1avidflyer

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Everything posted by 1avidflyer



  1. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Avid Stretch (Mini Plus)   

    Just got back on the site after a few days dealing with the wife and a sudden hospital stay for her.  Glad to see your very nice pictures, ever if they are doubles, they say two are better than one.  Nice that you are starting to sort things out.  I took my new Kitfox 4 up this evening and flew for a bit as well.  Will make a few adjustments from what I have learned.  No question, they are a work in progress when they first take to the air.  Keep at it, and I will as well.    JImChuk
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  2. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 build # 2   

    I did some checking for prop balance today.  One blade is definitely heavier than the other.  I sent a message to NR with some pictures and a short video showing the heavy blade.  I asked what they suggest.  I have sprayed more paint on one blade than the other to get them to balance.  Hate to start spraying stuff on these new blades though unless it is compatible with existing finish.  I have a smooth 1" bar sitting on lubricated 1/16" drill bits that sit on leveled steel plates.  The bar goes through the prop, and as the setup is very low friction, the prop will move quite easily, showing the heavy blade.  Tried to upload pictures just now but that failed.  JImChuk
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  3. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 build # 2   

    As I did not know the history of the engine when I bought it, I had it gone through by a Rotax certified mechanic.  With the vibrations, I was wondering if it had a bent prop flange from a prop strike.  I put a dial indicator on the flange yesterday, and the flange was within 3/4 of a thousandths of an inch.  Maximum allowable is .003" I believe, so my prop shaft is running true and is not the culprit.  The prop blades are exactly the same pitch so not that.  I will check the prop for being in balance today.  I do have a couple of other props I can try as well.  I'll get it sorted out eventually.  Thanks for your comment.  JImChuk     
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  4. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 build # 2   

    Well the new Kitfox 4 made it's maiden flights this evening.  Did two take offs and landings just before sunset.  Was going to have several cameras going, but my old chinese go pro clone's batteries were dead and wouldn't take a charge, the newer real go pro wouldn't work,. and all that worked was an old Nikon camera set for video mode.   It didn't do very well, even besides the fact that it was looking sort of into the sun so everything was pretty dark.  But at any rate, the plane  did fly, needs a trim tab on the rudder, and seems to vibrate more at full throttle than the 80 HP in the old kitfox 4.  Good bit more power with the 100 hp.   Now I will look it over very close before the next time.  JImChuk
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  5. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 build # 2   

    Well the big day finally came, the DAR inspected my Kitfox 4 build and signed it off. I'm happy for sure. He actually said it was pretty clean, squawk wise. This poor plane has been kicked to the back of the line to many times but it finally made it over the finish line. Probably half a dozen Avids and Kitfoxes got rebuilt or restored while it waited in the shadows, but today was it's moment of glory. Sure hope the first flight proves to be the same. Anyways, I'm happy today! JImChuk



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  6. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Avid Stretch (Mini Plus)   

    Very nice Randy.  Good for you.  I'm waiting on the DAR for my Kitfox 4 now.  I tried to post some pictures, but haven't been able to in any of my attempted posts lately.   Looks like you have the secret.    I think the Rotax is a good choice.  The idea of listening to 8500 rpm does not appeal to me.   JImChuk
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  7. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic task-based operating limitations program letter   

    Just planning on the 40 phase 1 myself.  And yes, it seems that the 582 round cowl needs to be extended 3" for a 912 installation.  JImChuk
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  8. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic task-based operating limitations program letter   

    Looks nice.  I messaged my DAR today, and he sent some forms including a copy of a program letter.  I had sent him one that I reworked that a DAR had a friend of mine use in Arkansas.   My DAR suggested going with the task based phase 1, I've got to research it some more.  I don't really mind the 40 hours  setup, usually I just fly close to home by myself anyway.  Not sure yet which way I'll go.  JImChuk
    PS  Got any decals for the cowl yet?  A friend of mine made mine, I came up with the pictures and he has the machine to make the decal.  I'm sure he still has the files....

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  9. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic task-based operating limitations program letter   

    I hope some one will respond to your questions.  I'm just about to submit my paperwork for the airworthiness DAR inspection for my Kitfox 4.   I wonder about some of these things as well.  JImChuk
    I've never had to use a DAR up till now.  All my rebuilds were on previously flying planes.  
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  10. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic New Project in the works   

    I like the idea of the bigger wing, wonder how the piggy back Stol ribs would work. Or at least a copy of them. I'm a fan of Grove gear, cause is has so much less drag.  I see Kitfox 5-7 gear fairly often for about $1000. Wonder what it would do on the Magnum...  Other than that, Git her done!    JImChuk
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  11. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Have the forums all died?   

