---------------------------------------------------------- Kitfox-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Wed 04/30/08: 30 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 04:36 AM - Lapeer Flyin (fox5flyer) 2. 05:05 AM - Rotax 912 UL engine run on (Catz631@aol.com) 3. 05:46 AM - Re: Sport Pilot (akflyer) 4. 06:06 AM - Re: Lightweight fabric! (Tom Jones) 5. 06:42 AM - Re: (OFF TOPIC) Hangar WAS: Show us your finished Kitfox!! (Randy Daughenbaugh) 6. 06:46 AM - Re: Show us your finished Kitfox!! (jlfernan) 7. 06:51 AM - Re: Re: Lightweight fabric! (Lynn Matteson) 8. 07:08 AM - Re: Kitfox Classic IV for sale (flier) 9. 07:16 AM - Re: Lightweight fabric! (Noel Loveys) 10. 07:34 AM - Re: Re: Sport Pilot (Noel Loveys) 11. 07:44 AM - Re: Lightweight fabric! (n85ae) 12. 08:08 AM - Re: Lightweight fabric! (Tom Jones) 13. 09:37 AM - Re: Re: (OFF TOPIC) Hangar WAS: Show us your finished Kitfox!! (Pete Christensen) 14. 09:51 AM - Lapeer MI Flyin (fox5flyer) 15. 10:21 AM - Lapeer MI Flyin (fox5flyer) 16. 11:10 AM - Re: NIB 0-7000 RPM 2 1/4" Tachometer Micro 1000 Rotax CDI (Marco Menezes) 17. 11:17 AM - Re: Re: Show us your finished Kitfox!! (Marco Menezes) 18. 11:51 AM - Re: NIB 0-7000 RPM 2 1/4" Tachometer Micro 1000 Rotax CDI (dave) 19. 12:22 PM - Re: Re: NIB 0-7000 RPM 2 1/4" Tachometer Micro 1000 Rotax CDI (Marco Menezes) 20. 12:23 PM - Model III Tail Spring (Pete Christensen) 21. 12:47 PM - Re: Model III Tail Spring (SkySteve) 22. 01:05 PM - Ballast Tip (n85ae) 23. 01:15 PM - Re: Model III Tail Spring (Noel Loveys) 24. 01:26 PM - Re: Model III Tail Spring (Clint Bazzill) 25. 01:34 PM - Re: Model III Tail Spring (Tom Jones) 26. 01:46 PM - Flaperon horn bearing - help needed (mdkitfox@aol.com) 27. 02:35 PM - Re: Flaperon horn bearing - help needed (Danny) 28. 02:49 PM - Re: Flaperon horn bearing - help needed (mdkitfox@aol.com) 29. 06:39 PM - GSC prop (markdonahue) 30. 09:04 PM - Re: Model III Tail Spring (Guy Buchanan) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 04:36:45 AM PST US From: "fox5flyer" Subject: Kitfox-List: Lapeer Flyin ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 05:05:38 AM PST US From: Catz631@aol.com Subject: Kitfox-List: Rotax 912 UL engine run on Yesterday at engine shutdown (after an uneventful flight) a weird thing happened. My 912UL kind of stopped then rotated 3 revolutions backwards. It sounded just like an old car with engine run on when you shut it down (ie; it had a knocking/pinging/ spitting sound) The outside airtemp was about 70 degrees .The water and oil temps were normal.The indicated engine rpm was 1800- 2000 at shutdown. The only thing that I can think of that might have caused it was the fuel.It was car gas about two months old and 87 octane which I keep in a 30 gal bowser. The plane (Kitfox)had been down for two months for various mods on my aircraft. I called several people to ask if they had ever seen this happen ( Thanks John !) I also called Lockwood and they recommend that I purge the oil system for possible induced air in the oil system. The tech had never heard of this happening. I will purge the system and check the valve clerances, then "burp" the system. I have also bought some fresh high test auto fuel to try to see if that helps. Has anybody ever had this happen? And if so any possible damage ? I have seen this on occasion with small Continentals but the Rotax is not suppose to do this. Thanks ! Dick Maddux Kitfox4-1200 Rotax912UL Pensacola,Fl **************Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp00300000002851) ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 05:46:25 AM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: Sport Pilot From: "akflyer" kitfoxfugit(at)yahoo.com wrote: > "akflyer" said: > > "you would never make it up here as a commercial bush pilot... if it will go inside the plane these guys will try to get it off the ground." > > > > When did they start limiting the loads to the inside of the aircraft in Alaska? > DO NOT ARCHIVE > we don't. -------- DO NOT ARCHIVE Leonard Perry Soldotna AK Avid "C" / Mk IV 582 IVO IFA Full Lotus 1260 95% complete Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180220#180220 ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 06:06:26 AM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: Lightweight fabric! From: "Tom Jones" Can sunlight shine on the inside of the fabric where it ripped? I keep a cover over the turtle deck area to prevent ultraviolet rays from getting inside the fuselage. Also, the Kitfox builders manual offers an option for light weight which doesn't use poly spray. Could your plane have been covered using that method? -------- Tom Jones Classic IV 503 Rotax, 72 inch Two blade Warp Ellensburg, WA Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180223#180223 ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 06:42:07 AM PST US From: "Randy Daughenbaugh" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: (OFF TOPIC) Hangar WAS: Show us your finished Kitfox!! Michel, Thanks for the discussion. It is interesting even if boarder line off topic. Randy Do not archive . -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Michel Verheughe Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 2:25 AM Subject: Kitfox-List: (OFF TOPIC) Hangar WAS: Show us your finished Kitfox!! > From: Frank Miles [f.miles.tcp.833@clearwire.net] > The hanger doors were also of interest. Dear Frank, this is not personal because I notice that nearly everyone does it but ... it is called 'hangar' and not 'hanger.' Because I have lived in three different countries and speak four languages, I have a natural interest for etymology and especially where the Germanic and Latin languages meet. A 'hangar' is a French word used in Normandy to call a cattle barn. The history says that it was Louis Blriot who started using the word as he wanted such barns to be built to house his planes. But the word has even an older origin: 'Hangard.' That is an old Germanic name that probably came to Normandy with the Norsemen. The suffix 'gard' probably means place, or farm. It is still found in places like the German town Stuttgart. The prefix 'han' is not so clear but I wonder if it is not related to the German 'Henne,' Norwegian 'hne' and English 'hen.' Incidentally, Blriot - as you know - flew first over the English Channel from Cap Gris-Nez to Dover. The former is French writing (litt: Gris Nez grey nose) for graaness. The suffix 'ness' being much used in Britain as it was introduced by the Anglo-Saxons and Norsemen and means; a cape. ... Okay, totally off-Kitofx-topic and I hope you didn't fall asleep! :-) Cheers, Michel Verheughe Norway Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200 Do not archive 


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________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 06:46:03 AM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: Show us your finished Kitfox!! From: "jlfernan" I'm liking what I'm seeing. But it's actually having the reverse effect; now really can't wait!! -------- Jorge Fernandez Supersport Waiting on delivery Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180234#180234 ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 06:51:47 AM PST US From: Lynn Matteson Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Re: Lightweight fabric! I was told (by a Polyfober rep) of a builder who used the light fabric, and on the first taxi the guy didn't have his belt on, the belt was hanging outside the plane and propwash flopped the belt around until it hit the fabric and punched a hole in it. On Apr 30, 2008, at 9:03 AM, Tom Jones wrote: > > Can sunlight shine on the inside of the fabric where it ripped? I > keep a cover over the turtle deck area to prevent ultraviolet rays > from getting inside the fuselage. Also, the Kitfox builders manual > offers an option for light weight which doesn't use poly spray. > Could your plane have been covered using that method? > > -------- > Tom Jones > Classic IV > 503 Rotax, 72 inch Two blade Warp > Ellensburg, WA > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180223#180223 > > ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 07:08:21 AM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: Kitfox Classic IV for sale From: "flier" Per requests I've posted more detailed pics out on my site at http://www.foxflier.com/kitfox/forsale Thanks, Ted Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180243#180243 ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 07:16:11 AM PST US From: "Noel Loveys" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Lightweight fabric! While I agree with you and AC43 that the pull test is the definitive way. The problem is you have to take a sample. I assumed that an amateur wouldn't want to do that. The punch test is only a guide and should only be taken as such. If your punch test result is questionable at all, then a sample should be taken. Truth is if there is any question at all ....Recover. Thanks Noel -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of John W. Hart Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 10:31 PM Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Lightweight fabric! Noel, AC 43.13-1B, paragraph 2-34 says: "2-34. FABRIC TESTING. Mechanical devices used to test fabric by pressing against or piercing the finished fabric are not FAA approved and are used at the discretion of the mechanic to base an opinion on the general fabric condition. Punch test accuracy will depend on the individual device calibration, total coating thickness, brittleness, and types of coatings and fabric. Mechanical devices are not applicable to glass fiber fabric that will easily shear and indicate a very low reading regardless of the true breaking strength. If the fabric tests in the lower breaking strength range with the