Activity Stream

Activity Stream



  1. lakertreetopflyer added a post in a topic tail up   

    Thanks,thats what I am looking for

    Brian
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  2. C5Engineer added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    I don't think it's possible to have an airplane that fits every aspect of your mission perfectly. This is why those who are lucky enough to afford it have two or three. The best you can hope for is something that works well for you MOST of the time. The Rans, Highlanders, and newer Kitfoxes are all amazing airplanes that evolved from Dean Wilson's original design in the early 80's. Their price has followed the evolution accordingly though. Just a bare bones Kit and Rotax 912S for any those is going to be around $50K and then you still have to build it!

    I sent you a Private message with some other info as well.

    Joey
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  3. C5Engineer added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    Congratulations Leni!
    For those of you that don't know Leni (AKFlyer) tied the knot this weekend!!


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  4. C5Engineer added a topic in Avid fox flyers pics and vids   

    Latest shinanagans by Swingle of Ohio Bushplanes
    Swingle just posted this one called Aerocross. His videos are always a hoot!!

    https://vimeo.com/50941418



    If you haven't been to his page check out www.ohiobushplanes.com and click on flying videos. Some of them are very big files so if your net is a bit slow just hit play and then hit pause and let the video load up before you try watching it.
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  5. Twister added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    I didn't think I'd have this much fun until I got into the air again, so folks, hear this: Even if I don't get into the air again, I've had a good time reading all these messages. The more I hear, the more I want to know. Y'all are a very generous bunch, and it's a pleasure to "know" you.

    But the more I know, the more I know what I don't know; I'm still dripping with ignorance--hell, I never heard of a "dead-stick takeoff" before, and I still don't know what it is.

    And all these different airplanes make me question whether or not I'm even close to being ready to take the leap. Like the difference between Avids, Kitfoxes, Highlanders, Airdales, Zeniths, Murphys, some other Canadian bush planes, and the various models, powerplants, wings, gear, (turbocharged Rotaxes, yet?) and on and on has me in a whirl of confusion. I guess I'll get there eventually, but I only want to buy one airplane--and I want it to be the right one for me.

    True, I would like to get by for $15 or 20K, but I'd rather wait a bit longer and get the bird that suits me to a T. I will have to stick to the sport pilot category, and I'm still stuck on the folding wing option, but other than that, I'm still open to suggestions, links, and references about what you folks who have done this a long time think my specifications (Manufacturer, wing type, gear type, engine, and performance etc.) ought to be.

    Thanks again for all your responses.
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  6. C5Engineer added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    I have been fortunate to get to fly with Steve on several occasions. I can tell you he is NOT cocky, he is NOT a showoff, and he IS a DAMN fine pilot. He flew that Highlander 1400hrs and over 8000 off airport landings in the span of just under 4 years. Like Larry mentioned he wears that airplane like a glove. I flew in his new one back in June and it's totally insane. 145HP custom built Turboed 912S with an $8000 constant speed airmaster prop set up. He also recently seriously saved my bacon when I had some issues while 600 miles from home on my Idaho trip. He's an amazing guy and fellow pilot that I'm glad I have his cell number in my phone! Here's a pic of us flying in 2011 in Idaho. What an Epic day...we had 3 Rans S-7's, Steve's Highlander and Myself. That's Steve's airplane in the foreground. We were on top of the Mile Hi airstrip here, which is arguably one of the hardest strips in the Idaho Backcountry as well as the lower 48. For us it's easy peasy stuff most of the off airport stuff we all do is way more extreme but in something like a big metal spam can this one is sporty


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  7. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    That's Steve Henry aka taildrgfun, aka the dead stick takeoff guy.

    He wears that Highlander like you wear your favorite pair of jeans. That's his old plane. He now has a new one with a 145 hp turbo 912S on it.

