Today's Message Index:
----------------------
1. 02:24 AM - Re: Arctic Islands (broschart)
2. 10:14 AM - Foam Trailing Edge Fairing (Steve Gandy)
3. 11:07 AM - Re: Foam Trailing Edge Fairing (Don Pearsall)
4. 11:08 AM - Newbie (Ken Cruickshanks)
5. 11:38 AM - Re: Arctic Islands (Michel Verheughe)
6. 11:45 AM - Re: Newbie (Vic Jacko)
7. 11:50 AM - Re: Newbie (kurt schrader)
8. 11:57 AM - Re: Foam Trailing Edge Fairing (kurt schrader)
9. 12:50 PM - Re: Newbie (Roger McConnell)
10. 01:04 PM - Re: Newbie (AlbertaIV@aol.com)
11. 01:32 PM - Re: Newbie (Randy Daughenbaugh)
12. 01:57 PM - Re: Newbie (Kitfox)
13. 02:31 PM - Re: Newbie (Ken Cruickshanks)
14. 02:55 PM - A Maule tailwheel question (Michel Verheughe)
15. 05:46 PM - newbie (Kevin Cozik)
16. 07:39 PM - Re: Newbie (Clifford Begnaud)
Message 1
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| Subject: | Re: Arctic Islands |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: broschart <cfbflyer@localnet.com>
does the moon show there in the winter?
must be nice to set a fox trap and not have it freeze to the ground
Have a good day - Charlie
Steve M wrote:
>
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Steve M" <ondeck355@hotmail.com>
>
> Wonderful country indeed, if you don't mind getting a little chilly. I spent
> 2-1/2 years at Thule Air Base in northwestern Greenland, as system engineer
> on the American BMEWS radar site there. Most wildlife kept away from the
> base (well, so did most humans if they had any sense), but we saw zillions
> of arctic foxes, or "archies" as we called them.
>
> Right about now it's pitch black there, 24 hours a day. That started in late
> November and continues till early February. We'd have contests to see who
> would see the sun first. Then in summer, it's daylight 24 hours a day. All
> barracks windows had blackout shutters so we could sleep at "night". It was
> desolate enough, that (I believe) it's the only Air Force base where the
> Chapel is open and manned 24 hours/day, too.
>
> One of the favorite newbie demos was to take a new guy to the dining hall,
> get a cup of steaming hot coffee, take it outside, and throw the coffee
> (keep hold of the cup) into the air. This is best done in March, when it's
> light enough to see but still around 40 below. You get a huge burst of
> steam, hear a crackling sound, and little pellets of freeze-dried coffee hit
> the ground all around you.
>
> It's also the only place I've ever been, where you can see the Northern
> Lights (Aurora Borealis) to the SOUTH. I'll pass onthe return trip, thanks.
>
> Steve Maher
> Kitfox Model 2, Geo Metro engine
> San Diego CA, where it's not quite that cold
>
> >
> >Just happened to be looking at some charts of work I may be
> >doing again in the Canadian Arctic up at Ellesmere Island
> >and wondered where Lonyearbyen was. As I gather from your
> >E-mail posts you spend quite a bit of time there last
> >summer --- turns out you are only a few hundred miles from
> >where I worked last July --- just across the northern tip
> >of Greenland to Spitsbergen. Wonderful country up in those
> >Arctic Islands. Muskox, wolves, arctic hare and caribou and
> >of course foxes all over the place. Scenery is absolutely
> >fantastic. Sure want to go back up there again this summer.
> >
>
Message 2
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| Subject: | Foam Trailing Edge Fairing |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Steve Gandy" <s.gandy@comcast.net>
Hi list
Does anyone know where I can purchase some of the same high density foam
that comes with the kit, for installing the trailing edge fairing
between the vertical fin and the rudder?
Although I have not located any directions stating to fiberglass the
trailing edge fairing, I assume this should be done.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Steve Gandy
s.gandy@comcast.net
Aeronca L-3C N48540
Kitfox 6 N540KF (Building)
Message 3
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| Subject: | Foam Trailing Edge Fairing |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Pearsall" <donpearsall@comcast.net>
Steve,
I believe this foam is the same kind that is used for some types of
insulation. Just go to a home center like Home Depot and find the hot water
heater aisle. They will have the foam blocks that HWHs are placed on. It is
usually blue in color.