mechanical punch tester or if the overall fabric cover conditions are poor, then more accurate field tests may be made. Cut a 1-1/4-inch wide by 4-inch long sample from a top exposed surface, remove all coatings and ravel the edges to a 1-inch width. Clamp each end between suitable clamps with one clamp anchored to a support structure while a load is applied (see table 2-1) by adding sand in a suitable container suspended a few inches above the floor. If the breaking strength is still in question, a sample should be sent to a qualified testing laboratory and breaking strength tests made in accordance with American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) publication D5035. AC 43.13-1B 9/8/98 NOTE: ASTM publication D1682 has been discontinued but is still referred to in some Aerospace Material Specification (AMS). The grab test method previously listed in ASTM D1682, sections 1 through 16, has been superseded by ASTM publication D5034. The strip testing method (most commonly used in aircraft) previously listed in ASTM D1682, sections 17 through 21, has been superseded by ASTM publication D5035." It is true that these are experimental aircraft and the builder/repairman does the work as he/she sees fit, but in my opinion, the punch test is not a valid indication of fabric condition. John Hart KF IV Wilburton, OK -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Noel Loveys Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 6:09 PM Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Lightweight fabric! There is a special spring tool for applying pressure to the cloth if it penetrates it's no good. To check the bottom of your frame where rust can attack try putting about twenty pounds of force on an awl if it penetrates the frame was rusty if it doesn't put a spot of paint where you did the test. Noel -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Dave Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 6:24 PM Subject: Kitfox-List: Lightweight fabric! My 1992 Mod IV 1050 was originally covered in the lightweight fabric that was provided by Skystar. It was done extremely well in polyfiber and I had no doubt about it's state until yesterday. I had given it a fair knock from time to time and it always responded with the familiar low note. Yesterday I accidentally bumped it with my elbow and went straight through the fuselage side! It was right in the area that would have been beside the window in the shed it was stored in before it was mine. I've patched it but I guess a fuselage recover is the nest job on the list. There's no indication that the polyspray is not adequate even with a very strong light. What is the proper way to check fabric? Besides punching a 6" hole in it! ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 07:34:13 AM PST US From: "Noel Loveys" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Re: Sport Pilot I've had lots of friends fly in the bush... The only problem I've heard of, except loads not being properly tied down ( Pilot should always check for himself), was one occasion a plane was supposed to carry a few of D-9 track cleats up in the circle. The floor had to be reinforced! Even then a few cleats was a full load for a Twin Otter. They tell me one cleat is more than a load for an old army jeep. Noel -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of John Allen Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 3:10 AM Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: Sport Pilot "akflyer" said: "you would never make it up here as a commercial bush pilot... if it will go inside the plane these guys will try to get it off the ground." When did they start limiting the loads to the inside of the aircraft in Alaska? DO NOT ARCHIVE Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 07:44:01 AM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: Lightweight fabric! From: "n85ae" Personally I think an elbow going through the side is indicative of a serious problem. You should NOT be able to accidentally knock a whole in any weight of polyfiber fabric with your elbow. The tensile strength of all the fabric in good shape is way beyond allowing that to happen. Regards, Jeff Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180251#180251 ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 08:08:39 AM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: Lightweight fabric! From: "Tom Jones" I once watched an A&P mechanic demonstrate the strength of the fabric. He was recovering a pacer and someone who was not familiar with fabric covering mentioned that it really looked flimsy. The mechanic pushed his thumb on the covered elevator and held pressure on it until the fabric stretched up to base of his thumb nail. When he let go the dent stayed and the onlookers thought he had ruined the fabric. In a minute or so the dent disappeared and you couldn't tell where it had been. He then invited anyone to try to