I Bought an Aircraft Company! at Age 25 | BREAKING NEWS! Bearhawk Aircraft Sells to Virgil Irwin!
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
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Congrats! Great aircraft. A friend built a Four with a Lyc 540 in it. Was a monster bushplane and great long-distance traveler.
Good luck Virgil.
Thanks for the interview Bryan.
From a proud Bearhawk builder, great to see this transition from Mark to Virgil. I'm sure the company will be in good hands. Congrats Virgil! Can't wait to see what the future brings for you, your family, and Bearhawk. And thank you you to my friend Bryan for this great interview!
Virgil's enthusiasm is contagious. Congrats.
I’ve been set on building a BH for years. I’ve watched every one of Virgil’s videos more than once. This is great news.
He has a big "to do" list on his hands though.
I wish him well.
You two look like father and son here. That aside, it's great to see a new generation owner who is bringing a lot to the table and it's impressive. I think the future of Bearhawk Aircraft is in good hands and that bodes well for all current and future customers. Thank you, Virgil!
Thanks for the video interview.
I own a C170 and for years have considered getting a BearHawk.
The only thing that has kept me from it is the build time. With the builder assist I might get one now .
Man I've been looking into the Bearhawk patrol for awhile now. I love the useful load and cruise speeds.
I cant think of a more worthy candidate for owning bearhawk. very intelligent and genuine guy!
Id love to see an engine mount for the auto psru LS3 on the model 5! also mounts for viking honda engines for the small planes
The AutoPSRUs LS-3 on the M5 would be a KILLER package! I'm debating between that and the M-14PM on a Murphy Moose, but if I could get it on the M5 that would be fantastic.
Great video, Virgil has youthful energy. It will be exciting to see Bob Barrows legacy continue.
Work with Viking and get a good reliable modern engine in there. I think you will sell a lot more and a better price.
Viking are rubbish
Great to have new blood in the industry! I got my sight on a Bearhawk 4 or 5 build in a couple of years when I retire.
Just start now
Hopefully you will produce a kit with the features of the one you built
I’ve had my eye on Virgil for a while now… The depth and breadth of his knowledge for only 25 years makes him a rather young aviators “old soul”. The fact that HE is the new owner of BearHawk bodes well for both.
Looking into my crystal ball 15 years into the future I see us sitting around exclaiming - “I remember when he bought the company after building their first 5. Who knew what it would turn into!”
😊
Congratulations and good luck, my buddy and member of our EAA chapter 1515 is building a Bearhawk almost complete with it. Great plane.
Virgil is doing a great job with Bearhawk. Just took delivery of Companion #14.
Also noticed the National STOL schedule over your right shoulder.
Looking forward to seeing you at the competitions.
Yes a Companion builder.
A very underestimated aircraft in my view.
There's a thread on the Bearhawk forum where someone asks "Why build a Companion? It's nothing more than a detuned four place. Build the four place instead.
Oh no! It is much more than detuned four place.
Name me one contemporary two seater side-by-side design that does more the Lycoming 0-360.
I'd have it and an RV-7 or RV-8 in my hangar any day.
It's a gem of an aircraft.
Congrats. Good luck.
Sounds like a great company with a great owner!!!
Very impressed, thank you for the interview!
Congratulations 🏁
I liked your discussion on latest happenings in LAC✈️✈️✈️
I would likely opt for the build assist.
Congrats on the purchase. The 5 looks very cool.
Congrats. Good things for good people. Helping others.
Very cool and happy for for Virgil and Bearhawk. I have followed both from their beginnings and could not be more impressed with both of them. Very excited .. and really hope some of the Virgils customizations of the 5 become standard (cargo pod and yes LOVE the Carbon work he did). Dreaming of that assist center. Really like the approach and timeline.
For the 5, my biggest 'likes' are the speed range as mentioned, and the quick interior reconfigure. My primary missions are family flights within 450nm radius , Pilot-n-Paws flights, and disaster resupply flights. The model 5 fits all of those almost perfectly. Easily swap between people and cargo. (except I still want AC and maybe BRS .. because its hot here in S Texas!!)
Holy cow this is cool! I want a kit even more now!
