Time and Cost to Build

[Squelch]

As a guy in "research mode" to build a Kitfox, I thought it would be cool to put together a post outlining what it costs to get one of these babies in the air. Obviously there are a lot of variables, so maybe we can start with the basic specs and add a few notes as necessary for the details. Here's a simple format for easy review.

Kitfox model:
Engine:
Avionics:
Time to build:
Total cost:
Notes:

What do you all think?

[aviator79]

There are several threads that hit this topic, but a concise summary is that there really are too many variables. The best thing to do is find and read build threads to get some idea what you can expect depending on what optiobs you want and what your circumstances are.

[Esser]

I bought my engine, prop, and avionics used. I have fuel injection and I’m in for probably $65,000 USD. Maybe $70,000. I dont keep track of time to build but I would say 1200 to 1500 hours is accurate.

[aviator79]

Josh did really well finding used stuff. I would estimate that I'll have ~$90k in mine for a similar setup with the caveat that I don't track what I spend on Amazon and Aircraft Spruce very closely because I don't want to know...
-0-time overhauled 914.
-Airmaster Prop
-Almost all the kit options (quick build wing, upraded tips, bubble doors, Laker Leading Edge, Kitfox interior etc.)
-VFR Dynon HDX panel.
-Dynon 2-axis Autopilot
-Polyfiber/Aerothane.

[avidflyer]

You could get a big jump on things with this kit I just saw on barnstormers. Not mine.... JImChuk
KITFOX 6 • $33,000 • AVAILABLE FOR SALE • Kitfox 6 complete kit including Rotax 912 Uls new in box serial number 4426853. 3 blade whirlwind carbon prop and aluminum spinner, Kit includes complete interior kit, strut covers, grove main gear gundrilled, nav lights, nose wheel and pants, all basic instruments plus engine gauges, covering, glue, rv primer. All you need to complete the kit is paint and possible a few misc items. I am second owner, I just an just finishing kf5, I bought this for my son, his work changed and has no time to build. I will not sell separate . More photos are available. This kit is in excellent condition • Contact Gregg Davidson, Owner - located Burbank, CA USA • Telephone: 818-319-9616 . 818-3199616

[Av8r3400]

Wow! That's a steal with an engine!

[brjohnso]

Here is what I come up with as a total cost to build... I did the numbers for both a SS7 and an STi. I allowed $5k for avionics (which I believe allows for only pretty basic stuff) and other misc. I didn't make any allowance for paint, which you can spend a lot on if you want.

I come up with $72403 for an SS7 and $75,377 for an STi.

Kitfox S7 Base Cost 25995 Plus options 10129 total 36124 Plus FW Forward 5395
Plus Rotax 912iS 23284
Fuselage options Plus Prop 2600
Speedster Tail Kit 295 1 295 295 Avionics budget 5000
Prefab Bracket Kit 695 1 695 695 Grand Total 72403
Dual Brake kit 425 1 425 425
Adjustable Rudder Pedal Kit 295 1 295 295
Light Weight Pedal Upgrade 150 0 0 0
Tinted Windshield 150 0 0 0
Acrylic Bubble Doors 712 0 0 0
4130 ChroMoly Streamline Horizontal Tail Struts 500 0 0 0
0
Wing Options 0
Quick Build wing 1475 1 1475 1475
Factory Pre-rig wing to fuselage 895 1 895 895
Bottom False Ribs 150 1 150 150
Wing Tip Upgrade 200 1 200 200
Composite Leading Edge 995 1 995 995
Wing Lift Strut Fairings (PVC) 295 1 295 295
4130 Chromoly Streamline Wing Lift Stuts 3500 0 0 0
Vortex Generators 125 0 0
0
Landing Gear Options 0
Monster Shocks 2.0 2600 0 0 0
T-3 Tailwheel suspension spring 675 0 0 0
Aluminium Tailwheel Spring 349 0 0 0
Alaska Bushwheel Tailwheel 975 0 0 0
850:6 smooth tread tires and tubes (taildrager only) 500 0 0 0
Alaska Airstreak 26 2380 0 0 0
Alaska Airstreak 29 2930 0 0 0
Wheel Pant Kit Main gear 600x6 485 1 485 485
Wheel Pant kit (nose Gear) 225 1 225 225
Nose Gear Kit 1495 1 1495 1495
Parking Brake kit 285 1 285 285
0
Cabin options 0
Cargo bay kit 525 1 525 525
Extended cargo bay 650 0 0
Cabin Vent 370 0 0 0
Cabin Heat (rotax only) 455 0 0 0
Dual Pin Door Latch 350 0 0
0
Upholstery 0
Velour 1195 0 0
Cordura 995 1 995 995
Synergy Suede 1495 0 0
Contour foam 150 0 0
0
Misc Options 0
Builders tool kit 399 1 399 399
Transport kit 455 0 0
Cargo pod 445 0 0
0
0





