Today's Message Index:
----------------------
1. 06:42 AM - Re: Kitfoxes to Alaska 2005! (Andrew Matthaey)
2. 07:01 AM - Re: Kitfoxes to Alaska 2005! (Lowell Fitt)
3. 07:06 AM - GSC Prop Pitch (Andrew Matthaey)
4. 07:23 AM - Re: GSC Prop Pitch (AlbertaIV@aol.com)
5. 08:04 AM - Re: GSC Prop Pitch (kitfox@gto.net)
6. 08:11 AM - GSC Prop Pitch (kitfox@gto.net)
7. 08:32 AM - Re: GSC Prop Pitch (Bruce Harrington)
8. 08:34 AM - Re: GSC Prop Pitch (kerrjohna@comcast.net)
9. 08:37 AM - Revs, power, and making progress. (Kerry Skyring)
10. 12:36 PM - Re: NW Ohio fly-in (Lynn Matteson)
11. 02:32 PM - Re: NW Ohio fly-in (Fred Shiple)
12. 02:49 PM - Newbie questions... (Jeremy Casey)
13. 03:36 PM - Model 2 leaf spring (Dieflyer@aol.com)
14. 06:02 PM - Identification of Plug Caps (Rex & Jan Shaw)
15. 06:36 PM - Re: Model 2 leaf spring (Dee Young)
16. 08:13 PM - VIxen Inquiry (srud0fc02@sneakemail.com)
17. 08:14 PM - Re: Newbie questions... (jdmcbean)
Message 1
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| Subject: | Kitfoxes to Alaska 2005! |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Andrew Matthaey" <spaghettiohead@hotmail.com>
I found that yesterday - I would love to do it, but I don't think my 'fox
will keep up with their 912 power! Someday I will ;)
Andrew
>From: "Don Pearsall" <donpearsall@comcast.net>
>Reply-To: kitfox-list@matronics.com
>To: <kitfox-list@matronics.com>
>Subject: Kitfox-List: Kitfoxes to Alaska 2005!
>Date: Wed, 8 Jun 2005 23:22:13 -0700
>
>--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Pearsall" <donpearsall@comcast.net>
>
>They went in 1998, they went in 2002, and now follow the adventures of four
>aviators as they wind their way to the Far North of Alaska. On June 10,
>2005, these four pilots will join up at the annual Cameron Park Kitfox
>Fly-in in California to begin their trip north. They will join another
>group of Kitfoxes, also departing the fly-in, going to Cavanaugh Bay on
>Priest Lake in northern Idaho.
>
>The pilots are Robert Oliver of San Luis Obispo, California, flying a
>Kitfox
>Series, powered by a Rotax 912ULS. Robert first flew to Alaska in 2001 and
>returned on the trip organized by John King in 2002. Clint Bazzill, from
>Half Moon Bay, California, will fly his Kitfox Model IV-1200, also powered
>by a Rotax 912ULS. Clint is an experienced pilot, as well as a Ham radio
>operator. Third, is Jim Simmons from Erie, Colorado (near Denver). While
>he won't be flying a Kitfox, he will have a little more room for
>"necessities" in his C-172K. Jim, also a Ham, originally started the
>Kitfox
>List in the early '90s, so is more than familiar with the whole Kitfox
>phenomena. Lastly, is Stan Specht of Lakewood, Colorado (a suburb of
>Denver). He has a Kitfox Model IV Speedster, powered by a Rotax 912UL.
>Stan
>lived and flew in Alaska in the 1970's, and was part of the 2002 Alaska
>trip, so he is looking forward to possibly seeing some old cronies.
>
>Alter leaving Cavanaugh Bay, the group will cross into Canada and work
>their
>way up the "Trench" toward Watson Lake, B.C., with a probable side trip to
>Skagway, Alaska. They will then generally follow the Yukon River from its
>headwaters to Dawson City, Yukon Territory, and cross into Alaska. They
>hope to reach Deadhorse and Barrow, with a few stops at some hot springs,
>and end up in Nome. From Nome, they'll follow the famous Iditarod Trial to
>Anchorage. Alter exploring South-central Alaska, its home via the Alaska
>Highway and other points south back to the Lower Forty-eight. Look for
>pictures of some big fish and stories of other "big ones that got away"
>from
>this group over the next four weeks.
