Today's Message Index:
----------------------
1. 03:38 AM - Re: oil injection filter (Dave G.)
2. 04:01 AM - Re: Survival at sea. WAS: Rotax 912 (Dave G.)
3. 04:25 AM - Re: Rotax 912 - WAS article ()
4. 04:35 AM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (mscotter@comcast.net)
5. 05:02 AM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (Dave)
6. 05:21 AM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. ()
7. 05:32 AM - Re: Survival at sea (Michel Verheughe)
8. 05:35 AM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (Don Smythe)
9. 06:12 AM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (Noel Loveys)
10. 06:13 AM - (off topic) Sailor stuff (Michel Verheughe)
11. 06:18 AM - Re: Survival at sea. WAS: Rotax 912 (Noel Loveys)
12. 06:23 AM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (Michel Verheughe)
13. 06:37 AM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (Guy Buchanan)
14. 06:37 AM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (Guy Buchanan)
15. 06:48 AM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (Dave)
16. 09:53 AM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (Guy Buchanan)
17. 10:05 AM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (Don Smythe)
18. 11:00 AM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (Dave)
19. 11:25 AM - Re: Kitfox Crash talk after the fact (wingnut)
20. 11:59 AM - Prop balance Easy (ron schick)
21. 02:52 PM - Re: Kitfox Crash talk after the fact (kitfoxmike)
22. 02:54 PM - Re: Re: Kitfox Crash talk after the fact (JC)
23. 03:21 PM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (Roger McConnell)
24. 05:24 PM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (Norm)
25. 05:32 PM - Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. (jeff puls)
26. 06:58 PM - Need help buying a used Kitfox (Rich Rumbel)
Message 1
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| Subject: | Re: oil injection filter |
YES, there are particular requirements that Skystar put out in service
letter 19A regarding oil lines and filter. I'll scan it and send it to
you if you cannot find it online.
----- Original Message -----
From: Larry Martin
To: Kitfox-List@matronics.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 11:20 PM
Subject: Kitfox-List: oil injection filter
I'm about to change my brand of oil soon, and advice would have me
change the filter and drain all of the old oil. Is there a certain type
of oil filter required, or will any snow mobile or gas line filter due?
(582)
Thanks,
Larry
Message 2
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| Subject: | Re: Survival at sea. WAS: Rotax 912 |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dave G." <occom@ns.sympatico.ca>
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 10:14 PM
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Noel Loveys" <noelloveys@yahoo.ca>
>
> Surf ten K to shore.... Surely you jest ;^}
>
> Noel
>
>
Yes, I'm joking.Ocean swells are nothing to scoff at, I spent a day in heavy
swells many years ago about 10 miles offshore Halifax in a small zodiac. I
wish I had pictures of that day!
Message 3
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| Subject: | Re: Rotax 912 - WAS article |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: <michaelgibbs@cox.net>
>I remember a time in Northern Montana when we were flying over a
>broad valley totally obscured in fog. It was a bit unnerving and interestingly
>enough hearing becomes more acute as we all thought we were hearing
>strange sounds from our engines...
I don't think this is a function of acute hearing, but rather a phenomenon known
as "automatic rough." I've had many an engine exhibit this behavior over inhospitable
terrain late at night when the weather is marginal. :-)
Mike G.
N728KF
Message 4
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| Subject: | Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
Wow Guy, what a great story!! That was absolutely inspiring. I'm glad everything
went well. Now how about this: post again after your next few flights.
I felt like I was in the cockpit with you. Absolutely fantastic!!
Mark Scott
<html><body>
<DIV>Wow Guy, what a great story!! That was absolutely inspiring. I'm
glad everything went well. Now how about this: post again after
your next few flights. I felt like I was in the cockpit with you.
Absolutely fantastic!!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Mark Scott</DIV></body></html>
Message 5
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| Subject: | Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dave" <dave@cfisher.com>
Guy,
Congrats on your first flight !!
If you are running a 582 then you will most likely smell the fumes from
exhaust. Just open the door once in a while if not sure or fly with door
open. I had same issue once after welding on a new exhaust outlet last year
and I got fumes somehow. So i ust welded on about a 6 inch extension butted
to exisiting exhaust. No issues now . As it turned out my pipe was too
short but I lost my other one in flight and could only guess what to put on.
After you next few flights you should check your plugs to cross referance
your EGT gauges and make sure your mixture running ok and when weather gets
colder and air gets thicker a richer setting will be needed.
Vibration from prop? What prop do you have and have you checked the
tracking ?
Dave
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 9:49 PM
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Guy Buchanan <bnn@nethere.com>
>
> All,
>
> Short Version:
>
> The Red and White Kitfox flew for the first time this Wednesday morning at
> 0827 in Ramona, near San Diego. The flight was uneventful for everyone but
> me, the pilot. I noted the following:
>
> 1. I'm going to need a trim system.
> 2. I was getting a lot of exhaust inside. I didn't have the firewall
> sealed because of constantly removing the cowl so will do that tonight for
> tomorrow's flight. I bought some CO detectors too. I'm also pursuing an
> exhaust extension. Anyone know where I can get a cool slip joint for a
> 1.5" OD tube?
> 3. I have the typical yaw stability points +/- one ball either side of
> center. I have ribs in the vertical stabilizer, but they're very thin and
> only on the tubes. It's no big deal, but if anyone has come up with a
> no-drag way of eliminating it I'd be interested.
> 4. I get a discrete vibration out of the engine at some RPM's. I haven't
> dynamically balanced the prop yet, as I'm waiting to get the pitch set
> right. (I assume I set it so I'm at 6500 RPM flat out and fully leaned.
> (582) I'm not sure what altitude to use.)
>
> Long Version:
>
> First flight should have been last week. Many of you have seen that I've
> been poking around, looking for time in a tail-dragger K-IV. Well Lowell
> kindly volunteered to sacrifice his Kitfox if I could get up to Cameron
> Park. We had a date set for a couple of Monday's ago, but Lowell's last
> minute insurance inquiry confirmed what I feared. You see I had contacted
> a couple of K-IV owners in San Diego, and both had said that I had to be a
> named insured on their aircraft policy. Neither of the San Diego owners
> wanted to go that far, which I could perfectly understand.
>
> Lowell, however, is exceptional. He offered to put me on his policy if I
> would pay the difference. (Let's see, he's got about 800 hours in a Kitfox
> IV. I've got 0, plus maybe 20 hours in a Decathlon. Ouch.) We sealed the
> deal and he went through all the hassle of putting both me and his flight
> instructor, Ken Couey, on his policy, so I could come up to Cameron Park
> and fly for one hour. Why all the hassle? Because of my insurance. I got
> quotes on $1M liability, (no hull,) from three companies:
>
> 1. AOPAIG wanted $767 annually. They required one hour of dual in the same
> make/model, then 25 hours of solo.
