Activity Stream

Activity Stream



  1. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   

    No they actually use a standard small bulb, like an automotive interior bulb so they arent the brightest but they do work. 
     
    After searching I have found no clear articles on VG's and Kitfox's.  I think I may experiment some and use my Contour cameras to record the data.
     
    So I'm holding off on installing the VG's and I'm going to do some testing on the upper and lower surface of the wing and flaperon. 
     
    It will be a few months though, so don't hold your breath for too long
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  2. EDMO added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   

    Interesting - had never heard of them before - LEDs, I guess?Ed
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  3. EDMO added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   

    I forgot that this is a 4 - don't know if the VGs under the wing will have any effect on the flat airfoil - I was thinking about the earlier Eppler airfoils.Still, a report before and after would be interesting.
    Ed in MO
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  4. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   


     
     What are the round objects above the IP, with a tube? running down each side?
    Ed in MO
     
    They are backup emergency panel lights, the are flexible and run on watch batteries.  They actually work quite well.
     
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  5. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   

    If I am reading those articles correctly you install the VG's at 4" centers just behind the leading edge on the bottom of the wing. 
     
    I may give this a try.  I atleast want to test the airflow over and under the wing with my cameras and the good ole string and tape method.
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  6. EDMO added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   



  7. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   

     
    I did read a little about that.  I got enough VG's for the wing and the tail.  If I could bump my cruise 10mph I would be ecstatic!
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  8. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   

    im runnig foreflight and ive been eyeing the new stratus 2 that just came out.  I'm already paying the subscription, might as well get the ADS-B IN
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  9. EDMO added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   

    It would sure be nice if you can record your speeds without the VGs, and then again after you put them on.Did you read the post about putting VGs UNDER the wing for better cruise? It is way down below in "files", I think - Posted by Doug A+. This is supposed to add 10 mph cruise to undercambered airfoils.
    ED in MO
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  10. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   

    I saw this plane on TeamKitfox, she looks like a honey. But, Do not invest any money on that Lowrance GPS. It's an unsupported boat anchor.

    A buddy just got a garmin glo ($100) to go with his iPad-mini (Garmin App - $50/ year). That is the cats pajamas IMO. He's been running it all week at his day job (he drives a CRJ for a living). If I didn't already have my era 500, I'd do that route.
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  11. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   

    yea good thinking.  I guess the instruments work, I'm not looking to do anything anytime soon.
     
    I already have StolSpeed VG's to install and I just want to fly!
     
    I can't find a local tailwheel instructor
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  12. akflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   

    Make sure when you go all electric that you dont pull more juice than the 582 will put out.
     

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  13. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   

    nope and i intend on replacing the venturi on the side by replacing the gyro instruments with all electric.  Should save some weight and some clutter.  The gyro instruments only work once you take off and get close to cruise, haha.
     
    I figure with a compass, a DG, LORAN GPS, WAAS GPS and an EFB I'm gonna have a hard time getting lost.
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  14. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   

    Holly panal, Batman!  IFR certified?
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  15. akflyer added a post in a topic Dual Brakes and Parking Valve Install on a KF4-1200   

    I think the tubing Doug used was the same stuff that Matco sends out with the kits.  We had a local guy try and use the poly tubing that is used on Semi truck air brakes.  That stuff is only good for 160 PSI max and it lasted one or two flights before it blew apart and dumped 5606 all over the cockpit.  I use the black tubing because it has a higher rating and is a little bit stiffer and does not give me that spongy feel in the brakes.
     

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  16. 6320012s added a post in a topic Dual Brakes and Parking Valve Install on a KF4-1200   

    What kind of tubing did you use?  When I tried using poly tube on my set up, it expanded too much and the brakes were mushy.  Is that poly tubing or a more rigid type?
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  17. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions   

    Here are some quick pics, I keep forgetting to take some when I'm at the airport.
     

     

     

     
    My StolSpeed VG's showed up today.  I'd also like to remove the oil injection system, I'm having some small issues with it.
     
    Any advice on how to remove it?  I have no information available in my manuals on how the system is installed and I have not taken a really close look at it yet
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  18. akflyer added a post in a topic Do we really need to be cheap? Whats your life or those of a loved one worth?   