push a hole through the fabric with their thumb. I used this demonstration a few times when I was covering my Kitfox and got caustic comments from visitors about my airplane made out of bed sheets and broomsticks. The thumb dent test may be a way to check the rest of the fabric on the airplane. -------- Tom Jones Classic IV 503 Rotax, 72 inch Two blade Warp Ellensburg, WA Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180258#180258 ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 09:37:29 AM PST US From: "Pete Christensen" Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Re: (OFF TOPIC) Hangar WAS: Show us your finished Kitfox!! I stand corrected! My very first mistake. And I'm 63. Pete ----- Original Message ----- From: "akflyer" Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 7:57 PM Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: (OFF TOPIC) Hangar WAS: Show us your finished Kitfox!! > > > peteohms wrote: >> But, like everything else in this country (USA) "hanger" has come to be >> accepted. Many words get changed here. Wasup. >> >> Pete >> Model 3 912ul N73BH >> >> >> --- > > > not quite... a hanger is what you put your clothes on in the closet, a > hangar is what you tuck your plane into. Even in the US this holds true. > > -------- > DO NOT ARCHIVE > Leonard Perry > Soldotna AK > Avid "C" / Mk IV > 582 IVO IFA > Full Lotus 1260 > 95% complete > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180158#180158 > > > ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 09:51:53 AM PST US From: "fox5flyer" Subject: Kitfox-List: Lapeer MI Flyin ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 10:21:22 AM PST US From: "fox5flyer" Subject: Kitfox-List: Lapeer MI Flyin Hmmmm. Well, here it is again...and again. For some reason forwarding was deleting the text. This time it's copy/paste. Deke do not archive Hello, my name is Teresa Leming with Lapeer Pilot Center in Lapeer, Michigan. Would you please post this for all to see? We hope you can join us for this event! Thank you! Teresa Leming Open House Lapeer Pilot Center & Lapeer Aviation Saturday, May 17, 2008 11:00AM - 2:00PM Come and celebrate Lapeer Pilot Center's one year birthday, with food and fun for the entire family. Great things are happening at the DuPont-Lapeer Airport and we want the community to come see what their airport has to offer! This event is open to the public and all ages are encouraged to come. Hot Dog, Chips & Pop - $2.00 Hamburger, Chips & Pop - $3.00 All proceeds go to the local EAA Chapter, 1303 www.flylapeer.com Blessing of the Planes Saturday, May 17, 2008 10:00AM Pilots, please join us at 10:00AM for the Blessing of the Planes, and stay for the open house. Pastor Nik Schillack from Christ the King Lutheran Church in Lapeer will be hosting the event. Please call Lapeer Aviation to R.S.V.P. by May 15, 2008 to ensure that you will be included, 810-664-6966. DuPont-Lapeer Airport (D95), 1232 Roods Lake Road, Lapeer, MI 48446 For questions, please call 810-664-6966 or email teresa@flylapeer.com ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 11:10:24 AM PST US From: Marco Menezes Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: NIB 0-7000 RPM 2 1/4" Tachometer Micro 1000 Rotax CDI Thanks for the heads-up Deke. American made at a Chinese price. Not bad. do not archive fox5flyer wrote: I just ran across this nice little tach on ebay that would be good for you 582 guys with limited panel space. Might work on others too. FYI only. Deke Morisse Mikado Michigan S5/Subaru/CAP 355+ TT "The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress." - Joseph Joubert http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=260228759686 Marco Menezes Model 2 582 N99KX --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 11:17:08 AM PST US From: Marco Menezes Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Re: Show us your finished Kitfox!! What's that ugly blue thing? Looks like a bunch of spare airplane parts designed to fly in formation. ;-) do not archive dave wrote: Somewhere in the middle of Georgian Bay Ontario we found a little secluded cove on an island . -------- Rotax Dealer, Ontario Canada Flying Videos and Kitfox Info http://www.cfisher.com/ Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180111#180111 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/jim_064_167.jpg Marco Menezes Model 2 582 N99KX --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 11:51:33 AM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: NIB 0-7000 RPM 2 1/4" Tachometer Micro 1000 Rotax CDI From: "dave" > Thanks for the heads-up Deke. American made at a Chinese price. Not bad. Are you sure ?? I think they are from China. I would have to confirm as I have ordered from him before. Good seller and fantastic prices. Hey had Kitfox ASI as well for 40$ i think too -------- Rotax Dealer, Ontario Canada Flying Videos and Kitfox Info