Kitfox-List Digest Archive

Thu 12/23/04


Total Messages Posted: 30



Today's Message Index:
----------------------
 
     1. 02:05 AM - Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ? (kurt schrader)
     2. 04:50 AM - Re: Skystar Analysis (bob)
     3. 06:20 AM - Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ? (DPREMGOOD@aol.com)
     4. 06:36 AM - Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ? (shortnaked)
     5. 06:48 AM - Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ? (DPREMGOOD@aol.com)
     6. 07:04 AM - Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ? (shortnaked)
     7. 07:43 AM - List messages (Lowell Fitt)
     8. 07:56 AM - Re: List messages (Don Pearsall)
     9. 07:56 AM - Re: List messages (shortnaked)
    10. 08:10 AM - Carb. settings (Dee Young)
    11. 08:16 AM - From Frank Miller at SkyStar (Don Pearsall)
    12. 08:20 AM - Re: List messages (Steve Zakreski)
    13. 08:39 AM - Re: From Frank Miller at SkyStar (shortnaked)
    14. 08:47 AM - Re: From Frank Miller at SkyStar (customtrans@qwest.net)
    15. 08:57 AM - Re: From Frank Miller at SkyStar (Steve Zakreski)
    16. 09:02 AM - Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ? (DPREMGOOD@aol.com)
    17. 09:06 AM - Flying on skis (Gary Algate)
    18. 09:50 AM - Re: List messages (Matt Dralle)
    19. 10:02 AM - Re: From Frank Miller at SkyStar (Harris, Robert)
    20. 10:11 AM - Re: From Frank Miller at SkyStar (Aerobatics@aol.com)
    21. 01:32 PM - Re: From Frank Miller at SkyStar (Rockitfox@aol.com)
    22. 03:06 PM - Central FL Kitfoxes (Eric Huppert)
    23. 03:19 PM - LSA clarification (Clem Nichols)
    24. 04:54 PM - Off-topic: Browsers (was: Engine ram air intake) (Michael Gibbs)
    25. 05:46 PM - Oil Change on 912 (Jimmie Blackwell)
    26. 08:38 PM - Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ? (John King)
    27. 11:00 PM - Kitfox 4 Throttle (Guy Buchanan)
    28. 11:06 PM - Kitfox Electrical (Guy Buchanan)
    29. 11:16 PM - Kitfox Squadron (Jimmie Blackwell)
    30. 11:36 PM - Re: LSA clarification (Steve Cooper)
 
 
 


Message 1


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    Time: 02:05:46 AM PST US
    From: kurt schrader <smokey_bear_40220@yahoo.com>
    Subject: Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ?
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: kurt schrader <smokey_bear_40220@yahoo.com> I could have used them last night. Mounted my trusty 767 at 3:45 in the afternoon. Eleven hours later I got out of it not having moved an inch. Sleet, ice pellets, rain and snow in Louisville. Not much flying, but I had a great time driving home. Helps to be a "nordener". The people having the most fun were those guys driving "zero turn radius" lawnmowers with cabs and snow plows at the airport. It was like bumper-cars doing snow removal. That was our entertainment, since we couldn't fly. Kurt S. Do not archive. --- shortnaked <shortnaked@golden.net> wrote: > Well > > Looks like we back to normal > > > Anyone fFlying on skis yet? > > > calling for 10 to 12 inches here tonight maybe fly > by xmas day lol > > Shorty __________________________________ Jazz up your holiday email with celebrity designs. Learn more. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com


    Message 2


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    Time: 04:50:50 AM PST US
    From: "bob" <grumps@megalink.net>
    Subject: Re: Skystar Analysis
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "bob" <grumps@megalink.net> DON THE REASON THEY DON"T MAKE IT IS THEY DON"T COME CLEAN THEY LIE (FRANK) TELL THE THRUTH AND CUSTOMERS WILL HANG BY YOU!!!!!!!! BOB (grumps) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Don Pearsall" <donpearsall@comcast.net> Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Skystar Analysis > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Pearsall" > <donpearsall@comcast.net> > > Very good analysis, Rich. I cannot find anything there that is not 100% > accurate. > > For those with long memories, Skystar started on a shoestring, and now > they > are hanging on to a shoestring. They have been through good and bad times. > A > lot of good money has been thrown at Skystar trying to make it into > another > Van's. It has not worked so far, for a number of reasons. > > Previous owner Phil Reed once took me aside and told me the secret to > making > a million dollars in the kitplane business. "You know how to make a > million > dollars in the Kitplane business? Start out with 5 million dollars." > > > Don Pearsall > > >