I don't think you need to fiberglass the foam. Just covering it with fabric
along with the rest of the empennage is enough to make it rigid.
Don Pearsall
Message 4
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--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Ken Cruickshanks <kenc5@gci.net>
Hi,
I'm new to the Kitfox list. I'm hoping to build a series 7 someday I want to get
in touch with other kitfox builders, who are building a Kitfox. So many engine
options, I'm looking at going with a O-235. Also I have many other questions
that can only be answered by a builder. This is a huge commitment and I
realize that many kits don't get completed. I'm sure many of you remember what
I'm going through when you were considering building an airplane. I tell me
friends and they look at me funny and say, You mean "one you can actually fly
in". Builders/Flyers , Please talk me out of this Your comments are appreciated.
Ken Cruickshanks
Eagle River, Alaska
kenc5@gci.net
Message 5
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| Subject: | Re: Arctic Islands |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe <michel@online.no>
broschart wrote:
> does the moon show there in the winter?
Good question, Charlie. From my astro-navigation days, I remember that the moon
is revolving in an ecliptic that is about 5 degrees tilted on the earth
ecliptic to the sun. So, theoretically, if the moon is at its highest point
(most north) of the ecliptic, it could be seen at the winter solstice at
latitude 90 - 23.5 + 5 = 71.5 N.
Hum ... nope, not much chance to see that happen on the latitudes of Thule or Spitsberg.
Cheers,
Michel
do not archive
Message 6
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--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Vic Jacko" <vicwj@earthlink.net>
Ken, I sold my 0-235 to Cliff Begnaud who really loves the performance.
Why not ask him on the list for comments.
If you use the Lycoming "keep it light and forget every bell and whistle"
Vic
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Cruickshanks" <kenc5@gci.net>
Subject: Kitfox-List: Newbie
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Ken Cruickshanks <kenc5@gci.net>
>
> Hi,
> I'm new to the Kitfox list. I'm hoping to build a series 7 someday I want
to get in touch with other kitfox builders, who are building a Kitfox. So
many engine options, I'm looking at going with a O-235. Also I have many
other questions that can only be answered by a builder. This is a huge
commitment and I realize that many kits don't get completed. I'm sure many
of you remember what I'm going through when you were considering building an
airplane. I tell me friends and they look at me funny and say, You mean
"one you can actually fly in". Builders/Flyers , Please talk me out of
this Your comments are appreciated.
>
> Ken Cruickshanks
> Eagle River, Alaska
> kenc5@gci.net
>
>
Message 7
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--> Kitfox-List message posted by: kurt schrader <smokey_bear_40220@yahoo.com>
Hi Ken,
Welcome aboard. You are in the right place. These
people know so much that I found them invaluable in
building my series 5. You will get all the help here
you need, and then some. I couldn't apply all the
great ideas I got from this list on one plane - maybe
3 or 4, but not just one.
If you buy a S-7, you will find it a very good plane.
My S-5 is much like it, but yours allows conversion
between tail and nose wheel too. It also has a new
cowl arrangement and elevator trim system. Great
planes all around. Very strong and safe. They out
perform Cubs and do so with greater safety and less
cost.
I flew my 4th test flight on New Years day, just to
start the year off right. Based on the video, the
takeoff took 6 seconds from power up to lift off. It
is dramatic! With your choice of engines, you should
see much the same performance. I plan to fly mine in
the Rockies. They are great planes for Alaska type
flying too. Try one and see...
Tune in, smile, and ask questions here. You will get
great answers from all over the world.
Kurt S. KF-5/w NSI turbo, just completed and flying.
--- Ken Cruickshanks <kenc5@gci.net> wrote:
> Hi,
> I'm new to the Kitfox list. I'm hoping to build a
> series 7 someday I want to get in touch with other
> kitfox builders, who are building a Kitfox. So many
> Ken Cruickshanks
> Eagle River, Alaska
__________________________________
Message 8
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| Subject: | Re: Foam Trailing Edge Fairing |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: kurt schrader <smokey_bear_40220@yahoo.com>
Steve,
I bought similar foam from Aircraft Spruce. For the
rudder gap, I applied a thin layer of epoxy, but no
fiberglass to the foam. You can if you want. In
other areas I added thin fiberglass too. Wish I had
made gap seals for the elevator the same way. Turned
out great for the rudder.