    I have had the fortune to meet him at Oshkosh and talk with him for a while. Joey (c5engineer) is a good friend of his.
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  8. N276KM added a post in a topic tail up   

    As far as speeds, with my mk 4 I downwind at 70mph, final at 60mph, and land in a 3pt attitude whenever the lift runs out somewhere under 40mph. I have the wide bungee gear and find it very stable.

    Murphy
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  9. Twister added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    I'd be interested in anything y'all have to say about this video:


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  10. EDMO added a post in a topic Cowl to windshiled fit problem   

    Depends on climate you are in - most epoxies like to work at 70F and above - had good and bad results with JB -
    Usually with repair kits - you have everything except what you need - you just have to make do.
    100 mph Duct tape, pliers, wire, etc are all good. My belt always has a Gerber all-purpose tool on it - best I have used.
    Just keep it light, simple, and tied down good. We also had the aluminum (300 mph) tape for planes.
    ED in MO
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  11. Twister added a post in a topic Cowl to windshiled fit problem   



    Ed, what kind of epoxy (if any) would you put into a lightweight emergency repair kit? What do you think of JB Weld?

    Speaking of emergency repair kits, what do you suggest? I will be both towing and flying, so the one in the tow vehicle can be pretty big, but the one in the aircraft is another story. Duct tape and wire? What kind? A buddy of mine says they had a special kind of "duct" tape in the Army that they patched holes with in Viet Nam. Unauthorized repairs, of course, but the stuff was extra-tough and extra-sticky.
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  12. Twister added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   


    Thanks again for your very useful comments. My head is still spinning, but I hope to accumulate enough knowledge to avoid the bigger mistakes.

    I've got my eye on an Avid 4 with a speed wing. I wonder if I should swap it out for a STOL wing or a Riblett, and add the wider gear. I'm wondering what this might cost me, as the Riblett is going to cost a fair piece of change, and I would end up with a nice pair of speed wings that I might not be able to sell if other Avid/Fox owners are making the same shift. Lengthening the speed wing seems to be an option, but I don't know how that will affect STOL performance or compare to the Riblett. If I understand correctly, the Riblett doesn't sacrifice much "at the low end" (STOL performance) but adds quite a bit to cruise speed and improves handling (stall characteristics, etc.). While I'd rather build than buy, I'm pretty much forced to buy due to a hitch in my gitalong. Where's the best place to buy the finished Riblett and the wider gear? The only laminar wing I've ever flown was a Cessna 177 years ago.

    Thanks again for any comments.

    I'm also thinking of putting the wider gear on, and wonder how that would work out financially too. The price on the plane is pretty close to my budget, and I have to think about every angle I can and end up with a plane that suits my needs.
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  13. BryceKat added a post in a topic Avid towbar   

    Hey Stephen,
    They're still setting in the same corner but they do have a couple of new spider web reinforcements. One of these days.... . Bryce
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  14. Twister added a post in a topic tail up   

    I'm thinking about designing an enclosed trailer if I get my Avid (I'm on a health hold for a week or so until I find out more about my potential for a future), possibly using bladders to cushion it in case of a jolt or a lurch to the side on rough roads. Has anyone tried this?

    Do I presume correctly that some trailers have "pockets" for the gear? What kind of tie-down arrangements are best?

    Do they fit into a 20' shipping container? Has anyone tried this? I suspect they could be modified rather easily.

    What kinds of suspension have been tried?
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  15. billpoore added a post in a topic AVID WINGTIPS FOR SALE   

    Hi Ed, got the other tip installed. IL spliced it like you said using 7/8" tube glued and riveted. I am very pleased with result.
    Bill in AZ
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  16. billpoore added a post in a topic pitot tube   

