luca1s

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About luca1s

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  • Birthday 03/13/2006

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  • Website URL luca1s.tech

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  • Gender Male
  • Location Portland, Maine
  • Interests tailwheel flying, web development and engineering

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luca1s's Activity



  1. luca1s added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    Unfortunate update, seems that the financial solution from the school that I have will probably only cover the cost of the project itself, not the initial airplane purchase or follow-up ownership costs. Sadly I don't have the resources to fund the rest myself, so I'll have to put this project aside for now. I'm sure it'll happen in a few years though, definitely not going to lose sight of the Kitfox and Avid!
    In the meantime though, I'll try to see if I can fly in one, that way I'll have experience by the time I'm ready for a purchase!
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  2. luca1s added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    Not yet, I’m currently on vacation in Europe so I’ve only been able to do research on the airplane in the theoretical sense. I’ll be back home in 3 days though, so I’ll look into the insurance then (as well as looking at a few factors that might make the project/purchase impossible for now).
    Do you have any recommendations for providers for an airplane like this? This would be my first airplane purchase so I don’t have an existing provider at all!
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  3. luca1s added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    Thank you so much, that is really really helpful! The airplane does seem to be based at a grass strip too which should help a lot for the first flights!
    My CFI doesn’t have Kitfox experience, but she does have experience in a lot of taildraggers, including some with side-by-side seating I believe. Should still help a little I think?
    If I can’t find a trailer, what do you think about doing the cross country all on grass strips? Would that make it significantly more doable?
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  4. luca1s added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    I do have a tail wheel endorsement, all of my time so far is in a Citabria (~75 hours) + 10 hours in gliders.
    That does make sense though, I can definitely look around for a trailer! I definitely don’t want to wreck a new-to-me airplane during it’s first flight haha. If I can’t find a trailer though, do you think flying down to Florida with my CFI and getting some hours there after completing the purchase would be an option? How much of a transition is the Kitfox 1 from a Citabria/Champ/similar - is it a relatively simple transition that could be done in a day or two of flying, or is it more like going from nosewheel to a taildragger?
    That does remind me though, are the stock Model 1 rudder pedals also prone to failure like the Model 4 ones I’ve heard so much about?
    Thank you so much for all the information so far!
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  5. luca1s added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    Yeah that’s definitely what I’d prefer too! The only issue is that I don’t have a car (flying doesn’t pay for itself haha), and that the rest of my family probably wouldn’t be able to be without one for such a long time.
    Do you think flying it home can be done safely at all? I do have family along the way in PA, NY and MA to stop for more extended time periods, but nothing from FL to PA. Considering that situation, if this airplane does seem right, is it worth renting a U-haul or something like that (definitely would be pricy)? Definitely no reason to take any undo risk!
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  6. luca1s added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    Yeah that’s certainly what I was planning on doing no matter what 582 I end up with. 
    I’ve actually had a slightly interesting development with the airplane too. Nothing’s changed with the airplane in Florida, still seems like a fun airplane, just very far!
    https://www.barnstormers.com/classified-1836538-Kitfox-1,-floats,wheels,trai.html
    I did see this listed though, just 2 hours drive away from me. Neither the owner or seller know much about the airplane, seems it was purchased to help the previous owner, but in theory it looks decent. Gross weight is confusing though, it’s listed as having strengthened spars, the data plate lists 1050 lbs but the listing 950 lbs. Not sure if I can trust either? Engine would need an overhaul after sitting for 12 years, but according to the seller it has been hangared so maybe the rest is fine? I’m curious about the cost though, how much is a project Model 1 like this usually worth - does $15K seem like too much?
     
    UPDATE: Seems like it’s already basically sold, but I’ll keep it in mind alongside the currently flying Model 1 in Florida. 
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  7. luca1s added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    Thank you so much, that helps a lot! I definitely don’t plan on flying long cross countries frequently, it would just be the initial ferry flight. Still something I need to consider though, definitely don’t want to take undo risk with a new-to-me airplane and engine.
    I just heard back from the seller about the 582, it’s a grey head installed as an upgrade from the 532 originally on the airplane. No logs though (for the engine, the airframe logs are available), so that has me quite worried. I could definitely get the engine overhauled or replaced if the airplane’s at home, but not sure about the cross country ferry flight!
    I did just find another M1 (950 lb gross) right by me for the same price, but it’s not currently airworthy. Last engine and airframe inspection in 2011. I bet that would be a sizeable project right? The engine probably isn’t in great shape after 12 years of no use!
    Do you think Kitfox would still manufacture a M1-4 mount for the Jabiru? Could be very expensive though, seems like they’re really focused on the M7.
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  8. luca1s added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    Yeah I saw the Phazer, seems like probably too much for a first project! 

