1avidflyer

Well it's been quite a while since I posted anything about the Kitfox 4 build. I have been working on it a little.  Started the engine for the first time a couple of days ago.  Did it more for motivation, I was pretty sure it was going to run.  Maybe the boost of adrenaline will take me to the finish line.  JImChuk

New Kitfox 4 first engine start - YouTube

I never got much interest in it, so never got the roll of tape.  JImChuk

Hi all,  the last Kitfox 1s, and the Kitfox 2 model were built with a wing spar that was not a tube but rather an extrusion.  It was the same diameter as the tubes, used in other models but it had a full length center piece that stiffened the tube.  I'm guessing they were more expensive than the tube and stiffener that Kitfox stayed with on the model 3 and since.  But likely they were stiffer, and may not have flexed as much.  All this is leading up to the question.  Has anyone rebuilt a Kitfox 2 wing and replaced the front spar with a standard tube and stiffener while retaining the older style extrusion spar in the rear of the wing?  Here is a view of those spars as was used in the Kitfox 2.  Thanks,  JImChuk

Hi all,  I remember someone posted here or on TK about having this same issue.  I looked in the archives but couldn't find that topic though.  I'm sending NR an email also, but sometimes they are slow to reply.  On my new Kitfox 4 build, I was going to hang my NR prop on it yesterday so I could do the oil purge.  The holes in the prop hub for the drive lugs are too tight.  I could push one drive lug in about 1/16" with my thumb, If I had forced the prop on with the bolts, it would take a big hammer to ever get it off.  I didn't have this issue on my first NR prop that I'm running on my other Kitfox, I got this one two years ago, and it's been hanging on the wall ever since.  I got my first NR about 6 months before this one.  Thanks for any comments.  (I've installed lots of props over the last 23 yrs, so I don't think I'm doing anything wrong on it)  Anyone else have to deal with this?  JImChuk

Welcome to the group.  There are Catalinas popping up occasionally.    Keep an eye on barnstormers for one place.  From time to time one shows up on here.   JImChuk

I tried a lot of things, being careful not to get any of the various chemicals into the hinge openings and maybe melting the foam.  One paint stripper worked kind of halfways.  It bubbled the plastic up somewhat so I could pick it off.  That was about 10 yrs ago, so memory is scetchy.  Did you look in the search box?  Also search TeamKitfox forum cause I'm sure this question has come up many times.  JImChuk

PS  here is a post from TK   Protective coating removal (teamkitfox.com)

I've gotten the best deal from Avemco on my Kitfox and Avid.  

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?

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

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

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

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 

Normally, there is a steel doubler on top and bottom.  What you have probably is fine.  Is the back spar the same way?

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

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.

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

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

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

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??

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

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

Sure looks nice!  Love the paint scheme as well.  JImChuk

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

Hi Leni,  here is the message I got.  JImChuk

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