---------------------------------------------------------- Kitfox-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Fri 01/14/05: 28 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 12:29 AM - Seat Adjustment Mod IV (Roberto Canino) 2. 03:51 AM - [off-topic] Vikings. WAS Jet Thrust (Michel Verheughe) 3. 06:17 AM - Re: Need reassurances.... (Donna and Roger McConnell) 4. 06:51 AM - Re: Need reassurances.... (Bob & Margaret Olson) 5. 07:00 AM - New on the group (Flynn & Viv Elliott) 6. 07:38 AM - Re: Seat Adjustment Mod IV (Lowell Fitt) 7. 07:56 AM - Re: New on the group (Bob & Margaret Olson) 8. 08:20 AM - Re: New on the group (W Duke) 9. 10:08 AM - Re: [off-topic] Vikings. WAS Jet Thrust (Randy Daughenbaugh) 10. 11:22 AM - Re: Photos taken from Kitfox (John King) 11. 11:26 AM - Re: Seat Adjustment Mod IV (AlbertaIV@aol.com) 12. 12:31 PM - Kitfox Wanted (Bruce Harrington) 13. 12:40 PM - Re: New on the group (William J. Applegate) 14. 01:20 PM - Re: Seat Adjustment Mod IV (Lowell Fitt) 15. 01:21 PM - Re: New on the group (Howard Firm) 16. 01:31 PM - Re: [off-topic] Vikings (Michel Verheughe) 17. 01:33 PM - Re: REFUELING FIRE! (Michel Verheughe) 18. 03:54 PM - Re: New on the group (William J. Applegate) 19. 03:58 PM - Re: Seat Adjustment Mod IV (AlbertaIV@aol.com) 20. 04:43 PM - Re: Photos taken from Kitfox (Steve Zakreski) 21. 05:02 PM - KF flight simulator (Pete Sigrist) 22. 06:44 PM - Re: KF flight simulator (Don Pearsall) 23. 06:47 PM - Things to do to your Kitfox to live longer (Steve Zakreski) 24. 07:51 PM - Bahamas (Steve Zakreski) 25. 07:55 PM - Re: KF flight simulator (Pete Sigrist) 26. 08:55 PM - RECERTIFICATION OF A PLANE FOR LSA (Richard Hutson) 27. 09:14 PM - Things to do to your Kitfox to live longer- Part 2 (Steve Zakreski) 28. 10:10 PM - Hot Off the Press: Sport Pilot News (Steve Cooper) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 12:29:50 AM PST US From: Roberto Canino Subject: Kitfox-List: Seat Adjustment Mod IV --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Roberto Canino Anyone who has moved the seats back in their Mod.IV out there? I'm realizing that I just don't have enough room, especially with warm boots on. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks, B __________________________________ http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 03:51:32 AM PST US From: Michel Verheughe Subject: Kitfox-List: [off-topic] Vikings. WAS Jet Thrust --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe > From: Randy Daughenbaugh [rjdaugh@rapidnet.com] > You don't fly with a helmet with Viking horns on it do you? BTW, I just read that "Viking" comes from "avvikinglar" which means: Deviants! (did you know that, Torgeir?). The vikings were Scandinavian exiled outlaws (deviants) that were not liked, especially in Scandinavia! Randy, in a previous email, I mistakingly wrote your name "Randi." I apologize for that since "Randi" is a girl's name in Norwegian. On the other hand, "Odd" is a Norwegian boy's name. This is the story of a Norwegian couple visiting the US and presenting themselves by saying: "Hi, I am Odd and she is Randi!" :-) Cheers, Michel do not archive ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 06:17:34 AM PST US From: "Donna and Roger McConnell" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Need reassurances.... --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Donna and Roger McConnell" Wade, Were you not on the list back in late Dec? We kick this around pretty good over the Christmas Holidays. Have faith, SS will come through I'll bet. Just make sure you know for sure that they will deliver on what they say before sending your money. I'm still learning my lesson. I've been waiting 2 years 4 months for my engine. Better still go to the archives and type Frank Miller, there is a pretty good letter from him on there current situation. Happy Landings Roger Mac (dreaming of Rotax engines) -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Greaves Subject: Kitfox-List: Need reassurances.... --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Greaves" Anyone else going nuts waiting for their kit? I ordered back in August....paid in full of course. Was told I would likely have my kit by end of October or mid November. Mid-Nov arrived and I was advised the spars were backed up for the quick builds and I would be looking at mid-December or so. After the second week of December came with no mention of what was happening, I contacted Skystar. I was notified that my kit had been sent out to somebody else and was told my kit would be ready by the end of Jan or early Feb. After asking for the tail components so I could get a start on the thing, on Dec 15, I was assured I would get the tail components soon. Here it is Jan 13th and no tail components.... Anybody going through this? Quite honestly I have been perplexed. If this were not essentially the best design in its class for what I am looking for in a LSA, I would be taking my money elsewhere....oh wait, the money is gone... Was hoping my building experience would be better and I still have hope. Grew up in the back of dad's Vari-eze after being a toddler in the back seat as it sat in the workshop. Dad's on his second now (an RV-7A) and just about to retire. Was hoping to have a great experience building and flying with dad but so far, it has gotten off to a rocky start. Being that I was looking at other designs and re-reading the "no refunds after 14 days" in the contract, are any of you survivors of this similar experience? My garage is barren except for every tool imaginable for the project. Some of that extra room came from motorcycles my wife talked me into selling for this project! Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Thanks, Wade ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 06:51:57 AM PST US From: Bob & Margaret Olson Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Need reassurances.... --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Bob & Margaret Olson I feel your pain! I paid for a kit in Aug 04, for a last of October to first of Nov delivery. Then I was told by the end of Nov. and then for sure by the end of the year, then middle or last part of Jan, and now sometime in Feb. !!! I purchased this kit so I could work on it this winter, as I do not have time in the summer. Now the winter is almost gone and all I have is false promises, and like you, an empty work shop!!!! Boys and girls, can you say "consumer fraud"? Bob Olson ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 07:00:40 AM PST US From: "Flynn & Viv Elliott" Subject: Kitfox-List: New on the group --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Flynn & Viv Elliott" Hi folks, I am brand new on the group ,my name is Flynn and live on the East coast of South Africa. I have been looking around for a new project and the KitFox seems to fit the bill, but need some good advice.Firstly I didn't know there were so many versions or models, what I am looking for in preference is a tail dragger, a plane capable of 100mph cruise, and having flown for the last six years with a Jab motor, that would be a preference. Any one flying that kind of installation ? I may even look around for one here in S A ,what model is latest, which is good and what if any to avoid. We have a couple of Kitfox look a likes here , the Bush Baby being a great little plane, but all seem to use either the 582 or 912 rotax. Also how is the factory back up and reliability,I.e do you guys get good support when needed , having built before I know only too well how a person can buy a kit only to find they are on there own when the dealing is done. Thanks in anticipation Have a good one Flynn ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 07:38:50 AM PST US From: "Lowell Fitt" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Seat Adjustment Mod IV --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" Roberto, The seats won't move. The rudder pedals might. You might check how far they are from the firewall at maximum deflection, considering, of course brake actuation and then add a longer adjusting link to get the max throw. I plan on doing that to mine during my imminent annual inspection. Lowell ----- Original Message ----- From: "Roberto Canino" Subject: Kitfox-List: Seat Adjustment Mod IV > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Roberto Canino > > Anyone who has moved the seats back in their Mod.IV > out there? I'm realizing that I just don't have > enough room, especially with warm boots on. > > Any suggestions appreciated. > > Thanks, > B > > > __________________________________ > http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 > > > BEGIN-ANTISPAM-VOTING-LINKS > ------------------------------------------------------ > Teach CanIt if this mail (ID 79676933) is spam: > Spam: http://login.safereach.com/b.php?c=s&i=79676933&m=3c0bb903ec80 > Not spam: http://login.safereach.com/b.php?c=n&i=79676933&m=3c0bb903ec80 > Forget vote: http://login.safereach.com/b.php?c=f&i=79676933&m=3c0bb903ec80 > ------------------------------------------------------ > END-ANTISPAM-VOTING-LINKS > > ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 07:56:35 AM PST US From: Bob & Margaret Olson Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: New on the group --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Bob & Margaret Olson Flynn, I will sell you my series 7 quick built kit, if I ever get it. Bob Olson ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 08:20:53 AM PST US From: W Duke Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: New on the group --> Kitfox-List message posted by: W Duke Flynn, Series 7 is the latest. I bought my Series 6 TD in August 2000 and had little trouble with Skystar. QB kit completed in about 1200 hours over 2.5 yrs with a Continental IO240. I got my best support from this list but Skystar was helpful also. There