Oshkosh Airventure 2015 a Kitfox adventure

[Paul Z]

Well I decided we need to get a post up about EAA Airventure 2015. Looking forward to seeing y'all.

[Av8r3400]

I'll be there. Same place as last year. :cool:

The door is always open and the cooler always has something in it.

[Esser]

Might be tough for me to swing this year. If my buddy goes for the weekend in his PC12 I may jump in. Definitely won't be flying myself this year.

[Paul Z]

Brats & beer, and I'll be there! :D
Looking forward to seeing you again!

[dholly]

Ohh yeah, we're gonna make you regret that! ;)

[Av8r3400]

... Something ...

That something might only be an empty bottle of ketchup for you, Doug. :p

[Av8r3400]

Another attraction at Airventure this summer...

Link (http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/A-B-52-To-Visit-Oshkosh-This-Summer-223771-1.html)

[Jono]

I'm coming all the way from Australia just to raid that cooler... might go to Airventure too.

[Av8r3400]

Ace! Do I need to keep the Vegimite in the cooler or in the cupboard? :D

[Jono]

hahaha... well played sir! Cupboard would be fine using the cooler (esky to us) should be reserved for beer!

[Jono]

Hi All,

I just thought i'd make a comment here to get people talking about Oshkosh again.

I'm bringing Dad (builder of the KitfoxIV I fly) with me. We've booked our flights (from Australia) and accommodation and it seems just around the corner now.

I'd be keen to meet up with lots of you and really get the most out of Oshkosh or at least as much as possible. Who knows I may even be able to negotiate a Kitfox flight or two for Dad and I. :rolleyes:

I saw in the forum posts here last year that there were plans for people doing dinner and catching up, etc I hope there are similar plans this year.

It'll be great to see some of the planes I've seen here in person and put some faces to the forum names.

Cheers

Jono

[digital_photog]

I plan to be there from July 19 through July 26. As of now I will be driving. May fly if I can find someone who wants to drive the truck up to Camp Stoller from Indiana. I could be persuaded to take a cooler full of brats if someone will help eat them.

[Av8r3400]

I will be happy to host again this year.

Maybe plan the same day & time to go watch the STOL guys play in the ultralight field after dinner?

[Paul Z]

I hope I can attend! I'm going to the Orthopedic Doctor Thursday. I banged my knee pretty hard. If my knee hurts this bad in July, I'll end up canceling. :mad: It has already been 3 weeks.

[Slyfox]

me and Cheryl well be there for Friday and Saturday. I do the work thing so I can't be there all week. see you there. be flying in Thursday and flying out Sunday. Sorry taking the RV. it's a little faster. but I'll take my kifox hat.

[Paul Z]

Well I went to the Doctor, he suspects a Meniscal tear, the cartilage that cushions the knee. The Doctor sent me for a MRI, so I have a follow up appointment Monday with him to see if surgery is in my future. He told me it doesn't heal itself. Time will tell if I'm going to get to go to Oshkosh.

[Flybyjim]

If there is a Kitfox gathering I'd love to attend. When and where?

Jim

[Av8r3400]

Stay Tuned. Details will be posted in this thread as they become available.

[Av8r3400]

Last year it worked out pretty well, so lets do the same again:

The Valdez STOL demo is on the ultralight field Friday from 6.30 - 8 pm.

Lets have a get together at my Campsite (across the street from the Ultralight Field) on Friday starting at about 5 pm.

I will supply refreshments & burgers/brats and all the stuff to go with. Nothing fancy. (A donation jar will be on the table, but not mandatory.)

We can have a meet and great BS session over food and drink, then we can all walk over to watch the Valdez guys play on the Ultralight Field.



Sound good? :D

[Av8r3400]

A map showing my campsite, EAA Chapter UL75:

[Slyfox]

Larry,
thanks or the invite. sounds good see you then.:)

[Jono]

Last year it worked out pretty well, so lets do the same again:

The Valdez STOL demo is on the ultralight field Friday from 6.30 - 8 pm.

Lets have a get together at my Campsite (across the street from the Ultralight Field) on Friday starting at about 5 pm.

I will supply refreshments & burgers/brats and all the stuff to go with. Nothing fancy. (A donation jar will be on the table, but not mandatory.)