>
>Please tune into http://www.sportflight.com/alaska2005/ and follow along.
>
>Don Pearsall (on behalf of Stan Specht - aka Sourdough Stan)
>
>
Dont just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/
Message 2
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| Subject: | Re: Kitfoxes to Alaska 2005! |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" <lcfitt@sbcglobal.net>
Don (Stan) thanks for the report and thanks for the plug for the annual
Cameron Park Fly-in.
This year there will be three groups assembling at the fly-in for departures
to the North.
The Alaska group already mentioned.
John McBean's group that plans a trip up through Caldwell, Hell's Canyon
with the destination Cavanaugh Bay, a can't believe it until you see it
place - beautiful grass strip, great food, and all on the southern edge of a
magnificant forrest surrounded lake.
Then there will be the begining of the annual pilgrimage of the very
informal, unnamed Idaho Back Country group. There should be close to eight
Kitfoxes or other similar home built types that fly into lots of back
country sites. In 2002 there were twenty different strips / airports in the
itinerary, including Owyhee State Airport in Oregon, Moose Lake, Sulfur
Creek and Cayuse Creek. After landing at Owyhee a following pilot asked how
to tell if he was on the runway. In this case if you could see it out of
the side window, you weren't on it. It was that narrow.
Anyway as I write this it is raining in Cameron Park, but every forcast has
Saturday sunny and warm. The invitation is still open to all. If you can
make it, you will be most welcome. My wife Kay has been doing the shopping
and the food should be abundant. By all accounts, this should be the
largest attrended with the most airplanes in the fly-in's six year history.
For more info go to http://cameronparkkitfox.com Don't forget to check the
link to the 2001 Idaho trip, it has a couple of shots of Cavanugh Bay, the
destination of John's group.
Lowell
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Pearsall" <donpearsall@comcast.net>
Subject: Kitfox-List: Kitfoxes to Alaska 2005!
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Pearsall"
> <donpearsall@comcast.net>
>
> They went in 1998, they went in 2002, and now follow the adventures of
> four
> aviators as they wind their way to the Far North of Alaska. On June 10,
> 2005, these four pilots will join up at the annual Cameron Park Kitfox
> Fly-in in California to begin their trip north. They will join another
> group of Kitfoxes, also departing the fly-in, going to Cavanaugh Bay on
> Priest Lake in northern Idaho.
>
> The pilots are Robert Oliver of San Luis Obispo, California, flying a
> Kitfox
> Series, powered by a Rotax 912ULS. Robert first flew to Alaska in 2001 and
> returned on the trip organized by John King in 2002. Clint Bazzill, from
> Half Moon Bay, California, will fly his Kitfox Model IV-1200, also powered
> by a Rotax 912ULS. Clint is an experienced pilot, as well as a Ham radio
> operator. Third, is Jim Simmons from Erie, Colorado (near Denver). While
> he won't be flying a Kitfox, he will have a little more room for
> "necessities" in his C-172K. Jim, also a Ham, originally started the
> Kitfox
> List in the early '90s, so is more than familiar with the whole Kitfox
> phenomena. Lastly, is Stan Specht of Lakewood, Colorado (a suburb of
> Denver). He has a Kitfox Model IV Speedster, powered by a Rotax 912UL.
> Stan
> lived and flew in Alaska in the 1970's, and was part of the 2002 Alaska
> trip, so he is looking forward to possibly seeing some old cronies.
>
> Alter leaving Cavanaugh Bay, the group will cross into Canada and work
> their
> way up the "Trench" toward Watson Lake, B.C., with a probable side trip to
> Skagway, Alaska. They will then generally follow the Yukon River from its
> headwaters to Dawson City, Yukon Territory, and cross into Alaska. They
> hope to reach Deadhorse and Barrow, with a few stops at some hot springs,
> and end up in Nome. From Nome, they'll follow the famous Iditarod Trial
> to
> Anchorage. Alter exploring South-central Alaska, its home via the Alaska
> Highway and other points south back to the Lower Forty-eight. Look for
> pictures of some big fish and stories of other "big ones that got away"
> from
> this group over the next four weeks.
>
> Please tune into http://www.sportflight.com/alaska2005/ and follow along.
