Features & Upgrades of The Backcountry Bogey (& Build Update) in 4K HDR

[@Joe_Not_A_Fed]

Oh my lord. I love that plane. Mirco is truly an inspired madman. Thank goodness he uses his powers for good. So good to see that puppy assembled. I am trying not to fanboi over that unit but I am giddy. Can't wait to see it fly. You done good, amigo.

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Thanks, Joe! Couldn’t agree more re: Mirco.

[@richardturner6278]

I'm pretty sure ur gonna have the baddest S-21 on the planet. Awesome airplane man! Been watching and waiting. Can't wait to see some performance numbers when u get it dialed in. Proper mount for an ex F-15 driver for sure! Got a lot of jealous people out here waiting for this. Randy is gonna have u doing promotional videos if you're not careful.

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Sorry I missed this great comment! Thanks for the words. I don’t think Randy’s a big fan. I’ll leave it there. Cheers!

[@jorgeblanco6708]

The airplane looks amazing. Congratulations!

[@flynjay7178]

Great episode. No editing needed. Can't wait for the flight test videos.

[@rickholman3182]

Getting close! Thats a plane to be proud of, Great job.

[@humanskill]

Spectacular paint job and overview!

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Thanks!

[@nathanprobst2164]

Very excited to see your flight test videos!

[@MrPILOTSTEVE59]

I'm blown away at the professional job you did on your plane. I'd love to see it in person. Fly up to Grangeville ID.

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Thanks! I’ll be all over that region all summer. Watch FlightAware and Ambush me! 😂

[@erictaylor8844]

Great video dude, I absolutely love that paint job! Such a cool blend of vintage/retro and modern design. Looks like you've got some great fun stuff installed and more to come. Can't wait to see it flying. Cheers.

[@av8ir68]

Hey Steve, greetings from Creswell!! You have done such an amazing job building your beautiful plane!! All the extra touches just make that one BadAss Bogey!!!! Can’t wait to see your new test flying program videos.. Keep up the great work!!!

[@edwinscox]

Wow! It’s so great to see the final paint look so good! It was fun going through the process of your design with Marco and using the VR Goggles. The paint boys did a fantastic job.

[@flyinwithbrian9753]

Great to see it coming together Steve! Can't wait to see some flight test footage. Just getting started on my build... finishing up the vertical stab now. It's cool to see your early build videos and now it's all coming to fruition. Keep up the good work!

[@portnuefflyer]

I love that basic and simple panel. That's a joke. But I guess it is to you! Great paint scheme, looking good. Flying a plane for the first time YOU'VE built that has NEVER left the ground before (I've done it 5 times) quite possibly may be something you haven't done before, not in your military or civil aviation career anyway. It will darn near make ya cry, I did, when my last first flight showed the only issue was....., the cabin heat knob wasn't torqued down to the push pull cable and it backed off and fell on the floor! A fair bit of pressure, but the payback is immense, 3100 hours now on that same bird. The wider wing chord over the Kitfox, Highlander, etc., due to the width restraints when folded, is also why I "went RANS." But I think it'd be nice to have the best of both worlds, a wide chord folder, not legal on the highway (without an overwidth permit anyway) but still real handy, as in getting it thru a standard 10 or 16' garage door.

[@TalonID]

Perfection! Best panel in a "21" ever.

[@GlensHangar]

Great looking plane! Nothing like having state of the art equipment; you'll have a blast out there.

[@caseywatkins8766]

Love seeing your stuff! I’m from outside of Eugene but I came down to texas to finish my flight training! The whole reason I got my private was because of back country flying!

[@charlescampbellii8193]

Plane looks Awesome!! Don’t apologize for anything. Love to have a plane like that. Also love your V-Tail my favorite plane

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Thank you! Great taste in planes 😉

[@JeffGillis-lv1rz]

Wow!!!!! Just wow!!!

[@cubman2711]

Steve, you knocked it out of the park! Great tips on flight controls install. Amazing results- can't wait to fly formation! Randy

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Thanks Randy! Your blue is looking great too!

[@wesleyconn620]

beautiful build

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Thank you!

[@robkunzig5795]

Love the Name Steve - looks amazing. Congrats and enjoy! with care....

[@cschave]

Would love to see it in person one day!

[@markstoll9636]

I am so happy for you. Ive been watching from the very beginning. I am a year or two behind you in regards to getting my kit plane started. it would be soooooooo cool to fly with you in some remote wilderness. meanwhile some how I need to join or start an Ohio chapter of back country fliers.

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Thanks! There’s already a pretty rich culture of Ohio backcountry fliers. lmk if you need an intro. Looking forward to flying with you if you make it out west (or perhaps an OSH event).

[@kyqx]

Wow!