We can have a meet and great BS session over food and drink, then we can all walk over to watch the Valdez guys play on the Ultralight Field.



Sound good? :D

Sounds great to me! Looking forward to it :-)

[Paul Z]

Well I went to the Doctor, he suspects a Meniscal tear, the cartilage that cushions the knee. The Doctor sent me for a MRI, so I have a follow up appointment Monday with him to see if surgery is in my future. He told me it doesn't heal itself. Time will tell if I'm going to get to go to Oshkosh.

Well the Doctor said I have both a Meniscal tear, and a fractured femur bone in my right leg. He said 6 to 8 weeks of rest & relaxation, he said crutches or a cane, keep the weight off of the knee. He doesn't want to do surgery because it would make the pain worse, basically wait for the bone to heal, and wait on the Meniscal tear until then to see if it resolves itself. He also told me unless I want to put up with a lot of pain, I shouldn't go to Oshkosh. I hate to miss it, I was looking forward to the Brauts, beer, and STOL Landings. Hope you guys have fun!

[Av8r_Sed]

Thanks for arranging the get together. I plan to be there.

[Slyfox]

Well the Doctor said I have both a Meniscal tear, and a fractured femur bone in my right leg. He said 6 to 8 weeks of rest & relaxation, he said crutches or a cane, keep the weight off of the knee. He doesn't want to do surgery because it would make the pain worse, basically wait for the bone to heal, and wait on the Meniscal tear until then to see if it resolves itself. He also told me unless I want to put up with a lot of pain, I shouldn't go to Oshkosh. I hate to miss it, I was looking forward to the Brauts, beer, and STOL Landings. Hope you guys have fun!
I say go and rent one of those scooters when you get there. of course you will need to have handicap status from your doc to do so.

[teamkitfox7788]

I'm the guy who trailers my Kitfox inside a trailer behind a small RV all over the country every year for the last dozen or so, combining touring with a motor home and flying in spectacular places down low and slow in the Kitfox. Awesome FUN.

This year I have family obligations at both ends of the show so I will do a single forum at Air Venture in the UL tent near the Red Barn, Thursday, the 23rd at 2:30 if all goes as planned. The plane, trailer, and little RV will probably be on display near the Red Barn for anyone interested in checking it out Monday thru Thursday.

The first half of the forum will be Power Point slides of great scenery taken from a Kitfox in national parks, seashores, mountains and lakes across the country from Maine to the Florida Keys to the California coast. The second half will include a lot of tips learned from experience on "How To Do The Trailering Part" going over things I have learned to make the trailering part simple, quick, easy, safe and less expensive. I have found that when all of those come together the ENJOYMENT level goes way up.

Really sorry I can't be there for the Friday evening get together, got to keep the wife of 43 years happy by doing the family weddings the weekend before and the closing weekend of Air Venture so have to head out Thursday after the day's events.

Dr Bob
Kitfox IV, Rotax 912 80hp
bjones@dmv.com

[digital_photog]

I'm the guy who trailers my Kitfox inside a trailer behind a small RV all over the country every year for the last dozen or so, combining touring with a motor home and flying in spectacular places down low and slow in the Kitfox. Awesome FUN.

This year I have family obligations at both ends of the show so I will do a single forum at Air Venture in the UL tent near the Red Barn, Thursday, the 23rd at 2:30 if all goes as planned. The plane, trailer, and little RV will probably be on display near the Red Barn for anyone interested in checking it out Monday thru Thursday.

The first half of the forum will be Power Point slides of great scenery taken from a Kitfox in national parks, seashores, mountains and lakes across the country from Maine to the Florida Keys to the California coast. The second half will include a lot of tips learned from experience on "How To Do The Trailering Part" going over things I have learned to make the trailering part simple, quick, easy, safe and less expensive. I have found that when all of those come together the ENJOYMENT level goes way up.

Really sorry I can't be there for the Friday evening get together, got to keep the wife of 43 years happy by doing the family weddings the weekend before and the closing weekend of Air Venture so have to head out Thursday after the day's events.

Dr Bob
Kitfox IV, Rotax 912 80hp
bjones@dmv.com

I'll look for you. Congratulations on your 43 years of marriage. Today is my 43rd anniversary.