http://www.cfisher.com/ Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180330#180330 ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 12:22:39 PM PST US From: Marco Menezes Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Re: NIB 0-7000 RPM 2 1/4" Tachometer Micro 1000 Rotax CDI Ad says "American made." Maybe he's fibbing. I don't know, but for $36 bucks including shipping, I'm getting one. do not archive dave wrote: > Thanks for the heads-up Deke. American made at a Chinese price. Not bad. Are you sure ?? I think they are from China. I would have to confirm as I have ordered from him before. Good seller and fantastic prices. Hey had Kitfox ASI as well for 40$ i think too -------- Rotax Dealer, Ontario Canada Flying Videos and Kitfox Info http://www.cfisher.com/ Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180330#180330 Marco Menezes Model 2 582 N99KX --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 12:23:24 PM PST US From: "Pete Christensen" Subject: Kitfox-List: Model III Tail Spring I read the following from an old Kitfox newsletter: "Tailwheel steering springs." "Imagine yourself on short final in your brand new KITFOX, all set up for a perfect 3- point touch-down. You're close now, bring the stick back--back, it looks perfect. The tail wheel touches-- suddenly the nose veers left, hard. You apply full right rudder and brake. Still your baby turns left, ever tighter, the stick is still in your gut, but the tail comes up anyway. You get a good close-up view of the runway as the nose dips and the prop strikes pavement. The airplane rocks right and the right wingtip hits the ground with great gusto. When the dust settles, if you're lucky, your new darling has a broken prop blade and a damaged wingtip. If you're not so lucky, she also has crumpled landing gear, a broken wing, engine or gearbox damage, and a smashed cowling. What happened? When the tailwheel touched, one of the steering springs popped loose. To prevent an excursion like this, crimp the hooked ends of the spring around and tie across them with safety wire so they can't come loose." My Model III has been flown 328 hrs without this being done, only 8 hrs by me. I had a similar experience in a KR-2 about 29 years ago practicing crosswind high speed taxis. Ran off the runway and went up on it's nose into a sand dune. Motor stopped prior to gentle nose over. No damage. The thing I'm worried about is bending the spring. Won't that weaken the spring? Pete ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 12:47:55 PM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: Model III Tail Spring From: "SkySteve" Solution: Put the tail wheel on the propeller end of the airplane. [Laughing] -------- Steve Wilson Huntsville, UT Kitfox I-IV 85DD 912A / 3 Blade Warp Drive Convertable Nosewheel & Tailwheel Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180350#180350 ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 01:05:07 PM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: Ballast Tip From: "n85ae" Just for what it's worth, if you're building, consider making a ballast box and installing it in the tail aft of the battery. With an IO-240B for example you will end up on the hairy edge of the forward balance limit if you don't add ballast. I put 15 lb.'s in mine and got it well inside the envelope and it handles very nicely. Thought of this because I'm just closing the fueslage on my CH801 project and have been thinking about making an accessible box in it just in case I need it. With the Series 5 I added ballast via the battery access panel and it was a real chore to work through that little opening. Would have been much nicer before I fabric'd it. Jeff Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180351#180351 ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 01:15:47 PM PST US From: "Noel Loveys" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Model III Tail Spring I lockwired mine on and put a loose twist up the middle of the spring just in case. I did the same thing for all the springs in my exhaust too. Simple safe and fast. Noel -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Pete Christensen Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 4:51 PM Subject: Kitfox-List: Model III Tail Spring I read the following from an old Kitfox newsletter: "Tailwheel steering springs." "Imagine yourself on short final in your brand new KITFOX, all set up for a perfect 3- point touch-down. You're close now, bring the stick back--back, it looks perfect. The tail wheel touches-- suddenly the nose veers left, hard. You apply full right rudder and brake. Still your baby turns left, ever tighter, the stick is still in your gut, but the tail comes up anyway. You get a good close-up view of the runway as the nose dips and the prop strikes pavement. The airplane rocks right and the right wingtip hits the ground with great gusto. When the dust settles, if you're lucky, your new darling has a