Kitfox Ranking

[jiott]

I have mentioned to friends that Kitfox is the #2 kit supplier (based on total number flying) in the world, with Van's RV being #1. I would just like some confirmation that this is true. I don't want to spread any mis-information.

[avidflyer]

Did a quick search on FAA site, and using Vans RV I got 2103 listings, using Kitfox I got 1693. That list is for aircraft with an N number. Not nessasarly an airwothness cert. JImChuk

[Slyfox]

I think that's wrong for the rv. I think the number is much higher.

[avidflyer]

Well see for yourself then. Here is the link.

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/AcftRef_Results.aspx?Mfrtxt=&Modeltxt=VANS+RV&PageNo=1

This is not to say these are the only RVs built, just the ones that came up when I searched the FAA site for Rans RV. JImChuk

[Slyfox]

http://www.vansaircraft.com/index.htm
vans is listing over 9000 on their Hobbs meter in the lower right corner.

[efwd]

you two may be referencing different numbers in that the FAA registries are only the ones in the U.S. and still on the books. While Vans is reporting completions not only in the U.S. I do believe.
Eddie

[jiott]

I think we all agree that Vans RV is #1, but who is #2 worldwide? Is the #2 spot uncontested or are several companies close? Maybe John McB can put numbers to this.

[Flybyjim]

Perhaps Vans has sold more airplane kits but looking on barnstormers and other aviation for sale sites it seems Vans is also number one there, ?

I have built or am in the process of building to date 7 kitplanes and there is no comparison to the Kitfox quality (Rans comes close) BUT and to me this is a big BUT--Kitfox has the best build manuals photos and instructions, and get this, all in the same book, what a novel idea.

Kudos to the folks at Kitfox.

Building SS-7

[avidflyer]

My first post on this subject never stated that this was the total number of RVs or Kitfoxes. Only what popped up when I entered those names on the FAA website. I'm have no doubt that there are more of each that are named somewhat different from the terms I entered into the FAA site. JImChuk

[jrevens]

My first post on this subject never stated that this was the total number of RVs or Kitfoxes. Only what popped up when I entered those names on the FAA website. I'm have no doubt that there are more of each that are named somewhat different from the terms I entered into the FAA site. JImChuk

You're right of course, Jim. I believe that many builders register their airplane as a (put your own name here) RV-6 for instance. A Chuk RV-8 or a Evens RV-7, or whatever they want to call it might be found. It makes looking up numbers of a certain type in the registry pretty hard. At least I found that to be the case with the Thorp T-18.

[av8rps]

If one was to include all the variations that spawned from the original Avid/Kitfox design, I'm fairly certain it is the most popular experimental kitplane in the world. Where I live there are significantly more Kitfox type aircraft around than there are RV's. And there definitely seems to be more interest than ever in Kitfoxes, Highlanders, etc than anything else I hear about.

I like the Vans RV airplanes a lot. But the Kitfox offers much more versatility along with much lower operating costs. So I believe as time goes on the Kitfox will only become more popular.

[TahoeTim]

Zenith is right up there. I recall that they had sold 5000+ kits a few years back including high wing and low wing designs. At the time, RV was #1 and Zenith was #2.

How many are flying is another matter.

[jiott]

I thought I heard Kitfox had close to 5000 flying, with many more than that sold.

[Slyfox]

If one was to include all the variations that spawned from the original Avid/Kitfox design, I'm fairly certain it is the most popular experimental kitplane in the world. Where I live there are significantly more Kitfox type aircraft around than there are RV's. And there definitely seems to be more interest than ever in Kitfoxes, Highlanders, etc than anything else I hear about.

I like the Vans RV airplanes a lot. But the Kitfox offers much more versatility along with much lower operating costs. So I believe as time goes on the Kitfox will only become more popular.

for me it depends on which hangar I go into.:D

[efwd]

Now, Now Steve. some of us are jealous of your situations so we may be a little sensitive.:rolleyes:

[Norm]

OK I can't hold it in any longer.

The KitFox is Number 1 in my books andf that's all that matters.

I am sure there are many here that feel the same.

[Av8r3400]

+1, Norm!!!