    Message 3


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    Time: 06:20:42 AM PST US
    From: DPREMGOOD@aol.com
    Subject: Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ?
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: DPREMGOOD@aol.com I strapped the skis on my J3 Kitten last week and went for a ride. My biggest problem was getting hangar doors open. The spikes that hold the doors in place were frozen into the ground. After pouring hot water down into the holes, I was able to free up the spikes and open the doors. (a good 45 minutes lost there). The taxi tests went really well. The tail ski is fully castoring and allows for some rather tight turns. (with the proper application of power, elevator and rudder, of course) The first takeoff was less spectacular than on wheels, because of the increased drag of the skis. I made my first circuit, landed, Inspected the skis, and then practiced a few touch and gos before calling it a day. (I'm still smiling) The lakes have not yet completely frozen over. It's only a matter of time... Wishing everyone on the list a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday season. Doug Remoundos Classic IV (Ready for paint this summer) Montreal, Canada


    Message 4


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    Time: 06:36:20 AM PST US
    From: "shortnaked" <shortnaked@golden.net>
    Subject: Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ?
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" <shortnaked@golden.net> Doug nice chunk of snow today i bet for you , We got near 10 inches here near London. drifting heavy now too , quite the storm ........ I do not have a fully castering tail ski ( my bungees stop the full travel) which makes the turns a bit tougher until you give power and lift the tail and kick rudder . but who needs to turn with this much snow ? just point and go lol Shorty ----- Original Message ----- From: <DPREMGOOD@aol.com> Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Anyone Flying on skis yet ? > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: DPREMGOOD@aol.com > > I strapped the skis on my J3 Kitten last week and went for a ride. > > My biggest problem was getting hangar doors open. The spikes that hold the > doors in place were frozen into the ground. After pouring hot water down into > the holes, I was able to free up the spikes and open the doors. (a good 45 > minutes lost there). > > The taxi tests went really well. The tail ski is fully castoring and allows > for some rather tight turns. (with the proper application of power, elevator > and rudder, of course) > > The first takeoff was less spectacular than on wheels, because of the > increased drag of the skis. > > I made my first circuit, landed, Inspected the skis, and then practiced a few > touch and gos before calling it a day. (I'm still smiling) > > The lakes have not yet completely frozen over. It's only a matter of time... > > Wishing everyone on the list a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday > season. > > Doug Remoundos > Classic IV (Ready for paint this summer) > Montreal, Canada > >


    Message 5


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    Time: 06:48:19 AM PST US
    From: DPREMGOOD@aol.com
    Subject: Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ?
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: DPREMGOOD@aol.com Shorty, It's not too bad here, we got about 5 inches and now we're into the freezing rain. Looks like Friday we'll be into the clear and -17C. Hopefully, we will get more snow to cover the ice. One thing I did notice with the full castoring tail is that I need a good bootful of opposite rudder (and power) to get the tail ski straight again. Cheers, Doug Remoundos


    Message 6


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    Time: 07:04:17 AM PST US
    From: "shortnaked" <shortnaked@golden.net>
    Subject: Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ?
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" <shortnaked@golden.net> Doug Where do you have your bungees atttach on Tail ski to allow it to fullly caster ? btw we got about 5 cm a hour here now almost 11 to 12 " now look what is coming your way http://www.flightplanning.navcanada.ca/Latest/anglais/Latest-composite-ont-cappi-e.html ----- Original Message ----- From: <DPREMGOOD@aol.com> Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Anyone Flying on skis yet ? > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: DPREMGOOD@aol.com > > Shorty, > > It's not too bad here, we got about 5 inches and now we're into the freezing > rain. Looks like Friday we'll be into the clear and -17C. > Hopefully, we will get more snow to cover the ice. > > One thing I did notice with the full castoring tail is that I need a good > bootful of opposite rudder (and power) to get the tail ski straight again. > > Cheers, > > Doug Remoundos > >


    Message 7


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    Time: 07:43:33 AM PST US
    From: "Lowell Fitt" <lcfitt@inreach.com>
    Subject: List messages
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" <lcfitt@inreach.com> This morning - after not checking the list since Wed morning - I got three e-mails, one from the list posted by the little guy that can't afford clothes, one from the Apple Store and one from my wife's brother. I rarely see my own posts to the list lately also. If there was more list traffic than that, could someone e-mail me direct - lcfitt@inreach.com - so I can begin worrying about one more thing. Merry Christmas to all. Lowell