>
> Don Pearsall (on behalf of Stan Specht - aka Sourdough Stan)
>
>
>
Message 3
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--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Andrew Matthaey" <spaghettiohead@hotmail.com>
Does anybody know where to measure the pitch on the 3-Blade 68in GSC? I
believe it is somewhere about a third way towards the root - am I correct?
Thanks!
Andrew
Dont just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/
Message 4
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| Subject: | Re: GSC Prop Pitch |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: AlbertaIV@aol.com
In a message dated 6/9/2005 10:09:07 AM Eastern Standard Time,
spaghettiohead@hotmail.com writes:
Does anybody know where to measure the pitch on the 3-Blade 68in GSC? I
believe it is somewhere about a third way towards the root - am I correct?
Thanks!
Andrew
Andrew,
I use a point about 2/3 from the hub towards the blade tips. I use the
same method on the GSC and Warp. It doesn't much matter at what point you
use but, I would measure from a known point and use the same "exact" spot for
all future measurements. You will set a reference point for that prop so you
can always come back to it. Record the pitch angle.
As a side note, I got into a little disagreement with Warp. They say to
measure their props at the tip.. I optically mapped my three blade tips and
found them to be slightly different within a couple inches from the tips.
During the mapping, I found a spot about 3/4 out that was right on with each
blade. I think it's 21" from the hub. So, I always measure out 21" and
position the protractor. So, if someone were to ask what the blade pitch is for
a
certain RPM, I would have to give them the pitch at 21". That pitch angle
is quite different at the tips.
Don Smythe
Classic IV w/ 582
Message 5
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| Subject: | Re: GSC Prop Pitch |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: kitfox@gto.net
Andrew, Slide your gsc tool onto prop till it rests and it will be
about 24" from centre or just over 21" from alum hub.
Make sure that each blade is smae height at you check all 3 blades.
check level after each 1 turn
recheck
recheck.
make sure al blades are the same (no more that 1/4 degree variance.
Check tracking - i use a stool that meets the tip ans set it 1/8 inch
away ---
turn prop --you should have no more than 1/16" variance.
I got 68" on c box with 3:1 ratio and i set at 15 3/4 deg now. it a
bit course maybe by 1/4 degree. but i do get 6200 static at best. Only
problem is less performance now with 80F + temps and humid here.
Hope this helps you.
Kirby
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Andrew Matthaey"
<spaghettiohead@hotmail.com>
>
> Does anybody know where to measure the pitch on the 3-Blade 68in GSC?
I
> believe it is somewhere about a third way towards the root - am I
correct?
>
> Thanks!
> Andrew
Message 6
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--> Kitfox-List message posted by: kitfox@gto.net
Andrew, one mor thing !!
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the bolts -- max torque it about 8 foot/lbs or 100
inch pounds.
If your alum hub halves are touching it too tight. you should have a
a few thousands clearance.
If you over tighten -- you will crush your blades.
once set re - safety wire and try. ( just hub bolts get satefy wire)
Kirby
Message 7
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| Subject: | Re: GSC Prop Pitch |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Bruce Harrington" <aerowood@mcsi.net>
Hi Andrew,
I used 75% from the hub center, marked the blades, and used a laser pointer
graciously provided by Don Smythee.
I pitched for 14-15 at that point.
bh
> Does anybody know where to measure the pitch on the 3-Blade 68in GSC? I
> believe it is somewhere about a third way towards the root - am I correct?
>
> Thanks!
> Andrew
Message 8
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| Subject: | Re: GSC Prop Pitch |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: kerrjohna@comcast.net
75% out or 25% in....
-------------- Original message --------------
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Andrew Matthaey"
>
>
> Does anybody know where to measure the pitch on the 3-Blade 68in GSC? I
> believe it is somewhere about a third way towards the root - am I correct?
>
> Thanks!
> Andrew
>
> Dont just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
> http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/
>
>
>
>
>
>
75% out or 25% in....
-------------- Original message --------------
-- Kitfox-List message posted by: "Andrew Matthaey"
<SPAGHETTIOHEAD@HOTMAIL.COM>
Does anybody know where to measure the pitch on the 3-Blade 68in GSC? I
believe it is somewhere about a third way towards the root - am I correct?
Thanks!
Andrew
Dont just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/
Message 9
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| Subject: | Revs, power, and making progress. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Kerry Skyring" <kerryskyring@hotmail.com>
Someone wrote...
