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Just bought my first Kitfox

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mikelaundy(at)yahoo.co.uk
Guest

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 12:04 am Post subject: Just bought my first Kitfox

I have just purchased a Kitfox 3 with Rotax 582, the aircraft has done 600 hours and the engine 400 hours. I will be collecting it in a couple of weeks, and the owner will give me a check out.

   

  I would greatly appreciate any tips you guys can give me about any weaknesses to look for in the airframe or engine.  Also I would like to know of any handling vices anyone has experienced. In particular are there any handling problems with the flaperons? I have not flown such a system before. I will most likely be operating into fairly short farm strips, so the slow speed handling techniques are of particular interest.  

   

  Also I have not used a Rotax 582 before, any tips out there as to best way to start it, and to operate it for maximum longevity.

   

  I have a fair bit of flying under my belt (15000hrs) but much of it was in the RAF and then on Boeings. Light aircraft around 900 hrs mostly tail draggers. 

   

  You are the guys with the real experience of the Kitfox, and I will greatly appreciate any advice.

   

  Thanks

   

  Mike Laundy



		

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bmwebb(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 4:08 am Post subject: Just bought my first Kitfox

Mike,

How old is the airframe? 



Let me say I've read the books, but I have never been around a Kfox before.

My tail-dragger time was a whole 2 hours in a Champ for my sign-off. I've

got a lot of time, but all in certified planes. Sounds kind of like your

situation.



My airplane was in sad shape, systems-wise. But that's my forte, and

electrical and fuel can be fixed cheaply and easily. Airframe issues are

another matter. My basic airframe was sound, and the fabric was good (save

for a couple places).



The first thing I would look at is corrosion. My Model 2 was built in 91,

and there was the smallest bit of corrosion where the coolant had leaked,

and not taken care of.



Check the control rods under the seat, as my seat rested right on them. I

can give you a fix if you find a problem. Also spend time replacing the wing

bolts and the control system bolts. Cheap insurance.



Check to make sure that all SB's and SI's are complied with. If not, decide

whether you can do it yourself, or why it wasn't done. Mine were selectively

ignored. Some work involved, but nothing major.



If you wish, you can give me a call on the Rotax. Like you, I have lots of

time, but none behind the 582. It was a learning experience, but I'm getting

used to it. It is a little different, both in caring and flying. To start

it, pull the choke, light the ignition, and hit the start. It should fire up

in a second or so. Mine sat for 4 months, and fired right up. Basic fuel and

air stuff. Keep the temps within Rotax limits, and pay attention to the

details. It will be fine.



I have found the KFox to be the most forgiving and easy landing airplane

I've been in. Take-off's are easy, and landings, both three-point and wheel,

are non-events. Things happen a little slower in it, so you've got extra

brain-bytes to work the details.



I did ground-loop it once. I got cocky, and was playing a little. It started

bouncing and I let it get sideways. Like any tail-dragger, once it goes,

it's gone. No damage, save my ego. Those who have, and those who will...



If I can help further, let me know. If you've never had a Kfox before,

you're really going to enjoy it.

Bradley

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msm_9949(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 7:01 am Post subject: Just bought my first Kitfox

Hi Mike.

   

  Sound advice from Bradley. I'm presently  learning about those SI's myself in regard to my old C gearbox. Only proviso I would add to Bradley's comment about "things happening a little slower. . ." is that this doesn't apply to take offs. When you put the power to 'er, she's off right now  so be ready to fly.

   

  You probably won't find an instructor with Kitfox time to check you out so, if you can find one, get a copy of the book by Ed Downs on how to fly a kitfox. I found it very helpful.

   

  



Bradley M Webb <bmwebb(at)cox.net> wrote:

  



Mike,

How old is the airframe? 



Let me say I've read the books, but I have never been around a Kfox before.

My tail-dragger time was a whole 2 hours in a Champ for my sign-off. I've

got a lot of time, but all in certified planes. Sounds kind of like your

situation.



My airplane was in sad shape, systems-wise. But that's my forte, and

electrical and fuel can be fixed cheaply and easily. Airframe issues are

another matter. My basic airframe was sound, and the fabric was good (save

for a couple places).



The first thing I would look at is corrosion. My Model 2 was built in 91,

and there was the smallest bit of corrosion where the coolant had leaked,

and not taken care of.



Check the control rods under the seat, as my seat rested right on them. I

can give you a fix if you find a problem. Also spend time replacing the wing

bolts and the control system bolts. Cheap insurance.



Check to make sure that all SB's and SI's are complied with. If not, decide

whether you can do it yourself, or why it wasn't done. Mine were selectively

ignored. Some work involved, but nothing major.



