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EDMO added a post in a topic C-box ratios 27 Apr 2012

The heads on mine were milled 040, and the seller said to use mid-range mogas. Guess I will find out if I can run 87.
Do you have dual coils too, and electronic switching? Do I really need dual pickups? How much do they cost?
Mine has single set of points. Will double-check letters about max deg BTDC. Also, will decide if I need a primer, or can use that fitting for a carb temperature gage, or plug it. Never needed a primer on my 318 Dodge - Same Holly 2 brl - accelerator pump worked fine, just pump it 3 times when cold.
Again, thanks for info
ED in MO

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ChrisBolkan added a post in a topic Airventure 27 Apr 2012

Hi!

My girlfriend and I are planning to attend Airventure at Oshkosh this year in my Avid for the first time. Never been by car or plane. I live in Washington State and am wondering if anyone from near my neck of the woods has made the trip before and can provide any beta.

I am looking for general info on route selection, alternate routes, good airports, camping, courtesy cars and must see/do things along the way.

The furthest East I have flown previously was to Bozeman MT in my MKIV, which took me over the continental divide basically following I-90. So I am comfortable with that route as things get flat pretty quickly beyond Bozeman.

However, I know nothing about preferred routes south of I-90 as the furthest East I have flown more South is to Rigby ID just west of Yellowstone via Boise. So, I haven't crossed the divide in that area. Any advice on a good south (I don't mean southern US, I mean south of I-90) route over the Divide and good airports on the way is also welcome. If weather permits I would like to take slightly different routes to and from for the variety.

Is anyone from the Northwest in this group planning to fly there tis year?

All input welcome to this Oshkosh Virgin!

Many thanks!

Chris Bolkan

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EDMO added a post in a topic EA-82 Power 26 Apr 2012

Believe one of our guys in EAA 32 had one on his Eggenfeldner engine. Had disks or something backward and lost engine power until he figured it out, but it sure was quiet.
I have heard that the Stratus is very good.
Ed in MO

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akflyer added a post in a topic EA-82 Power 26 Apr 2012

I think Randy's is a super trap, but not certain. I know you can add or take away disks to make it louder or quieter. It looks good and sounds even better!

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EDMO added a post in a topic EA-82 Power 26 Apr 2012

Wonder if he has the Stratus muffler? Heard they were good, and may add 10 hp, but $400, if that is right, is costly. Right now I am thinking about two 12inch long glasspacks as a cheap option. We don't do much sandbar flying here - biggest concern is finding flat land that is not wall-to-wall trees.
Ed in MO

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akflyer added a topic in Local Fly in's 26 Apr 2012

Kenai Air Fair

Hey guys,

The 12th anual Kenai Airfair and poker run is June 9th. Pancake breakfast at the Soldotna Airport, poker run then lunch at Kenai. Any of you guys planning on going? I am off work then so I will be there this year again.

7 replies
3,571 views

akflyer added a post in a topic EA-82 Power 26 Apr 2012

I do have to say I am impressed with the soob on Randy's Fat Avid. It performs pretty darn well and it sound pretty dang good with the muffler system he has on it. I like the sound of it better than the 912!

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akflyer added a post in a topic C-box ratios 26 Apr 2012

AWESOME! Now I can get mine up into the RPM range that gives me some heat off my muffler heater when we are cruising around this winter! At 5400 she just dont put out much heat. Amazing how much more I get at 58-5900!

I was going to take the floats off and go back to wheels this time home, but if there is still that much snow up there I may leave them on one more hitch.

Sucks the road house burned down.. Spent quite a few nights at that place years ago when I rode up there alot.

It is about time to be getting up there and hitting some of those secret fishing holes of yours! It looks like I an going tobe working over a bit AGAIN this year during July, but I should still be able to get some good flying and fishing in!

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akflyer added a post in a topic Wing questions 26 Apr 2012

Randy, Congrats on your new bird! Now your gonna have trouble going back to your cramped cockpit on the MK IV unless you do some mods!

If you are planning on using your old fuse, did you end up with an extra set of MK IV incowl radiators? If so, and if you would like to get a lil money back on your purchase would you consider selling either the new or old ones??

1. I am thinking of adding wing tip and flaperon extentions to the wings. The stock wing length gives me about 30.5' wingspan. I think the KF's are around 32' or 34' . Do these seem to perform better on short takeoff and heavier loads? Any opinions on what would be the optimum wing length to shoot for with my heavier Avid+ (1320 Gross)?