[Slyfox]

I'm coming up on 38. I will say my wife really looks at me with complete respect. she knows I hate both weddings and funerals. she doesn't make me do anything I don't want to do. enough on that one.

[jrevens]

In June it was 43 years for me also... are we a bunch of old guys or what?

[Jono]

Whoah.... speak for yourself I'm lucky enough to be a 2nd generation Kitfox pilot and 3rd generation pilot!

Hehehe... see you all at Oshkosh (I'm counting down the days)

Jono

[rosslr]

Hey young fella - coming over this weekend?

cheers

r

[Jono]

Umm... unlikely I'm on the roster to be instructing in gliders all weekend. Will let you know if anything changes.

[Av8r3400]

Change idea: let's meet up at my place at 4 pm instead of 5. This will give me a bit of time at the end for cleanup before we head over to watch the Valdez cowboys play.


Whatcha think?

[digital_photog]

That will be fine with me. Do you want us to bring anything to share?

[Av8r3400]

Thank you for the offer. I will supply everything.

[Jch]

I flew my new kitfox to Oshkosh last year (1st time) and stayed in the regular camping area on the north end near rwy 9/27. Thought I would try the ultralight area on the south end this year in the hopes of being near more kitfoxes. I checked out the ultralight grass strip last year but don't remember seeing tents next to planes. Is there camping by your plane in this area and should I be concerned about a Wednesday arrival, I.e. might it be full?

[Av8r3400]

Anyone who flies into the ultralight strip, they will make room for. No worries.

If not call me, I'll give you a spot to camp at my site.

My yellow plane will be parked down on the farm with my cell number on the prop tag.

[Jono]

Are all of the Kitfoxers already at Oshkosh OK after yesterday's storms? (Saw some nasty photos on facebook and our LAX to ORD was delayed)
We're leaving Chicago for Osh today (most likely in the worlds smallest rental car)

[rosslr]

Photo of small car and two large OZZies please! Have fun and remember to drive on the right side of the road .... I mean the left side is the right side rather than the right side being the right side ....if you know what I mean ... Hope this is helpful.

:)

[Av8r3400]

Three Kitfoxes in a row (with a quicksilver) down at the ultralight field.

The "Fun Fly Zone" is where it's at! :D

[Av8r3400]

Can I get an idea of a head count for Friday?

[Slyfox]

me and Cheryl

[Jono]

Dad and I (Richard and Jono)

[Brandon Petersen]

Heather and I

[Paul Z]

I'm jealous, but my knee is still not doing well. Hope the weather didn't hurt anyone.

[Av8r_Sed]

Me and two daughters.

[Gawilkie]

I will be there.

[Jch]

Jch and nrm makes 2

[digital_photog]

I'll be there. Working UL flightline every morning.

[Av8r3400]

Cool. I volunteer in UL also.

We'll plan for 30 people.

[Brandon Petersen]

We received some excellent coverage from Kitplanes Magazine on our "cut away mock up". It has been a huge hit and has been a GREAT addition to the booth.

http://kitplanes2.com/blog/2015/07/kitfox-cutaway-on-display-at-oshkosh/

Check it out....

B

[wannafly]

don't forget the group photo with names for us who want to meet you but can't this year...

[Paul Z]

We received some excellent coverage from Kitplanes Magazine on our "cut away mock up". It has been a huge hit and has been a GREAT addition to the booth.

http://kitplanes2.com/blog/2015/07/kitfox-cutaway-on-display-at-oshkosh/

Check it out....

B

Hello Brandon, how's the family?
Very nice, I’m sure this will quell the concerns of a person on the fence, because of concerns with the Build Process. The Kitfox Kits are well designed. I wish I would have been able to see the display, but a fractured knee has kept me home. John, Debby, Judd, Brandon and the rest of the Kitfox crew are doing a great job with a great airplane.

[muth]

Will join as well
Thomas from Switzerland

[DesertFox4]

Couple photos of our favorite aircraft company display courtesy of EAA.





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[ken nougaret]

I agree, group photo with names

[Paul Z]

I also concur a Group Photo with Names, & Type Kitfox.

