Covering the Bearhawk Model Five Fuselage With Oratex

[@nelsonmartinmusic]

Sweet! Two of my interests, snowboarding and aviation in the same video! This is an excellent example of a thorough candid review.

[@ColbyOsborn]

Thanks! Why didn't we pick cheaper interests!? 🙃

[@davefreeman6105]

Thank you for the thorough videos on the Oratex process and your transparency.

[@cramersclassics]

Well done. I'm going to try Oratex on my Kitfox 4 rudder re-cover. Saving 12 steps and eliminating all the fumes and MEK sounds great vs the old Stits system.

[@saabpoppa]

Thank you for confirming my enduring interest in an all-metal airplane! Just gonna have to wait for the RV-15...

[@truckpilotnate2972]

I think it looks really good. I really like the silver. Can’t wait for more. Good job, guys!

[@ColbyOsborn]

Thanks!

[@markwebb8013]

Very good video nice to see the family support.

[@flyifri]

Looking real good there Colby. Thanks for the update with thumbs up to all those helping you.!

[@scratchbuilder5952]

You explain the process really well, thanks for taking the time to post this

[@joebravo5459]

Wow for a new be hands down guys. I build scale giant RC models and mirror what you guys do to the teee on fabric covering. And this is amazing reminds me of what i do but in a mutch Smaller scale thank you all for the video. ❤💯💪💪💪💪👍👍👍

[@MrToddsCorner]

Thanks for the great videos. I'm a little less edgy about installing Oratex when I get my Badland F5 Fujit ultralight.

[@ColbyOsborn]

I bet that will be a fun little plane!

[@brettgerber795]

Looking great! I like to hear about Oratex since that’s what we plan on using with our 5 as well.

[@ColbyOsborn]

Thanks!

[@donwtsn]

Mate congratulations and well done! That looks awesome! You will be flying in no time

[@ColbyOsborn]

Thanks Don! I'm humbled that a sheet metal magician would complement our fabric covering. 😁

[@donwtsn]

@@ColbyOsborn fabric covering is a whole other art form. And to come up with a result like that is a testament to both of your efforts. Love it

[@dougkelsch]

Great video. Thanks for the work.

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff bro

[@StephenReynolds_MasterMind]

Wow, Great Job!

[@bearhawkblog3527]

Great videos guys !

[@ColbyOsborn]

Thanks Nev!

[@mahamed3208]

Thank you very much ❤

[@IAmKevinV]

Hey Colby. I sure hope you are still building your plane. Would love to see any progress if there is. Kevin from 🇦🇺

[@matthewmaxwell3845]

You may have just solved my problem! I'm using oratex on my little one-seater.. and I have been having a terrible time passing the pull test. I've been using the same heat gun as you, but I've been setting the temp at 200°.. I noticed when you use the heat gun you set it at 400°. This has been very frustrating, and has been going on for a few weeks, just received fresh glue from baf... Many thanks, and I'll let you know

[@ColbyOsborn]

I bet you’ll have a lot better luck using 400° F. As an aside, I tried to note the temperate I was using in the lower corner of the screen. Different temps for different applications, but 400° F was typically the best temp for permanently setting the glue for us.

[@matthewmaxwell3845]

@@ColbyOsborn ... Your videos have already been more helpful than BAF has been.. if you don't mind, I may have more questions in the future...

[@freitasn1029]

Ola meu nobre, seu avião ta ficando lindo!!!

[@kieyavorsky2188]

would it be possible to see a "long" version of this video? to help future builders?

[@markdickens5011]

Great video as usual! Your support experience was unfortunately what I feared when I never got a promised call back from Lars during my initial evaluation. Their followup leaves much to be desired.

[@ColbyOsborn]

Thanks Mark! Hope you’re enjoying covering your Companion with Stewart Systems.

[@KitfoxPilot]

Looks really nice. It's a good job to be finished with! Haha

[@ColbyOsborn]

Thanks Harlan! I’m excited to work on something new!

[@hondainsight421]

In your opinion could you skin the bear hawk In aluminum panels? I just think the durability and the ability to paint would be easier.

[@mahamed3208]

You are great ❤

[@yvescartilier6478]

Very very useful video !!! thanks !! One question: what is the reference of this grey color in ORATEX ?

[@pilot41186]

I'm not far from you guys.. I'd really like to see it!!! The bearhawk 5 is perfect for me but can't find one in person

[@ColbyOsborn]

Mark with Bearhawk Aircraft can get you in touch with me.

[@pilot41186]

@@ColbyOsborn thanks colby!