I am glad to see this line keep going. Congratulations. I really like the bearhawk and have been watching for years while trying to get to where I could afford one in money and time. I was almost there but shocked at how quickly and how much the price for a kit has increased. For me, that is a bummer, but for those that can afford it, it is great to see the enthusiasm and fresh ideas to this plane. Thanks for the interview.
Super fascinating aircraft and I've found the videos he's been posting really interesting to watch. Congrats!
Great content. Thank you both.
This is so cool! I've watched Virgil build the 5!
I know opinions are like a**holes but I'll offer mine anyway. I think it's great to see some young blood entering the industry! As a millennial wannabe builder the bearhawk 4 meets all of my flight envelope specs but the kit itself keeps me away. I don't like the idea of working with toxic chemicals and tube and fabric. Id really like to see the bearhawk 4 specs in an all aluminum match hole drilled, final size, pull rivet kit with a 1200 hour build time like some of the other more refined kits on the market. I'd also love to see it powered by a more affordable Viking engine. They have so many of those engines flying nowadays, and now that they have a number of more powerful models, I'd love to see them on bearhawks.
Another ideal kit would be a Murphy Radical with a slightly higher cruise speed. But again, their kit is less refined than some competitors and their build community is smaller than some others, so my concern would be build support.
These are just some reasons I would build other kits before building a Murphy or Bearhawk. That said, none of those other kits currently have a 4 seater like Murphy or Bearhawk. So the decision is, do i go with the performance specs and 4 seats I want, or do i go with the low build time all aluminum refined kit that I want?
Best of luck to Bearhawk! More competition in the market benefits all of us! Love to see it!
You can cover the fuselage with Oratex.
I don't see what the proposed RV-15 has to offer that a Bearhawk doesn't offer other than an aluminium feusilage.
Seriously, a Bearhawk Four without the back seats or Companion is a better fit for the mission the proposed RV-15 is supposed to fulfill from where I sit!
The Murphy Radical is not a comparison to the Bearhawk 4. Both seem like great airples but different from all aspects. Radical is a 2 plus 2. The Murphy Radical kit is actually very refined and was made to offer a very simple kit, it's also all metal vs fabric and the Firat Radical built only had a cruise of just over 100 mph.....both great aircraft but again very different. The 4 cruises faster and is a true 4 seater.
@@philipritson8821 steel tube fuselages have saved pilots. Bob Barrows’ design philosophy makes sense. Personally I’d be interested in a Rotax LSA. Auto fuel is nice and the bigger slower turning prop would probably improve the climb even more.
Bob Barrows's steel cages are far more robust than those found on Kitfoxes, Highlanders, Rans, etc. aircraft.
Of course robust comes at a weight penalty.
Throw in an O-200 and the LSA becomes a very heavy aircraft indeed.
Personally, I'd register the LSA as an Experimental at 1500 pounds.
That said, Mosaic will give this design a new lease of life!
Cool to hear the story❤
Bearhawk is one of the few kits i am interested in
Aerodiesel not an option? Fuel consumption is a lot less and should be available where avgas might not. I think both Continental and Safran both make engines in the 300hp range.
Great interview, thank you. Congrats Virgil. It would be great if Bearhawk [Mr. Bob Barrows] designs, taking into consideration the new mosaic rules, a SIDE BY SIDE LSA with Flaps and ailerons able to use all Rotax 9 series of engines.
Great video. I did not feel that it was too long. A lot of great info Brian.
I am very happy you have the company! I watched your videos and YOU sold me on the Bearhawk, no one else made me think this is the plane I want for the reasons I want one. I am too old and busy to be building one unfortunately, so I will be looking to buy a 4 or a 5. I need to fly both to make a final decision a year or 2 from now. The Bearhawk is my choice due to what you said STOL + 4X stall ability. I live in BC Canada, so high altitude lakes are abundant = turbo engine plus it will be sitting on amphib floats as well. Prefer to go 130ish MPH with floats than 100. Constant speed w/Beta Prop sounds awesome. Just heard you say you will welcome demo rides at the end of your video - so that's good - I wouldn't/couldn't do it any other way. 2 questions: 1) nice to have a wide deep (as large as possible with a warning about weight) shelf going past the rear bulkhead and into the rear fuselage for skis/fishing rods/sleeping bags/pillows light stuff to keep them out of the seating space. 2) What about a belly pod with a bladder for extra fuel/on floats? Have you seen a kit builder in Quebec has patented part of a wing/airfoil that spans the spreader bars of the floats - apparently it reduces stall by a good margin because it flies, like when you put the Vortex generators on that gave you a reduced stall speed - I cannot find the video I saw a few weeks ago - but i have sent an email out to one quebec kit company, Dream Aviation, if it's not him then he will likely know who and I will email you - Seemed Legit when I saw it on the floats ;-) be well SteveInVancouver
Bearhawk should make it easier to build, maybe factory assist, or whatever it takes to get more of them in peoples hands.