broken prop blade and a damaged wingtip. If you're not so lucky, she also has crumpled landing gear, a broken wing, engine or gearbox damage, and a smashed cowling. What happened? When the tailwheel touched, one of the steering springs popped loose. To prevent an excursion like this, crimp the hooked ends of the spring around and tie across them with safety wire so they can't come loose." My Model III has been flown 328 hrs without this being done, only 8 hrs by me. I had a similar experience in a KR-2 about 29 years ago practicing crosswind high speed taxis. Ran off the runway and went up on it's nose into a sand dune. Motor stopped prior to gentle nose over. No damage. The thing I'm worried about is bending the spring. Won't that weaken the spring? Pete ________________________________ Message 24 ____________________________________ Time: 01:26:48 PM PST US From: Clint Bazzill Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Model III Tail Spring If you use compression springs you won't have that problem. Clint > From: noelloveys@yahoo.ca> To: kitfox-list@matronics.com> Subject: RE: Ki tfox-List: Model III Tail Spring> Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:42:55 -0230> > lockwired mine on and put a loose twist up the middle of the spring just> in case. I did the same thing for all the springs in my exhaust too.> Simpl e safe and fast.> > Noel> > -----Original Message-----> From: owner-kitfox- list-server@matronics.com> [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Pete> Christensen> Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 4:51 PM> To : kitfox-list@matronics.com> Subject: Kitfox-List: Model III Tail Spring> > sbcglobal.net>> > I read the following from an old Kitfox newsletter:> > "T ailwheel steering springs."> > "Imagine yourself on short final in your bra nd new KITFOX, all set up for a > perfect 3- point touch-down. You're close now, bring the stick back--back, > it looks perfect. The tail wheel touche s-- suddenly the nose veers left, > hard. You apply full right rudder and b rake. Still your baby turns left, > ever tighter, the stick is still in you r gut, but the tail comes up anyway. > You get a good close-up view of the runway as the nose dips and the prop > strikes pavement. The airplane rocks right and the right wingtip hits the > ground with great gusto. When the d ust settles, if you're lucky, your new > darling has a broken prop blade an d a damaged wingtip. If you're not so > lucky, she also has crumpled landin g gear, a broken wing, engine or gearbox > damage, and a smashed cowling. W hat happened? When the tailwheel touched, > one of the steering springs pop ped loose. To prevent an excursion like this,> > crimp the hooked ends of t he spring around and tie across them with safety > wire so they can't come loose."> > My Model III has been flown 328 hrs without this being done, onl y 8 hrs by > me. I had a similar experience in a KR-2 about 29 years ago pr acticing > crosswind high speed taxis. Ran off the runway and went up on it 's nose > into a sand dune. Motor stopped prior to gentle nose over. No dam age.> > The thing I'm worried about is bending the spring. Won't that weake ================> > > ________________________________ Message 25 ____________________________________ Time: 01:34:08 PM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: Re: Model III Tail Spring From: "Tom Jones" I used a pair of pliers to pinch the spring ends closed. Thats what Skystar recommended. -------- Tom Jones Classic IV 503 Rotax, 72 inch Two blade Warp Ellensburg, WA Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=180363#180363 ________________________________ Message 26 ____________________________________ Time: 01:46:16 PM PST US Subject: Kitfox-List: Flaperon horn bearing - help needed From: mdkitfox@aol.com I've finally made some progress on my Model V, but I may have run into a small problem.? The manual refers to the full scale drawing template located with the wing templates (that would be the one I got 14 years ago and after 3 moves is now missing.)? I'm guessing this template is needed to shape the rectangular block into the the rounded 3 sided block for mounting on the fuselage tabs.? Does anyone have that drawing and the capability to scan it and send it to me?? I would really appreciate it. Also, has anyone experienced any problems with the flaperon installation on the wing?? Is it straight forward or are there fit problems? Thanks, Rick Weiss Series V Speedster ________________________________ Message 27 ____________________________________ Time: 02:35:59 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Flaperon horn bearing - help needed From: Danny Hi Rick, ?If I remember correctly the shape is not that important. Just make sure the hole in the block is aligned with the flaperon tube when the block is fully tightened to the fuselage tabs. We had a binding problem on N24ZM because of this and I