>
> 2. EAA wanted $797 annually. They required five hours of dual in the same
> make/model, then 5 hours solo.
>
> 3. AVEMCO wanted $576 annually. (I'll go with them next year.)
> Unfortunately they wanted 10 hours of dual in something tail-draggerish.
> It didn't have to be make/model.
>
> I had only two hours of recent dual in a Citabria, and I really wanted
> some time in a tail-dragger K-IV before I flew mine. Robert Harris had
> graciously given me some time in his 0-200 K-V, even letting me scare the
> crap out of both of us on a couple of landings. And Alan Nephew had let me
> fly his K-IV, but it was a trike. I really wanted to know if I could land
> a tail-dragger IV.
>
> So it was off to Lowell's for my one hour's dual. I booked the Bonanza for
> this last Monday, departing Ramona a half hour before sunrise. I had a
> beautiful clear flight up to Westover, where I picked up Ken Couey. Ken
> proved to be an affable companion, with an absolutely gorgeous GlasStar.
> (It's for sale!)
>
> Many of you have been to Lowell's, where he hosts his annual Kitfox
> gathering. I couldn't go this year, and knowing Lowell's disappointment,
> and his generosity, I felt I should make every effort to visit. Lowell's
> is an interesting place. It's apparently the only community where you go
> bopping down the road in your airplane, amongst the cars and bikes, and
> pull up to the curb for a visit. When we showed up Lowell was waiting out
> in front of his house, and we pulled the Bonanza around the corner to park
> in the shade of a tree. Very surreal.
>
> After a brief pre-flight Ken and I attempted entry. Unfortunately Ken
> weighs 200, and I weigh 200, and we're both about 6'. We fit, but only by
> emptying our pockets. From then on it was the battle of the knees, wherein
> I tried to wrest control of the throttle from Ken's left knee, while he
> tried to keep his feet off the rudder pedals so I could fly. We had a few
> tense moments but I assured him of my heterosexuality and calmed his
> fears. We flew on to Placerville, a beautiful airport on the side of a
> hill, where I demonstrated my landing prowess. Actually I did pretty well,
> causing only three sharp intakes of breath, one brief shout, yet not one
> expletive. (I said he was affable.) And I was efficient, getting three or
> four landings to every take-off!
>
> Returning to Cameron Park Ken signed my logbook, and the three of us
> celebrated over large glasses of ice water. (Did I tell you it was over
> 100F on the ground?) Ken and Lowell discussed plans for their up-coming
> Idaho trip, regaling me with stories of crazy airfields. They even invited
> me to come, knowing full well I'd be sweating my 40 hours down in San
> Diego.
>
> After a brief tour of Lowell's Lancair project Ken and I climbed into the
> Bonanza oven and sweated our way back to Westover. (I kept thinking Ken
> was looking for traffic, but he was really just trying hard to not touch
> the seat!) I returned to Ramona, running the thunderstorm gauntlet over
> the Tehachepi, and began arrangements for first flight.
>
> I wanted at least one kit builder for my ground crew, but everybody was
> either at Oshkosh or working. I have a new friend whose hangar opposes,
> who's finishing an RV-6. He really wanted to see me fly, as he's been
> watching in awe as I break in my tires and brakes. (I try to see how fast
> I can go without letting the wheels leave the ground. It's fun and
> exciting!) He offered to play hooky so I booked the field for today,
> Wednesday. My ground crew consisted then of my wife on camera, my father
> in charge of take-off roll distance, my kids for distraction, and Ken on
> the radio, doing the real work of keeping me honest. Ken also brought a
> couple of builder buddies interested in the prospect of carnage.
>
> I got to the airport at 7 and did a complete pre-flight. Everything was
> looking perfect until the distant sounds of spooling turbines arrested my
> heart. You see, Ramona's an air attack base, and San Diego's currently
> burning. (We do that every now and then to flush the illegal aliens.)
> First the spotter. ("That's OK, maybe they'll go out and see they're not
> needed. Right.") Then the S-2's, then the Ag-wagons. It was turning into a
> real party. I was about to cancel when Ken suggested calling the tower. I
> called Ground and explained that I wanted to run an eensy-weensy first
> flight test in the middle of cycling five fire bombers on 10 minute
> centers. To my chagrin they said "Sure! No problem!"
>
> At 0830 I lined up, took two deep breaths, and while fighting for control
> of my bladder pushed the throttle all the way forward. The 582 responded
> magnificently and in 540' (according to my father's careful measurements,)
> was airborne. I did some quick stability checks, and climbed out at 65
> while watching temps. When the water got to 175 I pushed it over to 75,
> which held the temperature steady. I climbed to 2000 AGL, forgetting the
> checklist, the test plan, and damn near everything else in my euphoria.
> Shaking my head to clear out the joy, (and the exhaust fumes,) I ran
> through my stability checks, noting that my Kitfox flies sideways quite
> nicely. Just give it a little rudder and it settles into a nice, stable,
> one ball yaw angle flying straight ahead. So I then amused myself for a
> few minutes, kicking the tail back and forth while giggling with delight.
> Enough of that! I did some slow flight. I did some turns. I did some
> practice approaches. All boring. After about 40 minutes in the air I
> decided it was now or never; I'd have to land sooner or later, and luck
> was definitely going my way.
>
> I had planned a long final, with a nice, stable approach. Of course I was
> silly high, and being the good, conservative, conscientious test pilot
> that I am, I slammed the plane into a wicked slip, (No! Go around, you
> idiot!) dropped about 500', lining up right at the numbers. I then
> proceeded to make the best touchdown I have ever, and will ever, in my
> entire life, and the one after, make. It was better than grease. It was
> sublime.
>
> Ground sent me to the ground crew to celebrate. As it was morning we kept
> our libations simple. There was much back-slapping and hand shaking and
> "damn, that was great" and pictures of everybody in every permutation, all
> with the aircraft, and then we went home.
>
> Now it seems a dream. I'll do it again tomorrow and it will get more real
> as the days wear on. I've also got some serious mods to do so that will
> cut into my flying. I've got a 40 hour test plan. I guess I'd better get
> to it.
>
> PS Thanks, everyone, for all the help. And for those of you still
> building: it's worth it. Really.
>
> Guy Buchanan
> K-IV 1200 / 582-C / Warp / 100% done, thanks mostly to Bob Ducar.
>
>
> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List
> http://wiki.matronics.com
>
>
>
Message 6
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| Subject: | Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
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Message 7
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| Subject: | Re: Survival at sea |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe <michel@online.no>
On Jul 27, 2006, at 3:09 AM, Dave wrote:
> Common sense is stay within gliding distance from shore.