are some flying with Jabiru's and they are as partial to them as I am to my IO240 (very partial with about 370 hours). Maxwell Flynn & Viv Elliott wrote: --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Flynn & Viv Elliott" Hi folks, I am brand new on the group ,my name is Flynn and live on the East coast of South Africa. I have been looking around for a new project and the KitFox seems to fit the bill, but need some good advice.Firstly I didn't know there were so many versions or models, what I am looking for in preference is a tail dragger, a plane capable of 100mph cruise, and having flown for the last six years with a Jab motor, that would be a preference. Any one flying that kind of installation ? I may even look around for one here in S A ,what model is latest, which is good and what if any to avoid. We have a couple of Kitfox look a likes here , the Bush Baby being a great little plane, but all seem to use either the 582 or 912 rotax. Also how is the factory back up and reliability,I.e do you guys get good support when needed , having built before I know only too well how a person can buy a kit only to find they are on there own when the dealing is done. Thanks in anticipation Have a good one Flynn --------------------------------- ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 10:08:09 AM PST US From: "Randy Daughenbaugh" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: [off-topic] Vikings. WAS Jet Thrust --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Randy Daughenbaugh" just read that "Viking" comes from "avvikinglar" which means: Deviants! (did you know that, Torgeir?). Micheal, I guess that explains the horns. Good story. I am sure that you are aware of another definition of randy that makes the story even better. Randy - Too cold to fly, but thought I better mention flying. . ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 11:22:02 AM PST US From: John King Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Photos taken from Kitfox --> Kitfox-List message posted by: John King Steve, Great pictures. I am surprised that they allow aircraft to overfly the dam site today at that altitude. Are there any precautions you must observe.? Living near the Washington D.C. area, the pilots here have to avoid a lot of places or at least file an ADIZ flight plan. My home airport (W66) is just five miles outside the Washington ADIZ, which forces us to know exactly where we are all the time. It is a big waste of the Governments time and resources and a big pain for the local pilots. Several of our local pilots have lost their ticket for 190 days from a first time minor penetration. They are very unforgiving. It is not a pleasant event to be intercepted by Air Force jets or Blackhawks. I frequently get instructions in the mail from various agencies and organizations on the "Intercept Procedures in Response to a Violation of a Temporary Flight Restriction" that informs you as to what the intercept signals are, what they mean and how to respond. They make their intentions well understood. -- John King Warrenton, VA Steve Zakreski wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Steve Zakreski > >List > >I just posted some fun photos taken from the Kitfox 3 years ago: > > >Mount St Helen, up real close. Note the steam: >http://www.sportflight.com/uploads/MountStHelen.jpg > >Hoover Dam: >http://www.sportflight.com/uploads/HooverDam.jpg > >Approaching Las Vegas at Night after flying direct from Sonoma County, CA. >That's the Las Vegas Strip with all the casinos: >http://www.sportflight.com/uploads/ArrivingNightLasVegas.jpg > >SteveZ >Calgary > > > > ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 11:26:50 AM PST US From: AlbertaIV@aol.com Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Seat Adjustment Mod IV --> Kitfox-List message posted by: AlbertaIV@aol.com In a message dated 1/14/05 7:46:55 AM Pacific Standard Time, lcfitt@inreach.com writes: << I plan on doing that to mine during my imminent annual inspection. Lowell >> Lowell, Did you get taller or shorter since your last annual inspection? Do Not Archive Don Smythe N-998DS Classic IV W/ 582 ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 12:31:36 PM PST US From: "Bruce Harrington" Subject: Kitfox-List: Kitfox Wanted --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Bruce Harrington" Hi Guys, A fellow EAA Chapter 495 member is looking for a IV-1200 or Classic fox ready to fly. Preferably with Rotax 912. He wants Sport Pilot capable, so no Model 5s. He will convert from 2-stroke to 912 if necessary and price is right. Contact him at: Bill Frazier wpf380@yahoo.com (just double click) He has a Pulsar kit for sale or swap. Thanks, bh ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 12:40:48 PM PST US From: "William J. Applegate" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: New on the group --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "William J. Applegate" Hi Flynn & Viv Elliott , I have a new model 7 kit for sale with all parts delivered and inventoried. Contact me off list if you are interested. Regards..............Bill Flynn & Viv Elliott wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Flynn & Viv Elliott" > >Hi folks, I am brand new on the group ,my name is Flynn and live on the East coast of South Africa. >I have been looking around for a new project and the KitFox seems to fit the bill, but need some good advice.Firstly I didn't know there were so many versions or models, what I am looking for in preference is a tail dragger, a plane capable of 100mph cruise, and having flown for the last six years with a Jab motor, that would be a preference. Any one flying that kind of installation ? I may even look around for one here in S A ,what model is latest, which is good and what if any to avoid. We have a couple of Kitfox look a likes here , the Bush Baby being a great little plane, but all seem to use either the 582 or 912 rotax. > >Also how is the factory back up and reliability,I.e do you guys get good support when needed , having built before I know only too well how a person can buy a kit only to find they are on there own when the dealing is done. >Thanks in anticipation >Have a good one Flynn > > > > ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 01:20:04 PM PST US From: "Lowell Fitt" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Seat Adjustment Mod IV --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" Don, Neither, I think - maybe a little shorter. The post just reminds me of the occasional discomfort during long cross countries. What my problem really is, is my memory. I don't think of changing the linkage until I am far from home again. My annual is this month - the question came just in time for a heads up to schedule it in. I think I am getting pretty close to those days where I might have to shorten the linkage though. That is my life. Procrastinate something until it almost doesn't need doing. Lowell ----- Original Message ----- From: Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Seat Adjustment Mod IV > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: AlbertaIV@aol.com > > In a message dated 1/14/05 7:46:55 AM Pacific Standard Time, > lcfitt@inreach.com writes: > > << I plan on doing that to mine during my imminent annual inspection. > > Lowell >> > > Lowell, > Did you get taller or shorter since your last annual inspection? > > Do Not Archive > > Don Smythe > N-998DS Classic IV W/ 582 > > > BEGIN-ANTISPAM-VOTING-LINKS > ------------------------------------------------------ > Teach CanIt if this mail (ID 79963858) is spam: > Spam: http://login.safereach.com/b.php?c=s&i=79963858&m=31e72736d6fa > Not spam: http://login.safereach.com/b.php?c=n&i=79963858&m=31e72736d6fa > Forget vote: http://login.safereach.com/b.php?c=f&i=79963858&m=31e72736d6fa > ------------------------------------------------------ > END-ANTISPAM-VOTING-LINKS > > ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 01:21:40 PM PST US From: "Howard Firm" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: New on the group --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Howard Firm" What would you want for it Bill? I have a pilot friend that loves riding with me and is interested in building...He's afraid to plunk down money to Skystar though... Howard Firm 508 12th St. South Virginia MN 55792 ----- Original Message ----- From: "William J. Applegate" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: New on the group > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "William J. Applegate" > > Hi Flynn & Viv Elliott , > > I have a new model 7 kit for sale with all parts delivered and > inventoried. Contact me off list if you are interested. > > Regards..............Bill > ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 01:31:25 PM PST US From: Michel Verheughe Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: [off-topic] Vikings --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe Randy Daughenbaugh wrote: > Good story. I am sure that you are aware of another definition of randy > that makes the story even better. ... Yep! :-) Michel do not archive ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 01:33:26 PM PST US From: Michel Verheughe Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: REFUELING FIRE! --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe Torgeir Mortensen wrote: > Thought I should share this little story -cause it happened to my friend > Alfred, the builder of my Kitfox model II. Scary! I wonder: Is there more chance to get static electricity with a plane, than with a car? If so, why? Just wondering. Michel do not archive ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 03:54:10 PM PST US From: "William J. Applegate" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: New on the group --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "William J. Applegate" Hi