---------------------------------------------------------- Kitfox-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Fri 12/17/04: 19 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 12:33 AM - Re: Reason for Changing Props (Jeff) 2. 05:33 AM - Re: Changing Props (shortnaked) 3. 06:02 AM - Re: NEED TO CONTACT JOHN OAKLEY...... (PEDRO PEREZ) 4. 09:09 AM - Re: Chronicle from a Norwegian cellar (Joel Mapes) 5. 02:12 PM - Re: Chronicle from a Norwegian cellar (Michel Verheughe) 6. 04:10 PM - What is some of your experiences of buying and receiving a kit from Skystar? I (Rex & Jan Shaw) 7. 04:23 PM - 3 to 1 ratio and 3 blade prop (Rex & Jan Shaw) 8. 04:30 PM - What is some of your experiences of buying and receiving a kit from Skystar? I (Fox5flyer) 9. 04:47 PM - Re: What is some of your experiences of buying and receiving a kit from Skystar? I (shortnaked) 10. 04:49 PM - Re: 3 to 1 ratio and 3 blade prop (shortnaked) 11. 04:50 PM - Kitfox order update (Bob & Margaret Olson) 12. 05:01 PM - Re: Kitfox order update (shortnaked) 13. 05:19 PM - Santa Maria (CA) Fly-in Weekend (April 22-24 2005) - SMXgig (Cory Emberson) 14. 05:23 PM - Re: Kitfox order update (Bob & Margaret Olson) 15. 05:41 PM - Re: What is some of your experiences of buying and receiving a kit from Skystar? I (Randy Daughenbaugh) 16. 06:08 PM - Re: Kitfox order update (shortnaked) 17. 07:23 PM - Re: elevator hinge question (Herbert R Gottelt) 18. 07:57 PM - Re: Kitfox order update (Clem Nichols) 19. 09:40 PM - Re: What is some of your experiences of buying and receiving a kit from Skystar? I (Don Pearsall) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 12:33:19 AM PST US From: "Jeff" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Reason for Changing Props --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jeff" Shorty, I can't remember exactly what my prop pitch was (it was almost a year ago I had this problem), but I think it was around 12 degrees as measured on a prop pitch tool I borrowed for the purpose. Regards Jeff Do not archive ----- Original Message ----- From: "shortnaked" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Reason for Changing Props > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" > > Jeff, > was your prop evertightened> ? The alum blocks should not touch. > > What pitch were you running ? > > Shorty ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 05:33:34 AM PST US From: "shortnaked" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Changing Props --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" Jimmie 4400 rpm is not very high but 1k fpm k but not stellar shorty ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jimmie Blackwell" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Changing Props > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jimmie Blackwell" > > Static rpm is 4400 rpm. Takeoff role is about 200' and climb solo is 1000'. > Jimmie > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "shortnaked" > To: > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Changing Props > > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" > > > > Well i nevr got this other mail from jimmie, > > > > Thx Jimmie anyhow, > > > > What rpm you getting static? > > > > and how long a TO roll you got solo? > > > > What is your climb rate as well > > > > > > Thx > > > > Shorty > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: > > To: > > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Changing Props > > > > > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: kerrjohna@comcast.net > > > > > > jimmie, just for a talking point; at a couple of get-togethers with Eric > > from Rotax told several listers that 5200-5400 was the best rpm for long > > life of the 912. Something to do with back pressure .....John King or > > others may remember more accurately than I. > > > > > > John Kerr > > > > > > -------------- Original message -------------- > > > > > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jimmie Blackwell" > > > > > > > > Shorty > > > > > > > > My engine is the 912 UL 80 hp. My empty weight is 685 lbs. Do not know > > > > what the GSC model is or the exact pitch. I am second owner. At 4800 > rpm > > I > > > > cruise at 110 mph, (rpm gauge has been calibrated). Decreasing the rpm > > to > > > > 4400 rpm cruise is at 95 mph. Just by the sound of the engine 4400 rpm > > > > seems to be a good setting as the engine does not seem to be straining > > at > > > > all. Hope this answers most of your questions. > > > > > > > > Thanks > > > > > > > > Jimmie > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > > From: "shortnaked" > > > > To: > > > > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Changing Props > > > > > > > > > > > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" > > > > > > > > > > Jimmie , I hear yah. > > > > > > > > > > GSC is still a great prop but like any prop it all about adjustment > > > > too. > > > > > > > > > > What engine are you running> ? and what pitch and what GSC prop ? > > > > > > > > > > etc > > > > > and empty weight ? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Shorty > > > > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > > > From: "Jimmie Blackwell" > > > > > To: > > > > > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Changing Props > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jimmie Blackwell" > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Shorty > > > > > > > > > > > > I do not have anything against the GSC. My GSC does need to be > > > > refinished > > > > > > so by the time I pay for refinishing and shipping I was over half > > the > > > > cost > > > > > > of an IVO prop, not to mention the down time for the airplane > while > > the > > > > > prop > > > > > > is being refinished and traveling to Canada and back. To me the > > > > advantage > > > > > > of the IVO is the quick adjust feature. I plan to hold onto the > GSC > > > > until > > > > > I > > > > > > know that is functions as well as the GSC. > > > > > > > > > > > > Jimmie > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > > > > From: "shortnaked" > > > > > > To: > > > > > > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Changing Props > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > What are the advantages of a difernet prop than a GSC? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I have 68" 3 blade on 582 and it works excellent. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Always open to hear option s. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Shorty > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > > > > > From: "Jeff" > > > > > > > To: > > > > > > > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Changing Props > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jeff" > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jimmie > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I want to change my GSC prop for an Ecoprop I bought second > > hand. > > > > (The > > > > > > > > Ecoprop came from a 582 model 3 Kitfox like mine that was > being > > > > > > re-engined > > > > > > > > with a Rotax 912). Like you, I wanted to "do things right" so > > > > > submitted > > > > > > my > > > > > > > > request with all the requested information on the correct form > > to > > > > the > > > > > > PFA > > > > > > > > (Popular Flying Association) England. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Their engineering department have just written back to me > saying > > > > they > > > > > > will > > > > > > > > now consider my request....... and to contact them again if I > > have > > > > > not > > > > > > > > heard from them within 3 months! I guess these guys must be > > really > > > > > busy. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > There are already UK registered model 3 Kitfox aircraft > > operating on > > > > > the > > > > > > > > register using both sorts of prop, and apart from confirming > > weight > > > > > and > > > > > > > > balance was OK and a test flight I thought there would be no > > real > > > > > > > > problem.... obviously there must be other things than this to > > > > > consider! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jeff > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Do not archive. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > > > > > > From: "Jimmie Blackwell" > > > > > > > > To: > > > > > > > > Subject: Kitfox-List: Changing Props > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jimmie Blackwell" > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I am preparing to change my GSC prop to an IVO ground > > adjustable > > > > > prop. > > > > > > > > Some are advising me to just do it and not get the FAA into > the > > > > > matter. > > > > > > I > > > > > > > > prefer to follow the correct procedure, but do not know where > to > > go, > > > > > > FSDO > > > > > > > or > > > > > > > > a local DAR? Don't know if it matters but I do not hold a > > > > repairman's > > > > > > > > certificate for the airplane. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jimmie > > > > > > > > > Kitfox Model IV > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > jimmie, just for a talking point; ata couple ofget-togethers with Eric > > from Rotax told several listers that 5200-5400 was the best rpm for long > > life of the 912. Something to do with back pressure .....John King or > others > > may remember more accurately than I. > > > > > > John Kerr > > > > > > -------------- Original message -------------- > > > > > > -- Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jimmie Blackwell" > > > > > > > > Shorty > > > > > > My engine is the 912 UL 80 hp. My empty weight is 685 lbs. Do not know > > > what the GSC model is or the exact pitch. I am second owner. At 4800 > rpm > > I > > > cruise at 110 mph, (rpm gauge has been calibrated). Decreasing the rpm > to > > > 4400 rpm cruise is at 95 