Kitfox STI 32445 Plus options 6653 total 39098 Plus FW Forward 5395
Plus Rotax 912iS 23284
Fuselage options Plus Prop 2600
Speedster Tail Kit 295 1 295 295 ? Avionics budget 5000
Prefab Bracket Kit 695 1 695 695 Grand Total 75377
Dual Brake kit 425 1 425 425
Adjustable Rudder Pedal Kit 295 1 295 295
Light Weight Pedal Upgrade 150 0 0 0
Tinted Windshield 150 0 0 0
Acrylic Bubble Doors 712 0 0 0
4130 ChroMoly Streamline Horizontal Tail Struts 500 0 0 0
0
Wing Options 0
Factory Pre-rig wing to fuselage 895 1 895 895
4130 Chromoly Streamline Wing Lift Stuts 3500 0 0 0
0
Landing Gear Options 0
T-3 Tailwheel suspension spring 450 0 0 0
850:6 smooth tread tires and tubes (taildrager only) 500 1 500 500
Alaska Airstreak 26 2380 0 0 0
Alaska Airstreak 29 2930 0 0 0
Parking Brake kit 285 1 285 285
0
Lighting Systems 0
Aero-LED Pulsar nav sttrobes 995 1 995 995 1
Aero-LED Micro Sun landing light 349 1 349 349
Aero Sun tail light 395 0 0 0 1
Tail light housing - rudder 99
0
Cabin options 0
Cargo bay kit 525 1 525 525 1
Extended cargo bay 650 0 0
Cabin Vent 370 0 0 0 1
Cabin Heat (rotax only) 455 0 0 0 1
Dual Pin Door Latch 350 0 0
0
Upholstery 0
Velour 1195 0 0
Cordura 995 1 995 995
Synergy Suede 1495 0 0
Contour foam 150 0 0
0
Misc Options 0
Builders tool kit 399 1 399 399
Transport kit 455 0 0
Cargo pod 445 0 0

[ratc]

Well worth the cost when compared to similar kit built STOL aircraft !
What is the current delivery lead time for an S7 sti ?

[aviator79]

Call and ask, but last I heard, 10ish months.

[brjohnso]

Buying factory made is about $100k
Building it yourself is about $75k
Buying one built by another individual, even a very nice one is usually a bit less than the cost to build. They seem to run around $50-$60k for a nice one.

I would like to build one, but the time to build concerns me a bit. It might be a few years before I'd get it off the ground, and I'd be paying for the privilege of building.

[aviator79]

Buying one someone already built is the best value if you want to fly. I think Kitfox is a few years out on SLSA orders. For building to be worthwhile, you have to value the experience of building. Honestly, even your $75k estimate is probably optimistic. $5k isn't much budget for a panel, and there are a bunch of $100 bills that add up over time.

[jrevens]

There is some "hidden value" in building your own though. There is the true value in really intimately knowing the airplane and all of it's systems from the very beginning. There is also the ongoing value of being able to sign off your own annual condition inspections. Then there is the value of pride in being able to say "I built that". Not trying to discourage you from buying, just pointing out that it is a wonderful life's accomplishment to build your own airplane... something that it is impossible to put a price on.

[efwd]

And John has done it more than once. Im already batting around the idea myself. Since I have one soon to fly, I can take as long as I want and space out the expense. It would be really cool to have one like the guy from Rotec with steam gauges. Minimalist approach.

[David47]

There is some "hidden value" in building your own though. There is the true value in really intimately knowing the airplane and all of it's systems from the very beginning. There is also the ongoing value of being able to sign off your own annual condition inspections. Then there is the value of pride in being able to say "I built that". Not trying to discourage you from buying, just pointing out that it is a wonderful life's accomplishment to build your own airplane... something that it is impossible to put a price on.

Applause for this John. Nicely put and totally agree.

[bbs428]

There is some "hidden value" in building your own though. There is the true value in really intimately knowing the airplane and all of it's systems from the very beginning. There is also the ongoing value of being able to sign off your own annual condition inspections. Then there is the value of pride in being able to say "I built that". Not trying to discourage you from buying, just pointing out that it is a wonderful life's accomplishment to build your own airplane... something that it is impossible to put a price on.

Agreed. Nicely said.

[NinerBikes]

You could get a big jump on things with this kit I just saw on barnstormers. Not mine.... JImChuk
KITFOX 6 • $33,000 • AVAILABLE FOR SALE • Kitfox 6 complete kit including Rotax 912 Uls new in box serial number 4426853. 3 blade whirlwind carbon prop and aluminum spinner, Kit includes complete interior kit, strut covers, grove main gear gundrilled, nav lights, nose wheel and pants, all basic instruments plus engine gauges, covering, glue, rv primer. All you need to complete the kit is paint and possible a few misc items. I am second owner, I just an just finishing kf5, I bought this for my son, his work changed and has no time to build. I will not sell separate . More photos are available. This kit is in excellent condition • Contact Gregg Davidson, Owner - located Burbank, CA USA • Telephone: 818-319-9616 . 818-3199616

I'm 5 or 6 months too late for this one, and he was 13 miles from me... Who ended up buying this one? Going to get my Sport Pilot's license and want to train and learn in my own plane, instead of a rental unit.... This was a trike, just what I am looking for in a 6 or 7 Super Sport. Sigh... a day late and a dollar short....

