Maxcraft partnered with the team at Pacific Rim Aviation Academy to transform one of their Cessna 172s used for pilot training from ab-initio, to advanced commercial and IFR this aircraft is ready for anything. By removing the old school gyroscopic instruments and replacing them with solid state Garmin electronic flight indicators, this 172 will be able undergo the many maneuvers student pilots put aircraft through which cause wear on gyro instruments but don’t even make solid state instruments blink.
Bearhawk 4-Place: Upgrading a Backcountry Aircraft for Modern Capability
When long-time Maxcraft friend and professional aviator Ryan Van Haren looked to upgrade the performance and capability of his Bearhawk 4-Place kit aircraft, he knew exactly who he wanted to trust with the avionics integration. Despite his extensive connections across the general aviation community, Ryan brought his project to Maxcraft — a decision we’re incredibly grateful for, and honoured to be part of.
Aircraft & Owner:
Ryan’s Bearhawk 4-Place is a rugged, STOL-capable aircraft designed for serious backcountry capability. With its impressive performance envelope and useful load, it’s a natural fit for the off-airport adventures Ryan and his family enjoy.
Ryan himself is a deeply respected figure in the BC aviation world. His aviation résumé spans an unusually wide breadth of expertise:
- Former Arctic Bush Pilot, Air Ambulance Pilot & Corporate Pilot
- Former IFR Air Traffic Controller with Nav Canada
- Current Air Canada Pilot & Airbus A220 Instructor
- Founder of the BC General Aviation Association (BCGA)
- Co-manager of the EAA IMC Club promoting safety, proficiency and education
- Occasional test pilot for Maxcraft, helping with previous evaluations and projects
Aviation is truly a family pursuit for the Van Harens, woven into every part of their lives. Ryan’s wife, Darian, is both an accomplished pilot and an air traffic controller, and together with their children they share a genuine passion for flight. The whole family takes turns at the controls and works side-by-side maintaining the Bearhawk in their hangar; a space they proudly consider an extension of their home.
The Need
The Bearhawk came equipped with a legacy MGL Avionics system, but over time it became increasingly unreliable. With the aircraft being used for family adventures, and backcountry exploration, reliability and integration became essential.
Ryan needed:
- A full panel redesign
- A modern, dependable avionics suite
- A clean, ergonomic interface
- Robust autopilot performance
- Better engine monitoring
- A system fully integrated with his existing Garmin portable devices
This was the right moment to transition the Bearhawk to a Garmin-based glass cockpit.
The Solution
Maxcraft engineered a complete Garmin suite optimized for performance, safety, and backcountry functionality. The upgrade includes:
Garmin Flight Deck
- Garmin G3X Touch
- GDU 4606” primary display
- Integrated mapping, navigation, synthetic vision
- Garmin G3X EIS
- Full engine monitoring
- Reuse of some existing transducers to reduce cost
- Confirmed correct probe package
Autopilot System
- Garmin GFC 500 – 3-Axis Autopilot
- Pitch
- Roll
- Yaw damper for improved stability
Connected Systems & Integration
- Integration of existing Aera 660
- Integration of existing GTR 200 to the G3X avionics backbone
- Garmin GMA 245R remote audio panel (fully controlled through the G3X)
Situational Awareness & ADS-B
- Garmin GI 206 AOA system
- Airspeed + Angle of Attack
- Addition of a heated GAP26 Pitot/AOA Probe finally providing the aircraft with improved stall awareness.
- Garmin GDL 39R ADS-B and GPS receiver
- Evaluation of glareshield antenna requirements
Panel & Hardware
- Completely new custom-fabricated instrument panel
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- Professionally powder-coated
- Laser-engraved markings
- Dual GSB 15 USB-C charging ports
- Installation of new static port system
- Co-pilot PTT switch installation
- Removal of dual backup batteries
- Proper magnetic compass calibration (previously unreliable)
- Relocation of magnetometer, now positioned in the tail for improved accuracy
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The Story
Ryan’s Bearhawk journey was equal parts passion, perseverance, and partnership. Ryan and Darian invested tremendous time and energy into the aircraft. In a true testament to their commitment to aviation, the couple even sacrificed part of their honeymoon to help fund this dream project.
By the time the Bearhawk rolled into Maxcraft, it was clear how much heart had gone into it. Working with Ryan is always a pleasure, and his wide-ranging background in commercial operations, air traffic control, and instruction gave him a clear vision of workflow, redundancy, and human-factors design. Combined with his past experience as a Maxcraft test pilot, he approached the avionics upgrade with a level of clarity and discipline that made him an ideal collaborator.
Our team removed the aging MGL system, evaluated what components could be reused, and began redesigning the cockpit around the Garmin G3X architecture. The relocation of the magnetometer, fabrication of new wiring harnesses, and integration of Ryan’s existing Garmin equipment were key elements in keeping the installation efficient, reliable, and tailored to the Bearhawk’s mission profile.
The result is a completely transformed panel; clean, organized, ergonomic, and built for serious flying. It reflects both Maxcraft’s technical precision and the deeply personal story behind this one-of-a-kind aircraft.
A Special Congratulations
We want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Ryan and Darian; not only on completing the Bearhawk project, but also on their recent marriage. Their dedication to building and improving this aircraft together is inspiring, and we’re proud to have played a part in its evolution.
Looking Ahead
Ryan’s Bearhawk will be used exactly as it was meant to be: exploring remote strips, travelling with family, and teaching others through his involvement with the BCGA, the IMC Club, and the Pacific Coast Pilot channel.
We’re grateful for Ryan’s long-standing friendship with Maxcraft and proud to support this next chapter of flying adventures.
Customer Comments:
“We couldn’t be happier with our new panel. Having worked with Maxcraft for many years, I knew exactly the level of quality, communication, and professionalism we could expect—and they still managed to exceed it. I’ve test-flown and delivered countless Maxcraft-equipped aircraft throughout Canada and the U.S., so finally having a Maxcraft panel in our own Bearhawk feels incredibly special.
The craftsmanship and attention to detail from the entire team were outstanding, with a special shoutout to Rhea, who championed this project from start to finish. With our previous panel on its last legs, we wanted a modern suite that would boost reliability, situational awareness, and, most importantly, safety. I pitched the idea of a full overhaul to Darian in late July. She enthusiastically agreed, despite later realizing her cost estimate was off by a few decimal places. That level of support told me everything I needed to know. I bought a ring the following week.
We took the Bearhawk on one of its final flights with the old panel to Nootka Island, landed on the beach, and that’s where we got engaged. Six weeks later, we were married on the apron at Pitt Meadows Airport while our Bearhawk was completing its transformation at Maxcraft.
The new install has been a complete game changer. We’re back to inventing excuses to go flying, and with the yaw damper on the three-axis autopilot, even the kids can take the controls and stay perfectly coordinated without needing to reach the rudder pedals.”
Ryan Van Haren