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Activity Stream



  1. EDMO added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    I forgot about the Highlander - but that is out of my price range.
    The last time I looked, the RANS kit was about the same price as a Kitfox. Big difference is the cost of various engines.
    Appreciate a place where I am not tarred and feathered and carried out of town on a rail:
    (new terminology - Banned again!)
    ED in MO
    P.S. I bought the manual for the Zenith 701 years ago. Those fat wings are too slow, IMO, and the sheet metal not as strong as our 4130 tubing frames, also IMO. Couple of problems with tail design too, IMO.
    ED
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  2. C5Engineer added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   


    The grey head is the older version but it can be modified with the ceramic water pump seal and a thermostat to be very close to the Blue head.

    You don't need the fuse stretch unless you are looking to put a lot weight on the nose.

    The MK IV (Mark IV) had a trim tab from the factory as well as some C models. Mine does not but you can rig the flaperons for hands off flight in cruise. That's a whole another subject...putting positive incidence on them is called reflex. It will hold the nose up but your roll will become very stiff if you put too much in there.

    Rudder tabs can be added just like any other airplane. I have a small one attached with 3M adhesive tape.

    To clarify my friends were lost in 3 different kinds of airplanes only one of which was a Kitfox. All three though were light stol type airplanes.


    ED- no need to worry about your opinions here. I fly ALOT with a Rans S-7S and he can outperform me in every aspect. He has the 912S. The big difference is with all his mods he's flying an $80,000 airplane. I'm flying a $15,000 airplane and 9 times outta 10 were landing the same strip together and cruising within 20mph of each other. I agree with you, the S-6 and S-7 are both very capable awesome airplanes. If I was to build any kit out there I would have a Highlander. Side by side and a baggage area big enough for about anything you want to haul. The deadstick takeoff guy is a personal friend of mine and I can attest that with some mods those airplanes are killer! It too was a decedent of the Avid Flyer.
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  3. EDMO added a post in a topic overheating... again   

    And, I was told that "all Alaskan Bush Pilots" carried a tie-down kit?
    I Could have flown without the extra weight?
    ED in MO
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  4. akflyerbob added a topic in Jokes   

    Private part Died
    MY PRIVATE PART DIED

    An old man, Mr. Wallace, was living in a nursing home.

    One day he appeared to be very sad and depressed.

    Nurse Tracy asked him if there was anything wrong.

    'Yes, Nurse Tracy,' said Mr. Wallace.

    'My Private Part died today, and I am very sad.'

    Knowing her patients were a little forgetful and sometimes a little crazy, she replied, 'Oh, I'm so sorry, Mr. Wallace. Please accept my condolences.'

    The following day, Mr. Wallace was walking down the hall with his Private Part hanging out of his pajamas.

    He met Nurse Tracy. 'Mr. Wallace,' she said, 'You shouldn't be walking down the hall like that.

    Please put your Private Part back inside your pajamas.'

    'But, Nurse Tracy I can't,' replied Mr. Wallace. 'I told you yesterday that my Private Part died.'

    'Yes,' said Nurse Tracy, 'you did tell me that, but why is it hanging out of your pajamas?'

    'Well,' he replied, 'Today is the viewing.'
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  5. EDMO added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    You might find ONE on here who likes the Jab engine - there have been problems with them and the prop is too small, IMO.
    NOW, I WOULD BE BANNED ON ANY OTHER SITE, BUT MAY BE PUT ON THE "HIT LIST" FOR THE FOLLOWING:

    I dont know where you are located, but I would like to hear that you checked out a RANS, at Hays, Kansas.
    They are a neat little bird, and easy to build - and no danged flaperons - just standard wings. The seats are the most comfortable I have ever sat in - you can get tandem or side-by-side seating.
    They even have an option of a "lace-on, already finished", fuselage covering, so you dont even have to paint.
    IF I had not been led down this long Kitfox road, I would have been flying a RANS years ago.
    ED in MO
    P.S. You can get the RANS with a nose wheel too - why fight a tailwheel? (Now I know I'm in deep doo-doo!)
    AND, YES, I will put a tri-gear anywhere you can put a tail-dragger - they both become 2-wheelers the second you hold brakes and open the throttle. (now that should start a ruckus!) BUT, I do wonder why I have to replace so many tail skids?
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  6. C5Engineer added a post in a topic Last of Fall Flight   

    I wanna come!! Randy I just noticed you have VG's. Is there a thread someplace about your install and results? I have my Stolspeed set sitting on the work bench just trying to get a little more info before I go sticking them on. JG of Stolspeed in Aussie land told me 90mm from the leading edge.