mph. Just by the sound of the engine 4400 rpm > > > seems to be a good setting as the engine does not seem to be straining > at > > > all. Hope this answers most of your questions. > > > > > > Thanks > > > > > > Jimmie > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: "shortnaked" > > > To: > > > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Changing Props > > > > > > > > > --& > > > gt; Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" > > > > > > Jimmie , I hear yah. > > > > > > GSC is still a great prop but like any prop it all about adjustment > > > too. > > > > > > What engine are you running ? and what pitch and what GSC prop ? > > > > > > etc > > > and empty weight ? > > > > > > > > > Shorty > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: "Jimmie Blackwell" > > > To: > > > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Changing Props > > > > > > > > > -- Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jimmie Blackwell" > > > > > > > > > > > > Shorty > > > > > > I do not have anything against the GSC. My GSC does need to be > > > refinished > > > > > > > ; so by the time I pay for refinishing and shipping I was over half > the > > > cost > > > of an IVO prop, not to mention the down time for the airplane while > the > > > prop > > > is being refinished and traveling to Canada and back. To me the > > > advantage > > > of the IVO is the quick adjust feature. I plan to hold onto the GSC > > > until > > > I > > > know that is functions as well as the GSC. > > > > > > Jimmie > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: "shortnaked" > > > To: > > > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Changing Props > > > > > > > > > -- Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" > > > > > > > > > What are the advantages of a difernet prop t > > > han a GSC? > > > > > > I have 68" 3 blade on 582 and it works excellent. > > > > > > > > > Always open to hear option s. > > > > > > > > > Shorty > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: "Jeff" > > > To: > > > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Changing Props > > > > > > > > > -- Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jeff" > > > > > > Jimmie > > > > > > I want to change my GSC prop for an Ecoprop I bought second hand. > > > (The > > > Ecoprop came from a 582 model 3 Kitfox like mine that was being > > > re > > > -engined > > > with a Rotax 912). Like you, I wanted to "do things right" so > > > submitted > > > my > > > request with all the requested information on the correct form to > > > the > > > PFA > > > (Popular Flying Association) England. > > > > > > Their engineering department have just written back to me saying > > > they > > > will > > > now consider my request....... and to contact them again if I have > > > not > > > heard from them within 3 months! I guess these guys must be really > > > busy. > > > > > > There are already UK registered model 3 Kitfox aircraft operating > on > > > the > > > register using both sorts of prop, and apart from confirming weight > > > > > > > ; and > > > balance was OK and a test flight I thought there would be no real > > > problem.... obviously there must be other things than this to > > > consider! > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > Jeff > > > > > > Do not archive. > > > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: "Jimmie Blackwell" > > > To: > > > Subject: Kitfox-List: Changing Props > > > > > > > > > -- Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jimmie Blackwell" > > > > > > > > > & > > > gt; I am preparing to change my GSC prop to an IVO ground adjustable > > > prop. > > > Some are advising me to just do it and not get the FAA into the > > > matter. > > > I > > > prefer to follow the correct procedure, but do not know where to > go, > > > FSDO > > > or > > > a local DAR? Don't know if it matters but I do not hold a > > > repairman's > > > certificate for the airplane. > > > > > > > > > Jimmie > > > Kitfox Model IV > > > > > > > > > ox-list > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 06:02:49 AM PST US From: "PEDRO PEREZ" <5324@PRTC.NET> Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: NEED TO CONTACT JOHN OAKLEY...... --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "PEDRO PEREZ" <5324@PRTC.NET> JOHN OAKLEY : PLEASE CONTACT ME ... 