Yes, the kitfoxes I have flown I can get in and out shorter and fly slower. That extra 3' makes a pretty big difference! I would be very tempted to build a set of Catalina wings for your Suberavid!! If Bob would have put bigger tanks in his wings, I would have already made a midnight run on his shop and had them bolted onto mine!

2. Is it worthwhile to extend the flaperons with the wing?

The extended speed wing that I flew just moved the flaperons out and used a tube to extend them on the inboard side. Roll was lighter than quicker than my full length flaperons and I could get it in and out just as short as my HH wing. Stall was a non event just like we are used to.

3. Thinking of changing the washout from 2" to 1". What do the KF's have for washout and does anyone know what the stall is like with washout at the 1" range?

I thought about that when I rebuild my wings and I am kicking myself in the butt for not doing it. I think the latest KF has 3/4" washout. I would love to get that extra inch out of mine right now!

4. Plan to change the lift struts to 1" tubing. What wall thickness are the stock 7/8" lift struts? Leni, when you did this did you build whole new ones or just cut the 7/8 tube at the ends and plug it into the 1" tube and weld it up? What wall thickness did you use on the 1"?

I used 1" X .058" tubes for my new strut tubes. Yes, I cut my old struts off and just slid them inside the tubes and welded them up.

6. The speed wing uses an aluminum leading edge to smooth out the rib valleys. I know a supercup driver who told me this make a huge difference on a cub. Has anyone done this on their Avid/KF and does it seem to perform better.

I have the aluminum leading edges on mine. They were beat up a bit and Steve Winder tried to talk me out of fixing them and told me to just take them off. I liked the smoother look and I too have flown cubs with and with out the smooth leading edge. I left mine on there and repaired the sections that I needed to. What ever the difference, the kitfox still kicks my butt in slow flight and getting off shorter. I can get in just as short, but take a bit more to get off the ground.

Bob used the new plastic leading edge cuff from KF on all his KF wings when he rebuilt them.

Edit: Added the link to Dougs wing mod thread

http://www.avidfoxfl...-modifications/

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EDMO added a post in a topic EA-82 Power 26 Apr 2012

I only know what I have read and heard. Maybe the 912 is better than the 2-strokes for maintenance? But what about overhauls?
And, if I have to put out $20K for an engine, I may as well go with a certified, or better yet, a cheaper, used certified.
My budget is limited, so I have to go cheap, and the Soob is cheap and reliable, and really cheap to rebuild and maintain.
IMO, To each his own.
ED in MO

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EDMO added a post in a topic Traveling to Alaska 26 Apr 2012

Shucks, I have just told Herman about the bad winds at Wolf Lake....maybe that was just bad windy days? You know Cliff Stockton? He was one of my instructors at UAA Aviation.
Dave may have changed after hitting the bottom of the lake in his original Avid, and nearly losing his wife in it. His "landing strip" a narrow gravel road going uphill and lined with trees, with limbs a foot in diameter hanging across the road and houses scared hell out of me. Took more guts than I had to put a 182 into that disaster waiting to happen.
Yes, Ultralite "lost power and hit electric lines" probably will say "pilot error for not going under the wires", but definately an engine problem. Agree, They all need TLC.
Ed in MO
P,S. Seems like I heard that the runway & approach to Wolf Lake have been improved since I was there dropping in over treetops?

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SuberAvid added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar 26 Apr 2012

Wing questions

Under the fine brokerage of JackAK I am the pround owner of an Avid MKIV HH kit. Not sure if that means or . My intent is to use it to buid a new set of wings for my Avid+ and then put my MKIV back together(maybe I will have a plane on floats and another on wheels some day:rolleyes:) . I need to review the posts Doug made about reinforcing the spar insert and design an insert to upgrade mine. I am thinking about sandwiching an aluminum plate between plywood to make the I beam insert or possibly fabricating an aluminum I beam with plate and angle riveted together. Doug, can you remind me where you posted up your work on this?

I have a bunch of other questions for the group:

1. I am thinking of adding wing tip and flaperon extentions to the wings. The stock wing length gives me about 30.5' wingspan. I think the KF's are around 32' or 34' . Do these seem to perform better on short takeoff and heavier loads? Any opinions on what would be the optimum wing length to shoot for with my heavier Avid+ (1320 Gross)?

2. Is it worthwhile to extend the flaperons with the wing?

3. Thinking of changing the washout from 2" to 1". What do the KF's have for washout and does anyone know what the stall is like with washout at the 1" range?