Howard, Let's discuss. Forward your number off list or call me @520-296-1502 or cell @520-403-9173. Regards..........Bill Howard Firm wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Howard Firm" > >What would you want for it Bill? I have a pilot friend that loves riding >with me and is interested in building...He's afraid to plunk down money to >Skystar though... > > >Howard Firm >508 12th St. South >Virginia MN 55792 > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "William J. Applegate" >To: >Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: New on the group > > > > >>--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "William J. Applegate" >> >> > > > >>Hi Flynn & Viv Elliott , >> >>I have a new model 7 kit for sale with all parts delivered and >>inventoried. Contact me off list if you are interested. >> >>Regards..............Bill >> >> >> > > > > ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 03:58:52 PM PST US From: AlbertaIV@aol.com Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Seat Adjustment Mod IV --> Kitfox-List message posted by: AlbertaIV@aol.com In a message dated 1/14/05 1:28:59 PM Pacific Standard Time, lcfitt@inreach.com writes: << Don, Neither, I think - maybe a little shorter. The post just reminds me of the occasional discomfort during long cross countries. What my problem really is, is my memory. I don't think of changing the linkage until I am >> Hmmm, the first to go is memory..... Or was that s.. drive and it's a known fact you get shorter with age. I can't remember for sure but all mine is slipping away. The Rich Man landed his Robinson in my back yard a couple months back. I ran out, opened the passenger door and he looked at me rather puzzled and asked how to shut down the engine... He's 79. Sorry to the list for old age rambling. Do Not Archive Don Smythe N-998DS Classic IV W/ 582 ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 04:43:30 PM PST US From: Steve Zakreski Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Photos taken from Kitfox --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Steve Zakreski Hi John All those photos were taken before 911. Life is always trade-off. I live in flying paradise, with mountains and wide open spaces with virtually no restrictions. But it happened to be minus 28.5 degrees in Calgary last night. SteveZ -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of John King Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Photos taken from Kitfox --> Kitfox-List message posted by: John King Steve, Great pictures. I am surprised that they allow aircraft to overfly the dam site today at that altitude. Are there any precautions you must observe.? Living near the Washington D.C. area, the pilots here have to avoid a lot of places or at least file an ADIZ flight plan. My home airport (W66) is just five miles outside the Washington ADIZ, which forces us to know exactly where we are all the time. It is a big waste of the Governments time and resources and a big pain for the local pilots. Several of our local pilots have lost their ticket for 190 days from a first time minor penetration. They are very unforgiving. It is not a pleasant event to be intercepted by Air Force jets or Blackhawks. I frequently get instructions in the mail from various agencies and organizations on the "Intercept Procedures in Response to a Violation of a Temporary Flight Restriction" that informs you as to what the intercept signals are, what they mean and how to respond. They make their intentions well understood. -- John King Warrenton, VA Steve Zakreski wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Steve Zakreski > >List > >I just posted some fun photos taken from the Kitfox 3 years ago: > > >Mount St Helen, up real close. Note the steam: >http://www.sportflight.com/uploads/MountStHelen.jpg > >Hoover Dam: >http://www.sportflight.com/uploads/HooverDam.jpg > >Approaching Las Vegas at Night after flying direct from Sonoma County, CA. >That's the Las Vegas Strip with all the casinos: >http://www.sportflight.com/uploads/ArrivingNightLasVegas.jpg > >SteveZ >Calgary > > > > ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 05:02:15 PM PST US From: "Pete Sigrist" Subject: Kitfox-List: KF flight simulator --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Pete Sigrist" A friend thought that he saw a post about a KF flight simulator a month or so back. Would appreciate any info that anyone may have. thanks ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 06:44:35 PM PST US From: "Don Pearsall" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: KF flight simulator --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Pearsall" Pete, there is a Kitfox for Microsoft Flight Simulator, is that what you are talking about? Someone here should have the source for it. I don't think it is a standard plane that comes with the software, but you can create it. Don Pearsall -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Pete