Hawth200

Jim,

Thank you for those pictures. I am definitely going to add some reinforcing gussets to the longerons and the seat truss as well during the repair. It looks like both the attach brackets did not get damaged, just the attaching longerons/tubing. I bought this project last fall (previous owner ground looped), but am just now getting started on it. I had a new cabane style landing gear fabricated by Lowell last winter that I will be installing. I have read mixed reviews on the spring suspension so am a little hesitant to use it. I have even thought about retrofitting the monster shock setup to the gear.   Seth

I did not realize that the Raven plans existed. I will look into that, it may be helpful in other areas as well.

That will probably be what I end up doing for the rear bracket. I will need to look at the forward bracket to see if it will be reusable. Thanks Jim

I'm looking for some details on the landing gear attach brackets welded to the lower fuselage longerons. I am getting ready to start a repair to the longerons in this area and will likely have to fabricated these attach brackets. I have not stripped off the powder coating yet, so it is difficult to tell. Are these brackets bent up or welded plate? Or, both? Has anyone fabricated these? 

Seth

japowell,

My Avid is located at KHOC, Hillsboro Ohio. I am frequently flying at Clinton County (I66) not far from Waynesville at the moment taking lessons for instrument rating. I'd be happy to show you my plane sometime if you are in the area.

Seth 

I am in Ohio as well (between Columbus and Cincinnati). I just picked up a MK IV that I will be doing some repairs to over the winter. Where are you located in Ohio? 

Good question Jim. I just made the assumption this was a center to center measurement. 

Lowell quoted me $1550 for the gear with all installation hardware.

Seth

Thank you for that measurement! I was just thinking about having one of you measure that for me. I can't rely on a good measurement on my plane because the fuselage longerons are bent. I may wait until I receive the new landing gear to repair the longerons and gear attach points so that I can match this up for a perfect fit.

Seth

Jim provided me his contact info the other day. Lowell is very helpful. He confirmed that the springs are the only option.

He is going to fabricate a gear for me.

I'll try to take and post pictures during the project.

That's great to know. That will save quite a bit of money being able to reuse the wheels and brakes.

Does he offer a spring and bungie option? And, If so, any idea what the advantages of each may be?

Excellent, looks great! The extra width has to help the ground handling.

Were you able to reuse the original brakes with that setup, or did you have to replace them?

I'll have to check out the Team Kitfox site. I will send you a PM for Lowell's contact info. I appreciate it!

How do you like the Highwing gear? How does it compare to the stock setup? How much wider does it set the main tires?

Thanks so much for the pictures. Nice to see an example of how to reinforce the seat truss.

Yes, I figured I would have to get inside the covering to splice in the rib and then will probably sandwich the rib with aluminum to add some strength. 

Does anyone know of anyone making the wide stance landing gear for this plane. I've read about Highwing LLC?

Any other Avid Flyers around Central Ohio? Would be awesome to meet some other builders / pilots.

Thanks for the heads up on the 0.35 wall thickness, that helps.

The seat truss is bent on the left side. I imagine I will try to beef up the area a bit while I'm at it. I'm hoping it won't be too difficult of a repair. The rest of the airplane is in excellent condition, it was flown very little, only 80 hours total flight time. The only other damage I will need to address is the two outboard flaperon attach ribs. They were broken off. From what I'm seeing this seems to be a chronic problem with this model.

I'm located in Central Ohio. 

I'm new to this forum and am enjoying reading all the good technical knowledge.

This is my first post, I just thought I would introduce myself and share my MK IV project with everyone. I purchased this plane a few weeks ago and haven't started repairs yet. It was ground looped by the previous owner and sustained damage to the fuselage and seat truss at the left main gear. As far as I can tell it has the standard MK IV landing gear, the extended speed wing and is Subaru powered with Warp Drive prop.

Does anyone know the tubing sizes and wall thickness used in the seat truss and fuselage longerons at this location. It would be nice to know so that I can source material before tearing into it. Also, I'm looking for recommendations on what landing gear to consider going to. I'm not sure I want to spend the money on a grove gear, but a wider cabane style gear may fit the bill. Thoughts?

Thanks

Seth