[@tinyskustoms]

Rad! Looking forward to the flight test videos!

[@kirbyclone3293]

Congrats Steve, looks good!

[@jerryaubert6201]

Beautiful plane! Hope you get as much enjoyment flying as building.

[@jerrylittle7797]

Kudos on the BCB! Well thought out and the construction so far has been "riveting"... Looking forward to the first flight. Oh, love the plane but that hanger is killer!

[@Captndarty]

Great looking airplane and it’s awesome to see it coming along. Quick question regarding the Gami fuel. Being that this is experimental as well as the engine, I wouldn’t think that you would need an STC for anything, including that fuel?

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Duh… of course! Thanks for pointing that out!

[@reecewallace]

Beautiful plane. Question - why would you put glass & autopilot in a bush plane?

[@reecewallace]

Other than it being really damn cool!

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Thanks! Allow me to answer your question with a question. “Why not?” The glass weighs less than steam. A/P servos don’t weigh much. Experimental avionics are far more affordable than cert.

[@alexgrigoreas4825]

She's a beautiful build. Very nicely done. Congratulations. Would have loved to see it at HSFI.

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Thank you. Ugh yeah, for sure next year. That’s my favorite event of the year… I sure hope it happens next year. If so, see ya there

[@gfletchall1]

Another great video every single time I think I convinced myself that I am going to go with the kit fox you put out another video that makes me pause and reconsider the Rans. I am so conflicted now lol.

[@oneninerniner3427]

Does RANS still make the S20? That's tube & fabric, otherwise similar to the S21 isn't it? If that's what you want, fabric.

[@flyyourdream9716]

How did you wire the lighted rocker switches with the vpx? Possible to have a video on how you did it? Looks amazing!

[@LTVoyager]

Don’t forget to caulk around your landing light covers.

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Yep, thanks. On it.

[@nless222]

Those lines remind me of a Christiansen Eagle

[@trose0501]

The plane looks great! Glad to hear you will be posting flight test videos. Please let us know how requesting task based flight testing works out for you. I recently filed for an airworthiness inspection with the FAA. I specifically mentioned AC90-89C in my program letter. I was told that with the proper engine/prop combination it would be 25 hours, otherwise it will be 40 hrs. The inspection is scheduled but I'm not sure how I can push the task based flight testing.

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

I sure will let you know. I plan on scheduling my DAR inspection soon. I hope it’s an option for me! (Task-based)

[@trose0501]

I recently received my airworthiness certificate...Upon closely reading Phase 1 Flight Limitations on my AC, #18 states the following "...Unless operating in accordance with the task-based flight test program described in [...AC90-89C...], during Phase 1 flight testing, this aircaft must be operated for at least 40 hours....". The "Unless" part alludes to being able to perform task-based testing as opposed to the 40 hours. BTW ..I had the local FAA FSDO do my inspection and it was pretty quick and free (taxpayer dollars at work).

[@backcountyrpilot]

The Vertical Power System VPS in my 2017 RV7 was a neat toy, but when I sent it to them for a $600 upgrade in 2014 because it was messing up my trim, they lost the save of my pre-sets and basically told me “tough luck”. It took several days with an A&P to sort this out.

[@marklamberson4131]

Love the progress. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe you would need an STC since it’s experimental. I went with the 174hp/8.1 compression (if continental ever delivers it) for the auto fuel option. With the higher compression you will need to be mindful of octane/detonation issues which you mentioned. How many times have you had the wings on/off? I am hoping to not use connectors in the wing root for wiring. Wondering how much of a headache I am in for.

[@markstoll9636]

would youi be willing to lay it out there for all of us on how much this whole build has cost? it would be really helpful for us to know if a kit build similar to yours is feasible. thank you

[@tjsingh5163]

Very nice outbound! Nicest one I’ve seen yet! I’m wanting to build a bush plane. The S21 is my current choice but I may go with the Vans RV-15 if it comes out within the next year or so. 100lbs more useful load 2+2 seating capable and a tad faster top speed from what I’m seeing.

[@scottreynolds4591]

The RV15 is a 2 seater. Not 2+2. Nice though. Hard to beat an RV!

[@tjsingh5163]

@@scottreynolds4591 thanks for the clarification 👍🏽

[@oneninerniner3427]

Pretty nice!

[@backcountyrpilot]

The S21 has been on my short list since I first heard about it. You have the EXACT panel I’ve been lusting on. How does it ride at 150 MPH? I have an Aerotrek A220. It is very similar to a Kitfox, but weighs just 772# empty. It has a 100 HP UL912. WFO she cruises at 123-125 MPH, but it sometimes gets a little bouncy at that speed.