>It takes a given amount of power to cruise at a given airspeed. You
>get that power from rpm and torque. If you save on rpm by overpitching
>your prop, you have to make up the horsepower with extra torque, and by
>now you can probably guess where that leads you.
This has been a great discussion and makes me feel much better when I run my
finer pitched
Gipsy Major (I'm an Auster flyer) 100 revs higher than those with a coarser
pitch. I had always
thought I was reducing my engine life but now I know better. It also backs
up that "feeling" I #
have always had that my Gipsy just likes 2050 rpm instead of 1950 rpm.
Anyway back to Kitfoxes...
It's quite a while since I posted but the Vienna Kitfox (S5 with 912S) is
getting close to lift-off. Engine has run - all went well - instruments,
fuel, power, all seem ok. Wings are on but there's still quite a bit to be
done. Cowls, flaperons and turtle deck to paint, final assembly, checking,
weight and balance. Final inspection has been set for end of July. Will we
make it? Rhetorical question.
And then there's all the paper-work. It has fallen to me to translate the
maintenance manual into German. I'd rather be flying but at least the first
flight is in sight. Safe flying and thanks again to the list for all the
great info.
Kerry
Kitfox builders helper.
>
>
Message 10
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| Subject: | Re: NW Ohio fly-in |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt@jps.net>
I'm gong to try to make it, Fred....walking, of course...well, actually
driving. : )
Lynn
do not archive
On Wednesday, June 8, 2005, at 12:36 PM, Fred Shiple wrote:
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Fred Shiple
> <fredshiple@sbcglobal.net>
>
> EAA Chapter 582 is putting on our annual fly-in on Jun 25th and 26th
> at Wood County Airport-1G0-Bowling Green, OH. Pancake breakfast and
> lunch both days. Anyone in the group interested in getting together
> Saturday (or Sunday) for breakfast?
> I'm co-chairing so I have a vested interest.
> Fred
>
>
Message 11
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| Subject: | Re: NW Ohio fly-in |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Fred Shiple <fredshiple@sbcglobal.net>
looking forward to seeing you again. we had a nice
pilot turnout last year. if you know ahead of time
when you'll travel, let me know so i can be looking
for you.
fred
> I'm gong to try to make it, Fred....walking, of
> course...well, actually
> driving. : )
>
> Lynn
do not archive
Message 12
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| Subject: | Newbie questions... |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jeremy Casey" <n79rt@kilocharlie.us>
New list member here...have a few newbie questions and don't know how to
get info without just throwing a bunch of questions out there...recently
bought an older Series 5 kit and hence the reason for the curiosity...
Was wondering if anyone has done a conversion of a Series 5 trigear
(Vixen) to a tailwheel? What would be involved?
Just wondering if it's been done...(I know welding is involved...not a
problem...;-) I'm wondering if there are any significant structural
differences between the tailwheel/tri-gear cages..i.e. smaller tubing,
missing bracing, etc... Some good pictures of a tailwheel Series 5
would help immensely.
Second question...the Series 7 has an asymmetrical airfoil section for
the flaperons...how big of an improvement was there? I couldn't find
any real numbers so I guess I'm wondering if any Series 5/6 guys have
done the upgrade and if so, how did it go?
Third question, what is the typical empty weights of these Series 5
birds? I found an article in Experimenter back around 2002 with a
beautiful Vixen in it, but it said the empty weight was something like
960 or so...now it had a O-290, which is a serious heavyweight of an
engine...so I wondered what was more average...
What are the major differences between Series 5,6,7?
I saw that there had been a Service Letter about the nosewheel on the
Series 5's and since I'll be flying this plane from my 1000' grass (
http://www.kilocharlie.us/images/briarpatch_large.jpg
)backyard...(smooth, but grass none the less) I'm curious what the
history has been with them? (I know tailwheel is better for rough fields
and I'm tailwheel rated, but the unfinished kit I just found was a
tri-gear, and evidently doesn't have the taildragger mounts welded in at
the factory..."convertible" was evidently not started till Series 7.