Of course, Dave, and this is how I fly. But it would for once be nice
to fly from Norway to Denmark without having to make the detour via
Sweden. If I am then to climb to safe gliding distance ... I should
take an oxygen mask! :-)
On Jul 27, 2006, at 2:59 AM, Noel Loveys wrote:
> Ditch into the wind or parallel to the swells???? I guess that
> depends on
> force and direction of the wind and the height of the sea.
Indeed, Noel. Actually, a few years ago I made a multimedia training
course about maritime SAR and, as you know, SAR involves as much
aviators as seafarers. The international rule is this:
1) If the aircraft about to ditch has time to warn a SAR center, the
vessel has to inform about local weather, wind, swell, etc.
2) It is up then to the PIC to decide how he/she will ditch.
3) If the ditching heading is know, the assisting vessel shall sail
parallel to that heading.
4) If the heading is not known, the assisting vessel shall sail
parallel to the main swell.
Cheers,
Michel
do not archive
Message 8
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| Subject: | Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Smythe" <dosmythe@cox.net>
Guy,
Congratulations. I had a similar vibration once and it turned out to be
one blade on the GSC wood prop had slipped just a tad. Make sure all three
blades are as near the same angle as possible. I've always used 6800 RPM as
a goal for in flight, level, full throttle setting. You will have to apply
some firm forward stick to hold level flight with full throttle. Just hold
it for a minute to get a good RPM reading. In your case, I would thin the
prop about 1/2 degree and fly again. You didn't mention EGT's but thinning
the prop 1/2 degree will also cause the EGT's to get a little hotter. What
were your EGT's?
I've never had any exhaust smells in the cockpit so not sure what to
say. I do have my cowl well sealed. I added a short extension on the
exhaust pipe to help clear the radiator. Found the extension at a local
Auto parts store. Once I had it where I wanted it, had a welder install it
solid.
Well Done,
Don Smythe
----- Original Message -----
> The Red and White Kitfox flew for the first time this Wednesday morning at
Message 9
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| Subject: | First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Noel Loveys" <noelloveys@yahoo.ca>
This is a great write up. Congrats on the first flight of your 'Fox... I
know I'll never forget the first time I got mine into the air.. I flew about
half a kilometre in ground effect on floats. I'll also never forget my
first flight to altitude!
Kit Fox III-A
"The Beothuck Explorer"
582 - B box, Ivo in-flight Adj.
Aerocet 1100 floats
Noel
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com
> [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of QSS
> Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 1:24 AM
> To: kitfox-list@matronics.com
> Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: First Flight. The Short and the Long.
>
>
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "QSS" <msm@byterocky.net>
>
> Congratulations Guy, may you have many enjoyable hours of
> flying an fun in
> your fox. Well done.
>
> Regards
> Graeme ----- Original Message -----
> Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 11:49 AM
>
>
> > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Guy Buchanan <bnn@nethere.com>
> >
> > All,
> >
> > Short Version:
> >
> > The Red and White Kitfox flew for the first time this
> Wednesday morning at
> > 0827 in Ramona, near San Diego. The flight was uneventful
> for everyone but
> > me, the pilot. I noted the following:
> >
> > 1. I'm going to need a trim system.
> > 2. I was getting a lot of exhaust inside. I didn't have the
> firewall
> > sealed because of constantly removing the cowl so will do
> that tonight for
> > tomorrow's flight. I bought some CO detectors too. I'm also
> pursuing an
> > exhaust extension. Anyone know where I can get a cool slip
> joint for a
> > 1.5" OD tube?
> > 3. I have the typical yaw stability points +/- one ball
> either side of
> > center. I have ribs in the vertical stabilizer, but they're
> very thin and
> > only on the tubes. It's no big deal, but if anyone has come
> up with a
> > no-drag way of eliminating it I'd be interested.
> > 4. I get a discrete vibration out of the engine at some
> RPM's. I haven't
> > dynamically balanced the prop yet, as I'm waiting to get
> the pitch set
> > right. (I assume I set it so I'm at 6500 RPM flat out and
> fully leaned.
> > (582) I'm not sure what altitude to use.)
> >
> > Long Version:
> >
> > First flight should have been last week. Many of you have
> seen that I've
> > been poking around, looking for time in a tail-dragger
> K-IV. Well Lowell
> > kindly volunteered to sacrifice his Kitfox if I could get
> up to Cameron
> > Park. We had a date set for a couple of Monday's ago, but
> Lowell's last
> > minute insurance inquiry confirmed what I feared. You see I
> had contacted
> > a couple of K-IV owners in San Diego, and both had said
> that I had to be a
> > named insured on their aircraft policy. Neither of the San
> Diego owners
> > wanted to go that far, which I could perfectly understand.
> >
> > Lowell, however, is exceptional. He offered to put me on
> his policy if I
> > would pay the difference. (Let's see, he's got about 800
> hours in a Kitfox
> > IV. I've got 0, plus maybe 20 hours in a Decathlon. Ouch.)
> We sealed the
> > deal and he went through all the hassle of putting both me
> and his flight
> > instructor, Ken Couey, on his policy, so I could come up to
> Cameron Park
> > and fly for one hour. Why all the hassle? Because of my
> insurance. I got
> > quotes on $1M liability, (no hull,) from three companies:
> >
> > 1. AOPAIG wanted $767 annually. They required one hour of
> dual in the same
> > make/model, then 25 hours of solo.
> >
> > 2. EAA wanted $797 annually. They required five hours of
> dual in the same
> > make/model, then 5 hours solo.
> >
> > 3. AVEMCO wanted $576 annually. (I'll go with them next year.)
> > Unfortunately they wanted 10 hours of dual in something
> tail-draggerish.
> > It didn't have to be make/model.
> >
> > I had only two hours of recent dual in a Citabria, and I
> really wanted
> > some time in a tail-dragger K-IV before I flew mine. Robert
> Harris had
> > graciously given me some time in his 0-200 K-V, even
> letting me scare the
> > crap out of both of us on a couple of landings. And Alan
> Nephew had let me
> > fly his K-IV, but it was a trike. I really wanted to know
> if I could land
> > a tail-dragger IV.
> >
> > So it was off to Lowell's for my one hour's dual. I booked
> the Bonanza for
> > this last Monday, departing Ramona a half hour before
> sunrise. I had a
> > beautiful clear flight up to Westover, where I picked up
> Ken Couey. Ken
> > proved to be an affable companion, with an absolutely
> gorgeous GlasStar.
> > (It's for sale!)
> >
> > Many of you have been to Lowell's, where he hosts his annual Kitfox
> > gathering. I couldn't go this year, and knowing Lowell's
> disappointment,
> > and his generosity, I felt I should make every effort to
> visit. Lowell's
> > is an interesting place. It's apparently the only community
> where you go
> > bopping down the road in your airplane, amongst the cars
> and bikes, and
> > pull up to the curb for a visit. When we showed up Lowell
> was waiting out
> > in front of his house, and we pulled the Bonanza around the
> corner to park
> > in the shade of a tree. Very surreal.
