SIT or Stop wing for model 4

[Hockeystud87]

Any know where or what the wings on Trent Palmers model 4 are? Are they just the same STI kit for the 7? Price would be nice to.

[Av8r3400]

Trent has a V (five) with the STi wing and landing gear.

A stock, lighter model IV (four) will give similar performance with the same power.

[Hockeystud87]

Interesting, my kitfox 4 has a UL on it and I'm trying to gauge what kind of performance i should expect.

[cubtractor]

What HP UL do you have? Considering the smallest is 97hp, it will have great performance.

[Hockeystud87]

My UL 912 is a 80hp.

Wondering what the back country prospects of it will be.

[cubtractor]

Ah, my mistake. I was thinking of UL Power engines. I have the 85hp Jabiru on mine and have considered the 107hp UL Power if I ever change engines.

[Hockeystud87]

I would just go zipper kit.

I have yet to fly it so I still have a while too feel it out. How's your perform on that horse power?

[cubtractor]

Mine has been really respectable. With just me and half tanks of fuel, about 100-150 ft takeoff. On a hot day, 95 degrees +, at max weight the longest takeoff is around 450 - 500 feet. I cruise at 95 mph. Probably would gain more speed with small tires and wheel pants.

[Hockeystud87]

Are you pitched for climb?

[cubtractor]

Not particularly. Pitched for the best of both worlds. I really like the Prince Prop though.

[Hockeystud87]

Ya I've got a model 4 with 77 total time on it my grandfather built. It's been hangared for about 20 years and I'm trying to get it fixed up. Hasn't flown in a while. I have a tail dragged endorsement but I'm pretty low time. Excited to get it flying.

How has your experience been flying yours? Any harder than others?

[cubtractor]

I would definitely get some dual instruction. They are short coupled so they are pretty quick to react. You need to stay on your toes.

I've loved flying mine. I can get in and out of about anywhere I want to go and, while the cruise speed is blazing fast, I can still get somewhere if I need to, and do it cheaply. I burn about 3.5 gph at cruise of 91 octane, non-ethanol auto gas. Been to OSH with it which was a blast.

[cubtractor]

In your case with the Rotax, if you ever wanted more power, the Zipper kit is the way to go.

[Hockeystud87]

Ya the zipper kit and EFI are very tempting. But those together are almost a entire new engine. I know he put the grove landing gear on it so it's a little wider which helps.

Only thing is there aren't any kitfox cfis around here. I do have access to a group that does tail dragged specific training in carbon cubs and their fx3 so I do have experienced dragged pilots around.

[Ramos]

Stick & Rudder gets plugged near to death here. That being said ( :) ), they are somewhat local to you and you won't find better training.

[Hockeystud87]

Stick and Rudder would be great. Just not sure how I get me and the plane there...

[cap01]

at one time a while back there was a mention of not recommending the zipper kits for the older engines. I'm in the process of installing a new 912ul on my model IV and the new case is definitely different than my old 93 vintage engine. i think the issue was case thru bolts and it could have been just for the high compression zipper kit.
good luck with the new plane , you'll enjoy it

[cap01]

where was the kit fox hangared?

[Hockeystud87]

It was hangared in California for a few years then most of its 20 years was in Buckley, WA. Tacoma area.

I live in OR now in the Hood River Area.

[cap01]

the 80 horse does well on the model IV. learn to fly it and then decide . the speedster is a nice plane.

[av8rps]

I fly a Model 4-1200 on 230 lb amphib floats with two people and it works great with the 80hp 912ul. I cheat somewhat by using an IVO inflight adjustable prop, which is a great option on that plane as long as you don't care about LSA. But even without that prop the Model 4 is a very nice, great performing airplane with the 80 hp 912 Rotax. With a 105 hp Zipper kit conversion it becomes a real hotrod. But honestly, the Model 4 with the 912ul 80 hp is a really nice combination. I personally would learn it just the way it is and then enjoy the heck out of it. (You will find it comparable to a 150 hp Supercub, if you've ever had the chance to fly one of those. And as a Speedster, it will cruise faster)

I too would highly recommend going to Paul Ledabrand for training. Don't worry about taking your plane, use the one he has for training. It's a newer model Kitfox, so you'll still learn how to fly a Kitfox. Transitioning to your Model 4 from his new Kitfox will be an easy step to take. Plus you can learn some stol stuff from him while you are there.

[Hockeystud87]

Any idea on what the cost and time frame is for the stick and Rudder guys? Can I do it in a weekend?

[DesertFox4]

Try clicking on Stick & Rudder’s website advert on the left side of every page of TeamKitfox.com. They are the 2nd advert from the top. Then click on their heading labeled “Pricing” at the top right side of their home page.