One last...I'm a repeat offender when it comes to airplane building, but
have never built a Kitfox. Was wondering if there were some good
builder websites with some construction pictures in them? Would like to
get a feel for the build sequence of the Kitfox. (a few bolts, glue on
the fabric, spray paint, and fly...right??? ;-)
Jeremy Casey
Future Kitfox builder...
jeremy@kilocharlie.us
www.kilocharlie.us
Message 13
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| Subject: | Model 2 leaf spring |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Dieflyer@aol.com
Does anyone know where I can buy a tailwheel leaf spring that will work on a
Model 2? I have a Maule 101 tailwheel, and the leaf is 1 1/4" wide. Thanks.
Message 14
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| Subject: | Identification of Plug Caps |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Rex & Jan Shaw" <rexjan@bigpond.com>
Thanks for the info Rex - but how do I know if I have Resistor Caps -
will
they say on the wires or caps at all?
Andrew
Hi ! Andrew,
the simple answer is to measure the cap but maybe this
is not so simple for you. Well I'm just looking at an NGK box now in front
of me. It says "Spark Plug Resistor Cover" on the end under that is stamped
LB05F so that seems to identify resistor caps. I do note on the actual cap
though that it is stamped LB05EZ so unfortunately this method seems to leave
a bit to be desired. As I said the real way is to measure them. Let me
explain. These caps are screwed on to the lead. just pull back the rubber
sleeve around the lead, hold the lead and twist the cap anti-clockwise. It
will screw off. You will see inside where the lead came out of what looks
like a brass wood screw. You now need a multimeter to measure from this to
the brass fitting in the other end of the cap that sits on the plug. You
should get a reading of around 5,000 ohms [5K ] if you have a resistor cap
and virtually zero ohms if you have a non resistor cap. If you can't do this
any electronics mate can do this in 2 seconds for you. In fact even a repair
shop should not charge to tell you this as it is so easy.
Now a word of warning if you are going to buy new caps take care what you
pay for them. They are only worth between $2 and $3 each not 10 times that
like some aviation places seem to charge. In fact there is no reason to go
to an aviation place for them. Just try an Auto parts supplier or Lawnmower,
Motorcycle or outboard repair shop.
Rex.
rexjan@bigpond.com
Message 15
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| Subject: | Re: Model 2 leaf spring |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dee Young" <henrysfork1@msn.com>
ACS has them available I think.
Dee Young
Model II
N345DY
Do not archive
----- Original Message -----
From: Dieflyer@aol.com<mailto:Dieflyer@aol.com>
To: kitfox-list@matronics.com<mailto:kitfox-list@matronics.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2005 4:35 PM
Subject: Kitfox-List: Model 2 leaf spring
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Dieflyer@aol.com<mailto:Dieflyer@aol.com>
Does anyone know where I can buy a tailwheel leaf spring that will work on a
Model 2? I have a Maule 101 tailwheel, and the leaf is 1 1/4" wide. Thanks.
Message 16
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--> Kitfox-List message posted by: srud0fc02@sneakemail.com
Dear Fellow Aviator,
I apologize for this somewhat generic message, but if the internet wasn't so dang
effective and efficient I wouldn't have over a hundred queries to respond to
from a 1-3 day exposure on the Skystar factory website, Barnstormers.com ads
and the two Matronics Listservs that I utilized to get my bargain priced Vixen
kit out there for everyone to consider.
So please excuse the anonymity of this response. I truly wish that I had the time
to write each of you who asked for more information on an individual basis,
but I really don't. And I don't want to slight anyone by not responding.
First of all, the Skystar Vixen Aircraft Kit (Series V) Serial # ADV-027 has been
sold. That is, I have accepted a deposit to hold it and the buyer is now making
arrangements to pick it up here in Missouri. As I have told several of you
who called, should anything happen to that transaction, I will get back in touch
with you as I am keeping your contact information until the deal is all done.
Secondly, I was amazed at how many of you were hoping this was a taildragger (or
could be converted to one). The good folks at Skystar say that the Model V was
configured to be one or the other and my Vixen was destined to keep it's a
_ _ up in the air forever.
Thanks to those of you, who even though you already had your kit, or mine wasn't
just right for you, showed what a class act the aviation community is with your
helpful suggestions.
Thank you again for your interest.
Blue skies and lotsa great flying to you,
Rich Young (who is on his way to Panama)
P.S. One of the exciting side-benefits of my having posted my email address at
these various sites has been the rather substantial and numerous offers I am receiving
to help expatriate large sums of money from government restricted bank
accounts for which I am assured that I will be handsomely rewarded for having
helped these poor unfortunate African widows. Not to mention all the other wonderful
opportunities to have various body parts enlarged or strengthened.