> >
> > After a brief pre-flight Ken and I attempted entry.
> Unfortunately Ken
> > weighs 200, and I weigh 200, and we're both about 6'. We
> fit, but only by
> > emptying our pockets. From then on it was the battle of the
> knees, wherein
> > I tried to wrest control of the throttle from Ken's left
> knee, while he
> > tried to keep his feet off the rudder pedals so I could
> fly. We had a few
> > tense moments but I assured him of my heterosexuality and
> calmed his
> > fears. We flew on to Placerville, a beautiful airport on
> the side of a
> > hill, where I demonstrated my landing prowess. Actually I
> did pretty well,
> > causing only three sharp intakes of breath, one brief
> shout, yet not one
> > expletive. (I said he was affable.) And I was efficient,
> getting three or
> > four landings to every take-off!
> >
> > Returning to Cameron Park Ken signed my logbook, and the
> three of us
> > celebrated over large glasses of ice water. (Did I tell you
> it was over
> > 100F on the ground?) Ken and Lowell discussed plans for
> their up-coming
> > Idaho trip, regaling me with stories of crazy airfields.
> They even invited
> > me to come, knowing full well I'd be sweating my 40 hours
> down in San
> > Diego.
> >
> > After a brief tour of Lowell's Lancair project Ken and I
> climbed into the
> > Bonanza oven and sweated our way back to Westover. (I kept
> thinking Ken
> > was looking for traffic, but he was really just trying hard
> to not touch
> > the seat!) I returned to Ramona, running the thunderstorm
> gauntlet over
> > the Tehachepi, and began arrangements for first flight.
> >
> > I wanted at least one kit builder for my ground crew, but
> everybody was
> > either at Oshkosh or working. I have a new friend whose
> hangar opposes,
> > who's finishing an RV-6. He really wanted to see me fly, as
> he's been
> > watching in awe as I break in my tires and brakes. (I try
> to see how fast
> > I can go without letting the wheels leave the ground. It's fun and
> > exciting!) He offered to play hooky so I booked the field
> for today,
> > Wednesday. My ground crew consisted then of my wife on
> camera, my father
> > in charge of take-off roll distance, my kids for
> distraction, and Ken on
> > the radio, doing the real work of keeping me honest. Ken
> also brought a
> > couple of builder buddies interested in the prospect of carnage.
> >
> > I got to the airport at 7 and did a complete pre-flight.
> Everything was
> > looking perfect until the distant sounds of spooling
> turbines arrested my
> > heart. You see, Ramona's an air attack base, and San
> Diego's currently
> > burning. (We do that every now and then to flush the
> illegal aliens.)
> > First the spotter. ("That's OK, maybe they'll go out and
> see they're not
> > needed. Right.") Then the S-2's, then the Ag-wagons. It was
> turning into a
> > real party. I was about to cancel when Ken suggested
> calling the tower. I
> > called Ground and explained that I wanted to run an
> eensy-weensy first
> > flight test in the middle of cycling five fire bombers on 10 minute
> > centers. To my chagrin they said "Sure! No problem!"
> >
> > At 0830 I lined up, took two deep breaths, and while
> fighting for control
> > of my bladder pushed the throttle all the way forward. The
> 582 responded
> > magnificently and in 540' (according to my father's careful
> measurements,)
> > was airborne. I did some quick stability checks, and
> climbed out at 65
> > while watching temps. When the water got to 175 I pushed it
> over to 75,
> > which held the temperature steady. I climbed to 2000 AGL,
> forgetting the
> > checklist, the test plan, and damn near everything else in
> my euphoria.
> > Shaking my head to clear out the joy, (and the exhaust
> fumes,) I ran
> > through my stability checks, noting that my Kitfox flies
> sideways quite
> > nicely. Just give it a little rudder and it settles into a
> nice, stable,
> > one ball yaw angle flying straight ahead. So I then amused
> myself for a
> > few minutes, kicking the tail back and forth while giggling
> with delight.
> > Enough of that! I did some slow flight. I did some turns. I
> did some
> > practice approaches. All boring. After about 40 minutes in
> the air I
> > decided it was now or never; I'd have to land sooner or
> later, and luck
> > was definitely going my way.
> >
> > I had planned a long final, with a nice, stable approach.
> Of course I was
> > silly high, and being the good, conservative, conscientious
> test pilot
> > that I am, I slammed the plane into a wicked slip, (No! Go
> around, you
> > idiot!) dropped about 500', lining up right at the numbers. I then
> > proceeded to make the best touchdown I have ever, and will
> ever, in my
> > entire life, and the one after, make. It was better than
> grease. It was
> > sublime.
> >
> > Ground sent me to the ground crew to celebrate. As it was
> morning we kept
> > our libations simple. There was much back-slapping and hand
> shaking and
> > "damn, that was great" and pictures of everybody in every
> permutation, all
> > with the aircraft, and then we went home.
> >
> > Now it seems a dream. I'll do it again tomorrow and it will
> get more real
> > as the days wear on. I've also got some serious mods to do
> so that will
> > cut into my flying. I've got a 40 hour test plan. I guess
> I'd better get
> > to it.
> >
> > PS Thanks, everyone, for all the help. And for those of you still
> > building: it's worth it. Really.
> >
> > Guy Buchanan
> > K-IV 1200 / 582-C / Warp / 100% done, thanks mostly to Bob Ducar.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List
> > http://wiki.matronics.com
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Message 10
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| Subject: | (off topic) Sailor stuff |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe <michel@online.no>
On Jul 26, 2006, at 11:07 PM, Richard Rabbers wrote:
> It may be more likely to have calm water than rough in a ditch vs a
> sailboat storm sinking.
Absolutely, Richard. It's a question of choice. In my sailboat, I have
two survival suits, the type used in the offshore oil industry up
north. It will keep you alive 24 hours in sub-zero temperature. But I
don't want a survival raft. My idea of riding a gale/storm is to stay
inside, lock all hatches, and wait for the weather to change.
> My boat is wood... I have redudant DC pumps & batteries and AC pump
> behind the DC then a streaming alarm (hello word - with not to call me
> / and instructions for manual pumping) if all that fails....
When I had a wood boat, I would frequently wake up, in the morning,
with a bad dream of my boat being at the bottom of the harbour. ...
even in winter, when the boat was safe on land, under the snow! :-(
Cheers,
Michel
do not archive
Message 11
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| Subject: | Survival at sea. WAS: Rotax 912 |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Noel Loveys" <noelloveys@yahoo.ca>
Green on the gills Eh /;^}...... Me too I hate it.
Noel
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com
> [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Dave G.
> Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 8:30 AM
> To: kitfox-list@matronics.com
> Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Survival at sea. WAS: Rotax 912
>
>
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dave G." <occom@ns.sympatico.ca>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 10:14 PM
>
>
> > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Noel Loveys"
> <noelloveys@yahoo.ca>
> >
> > Surf ten K to shore.... Surely you jest ;^}
> >
> > Noel
> >
> >
>
> Yes, I'm joking.Ocean swells are nothing to scoff at, I spent
> a day in heavy
> swells many years ago about 10 miles offshore Halifax in a
> small zodiac. I
> wish I had pictures of that day!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Message 12
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| Subject: | Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe <michel@online.no>
On Jul 27, 2006, at 3:49 AM, Guy Buchanan wrote:
> So I then amused myself for a few minutes, kicking the tail back and
> forth while giggling with delight.
Oh! So I am not the only one who likes to wag his tail! :-)
Congratulations on your first flight, Guy!
Cheers,
Michel
do not archive
Message 13
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| Subject: | Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Guy Buchanan <bnn@nethere.com>
At 05:35 AM 7/27/2006, you wrote:
>You didn't mention EGT's but thinning
>the prop 1/2 degree will also cause the EGT's to get a little hotter. What
>were your EGT's?
Thanks Don. My EGT's were about 980, but I've got the HACman mixture
control so I've got some control over them. I'll know more about the engine
RPM in the next few flights, as I get more horizontal flight time and get
the flaperons trimmed for optimum cruise.
Guy Buchanan
K-IV 1200 / 582-C / Warp / 100% done, thanks mostly to Bob Ducar.
Do not archive
Message 14
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| Subject: | Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Guy Buchanan <bnn@nethere.com>
At 05:01 AM 7/27/2006, you wrote:
>So i ust welded on about a 6 inch extension butted
>to exisiting exhaust. No issues now . As it turned out my pipe was too
>short but I lost my other one in flight and could only guess what to put on.
I've ordered a piece of tube I can slip over the existing to see if an
extension is required. My exhaust is right in front of the radiator so I'm
sure that's not helping my temperatures.
>After you next few flights you should check your plugs to cross referance
>your EGT gauges and make sure your mixture running ok and when weather gets
>colder and air gets thicker a richer setting will be needed.
I will.
>Vibration from prop? What prop do you have and have you checked the
>tracking ?
Tracking is OK. Don thinks maybe one blade has rotated. I'll check that
before I fly again, but I painted my prop so I'm sure it needs balancing. I
just don't want to balance until after I've got it pitched and seated
correctly, since balancing is a little expensive.
Guy Buchanan
K-IV 1200 / 582-C / Warp / 100% done, thanks mostly to Bob Ducar.
Message 15
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| Subject: | Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dave" <dave@cfisher.com>
Your exhaust should be at least 3 or 4 inches below your rad or the fumes
could be sucked in anyholes like at bungees etc.
Your egts in the 900F s ? What rpm is that at ? WAY TO LOW EGT and your
plugs are most likely showing a rich condition.
Dave
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 9:35 AM
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Guy Buchanan <bnn@nethere.com>
>
> At 05:01 AM 7/27/2006, you wrote:
>>So i ust welded on about a 6 inch extension butted
>>to exisiting exhaust. No issues now . As it turned out my pipe was too
>>short but I lost my other one in flight and could only guess what to put
>>on.
>
> I've ordered a piece of tube I can slip over the existing to see if an
> extension is required. My exhaust is right in front of the radiator so I'm
> sure that's not helping my temperatures.
>
>>After you next few flights you should check your plugs to cross referance
>>your EGT gauges and make sure your mixture running ok and when weather
>>gets
>>colder and air gets thicker a richer setting will be needed.
>
> I will.
>
>>Vibration from prop? What prop do you have and have you checked the
>>tracking ?
>
> Tracking is OK. Don thinks maybe one blade has rotated. I'll check that
> before I fly again, but I painted my prop so I'm sure it needs balancing.
> I just don't want to balance until after I've got it pitched and seated
> correctly, since balancing is a little expensive.
>
>
> Guy Buchanan
> K-IV 1200 / 582-C / Warp / 100% done, thanks mostly to Bob Ducar.
>
>
> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List
> http://wiki.matronics.com
>
>
>
Message 16
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| Subject: | Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Guy Buchanan <bnn@nethere.com>
At 06:46 AM 7/27/2006, you wrote:
>--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dave" <dave@cfisher.com>
>
>Your exhaust should be at least 3 or 4 inches below your rad or the fumes
>could be sucked in anyholes like at bungees etc.
I tried to seal the bungees as best as possible. There shouldn't be much
coming in there. I bought an extension and should be able to get it on this
weekend. I'll let you know how it works.
>Your egts in the 900F s ? What rpm is that at ? WAY TO LOW EGT and your
>plugs are most likely showing a rich condition.
OK. I'll dial it up. I'm guessing I should be showing 1100 in cruise?
Guy
Message 17
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| Subject: | Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Don Smythe" <dosmythe@cox.net>
I don't have any knowledge or experience with the HAC. I always Jet
according to the Jetting chart taking into account OAT's and altitude. That
always puts me pretty close but as I said before, prop pitch plays a pretty
big role on EGT's (too much pitch=LOW EGT's and too little pitch=HIGH
EGT's.) You should be seeing in the area of 1100 degree EGT's at cruise.
Don Smythe
---- Original Message -----
> Thanks Don. My EGT's were about 980, but I've got the HACman mixture
Message 18
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| Subject: | Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dave" <dave@cfisher.com>
Guy,
Check your plugs first to see what is really going on inside. EGT gauges
are to guide you of changes . The plug colour should be light brown on
insulator. I would not worry about bungees being sealed, just make sure
exhaust goes down far enough below rad so it misses the bungee holes. I saw
a guy with a 912s on Wheels a few weeks ago and his exhaust was blowing
right on Rad. the Rad was grey. Cannot see it lasting too long.
Dave
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 12:49 PM
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Guy Buchanan <bnn@nethere.com>
>
> At 06:46 AM 7/27/2006, you wrote:
>>--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Dave" <dave@cfisher.com>
>>
>>Your exhaust should be at least 3 or 4 inches below your rad or the fumes
>>could be sucked in anyholes like at bungees etc.
>
> I tried to seal the bungees as best as possible. There shouldn't be much
> coming in there. I bought an extension and should be able to get it on
> this weekend. I'll let you know how it works.
>
>>Your egts in the 900F s ? What rpm is that at ? WAY TO LOW EGT and
>>your
>>plugs are most likely showing a rich condition.
>
> OK. I'll dial it up. I'm guessing I should be showing 1100 in cruise?
>
>
> Guy
>
>
> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List
> http://wiki.matronics.com
>
>
>
Message 19
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| Subject: | Re: Kitfox Crash talk after the fact |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "wingnut" <wingnut@spamarrest.com>
You where 800ft up on final and you couldn't make the runway?