Sigrist Subject: Kitfox-List: KF flight simulator --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Pete Sigrist" A friend thought that he saw a post about a KF flight simulator a month or so back. Would appreciate any info that anyone may have. thanks ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 06:47:31 PM PST US From: Steve Zakreski Subject: Kitfox-List: Things to do to your Kitfox to live longer --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Steve Zakreski Catchy subject eh! How about we exchange some ideas for making the Kitfox safer. Discuss common ways to hurt yourself in a Kitfox (or any aircraft) , and ways to lessen the odds by building the Kitfox differently. As I read accident reports, people are still hurting themselves for reasons they shouldn't in this day and age. There are tons old pros that I hope will jump in, but here's some of my favourites: Fuel Exhaustion 1: One of the most common causes of aircraft accidents is fuel exhaustion. I did two things to address this item and I'm glad I did. The first is to add a low fuel sensor in the header tank, and a bright warning light front center in the instrument panel. It costs a couple of hundred bucks, and almost guarantees that I will not run out of fuel in event of...well simply not paying attention, but also protecting me against fuel blockage at the fuel tanks, or fuel being siphoned out due to a missing gas cap, or a fuel leak, pinched fuel lines due to baggage, or forgetting to turn the fuel on, etc. Why bother if it only gives me about 10 minutes warning you ask? Well 10 minutes is AMPLE time for me to put my Kitfox down somewhere safe, that's why, especially if I pull back to just above idle and shallow glide for probably 30 minutes to some airport. This item is the biggest life saver bang for the buck in my opinion. Fuel Exhaustion 2: Fuel flow Totalizer. People, once you have had one, you will feel naked without one. Again, not all that expensive. Mine was an option with my RMI Engine Monitor, but there are a few out there for a couple of hundred bucks I seem to recall. Not only does it tell you exactly how much fuel I have at all times, but it tells me how much longer I can fly based on the current fuel flow. Since the GPS tells you "time to destination", the two combined make fuel management a no brainier. With these first two items you have reduced the odds of running out of fuel to a miniscule level. And both together add up to maybe 1 lb. in weight. Getting Lost: If there is anyone out there flying without a GPS, no matter how small your budget, smarten up. Buy a used one for a hundred bucks. You will never get lost again. I carry two because I often fly in remote areas. OK, we're not going to run out of fuel, and we are not going to get lost. Disorientation: VFR pilots still regularly fly into clouds and fall out of the sky. As much as you tell yourself you will only fly in blue skies, if you are using the Kitfox to go places, you will run into situations where you are flirting with clouds, or with rain, or mist, or night flying, where orientation becomes an issue. My opinion is all working aircraft need some kind of attitude indication to get you out of trouble. And all pilots should be comfortable enough to fly the attitude indicator. In Canada, we get instrument training (something like 5 hours if I recall) as part of out Private Pilot, I don't know about the rest of you guys. The first two hours of flying the attitude indicator will make you sweat more than anything you ever did out of bed, but just like everything else in flying, suddenly you catch on and it becomes second nature. What kind of attitude indicator. There are some great solid state attitude indicators out there now which are perfect for a Kitfox since they only weigh a pound or so (Control Vision). Unfortunately, whether you use solid state indicator or a full 9 lbs vacuum system, it will set you back about $2,000. A lot of people use a Turn Coordinator for about $500 which I suppose is a good second best, though I'm not sure how comfortable I would be with one if I was in a bind. I like the TruTrak I saw at Oshkosh. http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/in/turncoordinators.html I think I could fly that. supper time. bye for now. SteveZ calgary ________________________________ Message 24 ____________________________________ Time: 07:51:25 PM PST US From: Steve Zakreski Subject: Kitfox-List: Bahamas --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Steve Zakreski John Where are you going next? Costa Rica maybe? You've been in every other direction. SteveZ -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of John King Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Photos taken from Kitfox --> Kitfox-List message posted by: John King Steve, Great pictures. I am surprised that they allow aircraft to overfly the dam site today at that altitude. Are there any precautions you