Activity Stream

Activity Stream



  1. JustNorm added a post in a topic Avid speedwing.... Impressions from those that have flown one?   

    Hi I have been on holidays and away from the site for a bit so sorry to be late with some info.  That video is Ralph in his Avid.  He is running a 582 with a 3-1 gearbox and a three blade Warp Drive prop.  He gets some great performance from the plane but he flys at sea level so it may make a difference if you are not at sea level. I flew my speed wing at 3500 msl and did not see that kind of performance.  I was lucky to see 95mph.  I believe that my plane suffered from the higher altitude.  I was running a 582 with a 2.58-1 B-box and a two blade IVO.  My climb was good showing 800 to 900 fpm solo.  I never took a passenger with me because I did not trust the plane.  My landing and takeoff was in the 55 to 60mph range and the glide was that of a rock.  It dropped at 1000fpm and I had a motor out at 300 feet so I had 20secs to arrive at the seen of the accident.  I repaired the plane and sold it shortly after.  The guy that bought it was a former air force jet pilot and just loved it.  My thought is that with the extensions the plane would not have to work as hard to stay aloft and I do not think the speed would suffer.  (my thoughts not fact) This is a video of me landing and take off.  I land at 55 to 60mph and it is done flying. 
    The plane was also a handful to takeoff and before I bought it, the previous owner ground looped.  My test pilot, a man with thousands of hours in kitfoxs and some in Avids ground looped before the first flight.  I never ground looped it but did have it get away from me on a couple of landings.  I went back to my Buzzard and love it but I am working on rebuilding a Model IV KitFox.  I really enjoyed the way the Avid was a two finger flyer and hope to get back to that in the KitFox. 
    Good Luck but I think the extensions would be a good addition. 
    • 0


  2. Bandit added a post in a topic SKY - RAIDER / RANGER???   

    Ed,
    Check out my SkyRaider on skis in the picture topics.
    • 0


  3. C5Engineer added a post in a topic Rudder pedals?   

    If you search pedal geometry you will get some good hits. This thread contains some good info.
     
    http://www.avidfoxflyers.com/index.php?/topic/1051-brake-pedal-modifications/?hl=%2Bpedal+%2Bgeometry#entry6187
    • 0


  4. dholly added a post in a topic Rudder pedals?   

    If you are talking about simple pedal only mods (there are lots of how-tos for improving overall brake system efficacy as well), here's what I did on my KF3 and 4-1200.

    http://www.avidfoxflyers.com/index.php?/topic/641-model-iii-rudder-pedal-mod/
    http://www.avidfoxflyers.com/index.php?/topic/1628-model-4-rudder-pedal-mod/
    • 0


  5. dholly added a post in a topic SKY - RAIDER / RANGER???   

    MTOW of SkyRanger is only 450kg or ~992lbs. This video will give you a good view of the Sky Ranger structure and assembly.


    • 1


  6. TJay added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    Rudder pedals?
    Hey guys I have read a few posts where you guys say things like rudder pedal brake mod. or updated rudder pedals, where can I find more info on this.
    • 9 replies
    • 1,105 views


  7. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic SKY - RAIDER / RANGER???   

    There is a Sky Ranger just listed on Barnstormers with a 912. $21,000 Have a look at the pics if you like. Jim Chuk
    • 0


  8. Luked added a post in a topic SKY - RAIDER / RANGER???   

    I didn't know much about these. I think I saw one or two at Oshkosh. I found this video though:
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU_BhSajuZo
    • 1


  9. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Tailwheel Spring   

    You can cut the spring with a thin abrasive cutting wheel on a 4 1/2" grinder. Try not to get it to hot when cutting. Also, springs can be bent, but must be bent cold unless you retemper them. It takes a hydrolic press to bend the spring, but it's not that hard if you are set up. Jim Chuk
    • 0


  10. Maddin added a post in a topic Tailwheel Spring   

    Thank You very much.
    Today i becoma a old spring from an van.
    I must bring it in the right dimensons. But i dont try to bent the Sprig with heat.
    I think this is not a homework too.
    The angle is fine. Onely the length and width must be done.

    I will,report after the work.

    Regats Martin
    • 0


  11. dholly added a post in a topic SKY - RAIDER / RANGER???   