Almost too much for this country boy. Ain't the internet something?
Message 17
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| Subject: | Newbie questions... |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "jdmcbean" <jdmcbean@cableone.net>
Jeremy,
Welcome to the list..
Was wondering if anyone has done a conversion of a Series 5 trigear (Vixen)
to a tailwheel?
There are several different changes and some are structural... I do not know
of anyone that has gone from a tri to tail..
Series 7 has an asymmetrical airfoil section for the flaperons...how big of
an improvement was there?
Decreased adverse yaw, aided in stability, decreased roll rate (would only
be noticed if going from fox to fox)
what is the typical empty weights of these Series 5
birds?
Depends on engine... Rotax power are typically 700 - 850, Lyc and Cont are
typically 900 - 1100, Soobs......
What are the major differences between Series 5,6,7?
5 - Tri or Tail.. Vixen/Voyager = Tri gear.. Safari/ Outback = Tail Wheel
various gross weights.. 1200, 1400 and 1550
6 - Convertible gear - 1550 Gross
7 - Convertible gear, flaperons, manual trim, firewall forward for Rotax
engines. Newer 7's have a large baggage area.
I saw that there had been a Service Letter about the nosewheel on the Series
5's
Two different nose gear struts and different nose wheel fork. Vixen has a
smaller nose wheel then the 6 or 7. Also, the strut has a rosette welded
rod insert. There are several that do and have been going into back
country strips from Idaho, Arizona and Alaska in the Tri-gear
configuration... Some even have the older style strut. I feel the newer
strut is stronger but the installation is very important. Starting
Sunday.. there will be about 15-20 Kitfoxes going into the Idaho Back
country and then some ore off to Alaska (again.. lucky dogs) and I think
half of them are tri-gear
some good builder websites with some construction pictures in them?
There are several.. Try a Google and/or Yahoo search.
Fly Safe !!
John & Debra McBean
www.sportplanellc.com
"The Sky is not the Limit... It's a Playground"
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Jeremy Casey
Subject: Kitfox-List: Newbie questions...
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jeremy Casey" <n79rt@kilocharlie.us>
New list member here...have a few newbie questions and don't know how to
get info without just throwing a bunch of questions out there...recently
bought an older Series 5 kit and hence the reason for the curiosity...
Was wondering if anyone has done a conversion of a Series 5 trigear
(Vixen) to a tailwheel? What would be involved?
Just wondering if it's been done...(I know welding is involved...not a
problem...;-) I'm wondering if there are any significant structural
differences between the tailwheel/tri-gear cages..i.e. smaller tubing,
missing bracing, etc... Some good pictures of a tailwheel Series 5
would help immensely.
Second question...the Series 7 has an asymmetrical airfoil section for
the flaperons...how big of an improvement was there? I couldn't find
any real numbers so I guess I'm wondering if any Series 5/6 guys have
done the upgrade and if so, how did it go?
Third question, what is the typical empty weights of these Series 5
birds? I found an article in Experimenter back around 2002 with a
beautiful Vixen in it, but it said the empty weight was something like
960 or so...now it had a O-290, which is a serious heavyweight of an
engine...so I wondered what was more average...
What are the major differences between Series 5,6,7?
I saw that there had been a Service Letter about the nosewheel on the
Series 5's and since I'll be flying this plane from my 1000' grass (
http://www.kilocharlie.us/images/briarpatch_large.jpg
)backyard...(smooth, but grass none the less) I'm curious what the
history has been with them? (I know tailwheel is better for rough fields
and I'm tailwheel rated, but the unfinished kit I just found was a
tri-gear, and evidently doesn't have the taildragger mounts welded in at
the factory..."convertible" was evidently not started till Series 7.
One last...I'm a repeat offender when it comes to airplane building, but
have never built a Kitfox. Was wondering if there were some good
builder websites with some construction pictures in them? Would like to
get a feel for the build sequence of the Kitfox. (a few bolts, glue on
the fabric, spray paint, and fly...right??? ;-)
Jeremy Casey
Future Kitfox builder...
jeremy@kilocharlie.us
www.kilocharlie.us
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