    I'm sure the wars don't help, along with everything else.  I did send someone else your way a couple of days ago.  He was looking for a prop, and I told him to check yours out.  I know I'm still liking my prop on the older Kitfox 4 and will soon be flying the new one with your prop as well.  JImChuk
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  12. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 build # 2   

    Do to the longer motor mount for the engine, I am a little light in the tail on the new Kitfox 4.  Have to add 10 lbs there.  It still will end up at about 665 lbs though, so not a real heavy Kitfox4.  This is the mount and weight I built.  The same thing should work for anyone needing weight on an Avid, as the tail structure is the same in that area.  JImChuk
    PS, ended up coming in at 669.6 lbs.  Funny thing, I wrote this message a few weeks ago, and couldn't up load the pictures.  Wonder if it will work now?   It didn't work.  Well here is something else then.  Will need to do a better one but I took this video this evening.   Latest Kitfox 4 walkaround
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  13. 1avidflyer added a topic in Jokes   

    Red Greens advice on building an aircraft
    Just saw this yesterday and though I would pass it on.   Some humor and a fair bit of wisdom as well.   Enjoy,  JImChuk
    Red Green - How To Do Everything - Build Your Own Airplane
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  14. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Avid STOL and Heavy Hauler rib sketch.   

    If it doesn't work out, I could copy them on my printer, and mail them to you.  JImChuk
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  15. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 build # 2   

    Was about 75 yesterday, 55 today, and supposed to get to about 35 tomorrow.  No storms though, and snow is pretty well all gone.  My strip even dried up  enough that I got to go flying Wednesday.... It was nice.  Hope you dodge the T storms and such further south of us.  JImChuk
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  16. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 build # 2   

    Well back working on the Kitfox a bit, a friend of mine made me some decals and I got them put on yesterday.... JImChuk


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  17. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic MGL V6 radio   

    Bummer,  I have the V6 in both of my Kitfox 4s.  Haven't flown with the one in the new Kitfox yet, but they seemed to work good for me.  I have a friend of mine who is into electronics.  Wonder if he could do anything with it.... JImChuk
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  18. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 rebuild   

    Wow, hard to believe it's been 5 years since my last post on this thread.   The plane still is flying nice several hundred hours later.  Almost done with my next Kitfox 4 and hope to get it finished in the next couple of months.  JImChuk
    PS  sure is sad how quiet the group has become in those 5 years.  I'm trying to get over a bout of covid, and happened to look at this thread.  Back when I started this thread, there was a constant stream of comments from others.  Now a days weeks go by without any comments on the forum.  Hopefully the archives are still being of benefit to builders....... 
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  19. 1avidflyer added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    Dean Wilson has passed
    The original designer of the Avid Flyer, and the numerous copies or near copies of aircraft has passed away today. Dean Wilson contributed so much to the light plane world that we know today. We have all been benefited so much by what he brought to our worlds.
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  20. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Imperial Screws   

    Review this page, it lists length of bolts, and grip range.  Also in upper left corner it shows how those lengths are measured.  You also should figure in for at least a washer under the nut.  1 - 3 threads should protrude out of the lock nut.  No reason for shear nuts, just the standard AN3 bolts, washer (s)  and a nylock nut.  JImChuk
    PS, notice it's also called a 10-32.  10 is diameter of bolt and 32 threads per inch 
    AN3 Bolts ( 10-32 ) | Aircraft Spruce ®
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  21. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Avid Heavy Hauler Project for Sale   

    Posting pictures is always helpful in an add.  The more the merrier.... JImChuk
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  22. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic KF3 unstarted kit Information and direction?   

    There is an option to list as built from parts.  That being said, if you could get a signed FAA bill of sale from the first purchaser of the kit from Denny aircraft or SkyStar, who ever was the factory that produced the kit, you could use the letter Kitfox now has that you  can download stating that there were no bill of sale provided with kits on early Kitfoxes.  I did that with my latest Kitfox 4.  I did buy the kit from the first purchaser of the kit from Sky Star  however.  This is a link to that letter.  JImChuk    https://kitfoxaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/FAA-Bill-of-Sale-Issue-Rev-B.pdf
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  23. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Not sure if yall want to see this mess but here it is   

    I'm glad to see you decided to keep working on it.  In a way it would be nice if a guy could hang a lighter motor on it, and still have something like 150 HP.  I'm scared of the high revs of the Yamahas, and wonder if the 915,   916 Rotaxes will stick together when you drag so much more power out of them.  And they cost a crazy amount of money besides.  Well Dean knew far better than me how to design a great airplane, and the Magnum was designed for an O-320.   Stay busy on it and keep the videos coming!  JImChuk
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  24. 1avidflyer added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    EAA webinar on tailwheel operations tonight
    This could be helpful to many of us perhaps.  JImChuk EAA webinar at 7 PM CST 2/18/2026 Register at:https://pages.eaa.org/WBN2026-02...Tailwheel Flying TechniquesWednesday, February 18, 2026, 7 p.m. CST
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  25. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic Nice weekend landing on the lakes   

    Looks nice,  have you ever flown to the Ice Port fly in on Mille Lacs lake?  I miss out on most of the winter flying with taking the wife down south.  I did get to do a flight review in a CT Sting on Friday though.  There was no sign of snow or ice, and it was in the mid 70s.  Do you have skis for the plane?  No need for them now though from the looks of things.  JImChuk
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