Skiing?

[Av8r3400]

Anyone else have skis on their Kitfox?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyKI0Ajtzrg&t=149s


You gotta try it! One of the few things that's fun about winter in Wisconsin... :eek:

[efwd]

Yep Larry, that looks like some pretty good fun in the cold. Thx for posting.
Eddie

[Mcslamma]

Getting ready now, this clip from 1 year ago: https://youtu.be/ZldqOoJlTLM

[Av8r3400]

Getting ready now, this clip from 1 year ago: https://youtu.be/ZldqOoJlTLM


Nice! I like the Datum Skis.

[kitfoxnick]

I want datums. I haven't had enough snow the last two winters. Here's some ski flying from a couple of years ago
https://vimeo.com/87215708

[Mcslamma]

These airplanes are a lot of fun on skiis, I need to learn more about the gopro to make more entertaining video's, like you guys..
The Dattum's work well for sure, If I hadn't lucked in to a deal on them I would have still been happy with the Homemade skiis I had on previously, It's all good. Let it snow...

[kitfoxnick]

What size datums are you using?

[Mcslamma]

Hi, they are 1500's. but have cessna 152 wheels I got cheap at a bone yard, Kitfox wheels too big to fit through slots. Had to make axle's and spacer's to accomodate them.

[kitfoxnick]

I run 26" airstreaks so I'd be switching the wheels out when I changed to skis. Where I live there is always snow an hour away (in the winter). The datums seem like the perfect setup for me. I've been looking at them for the last few years. Might just bite the bullet this summer. It has been two years with out ski flying.

[Av8r3400]

https://youtu.be/2JgHnPaVufg

Another skiing video... :D

[DesertFox4]

That was fun and I stayed nice and warm the whole time.;)

[Mcslamma]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3pI1eapNxM

One of RGQ when it was on home made skiis..
taxi and take-off.

[N213RV]

Quick ski plane question..... are there any special/different techniques you use for flying with skis VS. wheels? I was hoping to fly my KitFox on skis this winter, but it has not worked out so far. I have a SS7 and Summit wheel skis. Thanks in advance for any help!!

[Mcslamma]

Hi Mike,
Wow! That's a great looking airplane you have there.
For me, I find Landing on skiis is more forgiving for the most part, if you are on a familliar field. If landing on an unknown, or unfamilliar field, or a frozen surface like a lake, soft field landing technique's for sure, sometimes a touch and go is warranted to get a feel for the conditions But still more forgiving. Now I'm a fairly low time pilot and on floats during the summer and skiis usually Feb. and Mar. but that has been my experience. Great to see a radial fox on skiis, beautifull..

[Av8r3400]

Quick ski plane question..... are there any special/different techniques you use for flying with skis VS. wheels? I was hoping to fly my KitFox on skis this winter, but it has not worked out so far. I have a SS7 and Summit wheel skis. Thanks in advance for any help!!

Ski landings and takeoffs are always "soft field" activities. Don't drop it in. Make sure you have plenty of room, there will be increased drag on the takeoff. Landings will be longer because of the lack of braking.

Here's a good series: https://backcountrypilot.org/knowledge-base/pilots/ski-flying

[kitfoxnick]

Turn left no brakes.

[N213RV]

Here are a couple of videos of my first flight on skis.....

https://youtu.be/zPZTxW7v2dk

https://youtu.be/qW4mHWCsbCc

I posted these on Facebook as well, but I know many are not on Facebook.

[Av8r3400]

Very nice!

[avidflyer]

Nice! I will say though, I would worry about a tail high landing if it was in deep snow. Course, it's hard to see over the round engine in the three point configuration, but way less likely to go over on you nose. JImChuk

[Kitfox Guy]

I love the sound of that rotary engine - Sweet!

[Mcslamma]

Congrat's on expanding the Flying season to include Ski flying, nice video's and lotsa fun..

[3 tracks]

N213RV What size tire are you running on your mains? I just ordered a set of Summits with a tail wheel ski. Nice looking plane.

[N213RV]

N213RV What size tire are you running on your mains? I just ordered a set of Summits with a tail wheel ski. Nice looking plane.

For mine I needed to have 8.5-6 4-ply tires.... anything smaller the ski does not clear the ground, anything larger the tire hits the ski. I’m happy with that size tire even when the skis are not on. I also have the tail ski.

Thanks!

[3 tracks]

Thats good to know, I ordered 8.50x6 Dessers. Yours just look bigger than that.
Thanks

[Av8r3400]

N213RV What size tire are you running on your mains? I just ordered a set of Summits with a tail wheel ski. Nice looking plane.

If you are asking me, I have 21x800-6 tires that I use with the Skis. I ran these tires on this airplane until last fall I got the 26" Bushwheels. My last airplane I ran these tires for about 400 hours with minimal wear. They are great tires. Especially at $120 ea.

[Mcslamma]

Skiing season getting skinny, but still able to use lake runway!!
https://youtu.be/mNp4A75dR5A