4. Plan to change the lift struts to 1" tubing. What wall thickness are the stock 7/8" lift struts? Leni, when you did this did you build whole new ones or just cut the 7/8 tube at the ends and plug it into the 1" tube and weld it up? What wall thickness did you use on the 1"?

5. Plan to replace the 1/4" Heim joint on the lift strut. Those who have done this; have you just gone to the 5/16 size?

6. The speed wing uses an aluminum leading edge to smooth out the rib valleys. I know a supercup driver who told me this make a huge difference on a cub. Has anyone done this on their Avid/KF and does it seem to perform better.

7. Jack is using a leading edge cuff on his Avid+ but it is not flying yet. Noticed Doug's new bird has the cuff. Is anyone flying with a leading edge cuff? If so, what is the performance like?

8. Are there multiple sources out there for cuffs? any sources you have would be appreciated.

9. Does anyone have the wing specs for the Magnum (spars, spar inserts, lift struts, Heim joint, drag tubes. etc.)?

Probably more questions to come as I get into this but thanks for any and all information,

Randy

10 replies
2,031 views

SuberAvid added a post in a topic C-box ratios 26 Apr 2012

Mine is. I think I have about 10+ hours on it now. I went out looking for gravel last Sunday night; too windy up the Knik so headed out to the Big Su; it still has feet of snow on it so flew to Petersville and looked at the historic Petersville Road House that burned last week; what a shame. Flew across the Kahiltna glacier/valley and searched for bears comming out of their dens on the Peters hills and Yenlo hills; then decided I might as well check and see if I could find a friends cabin he just bought on the Talchalitna River. It was after 10:00 PM and getting dusk when I landed about 3.2 hours later. There is still a lot of snow out there and me on wheels. You can cover a lot of ground at 95 mph cruise now vs. 80 with the Warp Drive and still get off the ground faster. I'm liking it!

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SuberAvid added a post in a topic Traveling to Alaska 26 Apr 2012

When I first got my Avid I flew down to look at Daves plane and made a bunch of notes. I was looking at having my Avid strached to put the Subaru on it and then when I talked to Steve Winder he convinced my to just buy the Avid+ fusalage. I was surprised that Dave never really got his flying.

Herman, Leni is right, flying in Alaska is the best. He and Ed have given you great advice and it should not hinder you from comming up with your plane. Leni and I would like to share in flying around with you and there are plenty of fun places within minutes or hours of Soldotna/Anchorage/Palmer/Wasilla. The freedom to fly and land almost anywhere up here is great. Leni and I are about an hour and 45 minutes apart by Avid time. you could always spend time at both Soldotna and Palmer/Wasilla. Plenty of motels and places to eat in both areas and great small town/rural areas. While you are in the Palmer/Wasilla area you can tie down at my hangar at Wolf Lake Airport; I have a couple of empty tie downs at the moment but even if I get them rented I still have room for another two planes. The Knik River is about 5 min away and the whole river is sand bars right up to the glacier. You will have the time of your life.

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akflyer added a post in a topic Traveling to Alaska 25 Apr 2012

I was keeping an eye on Daves progress as he built that one too! too bad all he has ever done with it is a few test hops. Last I knew it has never flown more than a few feet off the runway at a time.

Most of the time with a 2 stroke, it is the guy that is running it that does not understand how to keep them alive that causes the engine out. Flown properly, and maintained right, they are just as reliable, but you do have to pay attention.

Of the 4 engine outs I have had, 2 were 0320's and 2 were rotax. I aint skeered to get behind any of them, they all can let you down

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EDMO added a post in a topic Traveling to Alaska 25 Apr 2012

Guess I did not meet your friend in F&G. One of them is carrying my old 45/70 in his plane. Neighbor across street from me worked for F&G. Lots of good memories there. Will get back someday for vacation. I still have family there. Son-in-law is fishing guide on Kenai River at Sterling. Friend, David Goode at Nikiski, let me take photos as he built the #1 Airdale. Really appreciate the companionship and non-adversity of everyone on this site too.
Just had ultralite crash near here - 2 cycle Rotax, of course!!! Sorry, but I am sooo predudiced...........
Good Flying,
Ed in MO

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akflyer added a post in a topic Traveling to Alaska 25 Apr 2012

Do not let the risks outweight the rewards! Just making you aware of the issues and there are many ways to mitigate the majority of the risks! A sure fire way to make sure YOU dont get eaten by the bears while you sleep, is to rub the left over bacon grease from breakfast on your sons tent.. Make sure you set yours up away from his. When you hear all the comotion, you will have time to wake up, take a shot of whiskey, then venture out and dispatch said bear without ever having him attack your tent! See its easy and there are answers for everything!

