1avidflyer

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Everything posted by 1avidflyer



  1. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    I've gotten the best deal from Avemco on my Kitfox and Avid.  
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  2. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    I would find a trailer somehow myself.  Of course I have several trailers so it's not a question for me.  Another issue that comes up is what will your insurance company demand of you or your CFI before they will cover you.  Have you looked into that?
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  3. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    The tailwheel time you have should be a big help, but I think the Kitfox 1 is a little more of a handful than the Champ.   First flights would be best on grass till you are more used to the plane.  The shape of the cowl and the way it angles in going forward on the Kitfox can make one fly crossed up on landing.  That of course sets you up for a ground loop.  And being used to flying a tandem plane where the prop is straight in front of you can do the same thing.   You are now sitting off to the side, but you are used to seeing the prop straight ahead.  The tendency can be to add some rudder to get back to the sight picture you are used to seeing.  So that is something to watch out for on your first landings.   Some have put a small piece of tape on the windshield as an aiming point till they are used to the plane.  The rudder pedals should be reinforced on the Kitfox 1.  If your CFI has experience in a Kitfox, that would be a help.  JImChuk
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  4. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    I see that you have your PPL, but what kind of experience do you have getting it?  Do you have a tailwheel endorsement?   Even if you have time in a Champ or Cub, the Kitfox 1 will be more of a handful on the ground that either of the ones I mentioned.  Especially on pavement.  Pretty easy to ball it up if you aren't used to it.  Actually lot of experienced pilots have balled up Kitfoxes because they handle different from what they are used to.  I wouldn't say they are hard to fly, but if all you've flown is a Cessna, you may have a bit of a challenge at first.  Maybe someone has a trailer in your area you can borrow/rent.  JImChuk
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  5. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    It could be quite an adventure to fly halfway across the country in an airplane that you are not familiar with.  Lots of variables for sure.  My opinion is trailer the plane, and get used to it at your home field..... YMMV.  JImChuk
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  6. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    I had a Kitfox 1 with a 582 in it.  Climbed like a homesick angel.  Was a fun airplane, but while it's possible, not the best candidate for long cross countries.  I've put about 600 hrs on a Jabiru in my Avid MK IV, and I like the engine.  It's weight is very close to the full installed weight of the 582.  I never put in tail ballast when I converted my Avid from a 582.  The Kitfox 1 is narrow, 36" compared to the Kitfox 2, 3 and 4, which are 39 1/2" wide.  If the plane has been stored in a hangar, I wouldn't worry about the fabric.  Polyfiber system is supposed to last 30 yrs in the open.  Bigger worry may be the tubing under the fabric.  But if stored in a dry climate, probably not a huge worry there either.  Other tubing should show rust if that is a concern.  JImChuk
    PS  same motor mount for the 1-4, but not sure where you would find one. Jabiru 
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  7. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Do I have an Avid Flyer C, HH, or Stol?   

    Normally, there is a steel doubler on top and bottom.  What you have probably is fine.  Is the back spar the same way?
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  8. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Do I have an Avid Flyer C, HH, or Stol?   

    I can't see your pictures, but here are a couple of things that make it a heavy hauler.  Lift struts are 7/8" OD, stol wing is 3/4",  spar wall thickness is .083" on the HH, .065 on the stol.  12" spacing on the ribs.  From the serial number, it has to be a C model.  JImChuk
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  9. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Whoa... $50k for a FWB KF7 STi ?!!   

    Price must have shot up a bit over the next few yrs.  I have all the receipts and such from the Kitfox 4 I'm building now.  It's a 94 model.  Shipping and packing to Duluth Mn was $500.  Total price was $14578.75.  That was firewall back.  No cowl or motor mount, ect.  Dual brakes, preformed windshield and a few other options included in the total price.
     
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  10. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Whoa... $50k for a FWB KF7 STi ?!!   

    I think there is a two year wait on the kits as well.  I suppose if you can sell more kits than you can produce, prices will go up.  I think my Kitfox 4 firewall back kit was something like $14000.  That was in 1993.  Adjusted for inflation is there much difference in price?  JImChuk
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  11. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Avid Flyer MK IV for sale   

    About 12" C to C, front to back.  About 8' wide overall.   Would have to measure to be exact.  You are referring to the trailer I take it.  JImChuk
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  12. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic New member - looking to learn!   