[DesertFox4]

Some photos from AirVenture 2015


DesertFox1- thought you'd like this first one.:)
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[rosslr]

thanks very much for the photos! I like them all - for those of us that are attending to mundane things like building Kitfox and working to earn some cash to build Kitfox, it brings us into the event! I would have loved to have read a bit about each of the planes but that is a lot of work and I just appreciate you going to the trouble to post them. It also looks like you guys are getting great weather for it. Have fun, thanks again and look forward to more!

cheers

ross

[PapuaPilot]

Looks like me and my daughter can make it. :)

[Meyertheflyer]

I was there. Next to Chucks fox. Guess you missed.

[t j]

I recognize a couple of them from the old original Kitfox Email list group. The orange classic 4 on floats and the series 5 with the checkered tail.

[desertfox1]

Hey Tom,
That Fox with the checkered tail is actualy a new 7ss built by
Chuck and Bev here in AZ. Chuck and Bob Meyer flew their
new model 7ss to Osh from Chandler this year. Wish i could
have gone with them.

Phil

[Meyertheflyer]

Papa, I wish you could be with us too!

[t j]

Blame it on the 60's Phil, I'm 66 now. I was thinking of the Melnicks
http://www.ultralightnews.com/reviews/eaa/septfeat.htm

[desertfox1]

Tom, I'll be 81 this year so I know what you mean. I remember that model 5 well, they did a great job! Laura bent that tall skinny gear and I think that helped the decision to only offer the present gear.

I'm finishing a 7SS and starting a model 1, are you flying the 503 to McCall this year? Like to see you again

Phil

[ken nougaret]

Tj, dan melnick taught me how to fly radio control helicopters when i lived in miami 30 yrs ago. I lost touch with him long before he got married and built a full size plane. Nice article you posted. Ken

[Av8r3400]

Boy, that Kitfox on the company's Facebook homepage sure is a sweety...

[Dorsal]

We are back home, so sorry to be missing the gathering tonight. Great flight both ways, saw some beautifully built Foxs, now about that Rotax 915 :cool:

[Dorsal]

So how was the shindig, any pictures?

[Av8r3400]

Here's most of the turnout. I'm the fat guy in front with the orange shirt.

If you at in the photo, let us all know who and where you are.

[Jono]

Here's some more (lucky for me I'm a much better pilot than photographer...and I'm by no means an excellent pilot)

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[rosslr]

Time you came home Jono - you're having too much fun!

r

[Av8r3400]

Airventure the 10th and final day of camp. We're all a little punchy and ready to go home, but hate the thought of it being over.

Thank you all who came and had fun. See you next year!!

[ken nougaret]

Very nice! I see all the pics are around campers/rv's. Did some kitfoxers drive in, rent, or did you meet up with friends that had campers?

[Paul Z]

I really hate that I missed the fly-in, I really wanted to see the STOL Competition at the Ultralight field again this year. Flip side is my knee is slowly getting better, and I am positive I couldn’t have mad the week with all of the walking. I guess I can’t bad mouth my Ortopedic Doctor. I have 2.5 more weeks of keeping weight off of my right leg.

[dynomike]

thanks for the pictures,great kitfox turnout

[Paul Z]

I must admit you had a great Kitfox Turn Out, at your campsite! I’m planning for next year. I’m calling the University to get a room ASAP.

[Slyfox]

had a great time. I'm second from the right next to the guy holding the beer, up front. the stol was great to watch. the weather was fantastic.

[jrevens]

Left & got home to Denver yesterday... 19th time at OSH with my other homebuilt. With a little luck, I'll be there with my Kitfox next year. It was great to meet a few Kitfoxers again... I made it to Larry's (Av8r3400) party, but only for an hour, as I had another prior committment. What a great group of people! It was a good year with almost perfect weather.

[Meyertheflyer]

John, glad you came and I hope to see you and your fox next year. Thanks for the tail wheel advice.

[Av8r_Sed]

I'm in the center of the back row, black hat.

[digital_photog]

Third from right in the back row. Tan Kitfox hat.

[DesertFox4]

Got tired of scrolling back to see who's who so posting the group photo again.
Glad you guys had a great time.

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[Paul Z]

I agree with Steve, this should help. Damned you guys had a good time.

If anyone else adds their position I’ll add it and repost.