    Thanks Bryce, I went ahead and ordered one of those static ports from Spruce. I also ordered the experimental pitot tube from Spruce. I like the looks of it and it will be an easy install (I think) Had to make a snap decision as I want to get the wings covered before Oct 15. Thanks for the help.
    Bill,Avid Mark 4 STOL, Payson AZ
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  17. Bandit added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    I have a Avid Bandit with the 503 with over 900hrs on it. Takeoff in around 170', land in 200'- 300' area. Check out my video " Takeoff, circle and land in 50 seconds", that was with wheel ski's on, could have cut time off that with straight wheels. Go with the tall wide spring gear and Matco tailwheel. Keep it light and simple. Don't need all that technical crap. Like Joey said we only have around $15,000 in ours, not $80,000. I can fold the wings in 6 minutes at 10 degrees.
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  18. EDMO added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    Sorry, this was meant for Brian - both of you talking about the Avids, and I got mixed up.
    ED in MO
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  19. EDMO added a post in a topic tail up   

    Not too much experience with open trailers - except can tell that you will have to cover the hole where the turtledeck was removed so that it is waterproof. But, if weather is bad, you wont be flying.
    Closed trailers - well, partly enclosed, maybe on the front - your wings are just about 8 feet wide folded - so your trailer would have to be wider to fully enclose it - Missour only allows 8 1/2 feet wide, and that dont leave room for error!
    I pulled closed trailers to Alaska several times, but not with a full folded-wing plane in them.

    For LAKERTREETOPFLYER
    BRIAN,
    I will think about the boat trailer. Long way to come for it - but if you are driving to St. Louis sometime, and want to bring it, OK? My wife was so happy when I got rid of my 2 big trailers.........
    ED in MO
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  20. EDMO added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    Sorry, but neither of mine are Avids - Just Avid clones, aka Kitfox. They were both tailwheelers, but I sold the one and am modifying the other to nosewheel since I have moved from "Flying Heaven" Alaska, back to "Mizry" where there arent many rocks in the pastures and not enough snow for skis. I havent found a gravel runway down here yet. You can suck up a rock with either, but the nose gear is a little more prone to it until you get the tail down, which happens as soon as you give it full throttle with elevator up, just like a soft field takeoff. With practice, you can taxi that way too, but sure limits your visability. I have been known to wear out tail skids, A LOT!! I'm thinking about putting a swivel roller on the next one, or just leave the tailwheel on it!
    My wings were built the "old style" with undercamber and too much twist - good for short takeoffs, but not speed.
    I am also using the Grove aluminum main gear which dont stand as tall as the modified Avid gear, but about same height as standard gear unless you put on the big tires. I only use the 600-6 tires here.
    Flying in Idaho and Alaska is a whole different ballgame than in the midwest or south.
    ED in MO
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  21. Twister added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   


    Ed, are both of your Avids tricycle gear? If so, can you tell me a bit more about them? I am concerned with avoiding damaged props from sucking up gravel, etc.

    Thanks again.
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  22. Twister added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   


    Again, sounds like good advice. I haven't got a manual, but then I haven't got a plane yet. When I do, I expect I will try to find a big, circular field or at least a wide and long runway for starters. I expect it will take me a good long time to get consistent enough to try narrow roads and the like . . . I want to be truly one with the airplane before I venture out on a real mission, and even then I will look for real airports if there are any in range.

    Any comments about this engine? http://www.jabiru.net.au/engines/4-cylinder
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  23. EDMO added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    Twister,
    Although you have been given some good airspeed info, I hope you get the manual info from somewhere.
    Look at your airspeed indicator - It has to be marked to be legal, and those marks will give you some indication of speeds. I know you were given 60,55,and 50 for approach, and those are fine - Kitfox recommends 65 in pattern until you get used to the plane.
    Good Flying,
    ED in MO
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  24. EDMO added a post in a topic Avid towbar   

    Steve,
    Thanks for the info. I had wondered about that for a long time, but never got the chance to ask.
    Didn't even think about the tires not being street legal. Towbar looks handy tho. Good job.
    ED in MO
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  25. C5Engineer added a post in a topic pitot tube   


    Hey thats the back half of my airplane!Or the missing front half... Lil John of the Dawn Patrol is good people! He has over 3000 hrs in that Avid! Pretty impressive!
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