    Message 8


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    Time: 07:56:11 AM PST US
    From: "Don Pearsall" <donpearsall@comcast.net>
    Subject: List messages
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Pearsall" <donpearsall@comcast.net> Lowell, As of this writing at 7:52 pacific time, there were 6 messages on the KF list since midnight. Check the archives at http://www.matronics.com/browse/kitfox-list. It must be your ISP missing the messages, because if there were something wrong with your subscription, you would not get ANY messages. Don -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Lowell Fitt Subject: Kitfox-List: List messages --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" <lcfitt@inreach.com> This morning - after not checking the list since Wed morning - I got three e-mails, one from the list posted by the little guy that can't afford clothes, one from the Apple Store and one from my wife's brother. I rarely see my own posts to the list lately also. If there was more list traffic than that, could someone e-mail me direct - lcfitt@inreach.com - so I can begin worrying about one more thing. Merry Christmas to all. Lowell


    Message 9


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    Time: 07:56:46 AM PST US
    From: "shortnaked" <shortnaked@golden.net>
    Subject: Re: List messages
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" <shortnaked@golden.net> Lowell I just forwarded you 4 emails from last few hours Hope you get em all :) Shorty ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lowell Fitt" <lcfitt@inreach.com> Subject: Kitfox-List: List messages > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" <lcfitt@inreach.com> > > This morning - after not checking the list since Wed morning - I got three e-mails, one from the list posted by the little guy that can't afford clothes, one from the Apple Store and one from my wife's brother. I rarely see my own posts to the list lately also. > > If there was more list traffic than that, could someone e-mail me direct - lcfitt@inreach.com - so I can begin worrying about one more thing. > > Merry Christmas to all. > > Lowell > >


    Message 10


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    Time: 08:10:13 AM PST US
    From: "Dee Young" <henrysfork1@msn.com>
    Subject: Carb. settings
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dee Young" <henrysfork1@msn.com> Posted this a couple of days back but did not see a reply. Have a friend who is flying out of 5,000' air strip and woulld like some help on the jetting for the 582. He is running a 210 but that seems high compared to what I read and it should be around 170. Can one of you guys help me out on this a little Please. Thanks Dee Young Model II N345DY Do Not Archive


    Message 11


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    Time: 08:16:59 AM PST US
    From: "Don Pearsall" <donpearsall@comcast.net>
    Subject: From Frank Miller at SkyStar
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Pearsall" <donpearsall@comcast.net> Verbatim message from Frank Miller, President of Skystar. If you want to respond, please do so with facts, not accusations. _____ From: Frank Miller [mailto:frankm@skystar.com] Subject: SkyStar Normally, I will not post a response when issues about SkyStar come up. This site is dedicated to helping builders in the construction and flying of their aircraft. It is a wonderful site and individuals using it should be thankful for the wealth of information it gives. I am not going to debate each claim on this site. Some are justified some are ridiculous. What I will do is bring those interested up to speed on where SkyStar is. In 2002 SkyStar got itself in a major financial crisis. A number of issues lead up to it (uninsured Cessna crashed through our factory hanger, 911, weak economy, delay of Sport Plane, special deep discount aircraft sales, etc..), the bottom line is we were deep into the red. At that time approx 29 people were caught up with engines not delivered, accounts payable was very high and some out over 180 days, IRS payroll taxes were out over 6 months. Our option was 1: To follow in the footsteps of so many other aircraft companies and put the company into bankruptcy or 2: Reorganize the company, commit to delivering all product owed, and work our way out of it. The easy way would have been bankruptcy, SkyStar elected not seek court protection, principally because it would have left many builders stranded and customers without support. A recovery plan was started and we made some heavy internal adjustments. There where allot of skeletons in the closet and the engine issue was alarming. Even though it only affects less than 1% of our current customer base it was still ugly. We are currently down to approx 19 still owed engines. We have been able to work down the accounts payable by paying upfront plus a % to clear the dept. I have negotiated with the IRS and are currently on a payment plan. We have been working with a number of investors since 2002 but they all wanted the company to file bankruptcy. Currently the individuals interested in investing are interested because of there love of the product and not looking the scalp the company for a quick buck. The investment capital will be the quickest way to fulfill the engine obligation.This recovery process is taking longer than we would like, but we have made and are continuing to make progress to this end. Over the past 2 years SkyStar has learned much from this crisis and has significantly strengthened its core business.We appreciate the great support we have received from many of our builders and pledge to continue our efforts to get all the builders affected by the 2002 events current on their engines deliveries as soon as possible. I would agree that are customer service could use improvement. The internal administration structure of the company was a dinosaur that does not function well without a large support staff. In order to keep the company alive for the past few years we have been working with a lean staff. They are all good people working hard to turn the company around but have not had the proper administration resources to do their job. This has affected customer service. We are getting closer to having this resolved and hope to be running a new internal processing structure by the first or second quarter of 2005 which will greatly improve our service capability. We need your support in making 2005 a good strong year for our customers and SkyStar. Frank Miller President/CEO SkyStar Aircraft Corp. 208-454-2444 frankm@skystar.com


