Craig kennedy

Craig kennedy added a post in a topic Flaperons 16 Feb 2023

I don't have experience in flying my model 2 and have only flown the model 7 once. Could someone explain the major and miner differences in flight controls. How much better is the 4 and later mixer and is it just when flaps are extended that it makes the difference. Wondering if it's worth the trouble re enginearing in the 2 since I'm upgrading things. My main objective is slow flight and STOL for this project. Thanks, Craig

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start 13 Feb 2023

Thanks for the photos, I didn't see those when I replied last.

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start 13 Feb 2023

Thanks, yes, I plan to reiforce the seat truss along with the two sides with the perforated chromoly plate welded in.

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start 13 Feb 2023

Yes, sorry, you're right. The classic models. Thanks Allen!
it's been a long time since I've done work on it, but I started to widen the fuselage. I think at a minumum, I wanted to do that, reinforce the frame for the landing gear, and enlarge the rudder and elevator. I'm exited about re-diong the 2 with it's light weight and high lift wings but it sure is hard to find many support videos on these older models. This will be interesting and a struggle for me I'm sure but I'm going to go for it and hopefully build some momentum and hopefully get it legal and flying! I'm still scrathing my head about baggage area ideas and a little side access door.

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start 13 Feb 2023

it's been a long time since I've done work on it, but I started to widen the fuselage. I think at a minumum, I wanted to do that, reinforce the frame for the landing gear, and enlarge the rudder and elevator. I'm exited about re-diong the 2 with it's light weight and high lift wings but it sure is hard to find many support videos on these older models. This will be interesting and a struggle for me I'm sure but I'm going to go for it and hopefully build some momentum and hopefully get it legal and flying! I'm still scrathing my head about baggage area ideas and a little side access door.

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic "Built from parts" 24 Feb 2022

Thanks Chris!

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic "Built from parts" 24 Feb 2022

Thats cool! and does it still weigh much less than the 4 but gain a lot of the good characteristics? Do you have any photos of your mixer conversion? Neat project. I like that the early models are light so I may want to stay strategic about the improvements.

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic "Built from parts" 23 Feb 2022

I will
I will try this but the FAA said it may be difficult without the original data plate, and I think it was removed when de-registered.

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic "Built from parts" 23 Feb 2022

Ya, I was hoping to get them onboard to make sure I had their blessing that I was doing enough to constitute a new airplane before all the work and $$ is spent on it. It almost seems like I would have to do it and just photo document for proof and present in the end for inspection. That would seem like a big gamble.

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic "Built from parts" 23 Feb 2022

And Chris, I would not be opposed to using a non-deregistered plate and just get this thing repaired and flying, if anyone knows of any! Thanks for the input.

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic "Built from parts" 23 Feb 2022

I agree with you. I probably did not paint the picture right for him. At this point, I think I'd be better off finding a new DAR and starting the conversation over.

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic "Built from parts" 23 Feb 2022

It sounds like this DAR is saying that I cannot use ANY used parts from this plane or any other. They would have to be sourced as new and fabricated. The following is my brief email conversation. I don't think It's going to get anywhere with this guy.
Me:
I was considering making a new plane from parts. I have already removed all the fabric from fuselage and wings and mostly disassembled this one. It would be a different and new plane and would need to apply for a new AW. I understand that it may no longer be considered a Kitfox. I would just want to make sure with my changes that it would be enough to make it a new airplane. Would you be able to provide me some guidance in this route? Does that sound like the only alternative? Thanks, Craig
DAR:
OK. Let me try to be clear, the aircraft parts will not be allowed to be used for credit toward the 51% rule. You did did not fabricate them and repair or rebuilding or using used parts does not constitute building an aircraft. It would not be a new airplane.
The amateur built rules are specifically designed this way to avoid just what you are proposing to do. I hate to be giving you news that you may not want to hear but that is the way it is. Best Regards, Me:Okay, Thanks for the response. I would be cutting apart, fabricating, adding new, reinforcing, making wider and longer, making tail surfaces larger, new engine, new windscreen and doors, adding wingtank, re-working the wings and flaps, fabricating new landing gear, adding new panel and new instruments, adding new lines and many new components, recovering and repainting. There is nothing that would not be reworked, so I would consider that fabricating and reengineering since I'm changing the shape, size and characteristics. It would be less work to start with a kit. The rule states that parts have to be resourced as "new" not a mix of any sourced parts? Thank you for your time, Craig Kennedy

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Craig kennedy added a topic in KitFox General Forum 23 Feb 2022

"Built from parts"

Does anyone have experience in selecting "Built from Parts" when they are rebuilding a previously built, certificated and deregistered airplane? The DAR I happen to speak to said "It's already been built, certificated and destroyed. An airplane only can be built once. You have a wrecked airplane that needs a dataplate." and that was the end of his response. I thought that's the reason I would select "built from parts" and make a new airplane from parts. My question to him was about assistance in making sure what I was doing, would qualify for the 51% rule. I have a Kitfox 2 with minimal damage, but I've got a list of modifications. I've already stripped all the fabric and straightened the bent tubes but wanted to get a DAR onboard before I invested too much time or money. If anyone has experience or success with this or knows who I could talk to for good incite, it would be greatly appreciated. I'm itching to get this project underway and would love to revive this bird. Thanks, Craig

21 replies
4,141 views

Craig kennedy added a topic in Kitfox II 20 Feb 2022

Kitfox II wing strut mount brackets

Does anyone on here have photos of the wing strut attachment improvement? I saw someone mention a flat strap between ailerons, but I can't find the thread now. Does anyone know what the exact weakness is? Are the welds breaking and wings coming off? I have the fabric off and am trying to do the "must improves" without adding too much weight. Thanks, Craig

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start 14 Feb 2022

What diameter and wall thickness should be used for the front spar carry through tube? I saw TJay do a pretty nice job but wasn't sure what he used. What do the current models use?

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start 14 Feb 2022

Okay, cool! Thanks Jim. I was thinking about that too (the widening). I saw that on one of your other posts. So the epoxy primer is the only coating, no other top coat? Thanks, Craig

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start 14 Feb 2022

Okay, cool! Thanks Jim. I was thinking about that too (the widening). I saw that on one of your other posts. So the epoxy primer is the only coating, no other top coat? Thanks, Craig

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start 14 Feb 2022

Well, been a while but building motivation to revive this old fox. I have stripped the wing fabric off and the fuselage, straightened the few slightly bent tubes, I was pleasantly surprised how little damage there was. The paint of the tubing looked in pretty good shape with exception of a little rust near the tail. wheel. Paint adhesion seemed very good except for a few areas near the turtle deck. When fabric was removed it appeared to lift small areas of paint down to bear metal. I have a couple questions. One, can I spot repair these areas? and Next, I have not found much info on painting the tubes. Is the epoxy the prime coat and top coat? Or do you final coat with something else for UV protection?
I am also interested in hearing opinions on the "must improves" since the fabric is off. I'm thinking enlarging tail surfaces, beefing up spar carry through tube, wing fuel tanks, reinforcing at landing gear attachment, possibly trim tabs? Let me know things that are "should really do's"!
Thanks for all your help and sorry this process is taking so long. I had to debate a bit about doing this one as "built from parts" to get new airworthy.

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start 20 May 2020

No, Colorado City, TX about 2 months ago. Not sure where he picked it up from though.

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Craig kennedy added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start 5 May 2020

Don’t need speed. The slower on landing, the better on this one. I’m really looking for slow and low with short takeoff and landing. I think the early model would fit the bill for me!