    Joey
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  7. Twister added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    What do ya'll think of a Mark 4 with speed wing and a Jaibru engine?
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  8. Twister added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   




    My mission is primarily operating off back-country roads (IF I can realistically trailer it and fold/unfold the wings in minutes rather than hours--also a gimpy one-man operation, with a little assistance from my wife sometimes), but I would like to fly it in and out of airports if necessary, and do some x-country in a pinch.

    I'm also wondering just how much STOL performance I would be suffering with the Rotax 912 and a ground-adjustable prop?

    Thanks much!
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  9. Twister added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    Thanks a BUNCH to everybody!

    Here's what I think I may want after reading y'all's comments: Avid or Kitfox (I'm a little worried about the round cowl reducing visibility while taxiing) with the Bluehead 2-stroke, with wider gear and lengthened wings and fuselage. I say "Bluehead" because I've heard bad things about the "Grayhead," but straighten me out if that's horsepucky. I don't know enough about 2-strokes except that they sound awful and the two-strokes I've used on other things seem to like to quit with any power adjustments. Maybe with the lighter 2-stroke I wouldn't need the longer fuselage, but I'm thinking that it might improve directional stability. Yes, no? Not worth it? Also, I'm still a little confused about the tail wheel problem--I've flown a Citabria with a Maule tailwheel, and thought it was better than the stock one--that's why I wanted to know why it was "crappy."

    I wonder about trim. Can they be trimmed out for hands-off cruise? Does one have to stand on the rudder all the time?

    I'm 5'11" and 200 with ten pounds of clothes on and 36" Levis are a little tight. I've seen a Kitfox on the ground, and they look cramped for two people, but I've never sat in one. My wife is smaller, but I doubt I could get her in it once, and no doubt never again after a steep descent. I've flown a Tri-Pacer and I thought it glided like a rock, but it had too little power and too much drag to be a decent STOL--it's been a while, but I remember the climb rate as pretty anemic. The comment about losing three friends to takeoff power failures is, well, unimpressive. No, spooky! But thanks for the frankness.

    I've already used the plane parachute idea on my wife, so if I have a heart attack she can just float herself and my carcass to the ground, but I suspect that would not be an option close to the rocks.

    Seriously, does the longer wing improve glide ratio much, and are there any other downsides to that mod?

    THANKS agin, y'all!
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  10. EDMO added a post in a topic tail up   

    Since no one gave you approach speeds - Kitfox recommends flying pattern/approach at 65 - AND NO FAST TAXI !!!!!
    OLD PROVERB: "Keep thy flying speed up, lest the earth come up and smite thee."
    How much taildragger time do you have?
    ED in MO
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  11. akflyer added a post in a topic tail up   

    Not a scolding, but the original flight manual does caution against high speed taxi. Firewall it and get it in the air, no playing around on the ground unless you are fond of off runway excursions and landing gear, fuse, wing repair and buying new props. If you have the wide gear, you can get away with more, nad I do high speed taxi after landing on gravel strips all the time. I make every landing as short as I can and hit the numbers every time even if I have 6000' out in fron of me to taxi. Lots of times I will stick it on the numbers, dump the flaps and then come in with enough power to taxi at 30-35 tail up, but that is ONLY on gravel or grass strips. on runways, its 3 point and keep the tail wheel on the ground and taxi at 8-10 MPH.


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  12. akflyer added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    You are not the Larry that Joey was ribbing That would be another Larry here that happens to drive a KF with a 912 in the nose. We like to go back and forth over the 2 stroke deal with some good natured ribbing


    To answer a few of Twisters questions.

    I flew my C model HH with the undercambered wing, a KF I built very light, and my other buddies MK IV speed wing with wing extensions. The KF 1 is the winner hands down on STOL but Bob built his light and the KF has 3' more wing than my HH. The MK IV with extensions was a surprise to me as I could get it in and out just as short as I did with my HH, yet it was lighter on the controls and just felt a bit more "sporty" I really like that wing. Stalls were on par with mine (just kind of mush, not really a breaking stall unless you really forced it).

    Like Joey said, when the pilot cooling fan stops, you are going to on the ground very quick. Light plane, high drag, means no real forward energy. They do glide OK with full control, you just have to know that you are not going to get very far. Add floats to that and wow.. I went from 1000' to on the water in under 30 seconds, but I did slip hard at the end to hit the pond. You should be able to get around 450-500 FPM at 65 MPH. Do the math from 100' and your not going very far from where you started especially if you have to add a few turns in there.


    Joey has answered the other questions very well.

    The 2 stroke versus 4 stroke debate....

