What KitFox fits me!

[flyboyanderson]

A couple of years ago I was pretty disappointed when I sat in a prospective (I think it was a model 2) and did not fit at all. I literally could not get full range of motion in the stick. Since that time I learned to try on an airplane first before getting too excited about it. I have since purchased a Champ but it is too limited for my needs. I'm looking once again for another aircraft.

I want the ability to fly out of small RAF type fields with my wife and a decent payload. I wrote off the Kitfox due to the size limitations and started looking at other types of experimental and LSA aircraft. The Aerotrek, Just, and Zenith 750 look interesting (not sure I'll fit in them) but I saw a classified for a Kitfox model 7 and the useful load made take another look. I believe there was an increase in size as well as useful load.

At 6'2" and 230# with long legs, what model KitFox would accommodate my size?

Thanks

[avidflyer]

If a Champ is to small for you, I doubt any Kitfox will work. JImChuk

[flyboyanderson]

I bought the Champ because it did fit me.

But is has no useful load once loaded with people and gas. It's actually placard against any baggage if both seats occupied. It's an oddball 7JC.

I'm considering a Stinson108-x but I would prefer something that burns less gas.

The folding wings of the Kitfox, Aerotrek, and Just is a big plus.

[Danzer1]

You might also look at the Rans S20 and S21, they have good size cabin and payload and adjustable seats. I'm 6'-2 with a 36" inseam and they work just fine! S21 hasn't flown yet, but the cabin is the same from the baggage area forward as the S20.

Greg

[DesertFox4]

You should be good in a model 5,6,7 or 7SS. They are all the same size in the cockpit with much more room than the early model 1,2, & 3. The model 4 has more width but leg room wasn't increased much over the model 3.
Tall people with long legs like the 5,6,7 and 7SS models.

Performance will be better than the Champ and also fuel burn depending on engine choice. The Rotax 912 series in 80 or 100 hp. should keep fuel burn to around 4 gph with the 80 hp. and about 5 or 5.5 gph with the 100 hp. Rotax. You would enjoy both but the 100 hp. would be the best choice or the 914 turbo but they are much more rare to find for sale.

Warning, once you fly a Kitfox your Champ will quickly feel like a work truck compared to the Ferrari like performance of a Kitfox and your list of prospective aircraft will decrease considerably. :)

The Aerotrek is based off the model 4 Kitfox as far as sizing. Not an ideal choice for you size wise but better than the model 2 you tried on.

[Dusty]

You don't need a lot of stick movement in a Kitfox.The 5 and later are a real advantage in shoulder width but a some earlier models have wide body kits,if ever I have to recover I will look at a wide body kit as I am a bit broad:(

[trentp]

You will fit in a 5 or later, I have passengers your size ride with me all the time. Previous owner of mine was about your size as well.

[GuppyWN]

Yep. Model 5 or later. Height and depth are also adjustable with sear cushions.

[kmach]

A couple of years ago I was pretty disappointed when I sat in a prospective (I think it was a model 2) and did not fit at all. I literally could not get full range of motion in the stick. Since that time I learned to try on an airplane first before getting too excited about it. I have since purchased a Champ but it is too limited for my needs. I'm looking once again for another aircraft.

I want the ability to fly out of small RAF type fields with my wife and a decent payload. I wrote off the Kitfox due to the size limitations and started looking at other types of experimental and LSA aircraft. The Aerotrek, Just, and Zenith 750 look interesting (not sure I'll fit in them) but I saw a classified for a Kitfox model 7 and the useful load made take another look. I believe there was an increase in size as well as useful load.

At 6'2" and 230# with long legs, what model KitFox would accommodate my size?

Thanks

I'm 6'2 and 230lbs . My 5 fits me well. Two people my size works. So a 5 , 6, 7 or 7ss would work as long as they have adjustable rudder pedals.

[jeffbock]

Don't get a foxy 747. The cockpit is fairly small and it also burns a lot of fuel. However the useful load is quite generous.

[av8rps]

The early Avids and Kitfoxes had very small cabins, so I could understand you not being comfortable in any of those. I think you could fit in a Model 4 Kitfox if you really wanted to make that work. But on long trips you could find it uncomfortable. I'm 6'1 and 190 and fit in my Model 4 just great.

A Model 5 or newer will be a better fit as the cabin is a bit larger than the 4. I also own a Just Highlander. That will have the largest cabin of any you've described. I have a pic of a 6'8 385 lb guy sitting in one and he fit just fine. But honestly, for me I actually like the fit in my Kitfox better. It is more of an airplane you "wear". When flying my Highlander my elbows don't even touch the door, so it doesn't have as nice of a feel imho (would be better if I gain some weight and girth ;) )

One airplane not mentioned in this thread you may want to consider is an Avid Magnum. It would be more of something between the Champ and the Stinson for size, but with most of the attributes of the Avid/ Kitfox family. It was designed specifically for guys your size and bigger. And it is a phenomenal aircraft. With a typical 160 hp lycoming up front, it is a great performer as well as a load hauler. And they can sometimes be had for a song, as many people don't know about the Magnum.

Oh, and I think Desert Fox nailed it with his comments. I learned to fly in a Cub, and consequently hold an affection towards the Cubs, Champs, Taylorcrafts, Stinsons, etc. But I just can't bring myself to give up the performance, versatility, or practicality of the Kitfox in favor of the antique types. I love pretty much anything that flies, but there's something about the Kitfox genre that just never grows old for me. And that says a lot because I've been flying them since the mid 80's, or 31 years to be exact.

There's my story and I'm sticking to it...:cool:
Paul Seehafer

[jdmcbean]

Thought this would be worth posting..

This guy was 6' - 10". He was surprised he fit.. he had tried on several that day.

Yes he did get a Kitfox!

[efwd]

OK!. Now Im worried... I am 5'4", 140#. Am I Going to fit??!:p

[jiott]

Just remember when you order your seat upholstery kit to order the thicker seat cushions. I am 5'10" and wish I had ordered the 2" cushions. Kitfox may also have other thickness options.

[efwd]

I am preparing for all the pads necessary. I remember flying with Stick and Rudder. Steve had to throw both of his available seat backs behind me.:D

[Paul Z]

I'm 5'7" 200 Lbs & I fit.