Carl Bahn's Modified Landing Gear

[Seatabria]

I am looking for any photographs that show Carl Bahn's landing gear installed on a Champ. I have heard that there are a couple in Alaska. If anyone has some, or can direct me where I can view some photos it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Nathan K. Hammond]

nkh

[joea]

Sure looks like a lot of fun out in the boonies!

[7GC]

It can also be a lot of work in the boonies! I have the Carl Bahn gear, and it's great on skis. However,I was out yesterday near the Yentna-Susitna confluence and decided to land on a frozen swamp (Landis 2000 and Burl's tailski). The first pass was a little touch to see if there was any overflow. So far, so good. Next time around landed, and as soon as I slowed a little, the plane starts sinking. I couldn't take off again with full power, and plowed around for a while before giving up. When I came to a stop, there was at least 3 feet of soft snow, nearly waist deep (temp around high 30s). After an hour and a half, I had a 300 ft runway snowshoed and dug the plane out. Managed to wrestle it into the air, but for a while I thought I might have to camp out. I have a similar story on wheels, but that can wait.

Phil

[joea]

Dont suppose you took photos???

[7GC]

No, one of the few times I didn't have the camera along - it was a cloudy day with flat light. Landing was similar to glassy water on floats.

[BobK]

Phil,

And that is precisely why I just got done re-packing my wheel-bearings... The forecast around Anchorage is for more of the same warm weather, with rain included, so I'm thinking of throwing in the towel on this ski-season. With snow conditions like you mentioned, and having to keep the plane from floating away from its tie-down on the lake, I think its time.

Just thinking out loud though... How much difference is there in the labor cost to rebuild 2 oleos, vs the cost of Carls gear ?

Hasta ~

Bob K.
Anchorage, AK

[Mac]

Has anyone heard if he was able to get it STCd?

[7GC]

Haven't heard anything on the STC. As far as cost, 5 years ago it was $800 for the basic gear, $150 for powdercoating, $100 for safety cables. Then add in the supercub hydrosorb units - $1300 for a new pair with bungees, less if you can find a serviceable used set. Installation is a few hours. It's not a real cheap mod, but it was well worth it for me.

[Max Hanft]

I have tried to call carl about his champ gear with no success. Does anyone know about the STC.

[Seatabria]

I have tried to get Carl to build me up a set but no luck so far. Does anyone know if there is a set of drawings available to build the gear from?

[ak46champ]

I have talked with Carl recently and he said that he hopes to have approval for the gear some time this summer.

[Seatabria]

As my aircraft is licensed as 'Amateur Built' in Canada I do not require a STC to install this gear. I fly off some pretty rough areas and this gear would definetly benefit the aircraft. If anyone knew where I could get a set of drawings that could be used to build this style of gear please let me know.

Thanks

[joea]

As my aircraft is licensed as 'Amateur Built' in Canada I do not require a STC to install this gear. I fly off some pretty rough areas and this gear would definetly benefit the aircraft. If anyone knew where I could get a set of drawings that could be used to build this style of gear please let me know.

Thanks

Send ak46champ a mesage through this bulletin board and try to get the phone number to call Carl.

[WWhunter]

Crappy weather out so I'm searching the old posts and wanted to bring this subject back up. Has anyone heard if Carl has made any progress on the STC for his gear yet?