    How is the Jabiru on the stock M1 (is the mount the same as M2/3)? I’m assuming it would need some ballast, but on the later 950 lbs MGW Model 1’s could that be okay? Luckily I only weight 135 lbs and mostly plan on flying alone, so gross weight isn’t a huge concern regardless.
    I saw a few running the HKS 700E as well, but I worry about the performance, seems like it matches closer to the 503, not the 582.
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  9. luca1s added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    Yeah this is what I’ve been looking into for a few days! I’d definitely consult someone who knows what they’re doing regardless. If I did ever want to upgrade the engine though, is there really a common 4-stroke option in the Model 1 (as in there’s a reasonably available engine mount)?
    The fabric has been my bigger concern lately though, is it really plausible for 31 year old fabric, even if it passes a punch test and looks clean, to comfortably last another 5+ years?
    Thank you all for the amazing wealth of knowledge on this site, this forum has already taught me so much!
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  10. luca1s added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    Small update, I’ve found an interesting airplane (a seemingly easy project)! It’s a currently flying Kitfox 1 with M2 wings and a 582 (still trying to confirm grey or blue head) with 100 hours on it. 
    The price is quite good, but I’m trying to decide whether it’s a good platform to invest in. The fabric is original from 1991, which worries me a bit. It has been hangared since new and passes the punch test, but I’m not sure if that matters a whole lot at this age. I realistically won’t have time to do a whole recover (or even to learn the skills) for at least the next 5-6 years, so I do need to be a bit careful with what I commit to.
    The other question is the 582, I’ve never flown behind a two stroke. Even while strictly following maintenance procedures and the many helpful guides on here and elsewhere, can a 582 truly be trusted (especially since I would need to ferry the airplane from FL to ME)?
    Aside from that it needs a radio (just a handheld + intercom works if necessary) and a transponder (I live within a Class C), as well as probably some new rudder pedals since the current ones look quite rusted. I’d also want a gear upgrade, perhaps looking towards the Hatz-style gear and big tires. From a project perspective I’m assuming something relatively small like that is a good way to start?
    With all that in mind, does this airplane (or similar two-stroke equipped KF’s/Avid’s) seem like a decent way to enter into the Fox/Avid world? 
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  11. luca1s added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    I saw that, seems interesting! I don't know much/anything about the kit though, I'd assume it'd be harder to build than a standard Avid or Kitfox though right? 
    By the way, does anyone know of anyone in Maine (or New England in general) who owns an Avid or older Kitfox? I figure it'd be worth flying one (or at least looking at one in person) before starting anything!
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  12. luca1s added a post in a topic A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?   

    I don't have a kit yet, which definitely makes this feel like a pipe dream already. I'd be looking for an older, uncompleted project or an older flying or stored aircraft (say a Model 1/2 with a 532/503) which is a tough find regardless. My main question is whether it's even worth trying to find one, even if I miraculously found an airplane, how much could I really do in the time that I have. 
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  13. luca1s added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    A project with limited time - setting realistic expectations?
    Hello everyone!
    I've just discovered that there is a small chance that I receive some (but still limited) funding from my school next year towards a Kitfox/Avid project, which would then likely be presented at the state science fair. It's very far from a guarantee, but if there's any chance of that happening, I'd definitely like to have an idea of what I could accomplish in a very limited timeframe and whether it's even worth exploring. 
    Realistically, I'd have until April 2024 (might be able to stretch it to late May) to finish the project, which is not much time at all. I'm also a completely new builder, with no experience with experimental airplanes whatsoever. I do have experience with power tools of course, and some basic welding knowledge, but aside from that, very little! I have friends at the airport who do build/rebuild airplanes, but none have worked with a Kitfox or Avid before. This is all to say, I'll need to learn a lot and that doing anything will probably take longer than usual!
    With all that in mind though, how much do you guys think I could realistically accomplish in the time that I have (September -> April)? My initial thought would be to start with a flying airplane (maybe a Model 1 or older Avid to keep costs down) and upgrade the engine/panel, but even that might be too much. Essentially, the main question is whether such a project is even worth trying considering with the constraints I have?
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  14. luca1s added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    Kitfox IV w/ 912 on Barnstormers
    https://www.barnstormers.com/classified-1832508-Kitfox-IV.html
    Just saw this Kitfox IV w/ 912 UL on Barnstormers, thought I'd pass it on in case anyone was interested! I don't know anything about the aircraft aside from what's posted on the listing, but the price ($35K) seems good for a flying airplane. 
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  15. luca1s added a post in a topic New member - looking to learn!   

    Thank you everyone! I've already learned a ton just by reading all of the threads on here, so many cool projects! 
    Yeah I signed up there too, glad to see that Facebook hasn't totally consumed either forum!
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