept tricycle gear, look into the Murphy
Super Rebel kit but good luck building one for less than your stated
budget. Other options might be one of the Aerocomp kits or an RV-10,
but again, I don't know anything about the price. Part of the
Bearhawk's huge appeal is that you have the choice of building from
either a kit or from scratch.


I've looked at the RV-10 a bit. It looks nice. The craft seems to have the
majority of the things I'm looking for. It's a low wing setup but I don't
think that's a huge deal.

I'll check out the Aerocomp.


Oh, and one other thing...I hate to say it but, easthetics does play a
little role in my choice. For my eyes, I can't see myself owning a BD-
4 or a Bearhawk. I understand everyone has a different eye for beauty.
I'm partial to something a bit more newer looking and sleek.

There is something wrong with your eyes if you can lump the Bearhawk
together with the BD-4 looks wise. Do you have a current medical
certificate? Seriously.


I know, I know!!! I'm not saying the Bearhawk looks like the BD-4. ;^) I'm
mostly getting at the fact that the newer looking machines like the
composite Jabiru or Van's RV's are what suit me. The Bearhawk is not an ugly
aircraft (by any stretch), but it's a bit plain jane to me. If the Jabiru
was a bit bigger and could handle a slightly larger load, I'd certainly have
my kit.

No, I don't have my medical. I'm not a pilot (yet). This project is a very
long term item with me. If I actually get started with a couple years from
now, I'll be happy. I currently have no place to build. I'll be getting my
license sometime with a couple years from now. I'm only 33 years old yet,
and have young kids, so I have plenty of time on my side.

I have had aeromedicals done a couple of times for flights in military
aircraft. Passed them without a problem.

Cheers,
Lyle