[@jetpylot7523]

Is the stock Rans pull handle mounted in the vertical stab useful ? How does it compare to the BAS pull handle . I’m planning a Rotax 916 build and would like to keep weight out of the tail . Binge watching your vids and looking forward to starting in early 25 !

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

I regret installing the RANS taildragger pull handle slot. I’d go with the BAS all day

[@jetpylot7523]

Thanks for the honest reply. The RANS unit looks awkward for manhandling the airplane around . I guess I won’t tick that option box !

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

@@jetpylot7523 you’re welcome! Enjoy the build!

[@alfredoorozco7391]

Hey great video, I don’t know if you ever mentioned but when you go out on backcountry flying do you plan on carrying your gear in like a bag on the front seat next to you or do you have like strap or something to keep your gear harnessed down in the aft part of the airplane? Keep up the good work!!!

[@randystern7870]

Beautiful! But how does 800lb. Useful blow away 750lb. Useful?

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

That’s fair!

[@aggibson74]

Awesome to see the update! It looks seriously amazing! Nice Work!!! Do you need an STC to run unleaded? I thought you could do 'just whatever' as experimental :)

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

You’re right! Thank you 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@walterrawdanik8077]

Lovely plane but i would go with Rotax 915is … depending where you want to fly, it never hurts to have additional density altitude “insurance”

[@pilotblue6535]

Homeostat??? Or “hemostat”

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

Haha we'll never know... :)

[@АлександрРылов-ш2ж]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@tinolino58]

Ouhps s chineese engine

[@zackriden79]

not to throw shade but why not spend less on paint less on panel and get a turbo or roots bolt-on do to your goal to fly in that HIGH as fuck DA , I'm not tracking is your mission to fly in bad weather cross-country?

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

How is asking a question “throwing shade?” I welcome it. The paint and avionics don’t cost and weigh nearly as much as a turbo. I’m not sure what you mean by “roots bolt-on”. The S-21 has plenty of capability stock with the Titan. No regrets.

[@zackriden79]

@@CLEAREDDIRECT roots is a type of super charger that rides on the intake

[@johnpitchlynn9341]

You should have never used lead to balance anything. Long term you'll end up regretting that decision. There are other materials besides lead that are not toxic. For instance stainless steel ball bearings or plastic coated steel ball bearings.

[@CLEAREDDIRECT]

I took precautions and the lead is sealed inside of their cavities with epoxy. It’s pretty standard practice but I’m open to new ideas. Thanks for your concern!

[@johnpitchlynn9341]

@@CLEAREDDIRECT Understand but overtime this could be a problem structure wise. I have included a except from FAR: 43.13-1B 10-22. "INSTALLATION OF BALLAST. Ballast is sometimes permanently installed for c.g. balance purposes as a result of installation or removal of equipment items and is not used to correct a nose-up or nose-down tendency of an aircraft. It is usually located as far aft or as far forward as possible in order to bring the c.g. position within acceptable limits with a minimum of weight increase. Permanent ballast is often lead plate wrapped around and bolted to the fuselage primary structure (e.i., tail-post, longerons, or bulkhead members). Permanent ballast invariably constitutes a concentrated load; therefore, the strength of the local structure and the attachment of the ballast thereto should be investigated for the design loading conditions pertinent to that particular aircraft. Placard permanent ballast with Permanent ballast - do not remove. It is not desirable to install permanent ballast by pouring melted lead into the tail-post or longerons due to difficulties that may be encountered in subsequent welding repair operations. It should be noted that the installation of permanent ballast results in an increase of aircraft empty weight. See figure 10-19 for ballast computation. The local strength of the compartment in which the ballast is carried and the effect of the ballast on aircraft weight and balance should be investigated when disposable ballast is carried." Moreover over time Lead itself becomes a source for toxic contamination. That's why lead has been abandoned in most applications. Epoxied or not overtime the epoxy itself will degrade. While technically not explicitly prohibited by law, using lead as ballast in aircraft is strongly discouraged and considered poor practice due to environmental concerns and safety issues related to lead exposure, with most modern aircraft opting for alternative materials when ballast is required; always consult your aircraft's specific regulations and maintenance manuals for the most accurate information on ballast materials. Most aircraft now utilize other materials like steel or specially designed lead-free composite weights for ballast when necessary. Finally, my concern here is one of your long term health. Lead is extremely toxic...and there are nothing but down sides using it and exposing yourself and passengers to it. IN the old days lead and asbestos was everywhere when I was a kid in the 50s...and it took a long time to get rid of all of that once the highly dangerous long term negative toxicity to humans and animals was discovered. So just passing this along as a recommendation. You've done a great job on this aircraft and I've enjoyed the ride. But please look after yourself...and stay healthy so you can enjoy it long term.