If you wish, you can give me a call on the Rotax. Like you, I have lots of

time, but none behind the 582. It was a learning experience, but I'm getting

used to it. It is a little different, both in caring and flying. To start

it, pull the choke, light the ignition, and hit the start. It should fire up

in a second or so. Mine sat for 4 months, and fired right up. Basic fuel and

air stuff. Keep the temps within Rotax limits, and pay attention to the

details. It will be fine.



I have found the KFox to be the most forgiving and easy landing airplane

I've been in. Take-off's are easy, and landings, both three-point and wheel,

are non-events. Things happen a little slower in it, so you've got extra

brain-bytes to work the details.



I did ground-loop it once. I got cocky, and was playing a little. It started

bouncing and I let it get sideways. Like any tail-dragger, once it goes,

it's gone. No damage, save my ego. Those who have, and those who will...



If I can help further, let me know. If you've never had a Kfox before,

you're really going to enjoy it.

Bradley

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mikelaundy(at)yahoo.co.uk
Guest

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 12:08 pm Post subject: Just bought my first Kitfox

Many thanks for your advice guys.  I will post my first impressions when I fly it for the first time in a couple of weeks.

   

  The airframe is 10 years old, I have had it checked by a couple of engineer buddies, and it will have a new Permit to Fly, so that should highlight any issues about SIs being complied with.

   

  Does anyone out there know where I can get a copy of Ed Downs' book on how to fly a Kitfox.

   

  Mike



Marco Menezes <msm_9949(at)yahoo.com> wrote:

  



Hi Mike.



Sound advice from Bradley. I'm presently learning about those SI's myself in regard to my old C gearbox. Only proviso I would add to Bradley's comment about "things happening a little slower. . ." is that this doesn't apply to take offs. When you put the power to 'er, she's off right now so be ready to fly.



You probably won't find an instructor with Kitfox time to check you out so, if you can find one, get a copy of the book by Ed Downs on how to fly a kitfox. I found it very helpful.



Bradley M Webb wrote:




Mike,

How old is the airframe? 



Let me say I've read the books, but I have never been around a Kfox before.

My tail-dragger time was a whole 2 hours in a Champ for my sign-off. I've

got a lot of time, but all in certified planes. Sounds kind of like your

situation.



My airplane was in sad shape, systems-wise. But that's my forte, and

electrical and fuel can be fixed cheaply and easily. Airframe issues are

another matter. My basic airframe was sound, and the fabric was good (save

for a couple places).



The first thing I would look at is corrosion. My Model 2 was built in 91,

and there was the smallest bit of corrosion where the coolant had leaked,

and not taken care of.



Check the control rods under the seat, as my seat rested right on them. I

can give you a fix if you find a problem. Also spend time replacing the wing

bolts and the control system bolts. Cheap insurance.



Check to make sure that all SB's and SI's are complied with. If not, decide

whether you can do it yourself, or why it wasn't done. Mine were selectively

ignored. Some work involved, but nothing major.



If you wish, you can give me a call on the Rotax. Like you, I have lots of

time, but none behind the 582. It was a learning experience, but I'm getting

used to it. It is a little different, both in caring and flying. To start

it, pull the choke, light the ignition, and hit the start. It should fire up

in a second or so. Mine sat for 4 months, and fired right up. Basic fuel and

air stuff. Keep the temps within Rotax limits, and pay attention to the

details. It will be fine.



I have found the KFox to be the most forgiving and easy landing airplane

I've been in. Take-off's are easy, and landings, both three-point and wheel,

are non-events. Things happen a little slower in it, so you've got extra

brain-bytes to work the details.



I did ground-loop it once. I got cocky, and was playing a little. It started

bouncing and I let it get sideways. Like any tail-dragger, once it goes,

it's gone. No damage, save my ego. Those who have, and those who will...



If I can help further, let me know. If you've never had a Kfox before,

you're really going to enjoy it.

Bradley

--

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spaghettiohead(at)hotmail
Guest

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 12:41 pm Post subject: Just bought my first Kitfox

Hi Mike,



I have a KF3 w/582 as well...The KF was the first tailwheel I ever flew. 

Actually I did all my own tailwheel training at home on MS Flight Simulator 

in the Cub, then went up with an instructor for 40 minutes and 7 landings.



Bradley gave you some good advice, but in my opinion the KF is a very 

demanding tailwheel. I've flown several (Champ, C170, Waco), and the Kitfox 

with the Bungee gear is by far the touchiest - I've also flown the steel 

spring and found it to be much more tame. I haven't groundlooped her, but 

have come awfully close. When you do go fly for the first time, just expect 

to be flying her from the second you start up to the second you shut down. 

Ground handling, especially on t/o and landing roll will be a constant dance 

on the pedals.



You, though, have much more experience than me! Best of luck, and I hope you 

find, as I have, that the Kitfox is the most enjoyable aircraft there is 



Andrew

KF3 582

Nashua, NH  U.S. of A.

