---------------------------------------------------------- Kitfox-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Mon 10/04/04: 12 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 01:20 AM - SV: My first flight (Michel Verheughe) 2. 03:15 AM - Re: N24ZM :( (Fox5flyer) 3. 06:30 AM - Re: More on the Jabiru (Jose M. Toro) 4. 06:51 AM - Re: N24ZM :( (Mdkitfox@aol.com) 5. 07:47 AM - Re: More on the Jabiru (Mike Chaney) 6. 09:33 AM - Re: N24ZM :( I flew this plane... (VFT@aol.com) 7. 01:55 PM - First Alaska flight-Jim Chapman (Harris, Robert) 8. 06:59 PM - Re: N24ZM :( (John King) 9. 07:32 PM - Re: N24ZM :( (VFT@aol.com) 10. 09:50 PM - Grove Gear for Model IV (Jimmie Blackwell) 11. 10:05 PM - Re: Grove Gear for Model IV (SOURDOSTAN@aol.com) 12. 10:08 PM - Re: Grove Gear for Model IV (Clint Bazzill) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 01:20:36 AM PST US From: Michel Verheughe Subject: SV: Kitfox-List: My first flight --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe > From: randy bortree [plane6013@earthlink.net] > I only did wheel landings so far. Congratulation on your first flight, Randy. Feels good, doesn't it? If your elevator is not gap sealed, I'd advice you to do so, you'll find three-points landings so much easier. Cheers, Michel do not archive ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 03:15:37 AM PST US From: "Fox5flyer" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: N24ZM :( --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Fox5flyer" What a shame Danny. That is a bonefied bummer and I'm sorry for you. Keep us in the loop on this. Maybe somebody can come up with something. Darrel > > Well, N24ZM is bent, a victim of hurricane Jeanne. Most of the T hanger doors came off in the storm and the wind blew out all of the interior sheet metal of the hangers. A lot of this landed on top of our poor KitFox. At first I thought the damage was only to the fabric and flaperons but after measuring things something is definitely out of whack. The top of the vertical fin is pushed over to the left about an inch, The rudder stops and rod ends are bent, and the right wing is about an inch and a half low when measured at the strut fittings. The airplane is insured but I'm finding it almost impossible to get anyone to come look at it and give me an estimate on repairs. I do not have the time or facilities available to do the work myself. The four shops a talked to had a two year waiting list before the recent storms. If anyone knows of a quality shop please contact me off line or call me at 407-687-3126. > > -- > Danny Melnik > F1 #25 > Melbourne (FL) Rocket Factory ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 06:30:16 AM PST US From: "Jose M. Toro" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: More on the Jabiru --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jose M. Toro" Mike: What was the empty weight with the 582? Since mine is a KF II, I have a weight limitation (950 gross weight), and need the replacement engine to be closed in weight to the 582. Jose Mike Chaney wrote: --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Mike Chaney Jose Sorry for the late reply but I wanted to check the numbers before I replied. My model IV with the Jabiru 2200 weighs in at 623 pounds. My CG was improved from when I had the Rotax 582. I was a bit tail heavy before. Now it seems to be much better. From my calculations my Most Forward CG is 11.99 and my Most Aft CG is 14.38. For all of the number crunchers this may not be sufficient information but the formulas that I used placed me within acceptable limits. Mike -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Jose M. Toro Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: More on the Jabiru --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jose M. Toro" Mike: What is the difference in the plane's empty weight and the CG? Jose Mike Chaney wrote: --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Mike Chaney Jose I have a model IV with the long wings. I had a 582 in my plane first and I was a bit tail heavy. I had to add 5.5 pounds of lead shot up front to make my weight and balance better. With the Jabiru my W&B is much better. I really like the engine. I don't have anything bad to say about the 582. I just became tired of the 582 running hotter than I liked(especially after about 200 hours)and with the water cooled engine I often had the rotary valve oil and the coolant mixing through the rotary valve seal. Mike -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Jose M. Toro Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: More on the Jabiru --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jose M. Toro" Mike: What model is you Kitfox? What kind of wings it has? What is your opinion after switching engines? Jose Mike Chaney wrote: --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Mike Chaney My cruse increased from the mid 80's mph to the low 90's when I switched from a 582 to the Jabiru 2200. Mike Chaney -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Jerry Liles Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: More on the Jabiru --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Jerry Liles Jose, I think you'll get plenty of speed without major modifications to your airplane. Just a few simple fairings at the wing and fuselage attach points for the landing gear and lift struts will help, as will wheel pants but even that is probably not a necessity. Raking the windshield is a lot of work and I don't believe at all needed. There are too many Mod IIs flying perfectly satisfactoraly without major surgery for me to believe it is necessary. Also remember all modifications tend to add weight and Weight is the enemy! My 2 cents. Jerry Liles Jose M. Toro wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jose M. Toro" > >Jerry: > >It looks like, if I want to try the Jabiru, I will need to "byte the bullet". If I don't get an appropriate speed with the Jabiru and the current configuration, I will need to do some modifications to reduce drag. The major of the modification could be to use short, speedster wings. Another suggestion I received was to increase the slant of the windshield, like in the Kitfox IV. I could also use wheelpants. > >Jose > >Jerry Liles wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Jerry Liles > >Jose, then I suspect you should do just fine with a Jabiru 2200. > >Jerry Liles > >Jose M. Toro wrote: > > Jose M. Toro, P.E. Kitfox II/582 "A slow flight in the Caribbean..." --------------------------------- vote.yahoo.com - Register online to vote today! Jose M. Toro, P.E. Kitfox II/582 "A slow flight in the Caribbean..." --------------------------------- Jose M. Toro, P.E. Kitfox II/582 "A slow flight in the Caribbean..." --------------------------------- vote.yahoo.com - Register online to vote today! ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 06:51:27 AM PST US From: Mdkitfox@aol.com Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: N24ZM :( --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Mdkitfox@aol.com Danny, I'm really sorry to hear that your Kitfox was damaged and equally glad to hear you and the family are apparently fine. Based on your description of the damage perhaps you should give Frank Miller at SkyStar a call. It sounds like the aircraft may need to be placed in a jig to enable repairs and what better facility than the factory? I hope all works out well for you. Rick Weiss Series V Speedster N39RW, 912S ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 07:47:21 AM PST US From: Mike Chaney Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: More on the Jabiru --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Mike Chaney Jose Originally it was in the 550 pound range but it was pretty minimal at first flight. A buddy of mine had the same configuration and his weighed in the low 600 pound area. I have since added a number of items that add weight such as GPS, larger battery, fairings, strobes, etc, in addition to the new engine. Mike -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Jose M. Toro Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: More on the Jabiru --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jose M. Toro" Mike: What was the empty weight with the 582? Since mine is a KF II, I have a weight limitation (950 gross weight), and need the replacement engine to be closed in weight to the 582. Jose Mike Chaney wrote: --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Mike Chaney Jose Sorry for the late reply but I wanted to check the numbers before I replied. My model IV with the Jabiru 2200 weighs in at 623 pounds. My CG was improved from when I had the Rotax 582. I was a bit tail heavy before. Now it seems to be much better. From my calculations my Most Forward CG is 11.99 and my Most Aft CG is 14.38. For all of the number crunchers this may not be sufficient information but the formulas that I used placed me within acceptable limits. Mike -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Jose M. Toro Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: More on the Jabiru --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jose M. Toro" Mike: What is the difference in the plane's empty weight and the CG? Jose Mike Chaney wrote: --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Mike Chaney Jose I have a model IV with the long wings. I had a 582 in my plane first and I was a bit tail heavy. I had to add 5.5 pounds of lead shot up front to make my weight and balance better. With the Jabiru my W&B is much better. I really like the engine. I don't have anything bad to say about the 582. I just became tired of the 582 running hotter than I liked(especially after about 200 hours)and with the water cooled engine I often had the rotary valve oil and the coolant mixing through the rotary valve seal. Mike -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Jose M. Toro Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: More on the Jabiru --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jose M. Toro" Mike: What model is you Kitfox? What kind of wings it has? What is your opinion after switching engines? Jose Mike Chaney wrote: --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Mike Chaney My cruse increased from the mid 80's mph to the low 90's when I switched from a 582 to the Jabiru 2200. Mike Chaney -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Jerry Liles Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: More on the Jabiru --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Jerry Liles Jose, I think you'll get plenty of speed without major modifications to your airplane. Just a few simple fairings at the wing and fuselage attach points for the landing gear and lift struts will help, as will wheel pants but even that is probably not a necessity. Raking the windshield is a lot of work and I don't believe at all needed. There are too many Mod IIs flying perfectly satisfactoraly without major surgery for me to believe it is necessary. Also remember all modifications tend to add weight and Weight is the enemy! My 2 cents. Jerry Liles Jose M. Toro wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jose M. Toro" > >Jerry: > >It looks like, if I want to try the Jabiru, I will need to "byte the bullet". If I don't get an appropriate speed with the Jabiru and the current configuration, I will need to do some modifications to reduce drag. The major of the modification could be to use short, speedster wings. Another suggestion I received was to increase the slant of the windshield, like in the Kitfox IV. I could also use wheelpants. > >Jose > >Jerry Liles wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Jerry Liles > >Jose, then I suspect you should do just fine with a Jabiru 2200. > >Jerry Liles > >Jose M. Toro wrote: > > Jose M. Toro, P.E. Kitfox II/582 "A slow flight in the Caribbean..." --------------------------------- vote.yahoo.com - Register online to vote today! Jose M. Toro, P.E. Kitfox II/582 "A slow flight in the Caribbean..." --------------------------------- Jose M. Toro, P.E. Kitfox II/582 "A slow flight in the Caribbean..." --------------------------------- vote.yahoo.com - Register online to vote today! ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 09:33:48 AM PST US From: VFT@aol.com Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: N24ZM :( I flew this plane... --> Kitfox-List message posted by: VFT@aol.com In a message dated 10/4/2004 12:32:41 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Aerobatics@aol.com writes: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Aerobatics@aol.com > >May be the Best KF I ever saw anywhere > >This breaks my heart to see .. > >Dave From the trailing edge of the wing forward everything looks great. We had covered everything in blankets before the storm and even though a lot of stuff was sitting on the right wing there is no apparent damage to the wing. It looks as if the gear itself is tweaked. Flaperons are both dinged up and could probably be repaired however I would replace them. Fabric damage is limited to the N#'s back. I believe the best thing is to strip the fuselage for inspection/repair and recover. If someone had the time I'm sure the plane could be fixed in a relatively short amount of time. -- Danny Melnik F1 #25 Melbourne (FL) Rocket Factory ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 01:55:44 PM PST US From: "Harris, Robert" Subject: Kitfox-List: First Alaska flight-Jim Chapman --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Harris, Robert" Hi All I met Jim Chapman (KFIV Alaska Pilot) and his nice plane while I was on an overnight camping trip to Yuma AZ, in my KFII. Jim heard me on the radio approximately 50 miles away and invited me meet him. When I landed I recognized his plane from pictures posted on the Desert Squadron web-site. http://www.desertfoxsquadron.org/ What a nice guy Jim is. He took me flying in his plane around the Ocotillo Wells Desert floor and gave me some advice. I love his plane and look forward to buying a speedster model IV like his someday. Robert Harris KFII -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of VFT@aol.com Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: N24ZM :( I flew this plane... --> Kitfox-List message posted by: VFT@aol.com In a message dated 10/4/2004 12:32:41 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Aerobatics@aol.com writes: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Aerobatics@aol.com > >May be the Best KF I ever saw anywhere > >This breaks my heart to see .. > >Dave From the trailing edge of the wing forward everything looks great. We had covered everything in blankets before the storm and even though a lot of stuff was sitting on the right wing there is no apparent damage to the wing. It looks as if the gear itself is tweaked. Flaperons are both dinged up and could probably be repaired however I would replace them. Fabric damage is limited to the N#'s back. I believe the best thing is to strip the fuselage for inspection/repair and recover. If someone had the time I'm sure the plane could be fixed in a relatively short amount of time. -- Danny Melnik F1 #25 Melbourne (FL) Rocket Factory ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 06:59:33 PM PST US From: John King Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: N24ZM :( --> Kitfox-List message posted by: John King Danny, What a bummer. I was thinking about you down there when the storms were passing through. I presume the Rocket made out better. Was it located near the Kitfox? The after affects of the Jeanne developed several tornados in our immediate area in Warrenton. One passed just two miles from my home. My son who lives on top of a big hill saw it coming several miles off and called me to say it was coming our way. My first concern was my hanger at the airport, but all turned out OK. -- John King Warrenton, VA VFT@aol.com wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: VFT@aol.com > >Well, N24ZM is bent, a victim of hurricane Jeanne. Most of the T hanger doors came off in the storm and the wind blew out all of the interior sheet metal of the hangers. A lot of this landed on top of our poor KitFox. At first I thought the damage was only to the fabric and flaperons but after measuring things something is definitely out of whack. The top of the vertical fin is pushed over to the left about an inch, The rudder stops and rod ends are bent, and the right wing is about an inch and a half low when measured at the strut fittings. The airplane is insured but I'm finding it almost impossible to get anyone to come look at it and give me an estimate on repairs. I do not have the time or facilities available to do the work myself. The four shops a talked to had a two year waiting list before the recent storms. If anyone knows of a quality shop please contact me off line or call me at 407-687-3126. > > > ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 07:32:49 PM PST US From: VFT@aol.com Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: N24ZM :( --> Kitfox-List message posted by: VFT@aol.com In a message dated 10/4/2004 9:59:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time, John King writes: I presume the Rocket made out better. Was it located near the Kitfox? >-- >John King >Warrenton, VA The Rocket was safe in the garage at home. Thankfully our house is OK with no damage other than some downed trees. Danny Melnik F1 #25 Melbourne (FL) Rocket Factory ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 09:50:13 PM PST US From: "Jimmie Blackwell" Subject: Kitfox-List: Grove Gear for Model IV --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jimmie Blackwell" I am considering putting Grove gear on my Model IV Speedster. Does anyone know what the weight penalty is for making this change? Thanks Jimmie ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 10:05:54 PM PST US From: SOURDOSTAN@aol.com Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Grove Gear for Model IV --> Kitfox-List message posted by: SOURDOSTAN@aol.com Jimmie- I changed over my bungee gear to Grove gear and it added 11#. It'e well worth the change over to the new gear just for the confidence of the new gear and peace of mind. My bungee gear broke alongside a weld in the axle cluster and messed up my whole day!!! Hope this helps you decide. Stan Specht N16KC "Columbine" Kitfox Model IV Speedster 912ul ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 10:08:05 PM PST US From: "Clint Bazzill" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Grove Gear for Model IV --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Clint Bazzill" 13.5 Pounds. Clint Model -1200