[NinerBikes]

Buying one someone already built is the best value if you want to fly. I think Kitfox is a few years out on SLSA orders. For building to be worthwhile, you have to value the experience of building. Honestly, even your $75k estimate is probably optimistic. $5k isn't much budget for a panel, and there are a bunch of $100 bills that add up over time.

My thoughts parallel yours. At 60 years of age, I would like to fly, not build. Or finish up someones close to finish kit build.

[jrevens]

My thoughts parallel yours. At 60 years of age, I would like to fly, not build. Or finish up someones close to finish kit build.


I can understand that feeling, but you are still a pretty young guy... I was quite a bit older than you when I started my Kitfox, and I test flew it this year at the age of 69. :)

[NinerBikes]

I can understand that feeling, but you are still a pretty young guy... I was quite a bit older than you when I started my Kitfox, and I test flew it this year at the age of 69. :)

Yes, but I would like to own the plane I learn in to get my Sport Pilot license in, not have to rent it, and then retrain to learn to fly another plane. In home ground school now... getting my ducks in a row.

[jrevens]

Yes, but I would like to own the plane I learn in to get my Sport Pilot license in, not have to rent it, and then retrain to learn to fly another plane. In home ground school now... getting my ducks in a row.


I understand, and that makes perfect sense... I was just poking a little fun at your "60 years of age" remark. I just hate to think of how old I am getting! I do admire your desire to do something like that at this stage of your life! Best of luck to you!

[Flyboy66]

I brought my kit home on the 7th of June. I started on the horizontal stab and elevator first (installing ribs...).

Fuselage started about three weeks later.

As of today, both wings are covered and I am rib lacing the second wing this evening.

My build log shows just over 230 hours, but does not include any research or reading time. If I wasn’t applying adhesive, installing hardware, or trimming, grinding.... I didn’t count it.

Knowing what I know now, I think I could get to where I am now in 2 to 3 months. There were days I could have been working but was waiting for a reply from Kitfox or here on this forum. I wish I knew someone close by who was building a plane because I know I could help get it done much faster.

My work isn’t Oshkosh, but it isn’t sloppy either. I had another builder come up and look at my work to get another set of eyes on my kit to QC it.

[NinerBikes]

I can understand that feeling, but you are still a pretty young guy... I was quite a bit older than you when I started my Kitfox, and I test flew it this year at the age of 69. :)

That's fantastic! I like the idea of being able to get On The Air with my ham radio, and get In The Air, with my own plane. Life is Short, want to get some living in, soon, in the air.

[Fdxflier]

You guys talking about building/flying and your age are making me wonder about my sanity! I'll be 71 when I take delivery of my kit next summer. Guess I better hustle when I get it!

[NinerBikes]

You guys talking about building/flying and your age are making me wonder about my sanity! I'll be 71 when I take delivery of my kit next summer. Guess I better hustle when I get it!

I can still do the Hustle.... on the dance floor. it's a bit tougher with a Kitfox, some sort of sardine can factor getting in and out, me being a slightly larger guy. I'm no NBA star, but I'm not short or little, either. i guess it all just depends... liking good microbrew IPA's and not mountain biking as much isn't helping...

[jrevens]

You guys talking about building/flying and your age are making me wonder about my sanity! I'll be 71 when I take delivery of my kit next summer. Guess I better hustle when I get it!

Bill,
I’ll bet you’ll do just fine. When you get it done, I’ll come down and meet you, we’ll go find a senior center and play a little bingo together, then we’ll go fly our Kitfoxes. :rolleyes:

[Fdxflier]

John,
Sounds like a plan.

[Frontier Fox]

Bill
I understand your appreciation about starting a build at this point in your life, but you won’t be one of those people saying “I wish I had done that “. You will be out having fun flying and fun is what keeps you young.

[jiott]

I started my kit at 67, finished it at 69, and have now been flying it for 5+ years. Best thing I ever did, and I truly believe it has not only enhanced my life but has kept me younger and healthier. The mental exercise in flying keeps the senility at bay. I believe there is nothing you can do that is better for your health, other than maybe some physical exercise, although you get some of that in building these kits.

[mr bill]

I started mine at the age of 72 and did it's first flight when I was 78. It is an enjoyable experience.

[David47]

You guys talking about building/flying and your age are making me wonder about my sanity! I'll be 71 when I take delivery of my kit next summer. Guess I better hustle when I get it!

Bill, I was 69 when I started my build - I'd been thinking of building an airplane for 25+ years. I know if I'd built something earlier it probably would have been an RV of some description. I'm glad I waited the extra years and chose the KF. I'll be finished - hopefully - in about 4 months, so I'll be test flying just before I'm 72. Make dreams happen and you won't be wondering "what if ...". Also, as an added incentive, I know of guys flying well into their 80's. That's in my plan to .... :D