Factory assist... is offered RIGHT NOW. Since Virgil purchased the company.
Great interview! I’ve always liked the Bearhawks. Always thought I’d build something cheaper for my first plane, but after seeing this interview I might have to just save for a few more years and get one
So he is in my hometown ? I wondered who was in fairview I pass by every day
Great video, great interview, great plane, great new owner! All the best to you all!
Good to hear, may suggest a kit with all the mods you put on yours.
Another Great video Bryan. And no it was not too long. I chose BH for exactly what Virgil said, the wide speed envelope. My companion will be done soon
I dont care what anyone says.
I think the Companion is the best Bearhawk of the lot!
I'm really stoked for Virgil, I'm really happy this mold-breaking kit company is doing well, but I had hoped the "I" in "I bought an aircraft company" was Brian.
THAT would be awesome now wouldn't it?!!! 🙂
Play the drinking game, drink a shot every time Virgil says “ umm” 😆
That small turbin built by Rolls Royce in Indiana would be the berry’s and tha small turbin has a wide Hp range.
Congratulations, I wish you the very best for the future. Your ideas sound great. I turned from buying a Bearhawk kit, years ago, to buy a sportsman kit at Oshkosh. The attitude of the previous owner turned me off. I bought the plans a few years before at Oshkosh from the designer and mind was set to buy a kit.
Bear hawk is definitely my dream plane
Delta hawk in the Patrol?
Will there ever be a chance of a GM LS engine? I’m a former GM tech. I’ve been looking at a Moose for a while, but I’m a fan of Bearhawk now with Virgil at the helm.
Congratulations. I have two dumb questions. Can tbe rear doors be removed to airdrop bundles? Can it be used in a commercial business? Thank you so much.
this is considered experimental correct? I do not need a medical to fly this , correct? What flight training can I get from Bearcat?
This is a BearHawk. It is Experimental for MOST of their offerings. Their entry level (if you will ) model is the "LSA" which still require sort of a medical but easier to get IF you haven't been denied a 3rd Class at any time. It's called "BASIC MED." Look that up and learn the details. It's a good option. I'm sure some transition training will be offered in the future. Thanks for watching!
Congratulations Virgil! We are coming along great with the model 5 we are building. This is awesome! I’m happy for you!
Awesome!!!
I want to see some data with that turboprop!!!
Will there still be the option to plans build?
Some people enjoy building and dont want to spend a premium for someone elses work...
The lsa is likely my next build after my Sonerai
Plans are still available through the original design of the BearHawk and always have been. Bob Barrows.
@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel Great news!
Hey Virgil can you just give me a free kit. It's a long shot but it's worth a try. I want to build one with my 7 year son, He thinks your model 5 is the best thing in the world. He loves the color blue you have.
My question is how do you coordinate between sub assemblies from Mexico and the FAA in the US?
It's experimental avaition. The FAA only requires that the builder does more than 51% of the work and a Designated Airworthiness Representative issues a Certificate of Airworthiness.
The FAA don't care where the components come from.
This is an experimental aircraft. The FAA doesn't care if you try to fly in a wet paper airplane. Only that you built it and register it with them, and give them the fee money.
Heck yeah 💪🇺🇸
Awesome ! Think about Viking aircraft engines on the evaporate kit.
Evaporate kit?
Hell I don't even know what I'm sayen! Viking Engine on your smallest Kit.
Were there not thousands of Wilga's built...?
There were many Wilgas built, but only #1 Draco custom.
Next generation owners, probably next generation aircrafts ? Hope so ❤
All the Bearhawks were designed by a man who is currently in his seventies!
The youngest CEO in the industry in a symbiotic relationship with the oldest active designer in the industry!
