Recently, Bearhawk Aircraft shipped its first LSA aircraft kit to the southernmost nation in Africa. The recipient was Wayne Giles who coincidentally took delivery of the first Bearhawk Patrol kit, also in South Africa. Giles plans to use the new LSA as a demonstrator for additional aircraft sales in the region. “These Bearhawk aircraft continually prove themselves to be ideally suited for the harsh conditions in Africa,” commented Brandon Giles, son of Wayne Giles. “We are really looking forward to receiving the LSA. I have great confidence in Mr. Barrows’ designs. It is no doubt going to be another spectacular aeroplane,” added Wayne.
Wayne Giles builds award-winning aircraft. His Patrol has earned its second honor at the national EAA convention in South Africa, held recently in the seaside town of Mossel Bay. This year’s prestigious “Concours d’Elegance” award designated Giles’ Patrol the best looking aircraft in attendance. At the 2015 convention held at Margate, eastward along the seaside, Giles’ Patrol took “Best Tube and Fabric Aircraft” award.
Upon completion of his Patrol, Giles became the first Bearhawk Patrol to fly in South Africa. He quickly began turning heads in the region, not only for the aircraft’s appearance, but also for its performance. Giles reports cruise speeds of 155 mph IAS at 75-percent power with a Superior IO-360 engine developing 180 hp and a MT-Propeller three-bladed composite prop.
On a recent trip, Giles flew his Bearhawk Patrol [950+ lbs empty] alongside a friend’s SIAI Marchetti S.205 [1,630 lbs empty]. “I’m not sure if you are familiar with this aircraft. Italian design retractable gear, this version has a 180 hp engine. At 65% power setting in the Patrol we were evenly matched; he was at full throttle. At 70% power on, the Patrol could fly away from him. This is quite remarkable for a bush aircraft type,” stated Giles. Mark Goldberg, president of Bearhawk Aircraft added, “It is actually unbelievable that this Patrol with 8.50×6 tires and landing gear out in the breeze would be faster than a retractable gear SIAI Marchetti. Both have 180 hp engines.”
Surprising the aviation community of South Africa, Giles has great appreciation for his Patrol’s fast cruise speed. Its speed is afforded while still being able to land and takeoff as short as a PA-18 Super Cub. The Patrol’s speed is attributed to its Riblett 30-413.5 airfoil design and flush riveted wings. The airframe’s lightweight, durable design makes the Patrol the perfect aircraft for utility, STOL, speed and handling. The Bearhawk LSA follows a similar design philosophy.
Meanwhile across the Indian Ocean, the first Bearhawk LSA kit to be shipped to New Zealand has arrived. The LSA project joins five Bearhawk and Patrol kits already completed or under assembly there. The LSA kit was purchased by a retired crop duster / spray pilot with many thousands of hours of flight time.
Bearhawk Aircraft manufactures high-quality Quick-Build aircraft kits for the Bearhawk 4-Place, and two-place tandem Bearhawk Patrol and Bearhawk LSA. Designed by engineer Bob Barrows, the Bearhawks have in common excellent performance and superb flying characteristics. Bearhawks are known for their short field capability, higher than expected cruise speeds, and very gentle slow speed manners. For utility and recreational use, customers around the world fly Bearhawk aircraft.
For more information on Bearhawk Aircraft, visit www.bearhawkaircraft.com, or contact Bearhawk at info@bearhawkaircraft.com or 1-877-528-4776.
