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  1. Guest added a post in a topic FAA Registration   

    The only reason I can see for registering a plane as ELSA is that owners subsequent to the original builder can obtain a repairman certificate. I don't know if this still happens or got closed off with the "transition" period, but my Fat Avid was registered as ELSA by the original builder. I took a weekend long ELSA repairman class and can now carry a little card issued by the FAA similar to my pilots license that allows me to be repairman on that particular tail number airplane only.....pretty cool.
     
    My MKIV and Magnum were both EAB and had to be condition inspected by an A&P or IA annually. With the card, I can do that myself once I get the thing up and going......If that happens in my lifetime. Sometimes it seems like it won't! )
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  2. EDMO added a post in a topic Can't find fuselage structural diagram   

    My "quote" feature wont work on here, otherwise I would copy what Leni said about these little birds - They are nothing to be afraid of, but if you have been flying a Cessna or something while half-asleep, then you better have a cup of coffee before pushing the throttle forward in an Avid or Kitfox.
    I still think Ed's book is worth the $22 price, for it was fun and educational reading.  The history and specs in it are worth the price.   I got mine a little cheaper about 12 years ago, and still keep it handy to read.
    for instance, he gives the changes between models, even the tail height and elevator changes and engines, weights and speeds for each.
    EdMO
    I wish someone would post or PM a photo to me of how the Avid struts are welded to the lower fitting that attaches to the fuselage.   I know they are different than the Kitfox.
    EdMO
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  3. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Can't find fuselage structural diagram   

    Checked with Dave today. He used .065" wall 1" diameter tube for the lift struts.

    In building his plane anything he was unsure of he referenced the set of "Wag-abond" plans he has from when he rebuilt a Piper Vagabond PA15. Similar speed and weight envelope.
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  4. EDMO added a post in a topic FAA Registration   

    Paul,
         I am A&P also - the only thing different about the new OPLIMS is the only thing necessary is a log book entry for major changes, rather than having to get another airworthiness inspection, but again, you have to have the airworthiness inspection to change the OPLIMS, and you have to have a DAR or FAA inspector to do those inspections.   Fly, Fix, and Enjoy!
    EDMO
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  5. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic FAA Registration   

    It's not the category the plane is registered in that makes it sport pilot eligible.  It's the weight, speed, and number of seats that make it a plane a sport pilot can fly.  Maximum weight 1320 lbs. maximum speed @ VH 138 MPH, and 2 seats.  Other things come into it as well, no inflight prop, ect. but those are the big three.  Jim Chuk
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  6. allonsye added a post in a topic FAA Registration   

    Thanks Ed. Nice lucid response, you're admonition makes perfect sense.
     
    I'll need refresh on the regs. I was looking to make the inspections less stringent and eliminate flt phys to maintain pilots cert.
     
    As it is, my ins co will require 5 hrs of dual in this make and model as I get back into the air.
     
    I shouldn't be too worried about maint sign-offs since I hold an A&P.
     
    Thx,
    Paul
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  7. akflyer added a post in a topic Can't find fuselage structural diagram   

    I would questions ones abilities if they cant fly an avid or a kitfox.. the only thing they need to know is
    1) Dont try high speed taxi.  If your gonna fly it get the damn thing off the ground or you WILL ground loop it in short order.
    2) There are high drag airplanes, when you pull the power, you will come down fast.
    3) if you want to loose altitude in these with a 2 stroke engine, slow the plane up and you will fall out of the sky like a rock.  I can peg the VSI at 45 MPH. 
     
    Most of all, have fun and dont be scared of them.  They are pretty damn sporty feeling after flying a cub or a champ.  Lighter on the stick and you dont have to bang your thighs with the stick to keep the wings level.
     

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  8. EDMO added a post in a topic FAA Registration   

    I am thinking that the LSA certification, whether it is S-LSA or E-LSA, is only for factory-built airplanes.   I believe the maintenance rules are much stricter than the Experimental, Amateur-built certification, requiring use of exact factory replacement parts and procedures.   Some have re-certified S-LSA planes to E-LSA for more lenient rules, but I cant explain any of that.
    I don't know why anyone would want to register an Experimental plane that way.
    Doug Holly probably knows more about these classifications than anyone else, since he owns an LSA.
    If you are thinking about the Sport Pilot limitations of flying "Light Sport Aircraft" weighing no more than 1320 lbs, this certification is not needed.   I would keep the plane certified as EAB and enjoy the freedoms it gives.
    At least you should check to see if the OPLIMS (Operational Limitations) on your plane are compliant with the current OPLIMS as published by the FAA (Originated by the EAA) which let you do major modifications with only a logbook entry and do not require a new Airworthiness Inspection each time you change something, but changing OPLIMS now will require another Airworthiness Inspection. 
    So, unless you are planning major modifications to your plane, I would just leave things alone and register it as-is in your name and fly and enjoy.
    EDMO
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  9. EDMO added a post in a topic Can't find fuselage structural diagram   

    I haven't seen the model 4 handbook - Ed's book is really good reading about how to fly these, no matter what kind you are flying - probably all the info you need is in his book - the rest comes with experience.
    EDMO
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  10. Luked added a post in a topic Can't find fuselage structural diagram   

    I see it in the KF catalog. I might have to get it. They also have the model IV operating handbook. I wonder if that would be worth getting too.
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  11. EDMO added a post in a topic Can't find fuselage structural diagram   

    Luke,
           When Ed Downs was head of Skystar, the maker of Kitfox Aircraft after Denny Aircraft and before John McBean started the new Kitfox Aircraft, he wrote a small book about the evolution of the Kitfoxes from 1 to 7, and also how to fly them, and lots of specs like airspeeds and weights.   It is a very interesting and informative book - lots of good info - I think it is still available from Kitfox.
    The book title is "Kitfox Pilot's Guide", by Edward S. Downs.
    Ed MO
    Note:  I must have gotten the strut size for the Classic 4 somewhere else, as I don't see it in my copy of the book.   I think the Avid Pilots would learn enough about flying these light planes to make the book worth reading - it also covers floats flying.
    Ed
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  12. Luked added a post in a topic Can't find fuselage structural diagram   

    Hey Ed, what's the Downs book?
     
