Activity Stream

Activity Stream



  1. EDMO added a post in a topic Traveling to Alaska   

    I will let the current Alaskans answer your questions. I haven't flown there for 10 years.
    However, I have driven the ALCAN hwy 8 or 7 times, and all I can say is: POTHOLES AND FROST HEAVES!!!
    Reconstruction starts every spring and ends when the snow comes in October - Lots of gravel stretches.\
    You will beat up your KF, IMO, better to fly it up - However, I usually come the eastern routes, and catch the Alcan at Dawson Creek.
    Haynes Junction north is usually the worst part, and gets worse toward border and maybe on to Tok, Alaska.
    My last two round-trips were summers of 07 and 08. Maybe from border to Tok may be new highway by now.
    You can get Alaska Ferry rates and schedules on internet.
    Dress in layers - wool is good. Have plenty of Skeeter repellant. Must have gun, ammo, survival gear to fly in Alaska. Lights ON.

    Be ready for strong-gusty winds if you try to land at Wolf Lake, North of Anchorage. I have aborted landings there.

    Birchwood is a small strip just northeast of Anchorage. Palmer & Wasilla are close by. Tim Rittal, Realitor, is/was president of EAA 42, keeps his bird at Birchwood, as do some other members. University of Alaska, Anchorage, Aviation Dept where I schooled, is located at Merrill Field, Anchorage (controlled, busiest small airport in the world) and is a good place for info.

    Adam "Big Reid" is fishing guide, Kenai River at Sterling (Big Sky Camping) small,short, private wooded strip nearby. Kenai / Soldotna airports close.
    Small airport at Seward - take off from there and fly over Harding Ice fields - dress warm! Take boat tours from Seward and visit Sea Life Aquarium. Great Beer-battered Halibut at restraunt by boat dock. I got great "Alaskan Carrot" recipe from there.
    Hope you have a wonderful trip to a beautiful land.
    Good Flying.
    ED in MO
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  2. EDMO added a post in a topic EA-82 Power   

    I have searched thru my two books and find no info on the 82. I may have some "CONTACT" mags stored away, and I remember Don Parnham writing about converting the 82, but dont think I can find them easily.
    Why dont you contact, Raven, Ram, Stratus, or even Eggenfeldner and ask the people who do most of the conversions.
    Dave Johnson, who did the "Reductions" EA-81 conversions in Dugald, Manatoba, died last September, and his company no longer exists.
    Sorry I couldn't be more specific.
    Ed in MO
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  3. herman pahls added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    Traveling to Alaska
    My son is planning to fly his plane to Anchorage this summer and leave it for a few months and commute up for long weekends to experience Alaskan backcountry flying.
    I am considering towing my Kitfox to Anchorage to join him.
    I have towed my Kitfox on an open trailer for thousands of miles on paved highways with no damage.
    What can I expect towing to Alaska?
    How much of the Highway is gravel from Vancouver BC?
    How many miles from Vancouver BC and how many hours drive?
    How about traveling by ferry?
    It would be expensive but take less time and less wear and tear.
    Any idea the cost involved to travel with a car and trailer/ airplane on the ferry?
    What months are the best to fly in Alaska?
    We want to experience Alaska and want land on as many gravel bars and remote strips and camp out a reasonable distance from civilization and fuel.
    Would you suggest flying the area near Anchorage or say Dillingham where apparently Loni the cub driver shot some of his footage?
    We are not looking for high risk flying but like challenging short strips.
    Lots of queations and I will appreciate your advice.
    Thanks Herman Pahls Oregon 541 404 6464
    • 29 replies
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  4. herman pahls added a post in a topic 3 blade or 2 blade prop   

    My Kitfox airspeed indicator is optimistically off.
    GPS should tell the truth if you fly opposite directions and average the speeds.
    A static port system to your airspeed indicator and calibration would give better airspeed accuracy.
    Herman
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  5. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Cable swagging tool   

    I would suggest getting a go/no-go gauge to check your swages with, especially using a non aircraft designed squeezer.