Be careful when applying the fabric to shrink both
sides equally to keep everything straight. I
overlapped the fabric on the back only and let the
front adjust itself. Saves on trim problems later.
Kurt S.
--- Steve Gandy <s.gandy@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> Hi list
> Does anyone know where I can purchase some of the
> same high density foam
> that comes with the kit, for installing the trailing
> edge fairing
> between the vertical fin and the rudder?
>
> Although I have not located any directions stating
> to fiberglass the
> trailing edge fairing, I assume this should be done.
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Steve Gandy
__________________________________
Message 9
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--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Roger McConnell" <rdmac@swbell.net>
Hi Ken,
Welcome to the list. I am currently building a series 7. It is the biggest
and fastest of the Kit Fox models, with the right engine and prop combo.
Currently I'm getting ready to cover the fuselage. As of this weekend I'm
putting the speed fairings on the wing struts. You are totally right about
deciding to build your own aircraft. In the long run building your own will
be less expensive and ten times more rewarding that buying a 30 year old
Cessna spam can. Don't pay any attention to your friends. After you have
built and flown your own personal airplane, they will be green with envy.
Best of luck to you, and if you have questions these guys on the list are
not the least bit bashful................happy landings!
Roger Mac S7/912s
N619RM
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Ken
Cruickshanks
Subject: Kitfox-List: Newbie
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Ken Cruickshanks <kenc5@gci.net>
Hi,
I'm new to the Kitfox list. I'm hoping to build a series 7 someday I want
to get in touch with other kitfox builders, who are building a Kitfox. So
many engine options, I'm looking at going with a O-235. Also I have many
other questions that can only be answered by a builder. This is a huge
commitment and I realize that many kits don't get completed. I'm sure many
of you remember what I'm going through when you were considering building an
airplane. I tell me friends and they look at me funny and say, You mean
"one you can actually fly in". Builders/Flyers , Please talk me out of
this Your comments are appreciated.
Ken Cruickshanks
Eagle River, Alaska
kenc5@gci.net
Message 10
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--> Kitfox-List message posted by: AlbertaIV@aol.com
Builders/Flyers , Please talk me out of this Your comments are appreciated.
Ken Cruickshanks
Eagle River, Alaska
kenc5@gci.net
Ken,
Welcome to the list. OK, I'll try and talk you out of this. Building a
Kitfox is a pretty long and tedious task. If you work on it once a week or
so, you will be years finishing the project. You have to get serious about the
building process and enjoy doing this sort of thing. I think there was once
a guy I heard about that opened the big box and immediately sold it for a big
loss (too many parts) However, there are many times when you see things
coming together that keeps the itch alive. It is worthwhile in the end. If you
have good experience and patience in making things, you can build a Fox.
Don Smythe
DO NOT ARCHIVE
Message 11
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--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Randy Daughenbaugh" <rjdaugh@rapidnet.com>
OK, I'll try and talk you out of this. Building a
Kitfox is a pretty long and tedious task. If you work on it once a week
or
so, you will be years finishing the project. You have to get serious
about the
building process and enjoy doing this sort of thing.
Don Smythe
Ken,
Welcome to the list!
All the responses you have gotten so far are right on. This list is a
TREMEMDOUS rescource.
Don's comments are right on. Based on my limited experience, I tell
people to forget it unless they like to build. It is a big project and
does require lots of time. I am headed into my fourth year building and
hope to fly this summer. I have loved (nearly) every minute of the
building and look forward to the satisfaction of flying this great
plane. But I am already getting itchy to start another project.....
Randy - Series 5/7
.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of
AlbertaIV@aol.com
Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Newbie
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: AlbertaIV@aol.com
Builders/Flyers , Please talk me out of this Your comments are
appreciated.
Ken Cruickshanks
Eagle River, Alaska
kenc5@gci.net
==
==
==
==
Message 12
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--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Kitfox" <Kitfox@chrisbates.co.uk>
Ken,
I could think of a hundred reasons not to build a Kitfox but the truth is
there's nothing quite like the freedom when you push the throttle forward
and take to the skies. Factory builts are like Fords - everyone has one, but
a home built is always unique! You've only got one life so why not enjoy it!
And when it's wet and windy and your stuck on how to do something log onto
the list, great bunch of guys and a wealth of knowledge out there, they've
even got a sense of humour!! :>)
Welcome to the list and welcome to the world of Kitfoxes.
