Allen Sutphin

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Everything posted by Allen Sutphin



  1. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Building New Wings   

    One can order new ribs from Kitfox for the 1, 2, or 3 airfoil. I just bought 2 for patterns. Pricy, but available.
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  2. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Grove gear pics   

    Is the Grove gear that much ($2500) better than the standard gear?  I know it makes landings smoother and ground handling a little less stressful, but so is shelling out $2500 for just the gear.
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  3. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Hirth F30 100 HP   

    I hope you are successful because I have intentions of putting the 85 hp model in my K2. Same basic weight as a 582 and 20 more HP. From all reports I read, its a solid bulletproof engine. Of course yours is the 100 hp model, same identical engine just 800 more rpm at WOT. 85 hp might be overkill for a model 2 but don't have to use it all, but its available if needed.
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  4. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Greeting from Ohio   

    I am in the middle of WVa at Webster Springs. I go to Parkersburg now and then to Hale's Landing airpark. They have an old Avid there that's going to be rebuilt(hopefully) soon. Hale's Landing is a homebuilders live-in airpark just outside Parkersburg at Newark. Parts are out there, just have to hunt a little for them.
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  5. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Greeting from Ohio   

    I am in WVa and rebuilding a Kitfox model 2.  I get most of my fabric and covering supplies from Johnstown near Columbus.
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  6. Allen Sutphin added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    Kitfox Model 2
    Have a Model 2 Kitfox that will probably be for sale. Everything except engine, prop, and motor mount. Airframe is disassembled, frame is sandblasted and painted, wings 99% ready to cover. Cowling is in great shape, paint to your choice. Was a flying aircraft but was waay to heavy for a model 2. Was planning on rebuilding it light with a 2 stroke, as it should be but things happen and if anybody is interested, call me. Allen 304-847-5723 price is 7500 firm. It won't be on barnstormers due to tire kickers, and if none of you are interested, then I'll keep it and finish it when time permits. Its not a money situation as the reason for selling it so there won't be any haggling on price. Parts alone are worth the price if you had to buy them new. So no parting out, all or nothing! Most likely you could have a like new flying Kitfox 2 for 15K-17.5K after completion. And with a used engine and prop, probably less. Older kitfoxes and Avid's are getting harder to find that are solid airframes. After Oct 12, 2018 I'll order the fabric so it will no longer be offered. Located in the middle of WVa. One mile past the middle of nowhere.
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  7. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Who in Western Canada will recover wings   

    Its so easy, most are scared to try. You can buy DVD's to go thru the entire process so you see it done. Not hard work, no magic, just a little time and patience is all. If you don't paint, a local shop can do that part. Even if you find somebody to do it, still get the DVD and watch it.
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  8. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Conversion   

    Scratch that stupid idea!  Had a friend ask that, not me. I gave him the same advice I'd said before, save your nickels till you can get what you want. Too many nosedraggers out there to spend major time and energy to try it. Never could understand why they converted a C-150 to a taildragger.  Maybe just to see if they could.
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  9. Allen Sutphin added a topic in Kitfox II   

    Conversion
    Question, has anybody ever converted a model 1, 2, or 3 from tailwheel to nose gear? I know it can be done with a little rework of the fuselage.
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  10. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Repairs & Mods: custom cowl, new gear,etc   

    Free spinning wheels belong on toolboxes not airplanes.
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  11. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Repairs & Mods: custom cowl, new gear,etc   

    Question for the brains in the group. Comparing a steerable tail wheel vs. a breakaway tail wheel, does on have an advantage over the other as far as keeping from doing doughnuts on the ground? For close quarters the breakaway is nice but the steerable (non-breakaway) can be turned quick with forward stick and a shot of power.
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  12. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic lycoming mod ?   