    My AI would not pass that example visually. I was told you should be able to see the three individual squeezes. It looks like the swage is either too wide or nicopress sleeves are too short.

    Considering the life and death nature of rudder cables on these planes, I don't think this would be an area where going cheap is the best policy.


    Just my opinion.
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  6. TheDeltaFox added a post in a topic Cable swagging tool   

    Off to Home Depot I go

    Thx
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  7. Orphan added a topic in Avid Model IV   

    Spin characteristics of a Mark IV
    Has anyone had any experience with spins or how this bird reacts prior to a spin Entry?
    • 9 replies
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  8. EDMO added a post in a topic EA-82 Power   

    I will have to refer to my Finch, and Mick Myal books for all the differences of 81/82. The best I remember is that the 82 is heavier and less desireable than the 81. RFI & RAM could give you more info.
    Did you check ebay for the Reductions 81 with PSRU and Warp Drive prop for $2500 - probably includes mount. Sounds like a better bargain than I got on mine, by about $1000. I may be able to get in contact with the owner if you cant find it.
    I have a spare, stock, 72 hp EA-81 that I gave $1000 for. My worked-over, Reductions 81, with PSRU and mount was like $2800 without a prop. If you buy a used engine, look for one with about 30K on it, without a front-end wreck. The Japanese have to overhaul or replace any engine after 30K, so they replace and send the old engines here for resale.
    The best was the Jap dual carb, but scarce now. Next best is later models with automatic tranny - hydraulic lifters & bigger valves.
    A PSRU alone will cost you 2500 to 4000 new, and you have to buy a mount. A new Warp Drive 3-blade prop is around $1000.
    You can get a complete engine setup from RAM for about 4k, I think, and 8 or 9K from Stratus, and these are higher horses and overhauled. If you go it alone, you are working with a stock 72 hp. There is also the problem of either converting the computer and wiring system, or designing an ignition setup, and what carb to use, grinding the cam, milling the heads, PSRU, mount, etc.
    Lots of work went into perfecting these conversions.
    Ed in MO
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  9. TheDeltaFox added a topic in Rotax and other engines   

    EA-82 Power
    So after deciding against the VW and looking in to the Subaru's I have a few questions for those of you more knowledgeable than myself.

    First, whats the big differences between the EA-81 and the EA-82? I found an EA-82 locally for sale and wouldn't mind picking it up for possible future Avid use.

    Second, whats needed for a conversion. (other than a redrive) I've found a few links and it looks rather simple.

    Also, I assume i'd need to make a custom motor mount unless someone makes them. It also seems best to do the 16 inch stretch on the fuselage to minimize the amount of weight needed near the tail.

    Its a little ways off but would be fun. The fuselage could use a shiny new fabric and paint job. hmm... Any info or advice would be appreciated. If I find a 4 stroke that I'm happy with and doesn't break the bank then i might just decide not to sell it and start putting some more time on it.

    Darcy
    • 14 replies
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  10. EDMO added a post in a topic Kitfox IV 1050 to 1200 GW increase   

    I have the KF1, 4, and 5 manuals, and have read what you state about the inserts.
    However, I watched Earl Edgar, in Palmer?, Wasilla?, build his KF5, and it had the same molded-in vertical fin inside the spars as my KF1 & 2.
    Maybe he got the last of them, but this was a 5, long after the 4 instructions. I also have the Avid book on spar inserts for Magnum.
    Donno? One more of lifes mysteries?
    Ed in MO
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  11. EDMO added a post in a topic LEADING EDGE EXTENSIONS   

    Thanks for the feedbacks.
    I made a rough sketch last night using an old rib. I am going back to the Harry Riblett info that Doug put in a file.
    Harry had some good computer-verified info as well as dimensions. I am not changing the underside of my stol ribs. I figure that the VG additions, if needed, will take care of cruise. Harry also gave movement of Center of Lift.
    I don't like the idea of drilling into my spar, so will stay with glue and wood ribs. I estimated that if I used aluminum sheet that it would add some 10 or more pounds of weight, and that is not wanted up front as that is the reason for LE extensions.
    I will post more on this when I get my prototype done. I have a 3 foot old wing section to play with.
    I certainly dont plan on this looking or acting hideous like the one described at Big Lake.
    Sweeping the wings can cause the tips and ailerons to stall before the root - not a good idea, IMO.
    Ed in MO
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  12. High Country added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    Cable swagging tool
    I wasn't sure where to put this so if someone wants to move it to a better location feel free to do so, thanks