> Aeropup from 800 ft turning onto final, diverted into a ploughed paddock and
> no damage
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=50176#50176
Message 20
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| Subject: | Prop balance Easy |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "ron schick" <roncarolnikko@hotmail.com>
Guy I made an arbor which was a large bolt with a spacer through my prop.
one end on the window sill and the other on a hanhing level. The heavy
blade went to the bottom and I simply applied clearcoat to the others. Oh
yeah and washed the bugs off the heavy blade. Ron NB Ore
_________________________________________________________________
Dont just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/
Message 21
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| Subject: | Re: Kitfox Crash talk after the fact |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "kitfoxmike" <kitfoxmike@yahoo.com>
my guess is, with a first landing in training situation, he was probably on an
airline approach, you know, the final is about 3 miles out. Just taking a guess.
--------
kitfoxmike
kitfox4 1200 912ul speedster
http://www.frappr.com/kitfoxmike
rv7 wingkit
reserved 287RV
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=50198#50198
Message 22
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| Subject: | Re: Kitfox Crash talk after the fact |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "JC" <jc@arcom.com.au>
Thats right ... I was not prepared to risk diving under a single power line
and then hope to have enough momentum to make it over the fence so I played
it safe !
If it was not for the obstructions it would have not been a problem, as it
was I gave a couple of radio calls and my son was out there with the trailer
to pick it up in no time, wings folded and off.
rgds
John
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, July 28, 2006 3:54 AM
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "wingnut" <wingnut@spamarrest.com>
>
> You where 800ft up on final and you couldn't make the runway?
>
>
>> Aeropup from 800 ft turning onto final, diverted into a ploughed paddock
>> and
>> no damage
>
>
> Read this topic online here:
>
> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=50176#50176
>
>
>
Message 23
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| Subject: | First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Roger McConnell" <rdmac@swbell.net>
Guy,
Congratulations, I can relate to a lot of the same emotions you felt
when I flew for the first time. It is an unbelievable feeling flying in
something you built with your own two hands even if Bob Ducar did have a
hand in it. Keep us posted on how the test phase goes.
Roger Mac
DO NOT ARCHIVE
-----Original Message-----
[mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Guy Buchanan
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 8:50 PM
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Guy Buchanan <bnn@nethere.com>
All,
Short Version:
The Red and White Kitfox flew for the first time this Wednesday morning at
0827 in Ramona, near San Diego. The flight was uneventful for everyone but
me, the pilot. I noted the following:
1. I'm going to need a trim system.
2. I was getting a lot of exhaust inside. I didn't have the firewall sealed
because of constantly removing the cowl so will do that tonight for
tomorrow's flight. I bought some CO detectors too. I'm also pursuing an
exhaust extension. Anyone know where I can get a cool slip joint for a 1.5"
OD tube?
3. I have the typical yaw stability points +/- one ball either side of
center. I have ribs in the vertical stabilizer, but they're very thin and
only on the tubes. It's no big deal, but if anyone has come up with a
no-drag way of eliminating it I'd be interested.
4. I get a discrete vibration out of the engine at some RPM's. I haven't
dynamically balanced the prop yet, as I'm waiting to get the pitch set
right. (I assume I set it so I'm at 6500 RPM flat out and fully leaned.
(582) I'm not sure what altitude to use.)
Long Version:
First flight should have been last week. Many of you have seen that I've
been poking around, looking for time in a tail-dragger K-IV. Well Lowell
kindly volunteered to sacrifice his Kitfox if I could get up to Cameron
Park. We had a date set for a couple of Monday's ago, but Lowell's last
minute insurance inquiry confirmed what I feared. You see I had contacted a
couple of K-IV owners in San Diego, and both had said that I had to be a
named insured on their aircraft policy. Neither of the San Diego owners
wanted to go that far, which I could perfectly understand.
Lowell, however, is exceptional. He offered to put me on his policy if I
would pay the difference. (Let's see, he's got about 800 hours in a Kitfox
IV. I've got 0, plus maybe 20 hours in a Decathlon. Ouch.) We sealed the
deal and he went through all the hassle of putting both me and his flight
instructor, Ken Couey, on his policy, so I could come up to Cameron Park
and fly for one hour. Why all the hassle? Because of my insurance. I got
quotes on $1M liability, (no hull,) from three companies:
1. AOPAIG wanted $767 annually. They required one hour of dual in the same
make/model, then 25 hours of solo.
2. EAA wanted $797 annually. They required five hours of dual in the same
make/model, then 5 hours solo.
3. AVEMCO wanted $576 annually. (I'll go with them next year.)
Unfortunately they wanted 10 hours of dual in something tail-draggerish. It
didn't have to be make/model.
I had only two hours of recent dual in a Citabria, and I really wanted some
time in a tail-dragger K-IV before I flew mine. Robert Harris had
graciously given me some time in his 0-200 K-V, even letting me scare the
crap out of both of us on a couple of landings. And Alan Nephew had let me
fly his K-IV, but it was a trike. I really wanted to know if I could land a
tail-dragger IV.
So it was off to Lowell's for my one hour's dual. I booked the Bonanza for
this last Monday, departing Ramona a half hour before sunrise. I had a
beautiful clear flight up to Westover, where I picked up Ken Couey. Ken
proved to be an affable companion, with an absolutely gorgeous GlasStar.
(It's for sale!)
Many of you have been to Lowell's, where he hosts his annual Kitfox
gathering. I couldn't go this year, and knowing Lowell's disappointment,
and his generosity, I felt I should make every effort to visit. Lowell's is
an interesting place. It's apparently the only community where you go
bopping down the road in your airplane, amongst the cars and bikes, and
pull up to the curb for a visit. When we showed up Lowell was waiting out
in front of his house, and we pulled the Bonanza around the corner to park
in the shade of a tree. Very surreal.
After a brief pre-flight Ken and I attempted entry. Unfortunately Ken
weighs 200, and I weigh 200, and we're both about 6'. We fit, but only by
emptying our pockets. From then on it was the battle of the knees, wherein
I tried to wrest control of the throttle from Ken's left knee, while he
tried to keep his feet off the rudder pedals so I could fly. We had a few
tense moments but I assured him of my heterosexuality and calmed his fears.
We flew on to Placerville, a beautiful airport on the side of a hill, where
I demonstrated my landing prowess. Actually I did pretty well, causing only
three sharp intakes of breath, one brief shout, yet not one expletive. (I
said he was affable.) And I was efficient, getting three or four landings
to every take-off!
Returning to Cameron Park Ken signed my logbook, and the three of us
celebrated over large glasses of ice water. (Did I tell you it was over
100F on the ground?) Ken and Lowell discussed plans for their up-coming
Idaho trip, regaling me with stories of crazy airfields. They even invited
me to come, knowing full well I'd be sweating my 40 hours down in San Diego.