must observe.? Living near the Washington D.C. area, the pilots here have to avoid a lot of places or at least file an ADIZ flight plan. My home airport (W66) is just five miles outside the Washington ADIZ, which forces us to know exactly where we are all the time. It is a big waste of the Governments time and resources and a big pain for the local pilots. Several of our local pilots have lost their ticket for 190 days from a first time minor penetration. They are very unforgiving. It is not a pleasant event to be intercepted by Air Force jets or Blackhawks. I frequently get instructions in the mail from various agencies and organizations on the "Intercept Procedures in Response to a Violation of a Temporary Flight Restriction" that informs you as to what the intercept signals are, what they mean and how to respond. They make their intentions well understood. -- John King Warrenton, VA Steve Zakreski wrote: >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Steve Zakreski > >List > >I just posted some fun photos taken from the Kitfox 3 years ago: > > >Mount St Helen, up real close. Note the steam: >http://www.sportflight.com/uploads/MountStHelen.jpg > >Hoover Dam: >http://www.sportflight.com/uploads/HooverDam.jpg > >Approaching Las Vegas at Night after flying direct from Sonoma County, CA. >That's the Las Vegas Strip with all the casinos: >http://www.sportflight.com/uploads/ArrivingNightLasVegas.jpg > >SteveZ >Calgary > > ________________________________ Message 25 ____________________________________ Time: 07:55:42 PM PST US From: "Pete Sigrist" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: KF flight simulator --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Pete Sigrist" Thanks Don ________________________________ Message 26 ____________________________________ Time: 08:55:42 PM PST US From: "Richard Hutson" Subject: Kitfox-List: RECERTIFICATION OF A PLANE FOR LSA --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Richard Hutson" This is from the EAA email letter, I have noticed several posts regarding this subject and decided to share . Q & A: Question of the Week Question for EAA Aviation Services: As indicated on the sportpilot.org website, standard certificate aircraft might have their eligibility for LSA altered due to modification by STC or field approval. I have an opportunity to acquire a beautiful Luscombe 8E and would like to operate it as an LSA, but the gross takeoff weight is 1400 lbs, 80 lbs too high. Maybe this is a foolish question, but what are the chances of getting a gross takeoff weight lowered (say roughly 80 lbs or so) by STC or field approval? Any chance? Answer: No, you would not be able to modify the 8E so as to be eligible for operation by sport pilots. A sport pilot must fly an aircraft that meets the definition of a light sport aircraft (LSA). The definition of a light-sport aircraft, as called out in 14 CFR 1.1, requires that an aircraft be originally certificated and continuously operated within the LSA definition. The Luscombe 8E was not originally certificated within the LSA definition, nor has it been continuously operated within the definition. Thus, it cannot be made eligible for operation by a sport pilot, regardless of what modifications are made. ________________________________ Message 27 ____________________________________ Time: 09:14:34 PM PST US From: Steve Zakreski Subject: Kitfox-List: Things to do to your Kitfox to live longer- Part 2 --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Steve Zakreski Ground Loop: OK, not exactly a pilot killer, but the dollar value of bent up Kitfoxes caused by ground loops probably exceeds the cost of all other accidents put together. I've never ground looped or come close, so I'm either lucky because my landing gear geometry happened to come out all nice and aligned, or I'm lucky because I have not yet had the set of wind conditions. But I have to say that my aircraft seems to have very little tendency to even want to ground loop. I can't help but suspect that lucky or not, geometry and set-up plays a big role. I have Grove gear which has a wider stance, and that may help. I suspect it ends up being factory aligned better than the stock gear, but that's just a guess. My point is this: If, during your early slow speed taxi tests, you have a difficult time maintaining directional control, don't fly the thing. You don't want to join the long list of Kitfoxes that got bent up in the first few hours of flight. John King published a piece on aligning the gear a few years back, find it, and check yours carefully. Also make sure your tailwheel chains have enough tension so the tailwheel does not kick out to easily. Too tight is better than too loose. The Kitfox is a very easy and fun aircraft to fly, once property set up. Taxi Accidents: Some people disagree on this, but once again, too many Kitfoxes have been damaged early in their career during high speed taxi tests. It is simply way to easy