EAA Sport Aviation - April 2009

what our members are building & restoring

★ TECHNICAL COUNSELOR

& FLIGHT ADVISOR: Mickey Whittenburg

★ TECHNICAL COUNSELOR: Warren Daugherty

Mississippi | Bearhawk

My plans-built Bearhawk N57EN flew for the first time on June 7, 2008. The takeoff took less than 400 feet, and it climbed at more than 1,200 fpm at 100 mph. Construction began in September 2003 with the forming of the aluminum wing ribs over a wooden form block. It took just more than four and a half years to complete this scratch-built project, which has a Lycoming O-360 with a Sensenich fixed-pitch prop. The panel includes a Dynon D100 electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) and Grand Rapids Technologies engine information system. Thanks to designer Bob Barrows; my building partners, Lonnie Gibbons and Mickey Whittenburg; and my wife, Michelle.

Eric Newton, EAA 619436; Long Beach, Mississippi E-mail: enewton57@cableone.net

Pennsylvania | RV-7A

First flown in December 2006, this aircraft took six years to complete. N438GS is equipped with a Mattituck O-360; Hartzell blended-airfoil constant-speed prop; Classic Aero seats and upholstery; Garmin GMA 340, SL30, GNC 300XL, and GTX 327; Dynon EFIS and engine monitor; and Tru Trak Pictorial Pilot and Altrak. Thanks to my patient and supportive wife, Diane, and my family, who bucked many rivets along the way. A special thanks goes to Herb Rose for his endless hours of help and support during the final phase of construction. With hard work and determination, dreams do come true.

Gary Slatt, EAA 390137; Hummelstown, Pennsylvania E-mail: gary.slatt@gestech.com

North Carolina | Super Rebel

After 10 years of intermittent building, I’m finished and flying my Murphy Super Rebel, N2500V. First flight was October 13, 2008. This is a true four-place airplane with enough useful load for four adults, full fuel, and 200 pounds of bags or camping gear. The performance is fantastic with a Lycoming IO-540 and Hartzell constant-speed prop giving a cruise of 130 knots true airspeed and spirited climbs. The short-field capabilities of this airplane are fantastic, aided by Pacific Northwest Aero vortex generators on wings, stabilator, and fin. Thanks to my family—Pam, Kristen, and Alex, and EAA Chapter 309 of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Fred Darnell, EAA 464243, Charlotte, North Carolina E-mail: fadarnell@bellsouth.net

★ TECHNICAL COUNSELORS: Neil Stewart,
Andy Moscarelli, Roland Brown
FLIGHT ADVISOR: Dale Ensing

Washington | Glasair

I began this project with the rudder kit and eventually moved on to the tail kit, building the horizontal stabilizer, elevator, and trim tab. I don’t think I would have gone on to build the wings if Glasair hadn’t assured me I could bring the wings and tail in to the Two Weeks To Taxi Program for final assembly. After two years, the wings and tail were done, and I took everything over to the Glasair factory. I then stepped through the TWTT time warp, and two weeks later I had built an amazing airplane with a little help from my friends.