Protential Colorado builder

[colospace]

Hi all,
I recently joined this forum in support of my aircraft down-select process.
A (perhaps THE) key factor will be the quality of the flight experience. I have yet to arrange a demo, but from what I have read, it flys real nice. Color me cautious though because I demo’d a Flight Designs CTLS and was NOT impressed.
Other desires or requirements are for a lot of usable baggage capacity (plenty of room and as close to 100 lbs as we can get), good cruise speed (within the LSA limits), and a kit that qualifies as 51 percent for experimental/amateur built certification. It appears that the Kitfox S7 scores well in these areas.
Unfortunately the Kitfox was not really on my radar earlier this year and so I did not spend as much time looking it over at Oshkosh as I would have otherwise. I will admit to feeling more comfortable with sheet metal, but I did just do the SportAir fabric covering workshop. Honestly, I learned that I could do fabric, but I am still not sure I want to.
Anyway, I am looking forward to learning more about the S7 and others’ building and flight experiences. – Gary

[colospace]

Steve,
I agree that I need to fly the Super Sport. I won’t be able to make CopperState however. Thanks for the offer though.
With regard to doing the fabric work, I am less concerned about the doing, and more about the doing it nice. The other thing that concerns me is all the MEK solvent given that I expect to be working in my garage and must avoid fumigating my house with that stuff. :eek: I would welcome comments on how others have mitigated that as an issue.
That said, the numbers are telling me that the Kitfox is probably my best bet. So yes, finding an opportunity to fly one is on my short list.
- Gary

[Dorsal]

Building mine in the basement with an SWMBO who has little tolerance for MEK / paint fumes. A little planning with managed air flow and I have a covered and painted plane and I am still happily married.

[SkyPirate]

trying to decypher the SWMBO,.I've got

"Sexy Wittle Major Babe Ohyeah"

"Short Wonderful Mate Best Overall"

"Sweet Woman May Beat Oldman"

ha ha please help :)

Chase

[Rich W]

She Who Must Be Obeyed

SWMBO

[SkyPirate]

oh ok ,..only 5 years into my marriage and I haven't learned that part yet ha ha

[Dorsal]

Not sure about all reviews, I have heard mixed reports from some, have not flown the CT myself so these are not first hand opinions.

[Dorsal]

BTW SkyPirate, your SWMBO guesses brought much laughter to this house, your second guess was perfect :D

[Slyfox]

Only thing with that idea is it's a low wing. I wouldn't feel comfortable with a low wing in the back country. I know, I have both.

[jrthomas]

You may have struck a nerve, Colospace in your accessment of the CT. A local pilot here has an early CT. I noticed he landed like a jet and asked about the reason why he came in so hot. I was told it gets kinda squirrely slow with flaps. CT has made some major changes to the tail, I assume for a good reasons. James Thomas

[colospace]

The thing that I really did not like about the CTLS was that I could not really “feel” my roll inputs. It felt like I was pushing against springs or something in the aileron linkage. This was apparent post-flight on the ground as well. I recall thinking at the time, that a 172 or Cherokee felt nicer to fly.
I have looked over the RV12 and acknowledge Vans aircrafts reputation for excellent flying characteristics, but I am not particularly comfortable with the fuel cell in the cockpit, and do not care for the limited baggage allowance.
The Rans S-19 is of interest to me, but does not have the baggage capacity of the Kitfox. One question I have about Kitfox baggage: With a couple of FAA standard people and full fuel in a nominal Super Sport (LSA gross weight limits), can I expect to be able to actually load 150 lbs in baggage and still be within CG limits?

[DanB]

It would be interesting to hear what others have to say about the Stewart System. I would venture to say that most of us here used the Poly Fiber System. Poly Fiber is very straight forward espcially if you will be using the Poly Tone paint, however, it does have an MEK base. I built my paint booth in the garage and ended up with unwanted fumes in the house more than once (even with venting). Does anyone have any first hand experience with the Stewart System? Most interested in how the paint jobs hold up over time.
If we get enough reply I will move it to its own thread.
Thanks

[DesertFox4]

Posts regarding Stewart's covering/painting system have been moved to a new thread called Stewart Painting Systems.