[Av8r3400]

Sorry. I wanted to get the photo up asap, but all I had to work with was my iPhone… :(

[Av8r3400]

First - Thanks to everyone who stopped by on Friday. It was a blast to meet and talk with you!

Second - I'm horrible with names, so forgive and correct me if I get you wrong, but here goes, I'll give the ones I remember not already given:

From the Left Rear: Juno and his dad Richard from down under, yellow hat is Joe912, Red shirt is JimS, light shirt is Paul B (Avid mk IV - we don't discriminate!), Grey shirt next to me is Doug - DHolly, yellow shirt is Columbine Stan from Colorado, White shirt on the end is Mark from Minnesota (Avid Bandit)

Help me out with the names of the rest…

Next year we will have a book to sign!!

[Paul Z]

I'll put together all of the names, and post it.

[colospace]

Dang it! I had to slip away for a bit and of course that is when the photo happened. My wife said she had filled in for me and that is her up front. It was super to be able to pop to and from the ultralight field for the STOL "competition".
Couldn't beat the weather this year once past the previous Saturday. Paul would have felt right at home then though :D

[muth]

2nd row rh red cap Thomas Switzerland S7SS
Many thanks to Larry and Co for organizing the event

[rosslr]

thanks for doing this Larry - it is really nice to put faces to names - or is that the other way around..??

Just a small note - it is Jono from OZ, not Juno - but I think I will call him Juno from now on!

cheers

ross

[Paul Z]

You have two guys listed as wearing yellow shirt but I only see one yellow shirt.


First - Thanks to everyone who stopped by on Friday. It was a blast to meet and talk with you!

Second - I'm horrible with names, so forgive and correct me if I get you wrong, but here goes....

[Paul Z]

I added a few more names

[jrevens]

Paul,

The guy in the yellow shirt (listed as Jim S.), is Stan Specht (Columbine). "Juno's" dad is actually Jono's dad.

[Paul Z]

Thanks I'll fix it. I keep thinking its Juno not Jono.

[Paul Z]

How’s this? I’m sure there are a few mistakes don’t hesitate to tell me.

My wife asked me to remove the arrows pointing at the groins of the people in the front row.

[jrevens]

Paul,

Stan's last name is spelled Specht. In the middle is James and in front of him his son, Quinton. The lady is Val Gregory, wife of Gary. Those guys (& gal) are all from Colorado.

Good job!

[N213RV]

I'm the guy in the front row with the black hat with white trim holding my sons hand in the royal blue shirt. I'm building a Rotec Radial SS7. My sons name is Ryan. You inadvertently have me listed as joe912.

[Paul Z]

I'll fix the names Saturday, sorry about the mistakes.

[jdmcbean]

Sorry we missed all of you. We were very busy and could not get out of the booth... So we arrived just in time to catch Larry putting things away... Got a
couple of good cookies.... Maybe next year😄

[Paul Z]

Photo from Larrys BBQ. I hope I have them all right.

[jrevens]

Paul - again, for what it's worth (since you asked), Stan SPECHT is how it's spelled. The guy in the middle with the hat, and his son in the black shirt are James & Quinton (Mod. IV). The lady in the white shirt is Val Gregory (husband Gary is building s7 SS).

[Jono]

Hi All,

Now a few weeks after Airventure 2015 I'm finally back at work. Ohh well gotta fund Avgas somehow....

Many thanks for everyone's hospitality it was just amazing.
Thanks all.
Jono

[Paul Z]

Hopefully I have it right this time!

[digital_photog]

Good to meet you and everyone else. I think you deserve a reward for making that long trip. Would have been an even bigger reward if you had done it in the Kitfox. :D

[wannafly]

Guess what? 2016 is the year to finally realize my dream of coming to Oshkosh and camping under my Kitfox wing. I know its along way off but so am I. We are beginning to plan with a group of 5 of us from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. AV8r3400 seems to be the always there guy but I'm sure many have advice for me or what you think I should know. Packing list, what not to bring, etc. Kitfox IV is my choice of birds so room is limited. So lets hear it. Private message if you prefer.
What I know so far is land at ultra light strip, set up camp, soak it in.:D
After I've had enough I hope to continue east for Maine, Nova Scotia area.
Just writing this gets me vibrating.