787-642-7350 PEDRO > ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 09:09:19 AM PST US From: "Joel Mapes" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Chronicle from a Norwegian cellar --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Joel Mapes" Hi Michel, I'm headed for the north country (BC, Canada) this weekend for some play time with two of my sons, so won't be able to post the cowling pictures until next week. I hope to fly my 'Fox up there when she's done, the area looks alot like some of the pictures you have shared. Best wises, Joel do not archive ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 02:12:40 PM PST US From: Michel Verheughe Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Chronicle from a Norwegian cellar --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe Joel Mapes wrote: > I'm headed for the north country (BC, Canada) this weekend for some play > time with two of my sons, so won't be able to post the cowling pictures > until next week. Dear Joel, have a great time with your sons in British Columbia! I have only one rule in my life: "Family, job, hobby - in that order!" Your sons are on the top of the priorities, Kitfox flying, at the bottom. Anyone rocking that order is bound for problems in his life. If you are not back on the list before Christmas, have a wonderful Holidays with your family! Michel do not archive ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 04:10:12 PM PST US From: "Rex & Jan Shaw" Subject: Kitfox-List: What is some of your experiences of buying and receiving a kit from Skystar? I --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Rex & Jan Shaw" What is some of your experiences of buying and receiving a kit from Skystar? I ordered my Series 7 kit on 8-11-04. Paid for it in full on 8-25-04 and as of today have not received a delivery date. All I have is excuses from Skystar! I am starting to get very nervous about this order. What would you guys do? Seems to me this is par for the course with Skystar but it's not good enough. I would try telling them you are not happy having your money tied up like that doing nothing. Say you would like it back until they can send the kit to you and then you will pay them at that time. They probably won't come to the party but just maybe it will coax some action in the right direction. Goodluck, Rex. rexjan@bigpond.com ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 04:23:02 PM PST US From: "Rex & Jan Shaw" Subject: Kitfox-List: 3 to 1 ratio and 3 blade prop --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Rex & Jan Shaw" I use the 70" x 2 bladed Medium IVO in flight adjustable on my 582 "C" Box. I in initially used the 72" x 3 blade Ultralight but had continual problems with the electric motor mechanism due to harmonics created by 3:1 Gear Box ratio and 3 bladed prop. IVO are now aware of this problem and don't recommend the C Box and 3 blade prop combination. I have an Ivo 3 blade and a 3 to 1 "E" box on a 582 and am not aware of anything being amiss. Can anyone please throw a bit more light on the subject. Mine has always been this way so I have nothing to compare it with. It is a little rough between 2 & 3,000 RPM but I thought they all were. In fact I changed from B8ES plugs with resistor caps to BR8EIX plugs with non resistor caps and improved this quite a bit. I don;t have inflight adjustable but ground adjustable so I don't face that part of the problem. However I would like to know what other problems might be if any and if I should change the box ratio and then adjust the pitch. If so any ideas which way to go would be appreciated. Thanks Rex. rexjan@bigpond.com ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 04:30:27 PM PST US From: "Fox5flyer" Subject: Kitfox-List: What is some of your experiences of buying and receiving a kit from Skystar? I --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Fox5flyer" I don't know what Skystar is doing or if they have some sort of grand plan, but it looks to me that if they keep this up it'll amount to them "peeing in their stewpot". I feel I have a vested interest in the company and it bothers me to hear the frustration in these stories. Has anybody had any direct dialog with Skystar's boss regarding this problem? What sort of reasons are they offering to explain what's happening? Darrel > > Seems to me this is par for the course with Skystar but it's not good > enough. I would try telling them you are not happy having your money tied up > like that doing nothing. Say you would like it back until they can send the > kit to you and then you will pay them at that time. They probably won't come > to the party but just maybe it will coax some action in the right direction. > Goodluck, Rex. > rexjan@bigpond.com ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 04:47:10 PM PST US From: "shortnaked" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: What is some of your experiences of buying and receiving a kit from Skystar? I --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" Skystar is cutting their own throats imo . Their models are all easily reproducable and this could be a threat to them if they continue the antics i have read here. There is a fellow names Steve Winder that does aftermarket AVID stuff and appears to have a real niche market there. Surely a Kitfox type like operation could be doing the same. And bottom line is if Skystar continues to suck at commication and delivery then they will be outta biz. The used mkt prices may infiact increase as now you can buy KT pretty damn cheap compared to new and unbuilt and From