7,000 Work Hours Later… The Bearcat Is Back Alive!

After nearly one year on the ground, our Grumman F8F Bearcat is finally ready to return to service! In this video, we take you behind the scenes of an extensive incoming and annual inspection involving more than 7,000 working hours and over 120 findings. The work included an X-ray inspection on the main spar, replacing unairworthy rivets and hydraulic lines, reinstalling the fuel tank, fitting the Quick Engine Change (QEC) unit, lowering the wings, and installing the nose bowl and unique hollow-steel propeller. We also explain how Clecos, solid countersunk rivets, a pneumatic rivet gun, and a bucking bar are used to repair the Bearcat’s wing structure while maintaining its smooth, aerodynamic surface. With all major components installed, the panels and cowlings were closed and the aircraft was prepared for its first ground run. This allowed us to test the engine, propeller, hydraulics, and other essential systems while checking for leaks, vibrations, and further issues. The Bearcat is back, stay tuned for its first flight in one of the next videos! 👇 follow us on Instagram   / theflyingbulls   ✈️ find out more about our fleet https://www.flyingbulls.at 🏛 make sure to visit Hangar-7 https://www.hangar-7.com