ChrisBates
Kitfox Owners Club (UK)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Randy Daughenbaugh" <rjdaugh@rapidnet.com>
Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Newbie
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Randy Daughenbaugh"
<rjdaugh@rapidnet.com>
>
> OK, I'll try and talk you out of this. Building a
> Kitfox is a pretty long and tedious task. If you work on it once a week
> or
> so, you will be years finishing the project. You have to get serious
> about the
> building process and enjoy doing this sort of thing.
>
> Don Smythe
>
>
> Ken,
> Welcome to the list!
>
> All the responses you have gotten so far are right on. This list is a
> TREMEMDOUS rescource.
>
> Don's comments are right on. Based on my limited experience, I tell
> people to forget it unless they like to build. It is a big project and
> does require lots of time. I am headed into my fourth year building and
> hope to fly this summer. I have loved (nearly) every minute of the
> building and look forward to the satisfaction of flying this great
> plane. But I am already getting itchy to start another project.....
>
> Randy - Series 5/7
> .
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com
> [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of
> AlbertaIV@aol.com
> To: kitfox-list@matronics.com
> Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Newbie
>
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: AlbertaIV@aol.com
>
> Builders/Flyers , Please talk me out of this Your comments are
> appreciated.
>
>
> Ken Cruickshanks
> Eagle River, Alaska
> kenc5@gci.net
>
>
> ==
> ==
> ==
> ==
>
>
Message 13
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--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Ken Cruickshanks <kenc5@gci.net>
Wow,
Now this is encouraging, All these kitfox friends Thanks for your candid
remarks. I'm one of those pilots who is considering crossing over from the
certified world. I owned a Cessna 152 and trained and got my license with
this airplane. My first experience with aircraft ownership was good. But
only complaint is that I like doing most of my own maintenance, so this is a
natural step for me. My major concern is that I might become more of a
builder than a pilot. Can anybody relate? I'm also interested in different
type of flying than I did with the 152. Off field and floats is why I'm
considering the kitfox. I have a few questions I would like to throw out
there. Has anyone out there actually finished a kit in the suggested time
that the manufacture suggests? Any bad experience with Skystar? (mine has
been great)
Thanks
Ken Cruickshanks
Eagle River, Alaska
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kitfox" <Kitfox@chrisbates.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Newbie
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Kitfox" <Kitfox@chrisbates.co.uk>
>
> Ken,
> I could think of a hundred reasons not to build a Kitfox but the truth is
> there's nothing quite like the freedom when you push the throttle forward
> and take to the skies. Factory builts are like Fords - everyone has one,
but
> a home built is always unique! You've only got one life so why not enjoy
it!
> And when it's wet and windy and your stuck on how to do something log onto
> the list, great bunch of guys and a wealth of knowledge out there, they've
> even got a sense of humour!! :>)
> Welcome to the list and welcome to the world of Kitfoxes.
> ChrisBates
> Kitfox Owners Club (UK)
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Randy Daughenbaugh" <rjdaugh@rapidnet.com>
> To: <kitfox-list@matronics.com>
> Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Newbie
>
>
> > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Randy Daughenbaugh"
> <rjdaugh@rapidnet.com>
> >
> > OK, I'll try and talk you out of this. Building a
> > Kitfox is a pretty long and tedious task. If you work on it once a week
> > or
> > so, you will be years finishing the project. You have to get serious
> > about the
> > building process and enjoy doing this sort of thing.
> >
> > Don Smythe
> >
> >
> > Ken,
> > Welcome to the list!
> >
> > All the responses you have gotten so far are right on. This list is a
> > TREMEMDOUS rescource.
> >
> > Don's comments are right on. Based on my limited experience, I tell
> > people to forget it unless they like to build. It is a big project and
> > does require lots of time. I am headed into my fourth year building and
> > hope to fly this summer. I have loved (nearly) every minute of the
> > building and look forward to the satisfaction of flying this great
> > plane. But I am already getting itchy to start another project.....
> >
> > Randy - Series 5/7
> > .
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com
> > [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of
> > AlbertaIV@aol.com
> > To: kitfox-list@matronics.com
> > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Newbie
> >
> > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: AlbertaIV@aol.com
> >
> > Builders/Flyers , Please talk me out of this Your comments are
> > appreciated.