    I was recently in need of a cable swagging tool to make my rudder cables but found that they are pretty expensive for just a couple of simple crimps. In my search however i found that home depot has a pretty good quality one for only $19.97 sku#566745 http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Hand-Tools-Specialty-Tools/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xk4Zapul/R-100243794/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051 and to make it better home depot will accept all competitors coupons and harbor freight has 20% off coupons in every Sunday paper so total price $15.98 sure beats $100.00 bucks for a couple quick crimps. anyways hope it helps someone.

    -Robert-


    • 13 replies
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  13. High Country added a post in a topic Converting original flapperon mixer to cable operated mixer   

    Aluminum guard that sets over mixer unit under seat to prevent a real bad day.
    -Robert-

    [Edit] re-size pics


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  14. akflyer added a post in a topic LEADING EDGE EXTENSIONS   

    Leading edge extentions have been used many times to offset the weight of the heavier engines. The other way people have done it is to just shorten up the front spar a tad and sweep the wings forward a bit, but I think that looks a lil goofy.

    There is a model A that is sitting at the biglake airstrip I will have to take some pictures of in a couple weeks when I go up there for the crawfish boil. I bet they are 6-8" extentions and are the ugliest, flattest, most unappealing things this side of a 701! He has a VW in the nose so I know that is why he did it, but they are so sharp, the stall has to be nasty and break quick. There is a reason it is sitting there and has not moved for the 10 yrs I have known about it.

    Mine has an aluminum sheet leading edge extention that sticks out about an inch or so from the front spar. There are no nose ribs in front of the spar, just the aluminum sheet bent around and glued to the spar and ribs. http://www.avidfoxflyers.com/index.php?/topic/14-my-mod-c/page__view__findpost__p__29

    The pic with the wing upside down kind of shows the leading edge and will give you an idea of what it looks like. I will look on my laptop when I get out of the office and see if I have any better pictures of it.
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  15. akflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox IV 1050 to 1200 GW increase   



    Two ways that you can put the smileys in the post. On the right hand side of the text box your typing in you should see the Emoticons box. you can click on any of those and they will be placed into the text box where the cusor is. the other way is to just type in the code as your typing. I have pretty simple codes for most of them. : lol : (take out the spaces) will give your this one : lmao : gives ya this one and of course my favorite wat to end a post... : bc : is the good ole beer chug cheers!

    Oh, and over here, my favorite part of the site... if ya act like a jack ass, we dont have a problem calling ya one! Kinda funny, I have a site that I dont do any post moderation on (other than if you ask me to change a title or something) and it is the one site that I visit where no one has ever gotten out of hand and needed a post to be moderated Go figure. Of course, I think alot of that has to do with the guys that like to stir the pot (other than me) are afraid to post up the BS here cause they know we will lamblast the crap outta them and have a good time doing it


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  16. tcj added a post in a topic Kitfox IV 1050 to 1200 GW increase   

    In 2001 I ordered materials from skystar to build a new wing for a Classic IV. This note was included with the instructions.

    "In September 1997 Skystar started supplying longer stronger spar incerts for the wings on the model 3, 4-1050, 4-1200, XL, Speedster, Classic IV, and 1200 lb gross weight Vixens (pre serries 5)"

    It cautioned you to mark your original builder's manual spar incert instructions with an X and use new instructions included for installing the heavier incerts.