to be surprised and go airborne on an aircraft as light as a Kitfox. I did lots of low speed taxiing, all over the airport. Left turns, right turns, spinning around, getting a precise feel as to how aggressive I could get before the tailwheel would kick out. But when it came time to fly, I just hammered it and went flying. The actual time the Kitfox spends in high speed taxi is maybe 4 or 5 seconds. Even when landing, (a stall landing that is), it only spend a few seconds in high speed taxi mode. High speed taxi mode in a cross wind is probably the most dangerous phase of the flight, so don't spend any more time there than you have to. As you gain experience, you will naturally develop more and more comfort (and respect) during the high speed taxi. Fuel Contamination: The most likely time to have contaminated fuel is your first flight. Think of all the crap that could have found it's way into your fuel tanks and fuel system during the years of construction, at the factory or in your garage. I did the first major cleaning of my tanks during construction of course, but since we had a few builders discover microfibers in the fuel system, I was somewhat paranoid. Before assembly, I set up a loop using some hoses and an automotive fuel pump and an automotive fuel filter, taking fuel out the fuel outlet through the fuel filter, and looping it back into the tank. Wired it up, and pumped fuel in a loop for an hour while I jostled the tank. Fire extinguisher handy. Then after construction during ground testing, I disconnected the fuel line where it connects to the carburetor, added some fittings and a long hose, and this time used the aircraft electric fuel pump to loop fuel through the system and back into the wing tank through the filler...again, while jostling the entire aircraft. This long hose assembly is now a regularly used item to transfer fuel from one tank to the other, or to pump fuel into 5 gallon containers. Engine failure on Climb out: We hear too often of engine failures on climb out, often during first flight. So what should you do? Well I'll tell you what I did. I securely blocked the aircraft in a steep nose high angle, disconnected the fuel line at the carburettor and into a jug, and then turn the pump on for 10 minutes, wiggling the wings, shaking the aircraft up and down, anything I could do to simulate the aircraft during climb out watching the fuel come out looking for telltale signs of fuel hesitation. In Canada, we are required to actually measure the fuel flow and log it. I then did an engine run test, with the aircraft securely tied down, nose pointing up, engine full throttle, two buddies standing by with a fire extinguisher, and shaking the plane around, making sure there was no engine hesitation. I did it again with the engine hot. I did this several times totalling an hour or two. I considered this my final test before flight, so I sort of played around in the cockpit getting real comfortable with all the controls, noises and readings. Make sure they are forgiving friends. Stall/Spin: I'd prefer to leave this subject to the experts, but I'll say my simple bit. We lost three Kitfoxes in quick succession a few years ago due to engine failure on takeoff, where, despite all the training we get on this subject, the pilots tried to turn the aircraft around and make it back to the airport. All spun into the ground, all fatal. I became a bit paranoid because of it for my first few flights, but with a little more experience, all I can say is, remember your training. In climb out, the aircraft is virtually standing on it's propeller. If the engine goes quiet, even if there is water or trees ahead of you, nose forward immediately! Not 3 seconds later, but immediately! Secure your airspeed, and THEN, figure out where to go. Probably straight ahead, but as long as you maintain airspeed your safe. Have this drill on your mind every time you takeoff. OK...do you have a knot in you stomach now? Good. Flying is dangerous. The Kitfox is probably one of the safer aircraft out there, but all flying is dangerous. Go forward fully aware, fully prepared, fully alert. Damn its fun. Family time...bye SteveZ Calgary ________________________________ Message 28 ____________________________________ Time: 10:10:37 PM PST US From: "Steve Cooper" Subject: Kitfox-List: Hot Off the Press: Sport Pilot News --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Steve Cooper" There is no phase one for Experimental light Sport Aircraft if the plane was previously flown under a USUA, EAA or ASC Training Exemption. Phil Lockwood of Lockwood Aviation has the first Certificated ELSA- a Maxair Drifter. The plane was flown for 33 hours registered with USUA and received a 33 hour Phase One with an instant sign-off from Marty Weaver, the FAA LSA Chief himself at Sebring Florida. So much for the Chicken or the EGG theory AVweb and others criticized the rule for... Steve Cooper Avid Mark IV Jabiru/Tailwheel N919SC