> >
> >
> > Ken Cruickshanks
> > Eagle River, Alaska
> > kenc5@gci.net
> >
> >
> > ==
> > ==
> > ==
> > ==
> >
> >
>
>
Message 14
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| Subject: | A Maule tailwheel question |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe <michel@online.no>
Hello guys,
Today, I removed my Maule tailwheel and took it home for a good cleaning.
Since I didn't built the plane myself, I don't know how it should look like as
new. But right now, the axle is slightly loose. By that, I mean that if I hold
the lever, I can move it sideways somehow. In fact, the wheel can move up and
down on its axle a couple of millimetres. Removing the grease cup, I see the a
nut that could be tied up to take the slack. But it is not a castle nut with a
pin, like on the wheel (and main wheels) but rather a nut that is locked in
place with a sealing compound. My conclusion is then that this nut is not
supposed to be adjusted. It may look like the slack in the system is intended,
maybe to give freeway to the locking latch of the free-castoring system.
Otherwise, I have no problem with the tailwheel. It works fine and my plane has
a delightful handling on the ground. I just love it. So, I won't repair
something that works but ... is it meant to be like this?
Thanks in advance,
Michel
Message 15
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--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Kevin Cozik" <Kcozik@cablespeed.com>
Ken,
I bought my model 6 second hand but new in the crates and should start test flights
after only about 650 hours building. I didn't install an IFR panel or anything
but is still quite deluxe with a rotax 914 turbo engine and custom interior
& paint job. The best advice I could give would be to have an organized
work area with the appropriate tools to complete each task. In the beginning
I was not looking forward to the build but to having an great performing airplane
with the options of my choice at a resonable price. So far the building has
turned out to be very enjoyable as well as rewarding. Just my opinion, hope
it helps.
Thanks, Kevin Cozik (Michigan)
Message 16
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--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Clifford Begnaud" <shoeless@barefootpilot.com>
Ken,
The kitfox is a great plane, in fact it can also be an awesome bush plane if
you do it right. I like them so much that I have now owned 3 of them! I
assume that you want a bush plane since you are in Alaska, so I'll make some
comments addressing that. As Vic Jacko mentioned, Tom Johnson and I bought
his model 5 with a Lycoming 0-235. We are based in Erie, Co at an elevation
of 5100'. My wife and I flew into an "off airport" landing area on Christmas
morning that is about 600' long at 5400' elevation. We used less than half
to get in and a little more than half to get out. She climbs at 1000+ fpm
with two on board, again that is departing from a field at over 5000'
elevation! Generally, our kitfox outperforms all of the cubs and huskies
around here in every regime of flight (there are two huskies and a bunch of
supercubs locally).
I flew down to Dallas about two months ago and when I departed, the plane
was off the ground so quick it startled me. I haven't done any real short
field work down low, but have done plenty up here. Landing up here can be
done consistently in less than 225'. When I'm feeling good, about 170'. Keep
in mind that our plane is not really properly set up for maximum short field
work. The main problem is that the gear is too short and doesn't allow the
wing to sit at an angle of attack that would minimize takeoff and landing
distance. I could put on larger tires, and may do that some day. Also,
adding VG's would help.
As Vic mentioned, the key is to keep it light. I mean really light!!! Don't
put anything in the plane that isn't absolutely, positively, your life
depends on it, necessary! Don't think about saving pounds, think "ounces".
"Where can I save an ounce" should be your mantra.
If you want to chat about this some more, give me a call at 303-673-0021
(I've got other info and ideas about the kitfox that may be of interest to a
bush pilot). I work from home, so I'm here most days.
Oh, one more thing, our plane cruises comfortably at 130 mph TAS at 2600 rpm
burning 5.2 gph. Ask me how ;-)
Best Regards,
Cliff
>
> Hi,
> I'm new to the Kitfox list. I'm hoping to build a series 7 someday I want
to get in touch with other kitfox builders, who are building a Kitfox. So
many engine options, I'm looking at going with a O-235. Also I have many
other questions that can only be answered by a builder. This is a huge
commitment and I realize that many kits don't get completed. I'm sure many
of you remember what I'm going through when you were considering building an
airplane. I tell me friends and they look at me funny and say, You mean
"one you can actually fly in". Builders/Flyers , Please talk me out of
this Your comments are appreciated.
>
> Ken Cruickshanks
> Eagle River, Alaska
> kenc5@gci.net
>
>
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