    If you are new to 2 strokes, there is a steep learning curve. 2 stroke MUST be flown differnetly than a 4 stroke if you want to keep it alive. There is a wealth of info out there if you want to go the 2 stroke route. If your only mission is STOL and low and slow, you just cant beat a light, basic airframe and a 2 stroke. If you are looking more towards a CC plane then the 4 stroke MAY be a better choice. They are heavier, yet burn less fuel so if you are not one of those guys that tops the tanks off even for a 30 minute flight, most of the weight gain can be negated by carrying less fuel. If someone gave me a 912 or I found a SMOKING deal on one, I would be very tempted to put it in the nose, but I wont pay new prices for one, I would go buy a Pacer instead for less money.


    What is your mission 90% of the time? Do you plan on alot of solo local, dual CC, back counrty flying and camping? Just day trip fun flying? Just how big a boy are ya?? no offence, but if you are 6'5 and 320 then an early KF or avid is not the plane for you. TRying to get in and out would just be a night mare. That being said, I know of several BIG BIG ole boys that put the stick in the center and made it a very comfortable SINGLE SEAT airplane.

    Welcome to the site and hit us with any questions you have, that is what we are here for!
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  13. akflyer added a post in a topic Last of Fall Flight   

    Nice pics Randy!

    I love flying into the sunset / sunrise pics. We are so fortunate to see views that others only dream of or don't even realize that they are missing out.

    Thanks again for checking on the bird for me! Hope to get things straightend out soon and get ready for the winter flying season. We need to organize a good flyin trip this winter. I can have John haul in lots of gas so we will have a good stash to get out and play. It was fun hitting rainy pass and I know there are alot of other places we can hit for those $200.00 hamburgers

    I would love to get some more Avid / Kitfox drivers to come out and play for a weekend.




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  14. akflyer added a post in a topic overheating... again   

    Randy, Thanks for the update!

    It wont be the weekend cause of the whole wedding thing, but I am hoping to try and get to it on Monday. Sounds like I better take my snowshoes for the hike across the swamp. I didnt realize the water came up high enough to hit the plane, I left it 20' off the pond dang, maybe if I wold have gotten in there when it was flooded, getting it out would be a piece of cake!

    Thanks again for the update, I dont like it just sitting there not tied down




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  15. BryceKat added a post in a topic Veet Hair Removal Cream   

    Leni,
    Thanks for making my Monday ! Bryce
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  16. larr added a post in a topic tail up   

    My MK1V with Grove gear takes a bit longer to get the tail up. I don't know what speed, as I never really look. Keep the stick forward of neutral and ease it back as the tail comes off. I have found that the quickest way off is full flaperons and 3 point attitude. It may also depend on the CG. The Airdale gear may be different tail up wise than the standard gear. I played with what my airplane likes..... I set the elevator trim neutral, then just gard the stick, allowing it to go where it wants elevator wise. The tail usually never comes up before takeoff - loading dependant. I found that due to the geometry of the gear, the wings are ready to fly before yozu can physically get it in the air due to the landing gear. Unless I am in snow, or not on a strip I always 3 point take off. Again, don't concern yourself with speed, just feel the airplane guiding it to do what it wants to do. Airspeed is for naviagation. Ops, now I'm preaching.

    larry
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  17. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic tail up   

    Okay, sorry for the drama.

    My Kitfox will lift the tail with forward stick within 50', probably 15 mph. An Avid should be similar.

    Once the tail is up you are committed. Get the mains off ASAP. This is the ground loop danger zone, especially if you chop power.
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  18. lakertreetopflyer added a post in a topic tail up   


    OK OK OK
    Consider me scolded.
    How about the last part of the post.........speeds
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  19. larr added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    Hey Joey, If I am the Larry you refer to with ref two strokes - I got a bad rap! I love my 582! I don't think that there is a better engine for our frames than the 2 stroke. What I didin't like was specifically, was the old McCaugha(sp) that was sitting around available for a good deal. One on those cost my buddy his gyro - TWICE! They may have been good 10 years ago, but anymore, I would run from them bases on his experiences of trying to get it to run right. Nothing performs as well as the 582 when consoder wt/hp/torque/$$.

    larry M
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  20. 6320012s added a post in a topic turning   


    Although I still have my Maul TW, It is on my short list to replace. My first ground loop was credited to the dog being worn out and breaking free into castor on touch down. I check the function every time on pre-flight, but have seen significant wear on the new parts in just 150 hours. Bottom line is it is a poor design made with subpar materials.
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  21. SuberAvid added a post in a topic overheating... again   