     
    Reminds me of my first car "incident"  My dad always preached to me that if I was drinking or what have you, to call him no matter what time of the day or night, no questions asked he would come get me or the crew I was with... It took me about 5 months to put that to the test.. I got to call dad to come get me and the other passengers in the car at 3:30 am.  Seems I had gotten a bit distracted from driving and parked the car about 60 yards off the road.  When dad got there he noted that it was winter time and neither myself nor the 4 gals I had with me were wearing shirts, and there were none to be found in the car ( we had ditched those about 5 miles back) his only question was, why didn't you call me sooner    I told him that I was sure that mom would not have approved of him being a part of the activities that led up to my parking job   Damn, if only we could be 16 again!
     
     

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  19. Russ. added a post in a topic Dual Brakes and Parking Valve Install on a KF4-1200   

    Matco said DOT 5, not DOT 5.1, 3, or 4 is a approved replacement for H-5606 fluid.  I got some from auto parts store, it works the same as 5606.  Name brand is AGS DOT5.   Russ.
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  20. RDavidson added a post in a topic Battery placement   

    I too like the 680...I have it on my Starduster, turning a Lycoming O-320. I have had it for 4 years and it is still cranking strong! I actually flew it about 10 times with a bad alternator and didn't realize it until I finally saw the volts hanging around 11 during flight. I'm telling you it is one great battery, and another cool thing is that you can mount it upside down if you want to because it is a dry cell.

    There is my two cents...

    Ron
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  21. RDavidson added a post in a topic Do we really need to be cheap? Whats your life or those of a loved one worth?   

    Thanks for posting that...convinced me of spending the extra money for the 406! I too was going to fly with what I had until they outlawed it. Stupid to think that way after reading that story!

    Best wishes on the baby! I think that is a great name...

    Ron
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  22. EDMO added a post in a topic Do we really need to be cheap? Whats your life or those of a loved one worth?   

    Leni,
    You have touched the heart of one who flew search and rescue for 11 years, and came upon similar incidents that I really don't want to talk about. We had the same "ineptitude" for want of a better word, from those in charge of CAP missions. If I could figure out how to make my photo larger, you could see the CAP patch on my uniform.
    To everyone: If you want to be "thrifty" or "cheap", then do it in a way it will not threaten survival or the lives of your loved ones. Paint your ride with a roller and house paint, but don't skimp on safety in any way.
    The same goes for flying: NO FLIGHT is worth dying for!
    Each time before I go up - I remind myself that I want to be able to do this again.
    My 2c worth.
    ED in MO
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  23. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Should I buy this 1990 MK IV?   

    N 399Q on the FAA website is and Avid Flyer, serial # 399. Currently owned by a Jerry Warren of Medford, Oregon. Seems like everything is okey with the FAA on the plane. Probably a C model. I've never flown a speed wing Avid, higher stall and landing speeds than the long wing versions. I had a couple of B models and 2 MK IVs so far. They all flew good. All very responsive and quick on the controls. The B models climbed better because they were lighter with the same engine (582) I still think that with all that comes with the plane it should be a good buy if it's in nice condition. I would want the longer wing, but if you want to cruise at faster speeds, the speed wing might be the way to go then. Go have a look at it and if you can get someone else to look at it with you. Go for a ride in it and see what you think. Everyone's ideas are different, I might love one plane and you might not be very impressed with it at all. Most of these Avids and Kitfoxes don't get left outside, so the fabric is probably good. Again you have to look at it. Take care, Jim Chuk
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  24. dholly added a post in a topic Dual Brakes and Parking Valve Install on a KF4-1200   

    Step lightly?
     
    Actually, I have the mangy fox torque tube undergoing renovations as we speak. You were correct warning it was Smitty ugly. More work but less potential downtime since I have to farm out that welding job and 'no rush' = le$$ cost. Will do a quick swap out when done.
     
     
    @ Leni - I shitcanned the oilcan and went to Plan B, a plastic ketchup squeeze bottle. Works pretty good filling from the caliper up, particularly since it's flexible enough to roll up like a toothpaste tube. I just invert the squeeze bottle and fill the attached hose, then zip tie the hose to the caliper zerk. It kept most of the air out but not all. Now the problem is bleeding the system further to remove all the air without another set of hands. I think if I unscrew the reservior, let it dangle with a catch can directly under and just keep pushing fluid through it, I might waste $5 of 5606 but hopefully won't make too big a mess.
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  25. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Dual Brakes and Parking Valve Install on a KF4-1200   

    Now that you have all that done, I see you still have the killer unreinforced rudder peddle arms. You need to do something about that.
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