    Message 12


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    Time: 08:20:32 AM PST US
    From: Steve Zakreski <szakreski@shaw.ca>
    Subject: List messages
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Steve Zakreski <szakreski@shaw.ca> Actually Lowell, we were trying to sneak you off the list. ;-) SteveZ -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Lowell Fitt Subject: Kitfox-List: List messages --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" <lcfitt@inreach.com> This morning - after not checking the list since Wed morning - I got three e-mails, one from the list posted by the little guy that can't afford clothes, one from the Apple Store and one from my wife's brother. I rarely see my own posts to the list lately also. If there was more list traffic than that, could someone e-mail me direct - lcfitt@inreach.com - so I can begin worrying about one more thing. Merry Christmas to all. Lowell


    Message 13


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    Time: 08:39:12 AM PST US
    From: "shortnaked" <shortnaked@golden.net>
    Subject: Re: From Frank Miller at SkyStar
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" <shortnaked@golden.net> Very Good letter from Skystar congrats Frank for doing that. Now you say that you got your problems solved , get the buyers that have paid you upfront catered too and delivered. And Keep up the great work on a great plane. And you will have a terrific company in the future. Shorty ----- Original Message ----- From: "Don Pearsall" <donpearsall@comcast.net> Subject: Kitfox-List: From Frank Miller at SkyStar > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Pearsall" <donpearsall@comcast.net> > > Verbatim message from Frank Miller, President of Skystar. If you want to > respond, please do so with facts, not accusations. > _____ > > From: Frank Miller [mailto:frankm@skystar.com] > To: donpearsall@comcast.net > Subject: SkyStar > > > Normally, I will not post a response when issues about SkyStar come up. This > site is dedicated to helping builders in the construction and flying of > their aircraft. > It is a wonderful site and individuals using it should be thankful for the > wealth of information it gives. I am not going to debate each claim on this > site. Some are justified some are ridiculous. What I will do is bring those > interested up to speed on where SkyStar is. > > In 2002 SkyStar got itself in a major financial crisis. A number of issues > lead up to it (uninsured Cessna crashed through our factory hanger, 911, > weak economy, delay of Sport Plane, special deep discount aircraft sales, > etc..), the bottom line is we were deep into the red. At that time approx 29 > people were caught up with engines not delivered, accounts payable was very > high and some out over 180 days, IRS payroll taxes were out over 6 months. > Our option was 1: To follow in the footsteps of so many other aircraft > companies and put the company into bankruptcy or 2: Reorganize the company, > commit to delivering all product owed, and work our way out of it. The easy > way would have been bankruptcy, SkyStar elected not seek court protection, > principally because it would have left many builders stranded and customers > without support. A recovery plan was started and we made some heavy internal > adjustments. There where allot of skeletons in the closet and the engine > issue was alarming. Even though it only affects less than 1% of our current > customer base it was still ugly. We are currently down to approx 19 still > owed engines. We have been able to work down the accounts payable by paying > upfront plus a % to clear the dept. I have negotiated with the IRS and are > currently on a payment plan. We have been working with a number of investors > since 2002 but they all wanted the company to file bankruptcy. Currently the > individuals interested in investing are interested because of there love of > the product and not looking the scalp the company for a quick buck. The > investment capital will be the quickest way to fulfill the engine > obligation.This recovery process is taking longer than we would like, but we > have made and are continuing to make progress to this end. Over the past 2 > years SkyStar has learned much from this crisis and has significantly > strengthened its core business.We appreciate the great support we have > received from many of our builders and pledge to continue our efforts to get > all the builders affected by the 2002 events current on their engines > deliveries as soon as possible. > > I would agree that are customer service could use improvement. The internal > administration structure of the company was a dinosaur that does not > function well without a large support staff. In order to keep the company > alive for the past few years we have been working with a lean staff. They > are all good people working hard to turn the company around but have not had > the proper administration resources to do their job. This has affected > customer service. We are getting closer to having this resolved and hope to > be running a new internal processing structure by the first or second > quarter of 2005 which will greatly improve our service capability. > > We need your support in making 2005 a good strong year for our customers and > SkyStar. > > > Frank Miller > President/CEO > SkyStar Aircraft Corp. > 208-454-2444 frankm@skystar.com > >


