---------------------------------------------------------- Kitfox-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Thu 06/09/05: 17 ---------------------------------------------------------- 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 _____________________________________ Time: 06:42:20 AM PST US From: "Andrew Matthaey" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Kitfoxes to Alaska 2005! --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Andrew Matthaey" 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" >Reply-To: kitfox-list@matronics.com >To: >Subject: Kitfox-List: Kitfoxes to Alaska 2005! >Date: Wed, 8 Jun 2005 23:22:13 -0700 > >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Pearsall" > >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 _____________________________________ Time: 07:01:18 AM PST US From: "Lowell Fitt" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Kitfoxes to Alaska 2005! --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" 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" Subject: Kitfox-List: Kitfoxes to Alaska 2005! > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Pearsall" > > > 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 _____________________________________ Time: 07:06:50 AM PST US From: "Andrew Matthaey" Subject: Kitfox-List: GSC Prop Pitch --> 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/ ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 07:23:28 AM PST US From: AlbertaIV@aol.com Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: 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 _____________________________________ Time: 08:04:56 AM PST US Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: GSC Prop Pitch From: kitfox@gto.net --> 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" > > 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 _____________________________________ Time: 08:11:05 AM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: GSC Prop Pitch From: kitfox@gto.net --> 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 _____________________________________ Time: 08:32:37 AM PST US From: "Bruce Harrington" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: GSC Prop Pitch --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Bruce Harrington" 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 _____________________________________ Time: 08:34:52 AM PST US From: kerrjohna@comcast.net Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: 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" 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 _____________________________________ Time: 08:37:23 AM PST US From: "Kerry Skyring" Subject: Kitfox-List: Revs, power, and making progress. --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Kerry Skyring" 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 ____________________________________ Time: 12:36:25 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: NW Ohio fly-in From: Lynn Matteson --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson 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 > > > 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 ____________________________________ Time: 02:32:36 PM PST US From: Fred Shiple Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: NW Ohio fly-in --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Fred Shiple 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 ____________________________________ Time: 02:49:26 PM PST US From: "Jeremy Casey" Subject: Kitfox-List: Newbie questions... --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jeremy Casey" 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 ____________________________________ Time: 03:36:18 PM PST US From: Dieflyer@aol.com Subject: Kitfox-List: 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 ____________________________________ Time: 06:02:56 PM PST US From: "Rex & Jan Shaw" Subject: Kitfox-List: Identification of Plug Caps --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Rex & Jan Shaw" 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 ____________________________________ Time: 06:36:19 PM PST US From: "Dee Young" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Model 2 leaf spring --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dee Young" ACS has them available I think. Dee Young Model II N345DY Do not archive ----- Original Message ----- From: Dieflyer@aol.com To: 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 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 ____________________________________ Time: 08:13:41 PM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: VIxen Inquiry From: srud0fc02@sneakemail.com --> 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 ____________________________________ Time: 08:14:16 PM PST US From: "jdmcbean" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Newbie questions... --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "jdmcbean" 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" 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