    Edit: I just confirmed your strut information Ed. I found it here (in the Model IV-1200 section):
     
    http://www.avidfoxflyers.com/index.php?/topic/603-history-of-kitfox-structural-changes/
     
    (Thanks Doug)
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  13. allonsye added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    FAA Registration
    I've been remiss on getting my Avid registered in my name since purchasing it a year ago. Being not airworthy yet I'm figuring no big deal. 
     
    I'm considering registering it LSA. Anyone re-register a homebuilt experimental as an LSA? I'm not finding guidance on the FAA site which one could surmise mean no can do.  Guess I need to seek out an FAA inspector on this.  The gal on the line when I called said since it's been already registered it can't be changed but then she noted that it was registered over 20 yrs ago and wasn't sure all of a sudden. 
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  14. Wild Bill added a post in a topic Cant open Avid Manual series...Can Someone give strut attach measurements?   

    Ed,
     
    My manual shows 80" as well on the HH Wing and 80" on the Aerobatic Wing too. This is on an Avid.
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  15. EDMO added a post in a topic Can't find fuselage structural diagram   

    Luke,
         I am almost certain - I think it is in the Downs book - Kitfox later models use 1" x .049 wall struts.   I used 1" x .058 because I had 7/8 diameter rod which I drilled and tapped to 7/16 - 20 for my rod ends - the 7/8 is a good fit inside my tubes for welding.
    EDMO
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  16. Luked added a post in a topic Can't find fuselage structural diagram   

    Thanks Larry. If you could check with him on the strut wall thickness, that would be great. I'm really leaning toward the longer wing. If I go that route, I would get the KF inserts.
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  17. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Can't find fuselage structural diagram   

    I'm pretty sure it was 1" od, but I'll have to check with him on the wall thickness.
     
    He did use the .065" wall spar tubes, sourced from a local steel supplier, with the Kitfox sourced stiffener extrusions.
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  18. C5Engineer added a post in a topic Avid B model to MK4 Elevator upgrade   

    Where were you yesterday? Haha I just paid $7.95 a piece for 4 of them from Spruce ouch
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  19. cliff added a post in a topic Cliff's plane pictures   

    Young and dumb, full of piss and vinegar. My entire life was aviation driven. Built and flew model airplanes since the age of 6. took hang gliding and flying lessons at age 14, Started skydiving at age 16, Got my first ultralight at age 18, and continued with all the for mentioned activities, except hang gliding,  until today at age 52. I have done way too many stupid things, should have been dead several times, just had an engine out landing on Sunday. By the grace of God I am still alive. So many of my friends didn't make it. I have lost dozens and dozens of friends to aviation related accidents. Most completely avoidable. I try to learn from all their mistakes and misfortunes. I have become very saftey conscience in my later years. I don't like being around reckless people, my old heart can't take it anymore.
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  20. Luked added a post in a topic Can't find fuselage structural diagram   

    That's really good information. I'd love to have that extra wing area, and it's good to know it's been done before. You wouldn't happen to know what size of tubing he used for the struts would you? I can figure out the diameter from looking at a Kitfox, but I don't know the wall thickness.
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  21. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Can't find fuselage structural diagram   

    He did use full length Kitfox wings, but built his own struts and fairings.

    Just to complicate them further, he used the fiberglass Avid wing tip bows instead so a bolted on Kitfox tip.

    His full span is near 33 feet.


    (Avid C fuselage)
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  22. allonsye added a post in a topic Cliff's plane pictures   

    I think there are many of us Ed that could quip likewise. I often think to myself by the grace of the universe go I.  There are a few of us too who know some personally who didn't "survive" (not just from flying), we miss them and are grateful too for having been able to have them in our life's journey. They made it all the better for us and you can't help but feel a sense of great loss not having them in your life or to know them anymore.
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  23. cliff added a post in a topic The 180.. saving a ramp mummy   

    The  Sea to sky stripper  is eco friendly. The rinse water doesn't need to be captured and sent off to hazardous waste people. The paint  waste needs to be filtered out of the water. The leftover stripped paint is taken by the hazardous waste company. All my spraying is done in a filtered paint room using epa approved exhaust filters. If you are stripping  and painting your own plane {not for profit}  The rules don't apply to you , other than rinsing stripper and sludge into a wet lands and other stupid things people have done like, overspraying the neighbors cars,boats,swimming pools etc etc etc. Use common sense, and think about how what you are about to do could impact your neighbors and enviroment and you will be fine. Don't flush chemicals down the toilet, don't spray next to a neighbors house on a hot summer day who has their doors and windows open, Don't dump chemical waste in the gutter, etc etc etc.
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  24. EDMO added a post in a topic Cliff's plane pictures   

    I may have come close to getting the Yahoo Trophy when I was young, dumb, and bulletproof - 50 or more years later and I think, or at least try to be, older and wiser.  I just wonder how I survived the first few years!
    EDMO
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  25. Luked added a post in a topic Can't find fuselage structural diagram   

    Hey Larry,
     
    I was also wondering if your friend that put KF wings on his Avid used full length KF wings and KF struts.
     
    Luke D.
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