    Message 14


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    Time: 08:47:29 AM PST US
    From: customtrans@qwest.net
    Subject: From Frank Miller at SkyStar
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: customtrans@qwest.net I think it takes a lot of guts for Frank to write this. I believe him and will continue to support the company. I haven't had any trouble with Skystar and like I have said, ordered to date around 4500 dollars in the last month or so the parts to rebuild my Fox. I've made several calls for both information and follow up on parts and have to say Crystal, Dave, and Frank have been very helpful. steve a -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Don Pearsall Subject: Kitfox-List: From Frank Miller at SkyStar --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Pearsall" <donpearsall@comcast.net> Verbatim message from Frank Miller, President of Skystar. If you want to respond, please do so with facts, not accusations. _____ From: Frank Miller [mailto:frankm@skystar.com] Subject: SkyStar Normally, I will not post a response when issues about SkyStar come up. This site is dedicated to helping builders in the construction and flying of their aircraft. It is a wonderful site and individuals using it should be thankful for the wealth of information it gives. I am not going to debate each claim on this site. Some are justified some are ridiculous. What I will do is bring those interested up to speed on where SkyStar is. In 2002 SkyStar got itself in a major financial crisis. A number of issues lead up to it (uninsured Cessna crashed through our factory hanger, 911, weak economy, delay of Sport Plane, special deep discount aircraft sales, etc..), the bottom line is we were deep into the red. At that time approx 29 people were caught up with engines not delivered, accounts payable was very high and some out over 180 days, IRS payroll taxes were out over 6 months. Our option was 1: To follow in the footsteps of so many other aircraft companies and put the company into bankruptcy or 2: Reorganize the company, commit to delivering all product owed, and work our way out of it. The easy way would have been bankruptcy, SkyStar elected not seek court protection, principally because it would have left many builders stranded and customers without support. A recovery plan was started and we made some heavy internal adjustments. There where allot of skeletons in the closet and the engine issue was alarming. Even though it only affects less than 1% of our current customer base it was still ugly. We are currently down to approx 19 still owed engines. We have been able to work down the accounts payable by paying upfront plus a % to clear the dept. I have negotiated with the IRS and are currently on a payment plan. We have been working with a number of investors since 2002 but they all wanted the company to file bankruptcy. Currently the individuals interested in investing are interested because of there love of the product and not looking the scalp the company for a quick buck. The investment capital will be the quickest way to fulfill the engine obligation.This recovery process is taking longer than we would like, but we have made and are continuing to make progress to this end. Over the past 2 years SkyStar has learned much from this crisis and has significantly strengthened its core business.We appreciate the great support we have received from many of our builders and pledge to continue our efforts to get all the builders affected by the 2002 events current on their engines deliveries as soon as possible. I would agree that are customer service could use improvement. The internal administration structure of the company was a dinosaur that does not function well without a large support staff. In order to keep the company alive for the past few years we have been working with a lean staff. They are all good people working hard to turn the company around but have not had the proper administration resources to do their job. This has affected customer service. We are getting closer to having this resolved and hope to be running a new internal processing structure by the first or second quarter of 2005 which will greatly improve our service capability. We need your support in making 2005 a good strong year for our customers and SkyStar. Frank Miller President/CEO SkyStar Aircraft Corp. 208-454-2444 frankm@skystar.com