[@sonshinelight]

Hey Colby, Amanda. Are you coming to Oshkosh this year? Hope so. Bearhawk get together Tuesday. ..Brian, Cora and Sean.

[@ColbyOsborn]

Hey Brian. I was roaming the mountains last week, so I missed Oshkosh this year. Hope you all had a great time!

[@sonshinelight]

@@ColbyOsborn Hi Colby. Ozh was awesome. Heading for Sturgis now. Got the bikes on the ground. After that, Yellowstone and back home.

[@pablosebastiancariolo]

Excelent work, which is the Mtow of the aircraft?

[@ColbyOsborn]

Thanks! 3,000 pounds.

[@lkhbhydroponic6858]

Is oratex better than aluminum?

[@shelliebarnes1959]

Nice but for me I've covered several aircraft .sticking to Stits ceconite process

[@MrAjtellier]

So did you get the plane finished?

[@asiasatvisionglobal7347]

Which type of fabrics are using for wings covering. lam Joseph lndia

[@pazinternationalaviation]

Please Could you send me information on what type of material you used to cover? I don't know this material.

[@ColbyOsborn]

If you search "oratex aircraft fabric" the search engine should return your distributor.

[@geoffreyblake2765]

What would say about using STITZ for covering ? Is there a plan/procedure for covering in aluminum ?

[@ColbyOsborn]

Lots of Bearhawk builders use stitz or polyfiber. Economical and has stood the test of time. It’s heavier and requires a fair bit of PPE that I didn’t want to deal with if I didn’t have to. If I ever build a plane more for show I would certainly consider using it though. Covering the Bearhawk with aluminum is strongly discourage, so it’s not something I looked into much. I believe there’s some discussion related to that on the Bearhawk Forum if it’s something you’re interested in.

[@kuss2594]

Colby is “all silver” the final plan or is it just a base coat for some paint design?

[@ColbyOsborn]

Silver will be the primary color. I'm currently planning to paint the nose black, with a little striping down the sides as well.

[@prashanthpoojary5065]

Whitch type of wrapper u used this?

[@husseinsalman4759]

How did you learn to design planes, ? your friend from Iraq

[@ReachAviation]

Love yalls channel and build. Ive been thinking of doing my own build with oratex. Feel like its been a better choice than other traditional options?

[@ColbyOsborn]

Thanks! Unfortunately I don't have any experience working with other covering systems, so I'm not a referable source. From strictly a process standpoint my sense is it's more challenging and more stressful to cover with Oratex vs other options. But if you factor in finishing and painting, it's probably a wash. If I didn't expect to abuse our plane on gravel, I probably would've went a different route. But I'm happy we used Oratex and would use it again for something with a similar mission. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to build!

[@jshulsky]

Brilliant Work! Colby. The quality of your build is exceptional. I'm curious, what you would budget for the build of the BH5? Are you planning to make it IFR capable? Continued success and Clear Skies! joesky!

[@ColbyOsborn]

Thanks, Joseph! Our plane will not be IFR capable. Although it wouldn't be too difficult to add this capability down the road if we change our mind. I believe ours will come in around 160k. I think one could bring that down closer to 100k with a used prop, mid time engine or doing a field overhaul yourself, cover with polyfiber, and a very basic panel. But it would also be very easy to spend well over 200k with many of the commonly chosen options like a new engine, 3-blade composite prop, professionally made seats, IFR panel, hiring someone to complete your panel, and hiring a professional to paint it.

[@jshulsky]

@@ColbyOsborn It's all about the mission and budget! I love the New Sling High Wing but $250K if you want it IFR capable, plus they told me its now a 2+ year wait because they have so many orders. I like your choice of the Oratex too! Did you say you are going to Oratex the interior? Is that standard? I'm wondering if that would give you any insulation quality (like a double pane window) Can't wait to see your power plant and avionic choices. Clear Skies, joesky

[@ColbyOsborn]

​@@jshulsky We did install Oratex in the interior. Mostly just in the baggage area. Using fabric on the interior seems to be a pretty popular choice amongst Bearhawk builders. I'm sure the fabric helps seal things up a little more and maybe has a slight insulating benefit, but I'm guessing it's not a noticeable amount. I think it's mostly just for looks, and to protect the exterior fabric from being damaged from the inside.

[@freitasn1029]

Por favor olha nas suas coisas se tem um projeto ai do kitfox para me vender???

[@DavidJohnson-tx3wj]

good video but the music went too loud between talking

[@bernardmauge8613]

I would never ever cover the belly of a bush plane with fabric! WTF

[@davefreeman6105]

lol, I can't wait until this noob finds out even the tail feathers on a bush plane are covered with fabric.