After a brief tour of Lowell's Lancair project Ken and I climbed into the
Bonanza oven and sweated our way back to Westover. (I kept thinking Ken was
looking for traffic, but he was really just trying hard to not touch the
seat!) I returned to Ramona, running the thunderstorm gauntlet over the
Tehachepi, and began arrangements for first flight.
I wanted at least one kit builder for my ground crew, but everybody was
either at Oshkosh or working. I have a new friend whose hangar opposes,
who's finishing an RV-6. He really wanted to see me fly, as he's been
watching in awe as I break in my tires and brakes. (I try to see how fast I
can go without letting the wheels leave the ground. It's fun and exciting!)
He offered to play hooky so I booked the field for today, Wednesday. My
ground crew consisted then of my wife on camera, my father in charge of
take-off roll distance, my kids for distraction, and Ken on the radio,
doing the real work of keeping me honest. Ken also brought a couple of
builder buddies interested in the prospect of carnage.
I got to the airport at 7 and did a complete pre-flight. Everything was
looking perfect until the distant sounds of spooling turbines arrested my
heart. You see, Ramona's an air attack base, and San Diego's currently
burning. (We do that every now and then to flush the illegal aliens.) First
the spotter. ("That's OK, maybe they'll go out and see they're not needed.
Right.") Then the S-2's, then the Ag-wagons. It was turning into a real
party. I was about to cancel when Ken suggested calling the tower. I called
Ground and explained that I wanted to run an eensy-weensy first flight test
in the middle of cycling five fire bombers on 10 minute centers. To my
chagrin they said "Sure! No problem!"
At 0830 I lined up, took two deep breaths, and while fighting for control
of my bladder pushed the throttle all the way forward. The 582 responded
magnificently and in 540' (according to my father's careful measurements,)
was airborne. I did some quick stability checks, and climbed out at 65
while watching temps. When the water got to 175 I pushed it over to 75,
which held the temperature steady. I climbed to 2000 AGL, forgetting the
checklist, the test plan, and damn near everything else in my euphoria.
Shaking my head to clear out the joy, (and the exhaust fumes,) I ran
through my stability checks, noting that my Kitfox flies sideways quite
nicely. Just give it a little rudder and it settles into a nice, stable,
one ball yaw angle flying straight ahead. So I then amused myself for a few
minutes, kicking the tail back and forth while giggling with delight.
Enough of that! I did some slow flight. I did some turns. I did some
practice approaches. All boring. After about 40 minutes in the air I
decided it was now or never; I'd have to land sooner or later, and luck was
definitely going my way.
I had planned a long final, with a nice, stable approach. Of course I was
silly high, and being the good, conservative, conscientious test pilot that
I am, I slammed the plane into a wicked slip, (No! Go around, you idiot!)
dropped about 500', lining up right at the numbers. I then proceeded to
make the best touchdown I have ever, and will ever, in my entire life, and
the one after, make. It was better than grease. It was sublime.
Ground sent me to the ground crew to celebrate. As it was morning we kept
our libations simple. There was much back-slapping and hand shaking and
"damn, that was great" and pictures of everybody in every permutation, all
with the aircraft, and then we went home.
Now it seems a dream. I'll do it again tomorrow and it will get more real
as the days wear on. I've also got some serious mods to do so that will cut
into my flying. I've got a 40 hour test plan. I guess I'd better get to it.
PS Thanks, everyone, for all the help. And for those of you still building:
it's worth it. Really.
Guy Buchanan
K-IV 1200 / 582-C / Warp / 100% done, thanks mostly to Bob Ducar.
Message 24
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| Subject: | Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Norm <nebchmp@wcc.net>
Congratulations Guy!! Norm
Guy Buchanan wrote:
> All,
>
> Short Version:
>
> The Red and White Kitfox flew for the first time this Wednesday
> morning at 0827 in Ramona, near San Diego. The flight was uneventful
> for everyone but me, the pilot.----- snip
Message 25
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| Subject: | Re: First Flight. The Short and the Long. |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "jeff puls" <pulsair@mindspring.com>
Guy,
Congratulations. On a side bar, you may want to use some heat resistant
silicone or RTV to put around every opening you have in the firewall.
Example would be a heater hose or throttle cable opening. It seals nicely
and keeps fumes out. Jeff Classic IV
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 9:49 PM
> --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Guy Buchanan <bnn@nethere.com>
>
> All,
>
> Short Version:
>
> The Red and White Kitfox flew for the first time this Wednesday morning at
> 0827 in Ramona, near San Diego. The flight was uneventful for everyone but
> me, the pilot. I noted the following:
>
> 1. I'm going to need a trim system.
> 2. I was getting a lot of exhaust inside. I didn't have the firewall
> sealed because of constantly removing the cowl so will do that tonight for
> tomorrow's flight. I bought some CO detectors too. I'm also pursuing an
> exhaust extension. Anyone know where I can get a cool slip joint for a
> 1.5" OD tube?
> 3. I have the typical yaw stability points +/- one ball either side of
> center. I have ribs in the vertical stabilizer, but they're very thin and
> only on the tubes. It's no big deal, but if anyone has come up with a
> no-drag way of eliminating it I'd be interested.
> 4. I get a discrete vibration out of the engine at some RPM's. I haven't
> dynamically balanced the prop yet, as I'm waiting to get the pitch set
> right. (I assume I set it so I'm at 6500 RPM flat out and fully leaned.
> (582) I'm not sure what altitude to use.)
>
> Long Version:
>
> First flight should have been last week. Many of you have seen that I've
> been poking around, looking for time in a tail-dragger K-IV. Well Lowell
> kindly volunteered to sacrifice his Kitfox if I could get up to Cameron
> Park. We had a date set for a couple of Monday's ago, but Lowell's last
> minute insurance inquiry confirmed what I feared. You see I had contacted
> a couple of K-IV owners in San Diego, and both had said that I had to be a
> named insured on their aircraft policy. Neither of the San Diego owners
> wanted to go that far, which I could perfectly understand.
>
> Lowell, however, is exceptional. He offered to put me on his policy if I
> would pay the difference. (Let's see, he's got about 800 hours in a Kitfox
> IV. I've got 0, plus maybe 20 hours in a Decathlon. Ouch.) We sealed the
> deal and he went through all the hassle of putting both me and his flight
> instructor, Ken Couey, on his policy, so I could come up to Cameron Park
> and fly for one hour. Why all the hassle? Because of my insurance. I got
> quotes on $1M liability, (no hull,) from three companies:
>
> 1. AOPAIG wanted $767 annually. They required one hour of dual in the same
> make/model, then 25 hours of solo.
>
> 2. EAA wanted $797 annually. They required five hours of dual in the same
> make/model, then 5 hours solo.