    Welcome to the group.  Sadly, most of the members seem to have migrated to places like facebook, but this forum is far, far better for leaning about Avids and early Kitfoxes than anywhere else.  The search box will yield a treasure trove of information.  Congratulations on passing the check ride at such an early age.  Feel free to ask questions, a few of us old diehards are still around and will try to help.  JImChuk
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  13. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 frame strengthening   

    Looks like the second time damage was done there.  Or maybe there was a crack at the bottom  that started with the first incident.  Infilling the area should strengthen it up.  Wonder if there is any other damage??
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  14. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic WTB Warpdrive 66" LH 2 blade prop and HP hub   

    I have a couple of two blade IVO ultralight model left hand props.  64"  and 72".  IVOs are pretty easy to cut down.   Do you need the hub to fit a 2 stroke gear box?  JImChuk
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  15. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 Down   

    Yes that is surprising that the nose gear doesn't appear to be bent.  And then if the plane goes all the way over without the nose gear flattening out, the whole plane will be that much higher in the air when it starts coming down on it's back.  The tail doesn't appear to be bent much either which I would expect to see.   Sad to see all the way around at any rate.  JImChuk
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  16. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox 3 for sale HKS 700T turbo 80hp with intercooler   

    Sure looks nice!  Love the paint scheme as well.  JImChuk
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  17. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 Down   

    In the one picture, it looks like the prop is angled  to the side.  Wonder if the crank broke or what?  Not completely uncommon for VWs from what I've read.  Glad they aren't hurt to bad, maybe they can rebuild the plane.  In a way, it doesn't look to be real badly damaged.  JImChuk
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  18. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic NEW MEMBERS TRYING TO SIGN UP   

    Hi Leni,  here is the message I got.  JImChuk
    vcaw  0
    Started conversation: 8 April · Report
    Hey . Are you still looking ?  In case you haven't found anything yet and
    willing to ship, then give Adam a Jingle.   Adamcarson1@protonmail.com . Fast
    shipping and trusted.
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  19. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Wanted: 3 blade prop for 582   

    I should mind my own business, but last time I ordered a prop from IVO they said it would be a couple of months.  Not sure how the prop market is now, but they were all behind a while back I think.  Three weeks from Ukraine would be fantastic.  As far as sizes and diameters, my NR prop for the 80 HP 912 is two blade and just under 70"  it works fine.  The one I got for the 100 hp 912 is two blade and 71".  JImChuk
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  20. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Parting out Kitfox 2   

    Hi Bob,  the email address I got from you didn't work, so I just sent pictures and a message to you here in a private message.  Thanks,  JImChuk
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  21. 1avidflyer added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    Parting out Kitfox 2
    Hi all,  I ended up with a rough shape Kitfox 2, and am going to part it out.  Looks like it was ground looped, and seat truss is bent.  Looks like it was repaired once and then fixed again, then bent again.  Not beyond hope for someone who can fit and weld tubing though.   Wings are pretty rough, rear spars are salvageable, and maybe one front spar.  Flaperons are a bit dinged up, but center tube isn't bent.  Could be used again.  Landing gear, 8" wheels, hydraulic brakes all appear to be fine.  Rudder pedals good, joysticks and cross tube plus mixer controls behind the seat seem fine as well. 582 motor mount, and back two pieces of cowl, plastic fuel tank, and turtle deck also there.  Anyone needing any of these parts can contact me with a private message for starters.  If you want pictures of anything in particular, say the word.  Thanks,  JImChuk
    PS  forgot to mention lift struts as well.  Here are a couple of pictues.  



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  22. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Wanting buy: IVO medium prop hub   

    Still looking for the IVO hub if anyone has one.  Thanks,   JImChuk
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  23. 1avidflyer added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    Parting out Kitfox 2
    Hi all,  I ended up with a rough shape Kitfox 2, and am going to part it out.  Looks like it was ground looped, and seat truss is bent.  Looks like it was repaired once and then fixed again, then bent again.  Not beyond hope for someone who can fit and weld tubing though.   Wings are pretty rough, rear spars are salvageable, and maybe one front spar.  Flaperons are a bit dinged up, but center tube isn't bent.  Could be used again.  Landing gear, 8" wheels, hydraulic brakes all appear to be fine.  Rudder pedals good, joysticks and cross tube plus mixer controls behind the seat seem fine as well. 582 motor mount, and back two pieces of cowl, plastic fuel tank, and turtle deck also there.  Anyone needing any of these parts can contact me with a private message for starters.  If you want pictures of anything in particular, say the word.  Thanks,  JImChuk
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  24. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Avid Flyer MK IV for sale   

    Just a heads up, I had taken a deposit on the Avid late last fall, with the buyer to pick it up by end of April.  I got a message from his today saying he is going to have to back out of the deal.  So after the first of May, the Avid will be back on the market.  JImChuk
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  25. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Avid IV 912 engine conversion   

    I finally got around to checking and comparing the Kitfox  and Avid firewall angles in relation to the wing carry throughs.  The Kitfox ends up being about 91 1/2 degrees, and the Avid is about 95 degrees.  The bottoms of the firewalls are further ahead then the tops of the firewalls.  The bottom of the Avid is further ahead than the Kitfox bottom.  Hope that makes sense.  I'm thinking I would still maybe use the Kitfox mount, and use the center bottom attachment point on the Kitfox mount as the starting point.  The center attachment points on the Avid are about 3/4" wider than the Kitfox mount so in modifying that, bushings could be turned enough to make up the different angle of the firewall.  Then the top two Kitfox attachment points are removed from the Kitfox mount, and new ones fabricated to fit the Avid mounting points.  This is how I see it at this point.  I think it would be way less work for me than building an entirely new mount, and I happen to have a spare Kitfox mount as well.  
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