    Hey Leni, I checked on your plan again tonight and it is still looking good. The water level in the lake is back down so it is sitting on the tundra again instead on in the water. Probably a good thing you got it up on the tundra or it might have been floating around free with that high water. The strip at the cabin 2 miles away looks like a great strip but man it looks like a bugger to get from there to your plane unless that guy has an Argo you could get him to let you use; otherwise it will be quite a slog through the swamp. Let me know what your plans are if you are going to attempt it next weekend.
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  22. SuberAvid added a topic in Avid fox flyers pics and vids   

    Last of Fall Flight
    Well we had the first snow of the winter season at the house on Saturday and 1/2" of ice on the puddles this morning so it looks like winter is comming fast. The day was perfect today so I talked my buddy John into getting out and playing while we still could on wheels. We flew out and checked on Leni's plane and then out to check out a strip on the Talchalitna where another buddy has a cabin. The water mark was 8' to 10 feet above the current water level and the strip had been fully under water by the mud and leaves on the brush. We found a couple more little strips to practice on and then watched the huge full moon rise over the Talkeetna mountains. The pics of that just didn't come out good but attached are some of the others

    The pics include a couple of some glaciers from a few weeks ago when I was out looking for sheep up behind Pioneer Peak and the rest are from the perfect flying we had tonight.

    John landing his cub on the Tal' strip,

    The planes patiently waiting for us to get done wandering around,

    Got to get a little mud on the tires,

    John's cub with the fresh snow on Beluga mountain as a backdrop,

    A beautiful sunset across the lakes toward Sleeping Lady.







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  23. C5Engineer added a post in a topic turning   


    They were around for years but they are old technology, they have lots of expensive parts that wear out, and they weigh about twice that of a Matco. I messed with mine for 6 months before I literally pitched it in the trash and haven't looked back since. Even the certified guys are ditching them for other makes like the Scott.
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  24. C5Engineer added a post in a topic tail up   

    I will third that!!! There's no such thing as a high speed taxi in these airplanes!!! Either just practice keeping it on centerline going 10-15mph or pour the coals to it and fly the thing. I too have seen several guys ground loop and wreck their airplanes trying to make them fly in a regime where they were not meant to. Mine takes down elevator to get the tail up and keep it there.
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  25. C5Engineer added a post in a topic Specifications for Modifications   

    Twister welcome to the Forum! I'll do my best at answering your questions. First and foremost a lot of your questions are opinion based and not fully factual. My answers my very well differ entirely from say Larry's who will tell you that 2 strokes are deathtraps J/K Larry!!

    1. I haven't met anyone yet who was happy with standard length speed wings. The main difference is speed wings have a flat bottom and STOL wings are undercambered. The speed wing can be lengthened though and I hear that helps alot. If your wanting to get in and out short look for a STOL wing. I am not a huge fan of slats. A guy in Australia has a Zenith 701 that he removed the slats and added VG's with not much difference in performance. VG's and their results is a highly debateable topic on these high lift slow flying wings.

    1A. Most STOL airplanes glide like a rock. An old book titled "How to fly a Kitfox" compares these airplanes to a heavy Cessna by way of a Badminton Birdie compared to a Tennis Ball. They are light and draggy like a birdie. and when the fan quits blowing you had better point the nose at the ground like NOW or you will stall. They will decellerate extremely quickly! I lost 3 good friends in the past year and ALL of them were departure engine failures followed by a stall. With that said if you manage your airspeed and glide properly you can set down at around 40-50mph. This is a very surviveable speed no matter what you hit as long as it's controlled and your wings level. I would much rather be in the welded, triagulated chromoly fuse of a Kitfox/Avid than a metal box like a Zenith anyday during a crash situation.

    2. There is several options for landing gear that is 10" wider over stock. Makes ground handling a night and day difference. I had 500 landings and 250 hours on the stock gear before I switched. It's just fine but it requires your attention on pavement.

    3. The main reason people stretch the fuse is accomodate heavier engines on the nose such as auto conversions or the Rotax 912.

    4. If money is no option look for a Rotax 912. They are a bit heavier but a sweet little engine. Some guys have had great luck with Subaru Conversions but they can get heavy if not careful. These airplanes were originally designed very light with a two stroke motor. They evolved from there and gradually got heavier and faster with bigger engines and became more of a well performing cruiser than a true STOL airplane. If you really want to get in and out short you can't hardly beat a 550lb or less early model with a two stroke!!

    The downsides that you'll hear about two strokes is fuel burn, low TBO times, and reliability. With that said I love mine and I have flown behind it over some of the most inhospitable terrain the Western US has to offer. If I had an extra 20 grand laying around I would probably go with a 912 but I don't so therefore I fly and enjoy what I have to the fullest.

    Hope this helps. Feel free to ask more questions.

    My 535lb two stroke powered Avid doing what it does best..


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