It does not matter what it takes to make it happen, just do it! I dont think there is any way you can be dissapointed with a flying vacation up here!

Ed,

You can always come back for vacation and relive some of those memories! When yo uwere flying for the fin n feathers, did you ever run across a guy by the name of Van Wilson?? We go WAAAAY back and boy does he have some stories to tell about flying up here in his job... His weekly flights to Chinitna bay to break up a blood fued always have me rolling on the floor. His trips over to Chisik Island to have coffe and breakfast with my uncle while writing him out tickets for illegal fishing or just harrassing the the fin n feathers guys in general are always good for laughs too!

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EDMO added a post in a topic Traveling to Alaska 25 Apr 2012

Only one minor correction here: Not "10 Miles" - Not even 10 blocks, and you will be in "The Bush" as we call it. My wife was startled to see a Bull Moose walking down the sidewalk by Costco in the middle of Anchorage. I then took her about 6 blocks from my house and showed her 3 more big Mooses. I flew with fish & game tracking bears from Anchorage, and we spotted 8 brown bears with radio collars on before leaving the city limits. I think we spotted about 15 bears that day within a few miles of Anchorage and Eagle River.
Gosh, all this talk really makes me "homesick" for Alaska: I loved living there! Just can't afford it on my retirement pension.
"Outsiders", as we call everyone else, cannot imaging how big, varied, wild, and beautiful Alaska is.
I never got to take the inside passage boatride, but sure would like to someday.
Thats about all I got to say about that. (I think)
Ed in MO

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akflyer added a post in a topic C-box ratios 25 Apr 2012

Mine is!

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ChrisBolkan added a post in a topic C-box ratios 25 Apr 2012

Are everyone's IVO IFA props up and working as hoped?

Chris

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Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Happy Birthday Doug 25 Apr 2012

Looks like you wore out your buddies...

I hope you had a happy BD.

(Hey, BTW - You gonna make it up to Airventure this year?)

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akflyer added a post in a topic Happy Birthday Doug 24 Apr 2012

good looking pups! Sounds like a damn good day.

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dholly added a post in a topic Happy Birthday Doug 24 Apr 2012

Still kickin', lol. Took the Aerotrek out to the A&P Sunday night, didn't get home until early Monday. So I decided to play hookey from work and just have a lazy day. Didn't do a damn thing, and don't feel guilty about it either! Mother Nature decided to gift me over 6" of the cold white stuff for my B'day so I just watched a bit of the NHL playoffs and played with my two BFFs (best furry friends). Was a spectacular day!

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herman pahls added a post in a topic Traveling to Alaska 24 Apr 2012

Leni
Your desription of things to see in Alaska is appealing.
Your warning regarding the fisherman set lines is appropriate.
A classmate of mine who is from Dillingham and fishes off the beaches there flipped his 185 a few years ago hitting one of those lines.
It is time to figure out how to make flying Alaska a reality.
Thanks Herman

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akflyer added a post in a topic Traveling to Alaska 24 Apr 2012

I dont want to sound bias here, however, for what you are looking at doing the Peninsula is one of your better bets (Soldotna area) There are miles of beachs (watch out for lines going down the beach for the commercial set net fisherman). It is a quick 20 minute flight across the inlet to a wide open land of cool little strips, miles and miles and miles of open beach, gravel bars, rivers, mountains etc. It is very centraly located, weather is pretty darn good most of the time and there are lots of hotels and motels.

I would say do a tour or Homer, Seldovia and several other easy to get to bays and inlets as well as around the Prince William sound area. Prince William sound area can get pretty nasty VERY quick though. It will go from calm winds to 40 knots in 30 minutes, but the scenery will take your breath away! Depending on water levels, some mind numbing high mountain lakes are within reach from the peninsula. If the water levels are low enough you can land on the beach, otherwise you need floats to get into them.

While alaska is a very big state, there are only a few roads that you can base out of easily and get fuel etc. I think with a little planning, we can get fuel droppped out to extend our range we can operate and see on day trips! With 20+ hours of good daylight, alot of area can be covered in a day! With a little planning, we can fly out to a great beach area, jump in a frieds boat, and run up the bay and put you up close and very personal with black and brown bears and have the safety of the boat.. or we can fly around and look at them from the air too.

The possibilities are pretty much endless as to what you can do, and how you can do it. All it takes is a little planning to get a basic idea of what you want and then branch out from there as weather and fuel range allows.

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