>
> 3. AVEMCO wanted $576 annually. (I'll go with them next year.)
> Unfortunately they wanted 10 hours of dual in something tail-draggerish.
> It didn't have to be make/model.
>
> I had only two hours of recent dual in a Citabria, and I really wanted
> some time in a tail-dragger K-IV before I flew mine. Robert Harris had
> graciously given me some time in his 0-200 K-V, even letting me scare the
> crap out of both of us on a couple of landings. And Alan Nephew had let me
> fly his K-IV, but it was a trike. I really wanted to know if I could land
> a tail-dragger IV.
>
> So it was off to Lowell's for my one hour's dual. I booked the Bonanza for
> this last Monday, departing Ramona a half hour before sunrise. I had a
> beautiful clear flight up to Westover, where I picked up Ken Couey. Ken
> proved to be an affable companion, with an absolutely gorgeous GlasStar.
> (It's for sale!)
>
> Many of you have been to Lowell's, where he hosts his annual Kitfox
> gathering. I couldn't go this year, and knowing Lowell's disappointment,
> and his generosity, I felt I should make every effort to visit. Lowell's
> is an interesting place. It's apparently the only community where you go
> bopping down the road in your airplane, amongst the cars and bikes, and
> pull up to the curb for a visit. When we showed up Lowell was waiting out
> in front of his house, and we pulled the Bonanza around the corner to park
> in the shade of a tree. Very surreal.
>
> After a brief pre-flight Ken and I attempted entry. Unfortunately Ken
> weighs 200, and I weigh 200, and we're both about 6'. We fit, but only by
> emptying our pockets. From then on it was the battle of the knees, wherein
> I tried to wrest control of the throttle from Ken's left knee, while he
> tried to keep his feet off the rudder pedals so I could fly. We had a few
> tense moments but I assured him of my heterosexuality and calmed his
> fears. We flew on to Placerville, a beautiful airport on the side of a
> hill, where I demonstrated my landing prowess. Actually I did pretty well,
> causing only three sharp intakes of breath, one brief shout, yet not one
> expletive. (I said he was affable.) And I was efficient, getting three or
> four landings to every take-off!
>
> Returning to Cameron Park Ken signed my logbook, and the three of us
> celebrated over large glasses of ice water. (Did I tell you it was over
> 100F on the ground?) Ken and Lowell discussed plans for their up-coming
> Idaho trip, regaling me with stories of crazy airfields. They even invited
> me to come, knowing full well I'd be sweating my 40 hours down in San
> Diego.
>
> After a brief tour of Lowell's Lancair project Ken and I climbed into the
> Bonanza oven and sweated our way back to Westover. (I kept thinking Ken
> was looking for traffic, but he was really just trying hard to not touch
> the seat!) I returned to Ramona, running the thunderstorm gauntlet over
> the Tehachepi, and began arrangements for first flight.
>
> I wanted at least one kit builder for my ground crew, but everybody was
> either at Oshkosh or working. I have a new friend whose hangar opposes,
> who's finishing an RV-6. He really wanted to see me fly, as he's been
> watching in awe as I break in my tires and brakes. (I try to see how fast
> I can go without letting the wheels leave the ground. It's fun and
> exciting!) He offered to play hooky so I booked the field for today,
> Wednesday. My ground crew consisted then of my wife on camera, my father
> in charge of take-off roll distance, my kids for distraction, and Ken on
> the radio, doing the real work of keeping me honest. Ken also brought a
> couple of builder buddies interested in the prospect of carnage.
>
> I got to the airport at 7 and did a complete pre-flight. Everything was
> looking perfect until the distant sounds of spooling turbines arrested my
> heart. You see, Ramona's an air attack base, and San Diego's currently
> burning. (We do that every now and then to flush the illegal aliens.)
> First the spotter. ("That's OK, maybe they'll go out and see they're not
> needed. Right.") Then the S-2's, then the Ag-wagons. It was turning into a
> real party. I was about to cancel when Ken suggested calling the tower. I
> called Ground and explained that I wanted to run an eensy-weensy first
> flight test in the middle of cycling five fire bombers on 10 minute
> centers. To my chagrin they said "Sure! No problem!"
>
> At 0830 I lined up, took two deep breaths, and while fighting for control
> of my bladder pushed the throttle all the way forward. The 582 responded
> magnificently and in 540' (according to my father's careful measurements,)
> was airborne. I did some quick stability checks, and climbed out at 65
> while watching temps. When the water got to 175 I pushed it over to 75,
> which held the temperature steady. I climbed to 2000 AGL, forgetting the
> checklist, the test plan, and damn near everything else in my euphoria.
> Shaking my head to clear out the joy, (and the exhaust fumes,) I ran
> through my stability checks, noting that my Kitfox flies sideways quite
> nicely. Just give it a little rudder and it settles into a nice, stable,
> one ball yaw angle flying straight ahead. So I then amused myself for a
> few minutes, kicking the tail back and forth while giggling with delight.
> Enough of that! I did some slow flight. I did some turns. I did some
> practice approaches. All boring. After about 40 minutes in the air I
> decided it was now or never; I'd have to land sooner or later, and luck
> was definitely going my way.
>
> I had planned a long final, with a nice, stable approach. Of course I was
> silly high, and being the good, conservative, conscientious test pilot
> that I am, I slammed the plane into a wicked slip, (No! Go around, you
> idiot!) dropped about 500', lining up right at the numbers. I then
> proceeded to make the best touchdown I have ever, and will ever, in my
> entire life, and the one after, make. It was better than grease. It was
> sublime.
>
> Ground sent me to the ground crew to celebrate. As it was morning we kept
> our libations simple. There was much back-slapping and hand shaking and
> "damn, that was great" and pictures of everybody in every permutation, all
> with the aircraft, and then we went home.
>
> Now it seems a dream. I'll do it again tomorrow and it will get more real
> as the days wear on. I've also got some serious mods to do so that will
> cut into my flying. I've got a 40 hour test plan. I guess I'd better get
> to it.
>
> PS Thanks, everyone, for all the help. And for those of you still
> building: it's worth it. Really.
>
> Guy Buchanan
> K-IV 1200 / 582-C / Warp / 100% done, thanks mostly to Bob Ducar.
>
>
> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List
> http://wiki.matronics.com
>
>
>
Message 26
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| Subject: | Need help buying a used Kitfox |
--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Rich Rumbel <rrumbel@tampabay.rr.com>
Is there anyone out there that I can call and discuss Kitfox planes as I
am not good at typing and have several questions. I am looking at a
model IV with an NSI EA81 engine, and I want to know if this is a good
combination. Parts, Availability, etc.
I'm new at the message board thing but will check back here, but would
prefer to talk on the phone with anyone with some knowledge, my dime of
course.
Please contact me here or via e-mail
Rich - rrumbel@tampabay.rr.com
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