    I don't know for sure but suspect the heavier incert was part of the increase to 1550 lb maximum gross on the later "Big" Kitfoxes.
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  17. Tree top pilot added a post in a topic LEADING EDGE EXTENSIONS   

    For what it's worth....most of all the CG configurations I have calculated are all between 28% and 33% of MAC { Mean Aerodynamic Chord }. This is always used to get a good ballpark of where the CG would be for tapered or straight chord wings. You could make the ribs from aluminum and rivet to the LE of the spar....simple plywood rib mold and cover with .023 sheet? Sounds like a solid idea to move CG foreward.
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  18. EDMO added a post in a topic Garmin 396 vs 296   


    My envy exceeds my age. I flew SAR with CAP for 11 years. How I would have loved to have your C5 when I was trailering my goods from Alaska over the ALCAN and broke down in the Yukon with 17,000 lbs behind me.
    GOOD FLYING
    ED in MO
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  19. EDMO added a post in a topic Kitfox IV 1050 to 1200 GW increase   

    I believe that on the paper for flights tests, or sign-off for phase II, it has a statement like - "this aircraft was flown at _____WEIGHT, and performed the following manuvers, or some such words. Old codgers, like me, who wont take a chance on a failed physical, are limited to the 1320 LSA, but that is another story.
    P.S. Love your smiley-face inserts, but my ineptness (is that a word?) inhibits me. ;<)
    Ed in MO
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  20. EDMO added a post in a topic Kitfox IV 1050 to 1200 GW increase   

    I dont think that this site, unlike some others, is a site of "contentions". We may have differing thoughts, but we respect others, and anything is usually interesting to me.
    I dont know about the later wing spars, but I know the KF5 has the same spars as the 1,2,3,4. The crossover tubes were heavied, as well as the struts. I also know that even "certified planes" take off at over-gross, and the GW is concluded to be "landing weights" by many. The flight manuals on some "good" planes dictate a fuel-dump before landing to get the weight decreased to the "certified" GW, or landing weight.
    I do remember that some Kitfox models were weight-restricted because of engine power, and not structural, but don't know how many 503's are still in use. I believe that the KF4, short-wing, 503, was 1050?
    YOU will be fine at 1200, IMO
    ED in MO
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  21. EDMO added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    LEADING EDGE EXTENSIONS
    After many days (and nights) of calculations (fancy word for thinking while consuming Bud Lite) I have concluded that the simplist and lightest way to extend the leading edge about 3 to 4 inches is to make plywood ribs in front of spars terminating to a 1 1/4 (or so) aluminum tube and covering it along with the wing fabric. This should be a lot more effective / efficient than adding ballast to the tail.
    When I get the prototype made I will post a photo. Then all those danged CG calculations have to be made!!!
    After-all, this is experimental, just like our planes.
    Feel free to say "You are nuts!", or any constructive comments will be more than welcome.
    Ed in MO
    • 5 replies
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  22. akflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox IV 1050 to 1200 GW increase   

    One thing to remember.... These are experimental. NOTHING in my FAA paperwork lists a gross weight. Not on the airworthiness, not on the opreating limitations, nowhere. None of the paperwork I have looked at on others planes shows anything either. I dont plan on loading it up to 1200+ and pulling 6 Gs so I am not sweating anything on mine. If I can stuff it in there, it has always gotten it off the ground. Even cleared the trees at the end of the strip


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  23. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Kitfox IV 1050 to 1200 GW increase   

    For the record, I've run my 1050 way over 1200 and it performs fine and is not stressing any part of the airframe. Remember the Kitfox IV wing is almost identical to the V, VI, VII and SS wing. The later planes can be "grossed" up to 1550.


    If you are considering a 1050 and the weight limitations are bothering you, not to worry. I would be glad to talk off line with you on this subject.
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  24. akflyer added a post in a topic WHAT TIME/DAY IS IT???   



    Ed,

    Not a bother at all! That is what we be here for


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  25. Emory Bored added a topic in KitFox General Forum   

    Kitfox IV 1050 to 1200 GW increase
    Gang:

    Holy cow. I not only posted this in the wrong category but it's apparently a topic of some vigorous contention. Never mind.

    EB
    • 12 replies
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