Author: swpilot3

For Sale: My 2018 Bearhawk 4-Place – Built for Adventure

After years of exploring backcountry strips, hauling gear, and perfecting this airplane, I’ve made the tough decision to list my 2018 Bearhawk 4-Place for sale. This is more than just an airplane—it’s been a trusted companion, built from a quick-build kit with a clear mission: to be light, capable, and versatile, ready for anything from IFR cross-country flights to backcountry camping.

Airframe & Powerplant:

  • Lycoming O-540 (260HP) – 455 hours SMOH
  • Hartzell Trailblazer 3-blade composite prop
  • SureFly electronic ignition, Vetterman exhaust
  • EarthX lithium battery, Grove wheels, 31” Alaskan Bushwheels
  • B-model tail surfaces, round-tube gear, auxiliary fuel tanks (72 gallons)

Avionics & Systems:

  • Dynon SkyView HDX: 10” PFD + 7” MFD
  • Dynon 3-axis autopilot, GPS-coupled
  • Garmin GPS 175 – IFR-certified with LPV
  • VP-X Pro electronic circuit breaker system
  • PS Engineering PM3000 intercom, CO Guardian detector

Interior & Condition:

  • Clean, simple interior with Hooker harnesses
  • Always hangared in Arizona (Pegasus Airpark, 5AZ3)
  • Fabric and paint in good condition with minor patches typical of backcountry use

Performance:

  • Empty Weight: 1,545 lbs | Useful Load: 1,155 lbs
  • Max Gross: 2,700 lbs
  • Cruises around 125 KTAS
  • Short-field capability, excellent for backcountry

This Bearhawk was built for adventure—light, strong, and equipped to go anywhere. It’s a proven performer, but also a serious IFR machine with glass avionics. Perfect for those who want to explore without limitations.

I’m listing it for $199,000 and will only sell to a qualified, proficient tailwheel pilot who understands the capabilities of a Bearhawk.

If you’re serious about backcountry flying, but also want a versatile IFR-capable machine, this Bearhawk offers the best of both worlds.

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First Flight

Well the day finally came!  Gary Towner the DAR came out and spent about 4 hours going over the plane and paperwork with me.  My Bearhawk passed with flying colors and I received my Airworthiness Certificate.

Later that afternoon (between monsoon storms) I took it up for it’s first flight.

Final stripes

My brother Timmy came out again to help mask for the stripes.

 

I hate painting on a vertical surface so I was super careful and did a lot of very thin coats.

We had a few little masking issues but we were able to correct them all.  Stand back at least 6 feet and you can’t see any problems at all!  🙂  So it’s a solid 6 foot paint job!

Weight and Balance

Now the big test to see how light it is!  I borrowed some scales from my brother in law at ATP.  Thanks Tim!

Cati helped me position the scales and lift the tail to make sure it was perfectly level for the weighing.

It came in at 1489 lbs with a very forward CG!  I’m very pleased!

Exhaust supports

The Vetterman Exhaust required these supports.  Again I thought this would be a quick job, but when it’s 115 outside I don’t work quite as quickly as I would like.  Each support has a flexible hose in the middle to allow movement since it’s clamped to the engine mount.

Surefly

So after we thought we got the right mag timed and working, it started having all sorts of trouble.  So I decided to bench it and go for an electronic ignition.  After a bit of research I settled on simplicity of operation and installation along with availability.  That led me to Surefly.  I gave them a call and they were very eager to understand my needs and send me a unit right away.

After a quick installation, I timed the Surefly (which took about 5 minutes), and started it up.  It started and ran perfectly!  I’m looking forward to the increased efficiency.