what is seems Very hard to get Delivered. Shorty < --------- Full of wisdom LOL ----- Original Message ----- From: "Fox5flyer" Subject: Kitfox-List: What is some of your experiences of buying and receiving a kit from Skystar? I > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Fox5flyer" > > I don't know what Skystar is doing or if they have some sort of grand plan, > but it looks to me that if they keep this up it'll amount to them "peeing in > their stewpot". I feel I have a vested interest in the company and it > bothers me to hear the frustration in these stories. > Has anybody had any direct dialog with Skystar's boss regarding this > problem? What sort of reasons are they offering to explain what's > happening? > Darrel > > > > > Seems to me this is par for the course with Skystar but it's not good > > enough. I would try telling them you are not happy having your money tied > up > > like that doing nothing. Say you would like it back until they can send > the > > kit to you and then you will pay them at that time. They probably won't > come > > to the party but just maybe it will coax some action in the right > direction. > > Goodluck, Rex. > > rexjan@bigpond.com > > ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 04:49:41 PM PST US From: "shortnaked" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: 3 to 1 ratio and 3 blade prop --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" Rex, I got a KT IV 582 GSC 68 3 blader c boc No PRoblems Idles smooth over 2200 rpm but will idle 1800 with a bit of shake works Excellent 1300 fpm solo min 1000 fpm dual crusie 5800 93 mph Just put on skis today -- test flown sweet !! like landing on cotton :) Shorty ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rex & Jan Shaw" Subject: Kitfox-List: 3 to 1 ratio and 3 blade prop > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Rex & Jan Shaw" > > I use the 70" x 2 bladed Medium IVO in flight adjustable on my 582 "C" Box. > I in initially used the 72" x 3 blade Ultralight but had continual problems > with the electric motor mechanism due to harmonics created by 3:1 Gear Box > ratio and 3 bladed prop. IVO are now aware of this problem and don't > recommend the C Box and 3 blade prop combination. > > I have an Ivo 3 blade and a 3 to 1 "E" box on a 582 and am not aware of > anything being amiss. Can anyone please throw a bit more light on the > subject. Mine has always been this way so I have nothing to compare it with. > It is a little rough between 2 & 3,000 RPM but I thought they all were. In > fact I changed from B8ES plugs with resistor caps to BR8EIX plugs with non > resistor caps and improved this quite a bit. > I don;t have inflight adjustable but ground adjustable so I don't face that > part of the problem. However I would like to know what other problems might > be if any and if I should change the box ratio and then adjust the pitch. If > so any ideas which way to go would be appreciated. Thanks Rex. > rexjan@bigpond.com > > ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 04:50:18 PM PST US From: Bob & Margaret Olson Subject: Kitfox-List: Kitfox order update --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Bob & Margaret Olson Just wanted to let everyone know that I received an e-mail from Frank Miller today, stating that I would be contacted Monday with a delivery date! Kind of ironic that I got this just 2 days after complaining about my order on this list!!!! Thanks to everyone that replyed to my message. It's nice to know that there is a wealth of information and advice as close as my computer. I will be anxiously awaiting my phone call from Skystar on Monday :) Bob Olson (Series 7 ?????) ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 05:01:06 PM PST US From: "shortnaked" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Kitfox order update --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" They musta read the mail i just posted LOL Good Luck Bob, Hope the rest of your experience is hassle Free. Maybe bubba showed up at ss and rattled some chains Bubba works for Tony soprano ? LOL Shorty LOL ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob & Margaret Olson" Subject: Kitfox-List: Kitfox order update > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Bob & Margaret Olson > > Just wanted to let everyone know that I received an e-mail from Frank Miller today, stating that I would be contacted Monday with a delivery date! Kind of ironic that I got this just 2 days after complaining about my order on this list!!!! Thanks to everyone that replyed to my message. It's nice to know that there is a wealth of information and advice as close as my computer. I will be anxiously awaiting my phone call from Skystar on Monday :) > > Bob Olson (Series 7 ?????) > > ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 05:19:20 PM PST US From: "Cory Emberson" Subject: Kitfox-List: Santa Maria (CA) Fly-in Weekend (April 22-24 2005) - SMXgig --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Cory Emberson" Hello everyone! With Matt Dralle's blessing (thank you, Matt!), I'm pleased to post this announcement for a terrific aviation fly-in weekend. SMXgig (in Santa Maria, CA) has become the year's largest face-to-face get-together of electronically networked aviators. We hope you'll plan to attend because we expect this year's gig to be the best ever. People come from all over the country (and sometimes overseas) to attend, and most of the sessions qualify for FAA Wings cards. The dates are April 22-24, 2005 (Friday-Sunday). It's a lot of fun, and a great chance for pilots from all over to mingle and share aviation stories, ideas, etc. I have had quite a few inquiries about SMXgig, especially from several groups, so I anticipate that it's going to fill up this year. The sessions are still being developed, but I will post an update when we have the roster of speakers and their sessions. The announcement below contains most of the crucial information, and you can get the rest from the website (www.smxgig.org). If you have any questions at all, just let me know, and thanks! ~Cory Emberson KHWD cory@smxgig.org >>>NOTICE TO AIRMEN<<< The Seventeenth Annual SMXgig April 22-24, 2005 PRE-REGISTRATION SMXgig 2005 will be held from April 22-24, 2005, at the Santa Maria, CA, Radisson, right on the airport ramp. Because of the anticipated demand, we'll start registration soon, and are now taking pre-registration reservations with a small ($50 per person) deposit. The deposit may be paid by check, PayPal, and all major credit cards. Of course, if the unexpected occurs and you're not able to make SMXgig after all (sniff!), your deposit will be fully refundable within the refund window (usually about two weeks before the gig). Your pre-registration and deposit will guarantee your SMXgig reservation. As soon as I have the rest of the program finalized, we'll start the regular registration process. If you believe you can make it, please reserve your spot with this pre-registration form. First come, first served! The hotel is otherwise sold out during that weekend, so it will be nice to know you've got a place in line. You do *not* need to register with the hotel - just give me your preferences, and I will take care of the reservations. SUPERSONIC SURVIVOR Hanging in the straps of his parachute and feeling the cold night air on his face, Brian Udell felt as if a freight train had collided with his body. As he struggled to inflate his life preserver before plunging into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, he realized it had shredded with the force of the supersonic windblast. With his teeth and one functioning arm, Brian feverishly retrieved a one-man life raft that hung from a fifteen-foot lanyard off his right hip only seconds before entering the water. After popping back to the surface like a bobber on a fishing line, the salt water made him painfully aware of the open wounds, cuts, and scrapes that were strewn over his broken body. The thought of blood pouring into the water inviting sharks for a late night meal motivated him to attempt to get into the partially inflated raft. As he kicked his legs, Brian's lower limbs felt as though only a thread attached them. Exhausted and unable to enter the raft, thoughts of death quickly consumed his mind. Knowing he would be unable to survive the night under the extreme conditions, Brian began to pray. The next several hours of survival and the many months of excruciating rehabilitation deliver an almost unbelievable story. Brian holds the record for surviving the highest speed ejection from a U.S. Fighter Aircraft at nearly 800 MPH. He survived four grueling hours 65 miles off the Atlantic Coast in 60-degree water, 5-foot seas, and 15 MPH winds at night. Brian's determination, perseverance, faith, and sheer will to survive is unparalleled. His story of survival, recovery, and return to the Strike Eagle is an inspiration to everyone. Brian is a very accomplished aviator. He began flying at age nine and took his first cross-country flight at age ten. Since that time he has accumulated over 4000 hours in a variety of both civil and military aircraft. He was one of only sixty candidates across the United States selected to attend the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program. Brian graduated number one in his class and was awarded the Air Training Command - Commanders Cup Trophy. Brian was one of the first Lieutenants selected to fly the F-15E Strike Eagle. He graduated from Strike Eagle training and received the top academic award. Brian went on to his operational unit where he became an Instructor, Mission Commander, and Air to Ground Top Gun winner. He has flown over 100 combat missions in Southwest Asia and logged nearly 2000 hours in the Strike Eagle. Brian received four Air Medals and three Aerial Achievement Medal for combat missions over the skies of Iraq. Brian's military career spanned ten