    Ed, I think you have that backasswards. The Sky Raider is a 4130 chromoly fuse that was made in both single and tandem seating models. The SkyRanger is an aluminum fuse bolt together kit with 2-place side by side seating and sewn envelopes for wings and fuse. I looked at one with a 912ul and got the heebie jeebies, didn't look nearly as strong as a welded fuse.
    • 0


  12. EDMO added a post in a topic Tailwheel Spring   

    I should have both kinds of Kitfox spring - need to find the aluminum one - even nose-draggers need a tailwheel when you fold the wings.
    The Texas Taildragger 150/150 Trainer had both tailwheel and nosewheel so students wouldn't nose it over when getting used to the brakes on a taildragger.
    EDMO
    • 0


  13. Luked added a post in a topic Fun day on the East Circuit   

     It's actually been quite a while since I've heard that one!
    • 0


  14. Dusty added a post in a topic Fun day on the East Circuit   

    Use the force Luke,
    • 0


  15. IFMT added a post in a topic Tailwheel Spring   

    Kitfox spring will not work. I tried it. Still have the new spring. Geometry is different because of the straight bottom fuselage on the kitfox versus the curve on the avid. Tailwheel won't caster right with the Kitfox spring. Width is only 1 1/4 on the kitfox. Search "tailwheel spring rear support" in the general hangar. 
    • 0


  16. EDMO added a post in a topic Tailwheel Spring   

    I spent most of my life dealing with metallurgy, heat-treating, and I don't think that hardening/tempering spring steel is a home project - just my 2c worth.
    EDMO
    • 0


  17. EDMO added a topic in Hangar Talk   

    SKY - RAIDER / RANGER???
    Can anyone tell me in as few words as possible, the differences in these two planes - I see one of each for sale on Barnstormers - I'm not buying either - just need simple education on them.
    I think the $11K Raider has a 503, and the $8500 Ranger has no engine but set up for 912.
    I think the Raider is a light GW, single-seat, aluminum frame put together with lots of bolts?
    The Ranger must be a clone of some model of Avid/Fox and a heavier plane?
    Thanx,
    EDMO
    • 6 replies
    • 1,550 views


  18. TJay added a post in a topic Tailwheel Spring   

    If you have a torch you could make one. Its real easy, lots of youtube out there showing you how to,
    • 0


  19. EDMO added a post in a topic Tailwheel Spring   

    Martin,
    My old Kitfox catalog shows a 3-leaf spring for $95 plus shipping, but maybe it is a little more now.
    I would think that they ship internationally.
    You might find a spring-maker in Germany who could copy your spring.
    EDMO
    • 0


  20. Maddin added a post in a topic Tailwheel Spring   

    Sorry I forgot to Tell I am from Germany.
    I think it Would take too long until the parts are by me.
    Especially Science I have Heard- of an Avid friend from France That hi has to wait forever for parts.I have no neres for this and will next week in the air.
    But I will visit an scrapyard for search for an match leaf spring.
    I will report

    I am very excited how my Speedwing with 912 Rotax after the exchange from 3 Gear to tailwheel fly.
    In order to bring the center of gravity further back I converted the battery in place.

    Regarts Martin
    • 0


  21. EDMO added a post in a topic Grove Aluminum Srring Gear - Kitfox 4-1200 Estimate   

    Another Kitfox bargain - Used to be almost $4K for that plus the KF5 gear that Grove sold for $1100!
    I still have the old Grove and KF catalogs. Grove sold the KF5 spring about $500 less than the KF4 spring, and it was 8 inches wider, and included gun drilling for brake lines.
    I have had both, now using the KF5 spring with the radius block mounts, like the later model KF7.
    EDMO
    • 0


  22. Luked added a post in a topic Fun day on the East Circuit   

    Thanks for the pictures Joey. It helps keep us motivated. I hope I can fly half as much as you do when my plane is done.
    • 0


  23. dholly added a post in a topic Grove Aluminum Srring Gear - Kitfox 4-1200 Estimate   

    $3k for axles, wheels, brakes, tires and tubes??
    • 0


  24. EDMO added a post in a topic CONNECTING BOWDEN CABLE HOUSINGS?   

    Plastic is better - aluminum or steel cause shorts! Thinwall PVC probably don't weigh much more than fiberglass,
    ED
    • 0


  25. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic CONNECTING BOWDEN CABLE HOUSINGS?   

    My mind wondered off in a different direction, I'm thinking I will use a piece of 1/2" pvc or aluminum pipe, tie the battery cables to the outside of it, and use it for a conduit for tail light wire and if I ever put electric trim on I can snake those wires down inside the tube. I want the battery cables supported better than just tieing them to the cross tubes where they will drape down onto the fabric between the tubes. Jim Chuk
    • 0