    I know there is a turbo kit on the market for the 80 hp model. Rotax, I don't think makes one themselves. As far as the HKS, they did have a 700T turbo, but it didn't work out too well and isn't available anymore, new at least. I would be cautious about buying a used 700T, too much heat and pressure, more than the engine could handle. If one could still find one running. I have been paying attention to the light aircraft engine market for the last several years and the only real improvements are coming from homebuilders in their own shops. Leave it to the little guy(pun) to find a way to get in the air. Of course most of the inovations in aircraft started with some homebuilder standing in his shop scratching his head (and other places) saying "this might work".
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  13. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Repairs & Mods: custom cowl, new gear,etc   

    Ouch! Stuff happens all the time. At least, you will get to go over the entire airframe prior to flying it. I usually want to redo any airframe I get just because it most likely was covered years ago. Surface rust is pretty common on older rag and tube aircraft, especially if it wasn't epoxy primed extremely well.  I've heard the tales of how squirrelly the older Avid's and Kitfoxes were for years. And people have been flying them for years. It does require a little training from a good tailwheel instructor, but not a terror to land as some would have you believe. The wider gear is nice but can be pricey.  I think the Grove gear runs almost 2K. Me, I'd prefer to spend that 2K on training. But, you will learn what your feet are for. Good Luck with the new bird and enjoy the rebuild. Don't think of it as a chore, consider it as making a good solid aircraft that you don't have to worry about in the air.
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  14. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic lycoming mod ?   

    Then save your nickels till you get enough to buy what you want. A model 2 or 3 won't cut it.  Probably not even a model 4 will make the grade.
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  15. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic significant rpm drop on one Ignition   

    As always, start with the plugs. You didn't say what engine you have. That much of a difference, I would have stayed on the ground until I found the problem.  'If its not right, no flight' keeps you alive.
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  16. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic lycoming mod ?   

    What about an 85 hp or a 105 hp engine at 139lbs. They would work on a 2 or 3 built light. Might require a few hours or so to learn how to run it reliable. Most of you already know how. If mine comes in light enough, that's what I'll try to use.
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  17. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic lycoming mod ?   

    All I can say is 'good luck' in your search.
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  18. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic lycoming mod ?   

    You can't normally use the words 'cheap' and 'aircraft' in the same sentence.  I admit that the older Avid's and Kitfoxes are within reason of a average person but even they aren't cheap by no means. Yea, compared to a Carbon Cub, they are less expensive, but a decent 2 seat semi-bush plane for 20K or a tad less is getting hard to find anymore. They are good for most back country strips and with the right equipment can handle a little rougher strips with the right pilot.
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  19. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic lycoming mod ?   

    Its been my experience that if one wants more power, buy one with more power. If one wants to go faster, buy a faster aircraft, and so on. Its usually cheaper and less stress than trying to do some major modifications to create what you want. Unless you are experienced at it and just like to engineer things. Plus, have another plane to fly helps.
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  20. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Bringing a Kitfox 1 back to life   

    I'll say one thing, you sure are going to town on that airframe. You just might make it in a month. Me, I am just getting caught up on pre-winter chores and working on the fox when time permits. A lot to do on 14 ac. w/6 ac of grass to mow. Either that or I am slowing down in my golden years.
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  21. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic lycoming mod ?   

    Been there, done that, got the T shirt and coffee mug. Got a good example sitting in my shop. A model 2 with a NSI/Subaru and it wasn't much of an aircraft. Always way ahead to go with the engine the airframe was designed for or at least similar weight. Subaru is gone and airframe is getting rebuilt.
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  22. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Bringing a Kitfox 1 back to life   

    I've been an A&P for 40+ years and still won't drill holes in any spar unless instructed to do so by the instructions for that specific part. And generally there are other methods and ways to accomplish the task with out weakening a spar or part. One could fill in those holes with a TIG welder, but not everyone has one available.  Unfortunately there isn't a easy simple fix for it without looking like a fix.  One or two holes isn't a big issue but that many in a row should have raised a flag to an A&P. Or anybody else for that matter.  You wouldn't believe some of the things I've seen owners and mechanics do in my 40+ years. And it will continue long after I am gone!  Maybe I am just too darn picky!
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  23. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Tail offset for engine rotation   

    I suspected that he might be incorrect. While I was talking to him I was looking at my (now Jim's) model 4. It looked like it had a little offset to me but I dismissed it to my eyes going bad.  But I guess it really doesn't matter a whole lot.  Whatever it is, I don't hear of many being changed due to switching engines, more powerful engines, or different rotations.
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  24. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Tail offset for engine rotation   

    I talked to David Snell the engineer for Skystar years ago and ask him if the tail was offset. He said that it wasn't and just use a trim tab or fly with a little rudder. They kept the tail straight inline due to so many different engines being tried and different rotations of prop. Same with the engine mount, no degree's down or to the left or right for the same reasons.
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  25. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Susitna River Gravel Bar Landing.   

    How did you end up waaay up there. Take a wrong turn at Memphis?
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