had to remake these. I think the factory flew their demo plane without these for some time but you would need to check with them on this. Still need to get up and see your project. The Rocket has 5.6 hours so far and is really fast. At 5500 ft, 24 square and 16 GPH she will do 206 knots GPS average ground speed:) I still my my Kitfox though:( Danny Melnik F1 N14ZM Rocket Factory Melbourne, FL -----Original Message----- From: mdkitfox@aol.com Sent: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 4:43 pm Subject: Kitfox-List: Flaperon horn bearing - help needed I've finally made some progress on my Model V, but I may have run into a small problem.? The manual refers to the full scale drawing template located with the wing templates (that would be the one I got 14 years ago and after 3 moves is now missing.)? I'm guessing this template is needed to shape the rectangular block into the the rounded 3 sided block for mounting on the fuselage tabs.? Does anyone have that drawing and the capability to scan it and send it to me?? I would really appreciate it. Also, has anyone experienced any problems with the flaperon installation on the wing?? Is it straight forward or are there fit problems? Thanks, Rick Weiss Series V Speedster Plan your next roadtrip with MapQuest.com: America's #1 Mapping Site. ________________________________ Message 28 ____________________________________ Time: 02:49:56 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Flaperon horn bearing - help needed From: mdkitfox@aol.com Danny, Thanks, I wasn't concerned until I got to the statement to use the template, then?I thought there might be something unique to the shape. ? The rocket sounds like fun.? There was one flying?here this morning and it was sharp.? It flew by in a 4 ship formation with 3 RV-8's. ?I look forward to seeing yours, just don't do it during the last 2 weeks of May since I'll be out of town.? 206 knots?is awesome, which engine are you using? Rick -----Original Message----- From: Danny Sent: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 5:32 pm Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Flaperon horn bearing - help needed Hi Rick, ?If I remember correctly the shape is not that important. Just make sure the hole in the block is aligned with the flaperon tube when the block is fully tightened to the fuselage tabs. We had a binding problem on N24ZM because of this and I had to remake these. I think the factory flew their demo plane without these for some time but you would need to check with them on this. Still need to get up and see your project. The Rocket has 5.6 hours so far and is really fast. At 5500 ft, 24 square and 16 GPH she will do 206 knots GPS average ground speed:) I still my my Kitfox though:( Danny Melnik F1 N14ZM Rocket Factory Melbourne, FL -----Original Message----- From: mdkitfox@aol.com Sent: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 4:43 pm Subject: Kitfox-List: Flaperon horn bearing - help needed I've finally made some progress on my Model V, but I may have run into a small problem.? The manual refers to the full scale drawing template located with the wing templates (that would be the one I got 14 years ago and after 3 moves is now missing.)? I'm guessing this template is needed to shape the rectangular block into the the rounded 3 sided block for mounting on the fuselage tabs.? Does anyone have that drawing and the capability to scan it and send it to me?? I would really appreciate it. Also, has anyone experienced any problems with the flaperon installation on the wing?? Is it straight forward or are there fit problems? Thanks, Rick Weiss Series V Speedster Plan your next roadtrip with MapQuest.com: America's #1 Mapping Site. Plan your next roadtrip with MapQuest.com: America's #1 Mapping Site. ________________________________ Message 29 ____________________________________ Time: 06:39:46 PM PST US From: "markdonahue" Subject: Kitfox-List: GSC prop Can anyone share with me their experience refinishing the wooden GSC prop. Thanks, Mark, Kitfox 4, 912 UL ________________________________ Message 30 ____________________________________ Time: 09:04:34 PM PST US From: Guy Buchanan Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Model III Tail Spring At 12:20 PM 4/30/2008, you wrote: >The thing I'm worried about is bending the spring. Won't that >weaken the spring? No, you won't weaken the spring bending it once. I use compression springs because I understand they're less likely to fail and when they do they're supposed to remain captive. Guy Buchanan San Diego, CA K-IV 1200 / 582-C / Warp / 100% done, thanks mostly to Bob Ducar. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message kitfox-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/Kitfox-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/kitfox-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/kitfox-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.