[quote]From: Michael Laundy <mikelaundy(at)yahoo.co.uk>

Reply-To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: RE: Just bought my first Kitfox

Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 20:05:19 +0000 (GMT)






Many thanks for your advice guys.  I will post my first impressions when I 

fly it for the first time in a couple of weeks.



   The airframe is 10 years old, I have had it checked by a couple of 

engineer buddies, and it will have a new Permit to Fly, so that should 

highlight any issues about SIs being complied with.



   Does anyone out there know where I can get a copy of Ed Downs' book on 

how to fly a Kitfox.



   Mike



Marco Menezes <msm_9949(at)yahoo.com> wrote:

   



Hi Mike.



Sound advice from Bradley. I'm presently learning about those SI's myself 

in regard to my old C gearbox. Only proviso I would add to Bradley's 

comment about "things happening a little slower. . ." is that this doesn't 

apply to take offs. When you put the power to 'er, she's off right now so 

be ready to fly.



You probably won't find an instructor with Kitfox time to check you out so, 

if you can find one, get a copy of the book by Ed Downs on how to fly a 

kitfox. I found it very helpful.



Bradley M Webb wrote:




Mike,

How old is the airframe?



Let me say I've read the books, but I have never been around a Kfox before.

My tail-dragger time was a whole 2 hours in a Champ for my sign-off. I've

got a lot of time, but all in certified planes. Sounds kind of like your

situation.



My airplane was in sad shape, systems-wise. But that's my forte, and

electrical and fuel can be fixed cheaply and easily. Airframe issues are

another matter. My basic airframe was sound, and the fabric was good (save

for a couple places).



The first thing I would look at is corrosion. My Model 2 was built in 91,

and there was the smallest bit of corrosion where the coolant had leaked,

and not taken care of.



Check the control rods under the seat, as my seat rested right on them. I

can give you a fix if you find a problem. Also spend time replacing the 

wing

bolts and the control system bolts. Cheap insurance.



Check to make sure that all SB's and SI's are complied with. If not, decide

whether you can do it yourself, or why it wasn't done. Mine were 

selectively

ignored. Some work involved, but nothing major.



If you wish, you can give me a call on the Rotax. Like you, I have lots of

time, but none behind the 582. It was a learning experience, but I'm 

getting

used to it. It is a little different, both in caring and flying. To start

it, pull the choke, light the ignition, and hit the start. It should fire 

up

in a second or so. Mine sat for 4 months, and fired right up. Basic fuel 

and

air stuff. Keep the temps within Rotax limits, and pay attention to the

details. It will be fine.



I have found the KFox to be the most forgiving and easy landing airplane

I've been in. Take-off's are easy, and landings, both three-point and 

wheel,

are non-events. Things happen a little slower in it, so you've got extra

brain-bytes to work the details.



I did ground-loop it once. I got cocky, and was playing a little. It 

started

bouncing and I let it get sideways. Like any tail-dragger, once it goes,

it's gone. No damage, save my ego. Those who have, and those who will...



If I can help further, let me know. If you've never had a Kfox before,

you're really going to enjoy it.

Bradley

--

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KITFOXPILOT(at)msn.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 3:51 pm Post subject: Just bought my first Kitfox

If anyone needs a Kitfox instructor, I have one who lives in the Washington DC area!  He's a CFII and taught me how to fly my model IV with a 912ULS.



Ray

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bmwebb(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 4:30 pm Post subject: Just bought my first Kitfox

Marco has it right, takeoff is a little quick, owing to the power of the

582. But I roll mine on a little slowly (!), since my runway is 6000'.



I've heard from a few that the 'fox is demanding. I don't have a lot of

tailwheel time, granted. But I hadn't flown a TD for at least two years, and

then only to get the sign-off. I'm about the least TD qualified person I can

think of. And mine is rather docile. It will hop if I miss the 3 point, but

laterally it really doesn't seem to require much from the rudder. It will

set down just as pretty as you please, and doesn't wander much at all. It is

far more demanding in-flight than on the ground. In the air, it's always

rolling off to one side, or the other. But I understand this to be the

nature of the Model 2, and why they went to a larger rudder. It's ok, just

not Cessna stabile...thank you very much.



Maybe set-ups are different? I have a pronounced wheel toe-in and camber on

my bungee gear, and the solid tail-wheel and HD aluminum bar. My chains are

relatively tight. It will taxi feet-off in calm wind. My first taxi was in

12 knot dead crosswind, and still kept it on the center line, no problem.

Like I said, once it sets, it's there. Not too much dance. At least no more

than the Champ took. I rode a couple times in a Mustang 2, and that thing

will KILL you. Never straight, one or the other. Real PITA.



Mike, too bad you're in the UK. I'd let you learn in mine. I'm a CFI, so I

can even sign it off for you.



To be honest, I have the Kitfox book, and it will do you more good than me.

It is great before that first flight, but then you figure it all out in the

air. How much of a pain is it to send to the UK?



Bradley



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