    Message 15


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    Time: 08:57:41 AM PST US
    From: Steve Zakreski <szakreski@shaw.ca>
    Subject: From Frank Miller at SkyStar
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Steve Zakreski <szakreski@shaw.ca> Great letter from Frank. We all know what a great product the Kitfox is...let's tell the world. SteveZ Calgary -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Don Pearsall Subject: Kitfox-List: From Frank Miller at SkyStar --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Pearsall" <donpearsall@comcast.net> Verbatim message from Frank Miller, President of Skystar. If you want to respond, please do so with facts, not accusations. _____ From: Frank Miller [mailto:frankm@skystar.com] Subject: SkyStar Normally, I will not post a response when issues about SkyStar come up. This site is dedicated to helping builders in the construction and flying of their aircraft. It is a wonderful site and individuals using it should be thankful for the wealth of information it gives. I am not going to debate each claim on this site. Some are justified some are ridiculous. What I will do is bring those interested up to speed on where SkyStar is. In 2002 SkyStar got itself in a major financial crisis. A number of issues lead up to it (uninsured Cessna crashed through our factory hanger, 911, weak economy, delay of Sport Plane, special deep discount aircraft sales, etc..), the bottom line is we were deep into the red. At that time approx 29 people were caught up with engines not delivered, accounts payable was very high and some out over 180 days, IRS payroll taxes were out over 6 months. Our option was 1: To follow in the footsteps of so many other aircraft companies and put the company into bankruptcy or 2: Reorganize the company, commit to delivering all product owed, and work our way out of it. The easy way would have been bankruptcy, SkyStar elected not seek court protection, principally because it would have left many builders stranded and customers without support. A recovery plan was started and we made some heavy internal adjustments. There where allot of skeletons in the closet and the engine issue was alarming. Even though it only affects less than 1% of our current customer base it was still ugly. We are currently down to approx 19 still owed engines. We have been able to work down the accounts payable by paying upfront plus a % to clear the dept. I have negotiated with the IRS and are currently on a payment plan. We have been working with a number of investors since 2002 but they all wanted the company to file bankruptcy. Currently the individuals interested in investing are interested because of there love of the product and not looking the scalp the company for a quick buck. The investment capital will be the quickest way to fulfill the engine obligation.This recovery process is taking longer than we would like, but we have made and are continuing to make progress to this end. Over the past 2 years SkyStar has learned much from this crisis and has significantly strengthened its core business.We appreciate the great support we have received from many of our builders and pledge to continue our efforts to get all the builders affected by the 2002 events current on their engines deliveries as soon as possible. I would agree that are customer service could use improvement. The internal administration structure of the company was a dinosaur that does not function well without a large support staff. In order to keep the company alive for the past few years we have been working with a lean staff. They are all good people working hard to turn the company around but have not had the proper administration resources to do their job. This has affected customer service. We are getting closer to having this resolved and hope to be running a new internal processing structure by the first or second quarter of 2005 which will greatly improve our service capability. We need your support in making 2005 a good strong year for our customers and SkyStar. Frank Miller President/CEO SkyStar Aircraft Corp. 208-454-2444 frankm@skystar.com


    Message 16


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    Time: 09:02:14 AM PST US
    From: DPREMGOOD@aol.com
    Subject: Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ?
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: DPREMGOOD@aol.com Bungees?? What Bungees??? Just kidding :-) I have one bungee plus the safety wire attached to a fitting where the tailwheel bolt attaches to the tail spring. It is about 1.5 inches forward of the pivot point. Doug


    Message 17


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    Time: 09:06:18 AM PST US
    From: "Gary Algate" <algate@attglobal.net>
    Subject: Flying on skis
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Gary Algate" <algate@attglobal.net> I have been on skis for two weeks now but only managed to get a couple of flights in due to weather and business commitments. I certainly love winter flying especially in deep snow - when I was landing for the first time this year on skis it was overcast and difficult to pick up any visual definition. I was "feeling" for the runway and then looked at my airspeed and it was down to 30mph. I remember thinking if I hadn't touched down yet I was in for an awful bump. I didn't even feel the touchdown???? GaryA Lite2/582 -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of shortnaked Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: No Gratuitous Skystar Bashing Please. --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "shortnaked" <shortnaked@golden.net> Well Looks like we back to normal Anyone Flying on skis yet ? calling for 10 to 12 inches here tonight maybe fly by xmas day lol Shorty ----- Original Message ----- From: <AlbertaIV@aol.com> Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: No Gratuitous Skystar Bashing Please. > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: AlbertaIV@aol.com > > In a message dated 12/22/04 7:55:55 AM Pacific Standard Time, > morid@northland.lib.mi.us writes: > > << > Chill Bob. These types of outburst aren't helping anybody with anything >> > > > Thanks Darrel, I was getting a headache............ > Do Not Archive > > Don Smythe > N-998DS Classic IV W/ 582 > >


    Message 18


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    Time: 09:50:48 AM PST US
    From: Matt Dralle <dralle@matronics.com>
    Subject: List messages
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Matt Dralle <dralle@matronics.com> This sounds suspiciously like you might have your Spam filter turned up a little to far. I've heard of a number of people getting List messages filtered by various ISP's spam filter programs. If you or your ISP have spam filters, you should configured them to accept all messages from "matronics.com". Matt At 08:20 AM 12/23/2004 Thursday, you wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Steve Zakreski <szakreski@shaw.ca> > >Actually Lowell, we were trying to sneak you off the list. ;-) > >SteveZ > >-----Original Message----- >From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com >[mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Lowell Fitt >To: kitfox-list@matronics.com >Subject: Kitfox-List: List messages > > >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" <lcfitt@inreach.com> > >This morning - after not checking the list since Wed morning - I got three >e-mails, one from the list posted by the little guy that can't afford >clothes, one from the Apple Store and one from my wife's brother. I rarely >see my own posts to the list lately also. > >If there was more list traffic than that, could someone e-mail me direct - >lcfitt@inreach.com - so I can begin worrying about one more thing. > >Merry Christmas to all. > >Lowell Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551 925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle@matronics.com Email http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft


    Message 19


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    Time: 10:02:31 AM PST US
    From: "Harris, Robert" <Robert_Harris@intuit.com>
    Subject: From Frank Miller at SkyStar
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Harris, Robert" <Robert_Harris@intuit.com> Thanks Don, I support Skystar and really appreciate Frank's e-mail. I'm very thankful for all of their help, dedication and passion to the aviation industry. They continue to bring much joy and happiness to thousands of people every year. Don, I'd also like to thank you for all of your time and dedication to the Kitfox community. Robert


    Message 20


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    Time: 10:11:42 AM PST US
    From: Aerobatics@aol.com
    Subject: Re: From Frank Miller at SkyStar
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Aerobatics@aol.com Well said and seemed needed.... We have a small company and understand.... They may, or may not succeed, but we can all agree, we are better off with them, than with out them. It must be very difficult to work for a company that is on the edge when you have a family and responsibilties. The employees that are still there need us, as we need them. I wish them the very best and of course, the customers that have been so patient. Merry Chistmas to all. Dave Flying an nice old KF2 582 :-) I always thought they should come out with a cheap, simple, 503/582 again which kick started Denny...... possible a fast build?


    Message 21


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    Time: 01:32:55 PM PST US
    From: Rockitfox@aol.com
    Subject: Re: From Frank Miller at SkyStar
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Rockitfox@aol.com Well said Frank, Thankyou. Thanks for posting Don. Skystar will continue to receive my business and support. They can help me more than I can help them. Rocky Ruksnaitis Series 5 Still Westminster, Ma.


    Message 22


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    Time: 03:06:28 PM PST US
    From: Eric Huppert <ehuppert2@yahoo.com>
    Subject: Central FL Kitfoxes
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Eric Huppert <ehuppert2@yahoo.com> Hi Folks, It's been about 4 years since I was last lurking on the List...life has settled down somewhat for me and I'm looking for some Central Florida Kitfoxes to fly with. My Classic IV is based at Titusville and I live on Merritt Island. Anyone out there close by that wants to meet up somewhere? Merry Christmas to all! Eric N578T First flight Feb 14th, 1996 ---------------------------------


    Message 23


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    Time: 03:19:27 PM PST US
    From: "Clem Nichols" <cnichols@scrtc.com>
    Subject: LSA clarification
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Clem Nichols" <cnichols@scrtc.com> For any of you group members who may not have seen this, I think it's worth passing along, particularly since I've seen some postings regarding changing the gross weight on a Model V Kitfox to conform with the Sport Plane regulations. This was in answer to a question to the EAA about decreasing the gross weight on a standard-type aircraft per the type certificate datasheet which only requires a logbook endorsement like changing the prop. I quote: "The definition of a light-sport aircraft requires that an aircraft be continuously operated within the LSA definition. Any aircraft that has been altered so as to fall outside the LSA designation, regardless of whether or not the alteration is allowed by the type certificate, will not be eligible for operation by sport pilots, even if returned to original specifications. Once the aircraft is moved outside the LSA definition by any means, it is no longer eligible for operation by sport pilots, period." This may very well be worth noting by some group members who are considering passing up their medical exam. Yours, for what it's worth (And thanks, Frank, for your comments about Skystar. Best of luck) Clem Nichols No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.


    Message 24


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    Time: 04:54:51 PM PST US
    From: Michael Gibbs <MichaelGibbs@cox.net>
    Subject: Off-topic: Browsers (was: Engine ram air intake)
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michael Gibbs <MichaelGibbs@cox.net> >...I needed a newer browser. Well, my version of Internet Explorer >is the latest for Macintosh. What can I do? >... yes, dump my Mac and buy a Microsoft compatible PC. :-( Michel, You could try Safari, iCab, iSurf, Mozilla, OmniWeb, Opera, Camino, or FireFox and see if any of them work better. Some of these may require OS X. Mike G. N728KF Do not archive.