years. He left the Air Force in 1999 and he is currently a pilot with Southwest Airlines. "Brian Udell kept us spellbound for 45 minutes. You could hear a pin drop, except when he made everyone laugh. The story of his four-hour ordeal was gripping and moving. He certainly won the audience." T. Karr, President Carolina Aero Club Just as in previous years, there will be one flat all-encompassing "gig" fee that covers all events that involve significant out-of-pocket costs for the organizers. The fee will be determined with the events is finalized (it should be about $170), and will cover: - Friday afternoon welcome party - Friday evening dinner banquet, featuring Capt. Brian Udell, Supersonic Survivor - Saturday and Sunday tech sessions - Saturday SMX-style BBQ lunch - Saturday evening events (to be announced) - Saturday evening movie extravaganza - Meeting rooms and coffee service at the Santa Maria Radisson - BFUB transportation to (and from) the Saturday evening event Lodging at the SMX Radisson will cost $89.00/night for either a single or double room, which is far below the regular hotel room rate. Be sure you check in as a SMXgig attendee and get the special rate. We have our definitive preference listed with the hotel for rampside rooms - early registration can only help, but of course, the rampside rooms are subject to availability depending on how many existing guests are in those rooms. >>>SMXgig 2005<<< April 22-24, 2005 ELECTRONIC PRE-REGISTRATION FORM When you send your pre-registration, receipt of your deposit will be noted, and your registration updated when the full registration process begins. The credit card information for your hotel reservation will be requested at that time. Please fill in as completely as possible and send to Cory Emberson via: 1. Email at registration@smxgig.org . 2. Fax at: 510.782.0415 3. Regular mail to: Cory Emberson - SMXgig 20511 Skywest Drive Hayward, CA 94541 If youre making your deposit by credit card, and dont feel comfortable emailing that information, please feel free to call me at 510.783.4410. If you get my voicemail, I will return your call. Otherwise, both regular mail or fax are safe. GENERAL INFORMATION Your name: _____________________________ Your email address: ____________________ Your daytime phone: (___) ___-____ Your evening phone: (___) ___-____ This form is: _ an original pre-registration _ an amended pre-registration _ a cancellation How confident are you of attending?: __ almost certain __ probably __ maybe Anticipated arrival date and time: ________ at about ____ Departure date and time: ________ at about ____ How are you getting to SMX?: __ Own plane, type __ N#_____ __ Hitching with_____________ __ Airline flight into_____ Number of attendees in your group: __ Names of others in your group:______________________________ HOTEL RESERVATION INFO Number of rooms: __ Number of persons: __ Special requests: __ King bed __ Queen/Queen bed __ Double/Double bed __ Smoking __ Non-smoking __ Other:____________________ Sharing room with:_____________________________ CREDIT CARD INFO: Card #__________________________ exp.______ PayPal address: bootless@earthlink.net ANTICIPATED EVENT ATTENDANCE Number of people in my party who I expect to attend the following events: Friday afternoon welcome party ___ Friday evening dinner banquet: __ Saturday morning technical sessions: __ Saturday lunch barbecue: __ Saturday evening event (TBD): __ Sunday morning technical sessions: __ We look forward to seeing you there! ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 05:23:49 PM PST US From: Bob & Margaret Olson Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Kitfox order update --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Bob & Margaret Olson Shorty, Do you have Bubba's phone number? If the delivery date is too far in the future, I may have to contact him! Maybe he could make them an offer they could not refuse. Bob Olson ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 05:41:52 PM PST US From: "Randy Daughenbaugh" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: What is some of your experiences of buying and receiving a kit from Skystar? I --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Randy Daughenbaugh" snip stewpot". I feel I have a vested interest in the company and it bothers me to hear the frustration in these stories. Darrel Darrel, I think we all have a "vested interest" in SkyStar. We all would like to hear some good news out them. I do think the effort on a Jabiru firewall foreward kit is good news. I think that simply improving communications would help their image tremendously. Randy - At least mine is flying.... ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 06:08:35 PM PST US From: "shortnaked" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Kitfox order update --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" Bob, yah look up bubba at 1-800-DELIVER-NOW or else. hard to believe in thsi day and age a so called reputabel company could ask and take full payment with out having the product IN HAND - ON HAND and being CRATED as the MONEY wire is being done. U N frigging belivable. !! BUt hey looks l like they Waking up Same story with Gary Walsh that had the NSI prop issue and the company did squat till the felt the heat of the coals under their toes lol :) ----- Original Message ----- Shorty From: "Bob & Margaret Olson" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Kitfox order update > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Bob & Margaret Olson > > Shorty, > Do you have Bubba's phone number? If the delivery date is too far in the > future, I may have to contact him! Maybe he could make them an offer they > could not refuse. > > Bob Olson > > ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 07:23:23 PM PST US From: Herbert R Gottelt Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: elevator hinge question --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Herbert R Gottelt Lynn, I think the powder coating is an option and the manual does not address this. Go ahead and make yourself a long reamer or remove the powder coating on the inside of the tubing some other way. I think that is what I did about 12 years ago. Herbert Gottelt M-4 Lynn Matteson wrote: --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson How are you people installing your elevator hinges? I just received a new piece of the material from Skystar, and after trying to force a .312" dia. chunk of nylon tubing into a .285" hole, my only words (that are suitable for this list) are "what the....?" I tried forcing the stuff into a wooden block per the manual, but that's not working very satisfactorily, so I'm looking for answers. I'm about ready to get an 8' length of 1/4" steel rod and braze it to a reamer and drag that back through the hor, stab and elevator to open up the holes, so I can get the bearings in there. I placed a call to SS, but no call back yet. When I say the holes were .285" that's with the powder coating in place. Anybody got any better ideas? Short of turning the bearing material down on a lathe, I'm about ready to make the world's longest reamer! Lynn ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 07:57:56 PM PST US From: "Clem Nichols" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Kitfox order update --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Clem Nichols" Bob: Please keep us posted on your experience. Clem Nichols Do Not Archive ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob & Margaret Olson" Subject: Kitfox-List: Kitfox order update > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Bob & Margaret Olson > > > Just wanted to let everyone know that I received an e-mail from Frank > Miller today, stating that I would be contacted Monday with a delivery > date! Kind of ironic that I got this just 2 days after complaining about > my order on this list!!!! Thanks to everyone that replyed to my message. > It's nice to know that there is a wealth of information and advice as > close as my computer. I will be anxiously awaiting my phone call from > Skystar on Monday :) > > Bob Olson (Series 7 ?????) > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.296 / Virus Database: 265.5.4 - Release Date: 12/15/2004 > > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 09:40:10 PM PST US From: "Don Pearsall" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: What is some of your experiences of buying and receiving a kit from Skystar? I --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Pearsall" Speaking of lack of communication, I often get emails and phone calls from Potential BUYERS who cannot get a response from Skystar. Sometimes I feel like an unpaid salesman. And the skystar.com web site is very dated and many links are broken. Didn't Crystal come on this list a while back and tell us that they would have a new web site very soon? I think John McBeans's absence is being felt. The very first priority of any company is to communicate and sell. I see a pattern of Skystar not tending to business. I know they are running on a skeleton staff and I sympathize, but I only hear complaints anymore, where we used to only hear praise. Don Pearsall -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Randy Daughenbaugh Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: What is some of your experiences of buying and receiving a kit from Skystar? I --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Randy Daughenbaugh" snip stewpot". I feel I have a vested interest in the company and it bothers me to hear the frustration in these stories. Darrel Darrel, I think we all have a "vested interest" in SkyStar. We all would like to hear some good news out them. I do think the effort on a Jabiru firewall foreward kit is good news. I think that simply improving communications would help their image tremendously. Randy - At least mine is flying....