BTW, what's happening to VANs'? Are they still in business or did the consulting company kill them off?
They're still in Business.
Massive price increases. Existing builders being told to pay those higher prices from now on or take your chances for a refund of any unfulfilled payments made to-date as an unsecured creditor if things go "tits up."
What a dilemma. A current builder is not quite into "sunk cost territory" where the most rational thing to do is to write your investment in your build off. Most will just pay the higher prices.
@@philipritson8821 My advice & $.02 is to let them go belly up [cptr7] and let a white knight come in [we know a few suitors] to the BK hearings and scoop up the assets and do it before the Chinese send in someone to sew up a Cirrus competitor. They did this on another OEM I was interested in salvaging - Commander. But there's no reason to leave everyone holding the bag on this one. I know people that would try to make it as seamless as possible to keep the dream alive of owner build performance with no China.
Hey; everybody in America it seemed loved aluminum tariffs, and inflation. They just cant handle the abstract concept these are the consequences of decisions made 6-8 years ago.
Don't Trust VERIFY!! - You must be a Bitcoin guy! Much love brotha!
Luck 2u SIR!!!😮🎉
So... Is Bearhawk aircraft now part of a Missionary organization?
No. Two separate entities. Why?
@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel Honestly, I'm not a fan of Missionary orgs.
Considering what's going on in America right now, if anyone wanted to help they have several lifetimes of work in America.
Traveling so far to deceive people seems foolish and misguided.
I'm a minority though so feel free to disregard my opinion.
PS, sorry about brushing up against your fragility but you did ask and I've decided to just be honest.
@@kylegoldston honesty... is ALWAYS the best option. I am not all that fragile. I read the "Comments Section" for a living now. 😀Thanks. I agree... there is PLENTY of work to be done right here on American soil (especially right now). However, there is work to be done around the world as well. And different people have hearts for different things. I would however, challenge your thoughts on deception. The TRUTH is available.
@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel Truth is only available the hard way, it seems lately.
All is seen, though.
The real question is, 'How much did you pay for it?'.
Nice video, but far too long. This would have been a great video had it been more focused and 20-30 minutes long.
I disagree.
Just play it at 1.5x or more. Great video!
@@cdeanda Did that for a while, but still too tedious so just stopped after a while. Too many other things to watch that get to the point more quickly.
@@LTVoyagerI had to pause and start it again later, but its cool to hear the whole conversation.
Its true. Many us here are working full-time, building, raising families, involvement with EAA, flying, maintaining our aircraft and on and on. Far too busy to afford the time to plant our butts down for hr long content productions.
You keep talking about Mark? Bob Barrows designed all of the bearhawk line. everyone of them. Bob is the owner of Bearhawk!
No Bob Barrows is the designer of these aircraft. If you want to scratch build a Bearhawk you order the plans from Bob.
Mark saw the potential in the four and built the kit business from the ground up around that aircraft.
Bob went on to design the Patrol, the LSA, the Companion and the Five, which Mark then offered in kit format too. I imagine Bob gets a royalty on every Bearhawk kit sold, but at the end of the day how Bob is remunerated for his design effort is none of my business.
But Bearhawk does not belong to Bob Barrows . It now belongs to Virgil Irwin and his wife.
That’s a great simplification of the process that resulted in the Bearhawk kit and associated corporation. It was not that simple, and not the result of Mark just working hard to do what no one else had thought of. A great deal of effort and money was expended by people not named Mark long before he put his stamp on the company. In fact, the development of the kit making company fractured the Bearhawk community and drove the original scratch builders who truly built the foundation on which the kit builders stood away. And to say the Bearhawk does not belong to Bob is just silly. It’s a point that doesn’t need to be made and way off base. Mark wouldn’t have had anything to work with without Bob. And you yourself listed all the variants Bob has added to the stable, all the while saying, what, that they aren’t his?
@@chrisdurham8778 Complicated is a good word to describe what happened. To be honest, Mark himself was a big part of driving some of us away. If I ever resume my project, I would again consider buying kit parts if Mark is truly out of it.
@@philipritson8821 Unless the arrangement has changed, you cannot buy a Bearhawk kit unless you first buy the plans from Bob.
So no more plans scratch build bearhawks?
You order plans from Bob Barrows directly, not from Bearhawk Aircraft.