    Message 25


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    Time: 05:46:29 PM PST US
    From: "Jimmie Blackwell" <jablackwell@ev1.net>
    Subject: Oil Change on 912
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jimmie Blackwell" <jablackwell@ev1.net> Hope to do an oil change on my 912 engine this weekend and planning to remove and inspect the magnetic plug. Seems I recall something on the list awhile back that this plug can be difficult to remove. So was wondering if any of you regularly remove this plug and if there are any tricks to getting is out of the engine block. Thank you Jimmie


    Message 26


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    Time: 08:38:21 PM PST US
    From: John King <kingjohne@adelphia.net>
    Subject: Re: Anyone Flying on skis yet ?
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: John King <kingjohne@adelphia.net> Doug, Pour pure antifreeze in the hanger pin holes so they won't freeze. -- John King Warrenton, VA DPREMGOOD@aol.com wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: DPREMGOOD@aol.com > >I strapped the skis on my J3 Kitten last week and went for a ride. > >My biggest problem was getting hangar doors open. The spikes that hold the >doors in place were frozen into the ground. After pouring hot water down into >the holes, I was able to free up the spikes and open the doors. (a good 45 >minutes lost there). > > >


    Message 27


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    Time: 11:00:12 PM PST US
    From: Guy Buchanan <bnn@nethere.com>
    Subject: Kitfox 4 Throttle
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Guy Buchanan <bnn@nethere.com> Hi all! I'm building a IV with a 582. Are people using the stock throttle bellcrank? Or have you moved it? If stock, are your cables going through the firewall above the horizontal tube or below? Do you use a spring to offset the Bing carb springs? Do you use a friction or vernier throttle? I'm thinking I want to switch from the vernier to a friction and then put a spring on the throttle bellcrank so the throttle wants to stay where you put it. Thanks, Guy Buchanan K-IV 1200 / 582 / 99% done, thanks to Bob Ducar.


    Message 28


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    Time: 11:06:06 PM PST US
    From: Guy Buchanan <bnn@nethere.com>
    Subject: Kitfox Electrical
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Guy Buchanan <bnn@nethere.com> Hi all! I'm finishing a Kitfox with a 582 and Bob's Z-17 electrical. The question is where to put everything. 1. I searched the list and it seemed the consensus was to put the Rotax 264870 finned regulator on the engine side of the firewall, even though it might suffer from the heat, to minimize the comm interference. Still true? Any experience with it on the back side of the firewall? 2. What about the large filter cap? Since it's filtering noise I guess it really wants to be forward of the firewall as well. 3. I need to mount a Sigtronics RES-401 intercom control box. Is this box OK next to the regulator? Is it OK on the firewall? Or should I mount it to the back of the instrument panel for some vibration isolation? 4. Is the overvoltage relay OK aft of the firewall? Or should I put it forward as well to minimize noise? Thanks for the help. Guy Buchanan K-IV 1200 / 582 / 99% done, thanks to Bob Ducar.


    Message 29


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    Time: 11:16:03 PM PST US
    From: "Jimmie Blackwell" <jablackwell@ev1.net>
    Subject: Kitfox Squadron
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jimmie Blackwell" <jablackwell@ev1.net> Howdy I live in Taylor, Texas which is about 30 miles Northeast of Austin and was wondering how many Kitfox cowboys and cowgirls we have in these parts. I know several of you, Brian, Chuck and Dave. Hoping there might be others that would me interested in forming a "Lone Star Squadron". Please let me hear from you. Oklahoma folks are ok as long as we do not talk football. Jimmie


    Message 30


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    Time: 11:36:19 PM PST US
    From: "Steve Cooper" <spdrflyr@earthlink.net>
    Subject: LSA clarification
    --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Steve Cooper" <spdrflyr@earthlink.net> Great Post...BUT! ;) On the other side of the coin, there have been modifications made to Standard Category Aircraft which DO make the aircraft eligible for LSA. One that comes to mind is the modification to (I believe it's and Aeronca(sp)?)This specific modification requires the 337 package and increases Gross Weight a little past the LSA limit. It was my understanding that the mod could be removed along with the appropriate log book entries and return the bird to LSA and legally flown as a Sport Plane. Am I wrong about this? Steve Cooper -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Clem Nichols Subject: Kitfox-List: LSA clarification --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Clem Nichols" <cnichols@scrtc.com> For any of you group members who may not have seen this, I think it's worth passing along, particularly since I've seen some postings regarding changing the gross weight on a Model V Kitfox to conform with the Sport Plane regulations. This was in answer to a question to the EAA about decreasing the gross weight on a standard-type aircraft per the type certificate datasheet which only requires a logbook endorsement like changing the prop. I quote: "The definition of a light-sport aircraft requires that an aircraft be continuously operated within the LSA definition. Any aircraft that has been altered so as to fall outside the LSA designation, regardless of whether or not the alteration is allowed by the type certificate, will not be eligible for operation by sport pilots, even if returned to original specifications. Once the aircraft is moved outside the LSA definition by any means, it is no longer eligible for operation by sport pilots, period." This may very well be worth noting by some group members who are considering passing up their medical exam. Yours, for what it's worth (And thanks, Frank, for your comments about Skystar. Best of luck) Clem Nichols No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.




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