C-FOXD First Flight

[Esser]

Well after six years and five months FOXD had her first flight. Wow! What an awesome experience.

During those 6 years I got engaged, married, moved across the country, did two major career changes in a span of three years, became an air traffic controller, and half renovated a house. The plane took a back seat at times but I always knew I would finish her.

There are a lot of people that helped me along the way but my number one supporter was my wife, Nat Esser, who never once blinked at time I wanted to spend in the garage and money I spent to build this thing. She actively encouraged me to go after it and she was also great at sitting in an unfinished plane and making airplane noises with me. A greater partner in crime than her has never existed.

The weather wasn’t perfect and the ceilings were low but we went for it anyway. She flew perfectly with no hiccups what so ever. No heavy wing or rigging issues. I need to confirm with groundspeed checks but she’s fast! At 75% power I was seeing 112kts indicated(128mph). She’s also rock solid down slow. Looking forward to flying more!

Big thanks to everyone on TeamKitfox. Definitely couldn’t have done it without you all.

Having trouble with my Photobucket! I'll get pictures soon!

[rv9ralph]

Congratulations Josh!!

The long road is part of the challenge, those that accompany you while traveling it are special.

Ralph

[avidflyer]

Congratulations on the accomplishment. Good for you! Pics, vids and pireps a must. Hope the site gets more user friendly with the attachments soon. JImChuk

[Av8r3400]

Here's to ya, Josh (and Nat!)! Congratulations!!

[JoeRuscito]

Awesome man, congrats! Amazing looking plane as well!

[kitfox2009]

Hi Josh
This next spring a great "break in flight" for all that high altitude power will be a weekend flight over the rocks to the South Okanagan. Have lots of room here for the both of you at CYYF!
Congrats on your build. great looking machine.
Cheers
Don

[Slyfox]

what! no more Esser build post. oh man. hay congrats, way to go. :D

[Esser]

Thanks! I never thought I would be an “old hand” on this page when I first started looking into the Kitfox!

Be careful what you offer Don, I’ll just might take you up on that!

[Hockeystud87]

What a stud! Congrats!

[kitfox2009]

Hey Josh
That would be great. This would be your opportunity for bragging rights to whip the pants off a 80 horse Vixen at 2500ASL!!!

[Kahle76]

You are an inspiration for the rest of us.

[DesertFox4]

Very well done Josh. Congratulations to you on your accomplishment and to your wife Nat. Great teamwork.
To hear that your first flight was so successful is what we all hoped for.
Your indicated speeds sound right for your engine and prop combination.

[efwd]

What can be said that hasn't already been said? Nothin.
I can feel the excitement in your post. Awesome! I cross my fingers for the gremlin free first flight. Wow, how cool. Congrats Josh.

[Meyer]

Congrats!!!! Pics!

[Mcgaero]

Congratulations Josh and Nat!!!! That is awesome news!
I saw some pics on facebook, looks magnificent!
I better get back to work...

[kitfoxjim]

Congrats Josh! Which XD airport are you operating out of? Would like to see your new machine first hand!

[Delta Whisky]

Congrats Josh - I'm looking forward to the pictures. And, you forgot to mention that during the build period you designed some pretty nice landing lights!! Great job all around.

[Frontier Fox]

Outstanding Josh, Outstanding!!!

[jrevens]

I'm thinking that what most everyone else has said are my thoughts too. Congratulations to you and your wife both!!! I spent about the same amount of time as you did to build mine, but I was retired for a good portion of it. Everything you've done is impressive... oh, to have the energy of a young guy again! Good goin', Josh!

[bbs428]

How exciting for you and your Mrs!
Your plane looked so nice it had to be good flyer!

Congrats!! :D

[Guy Buchanan]

Damn I'm a little envious.

[PaulSS]

Very well done, Josh. Look forward to seeing the evidence :)

[rosslr]

Great to hear of the first official flight of FOXD! A great achievement with so much else going on at your stage of life!

I feel even closer to your achievement as you are one of a 'cohort' of builders that I started with and from whom I appreciated your support, advice, encouragement and wisdom. I wish you all the best for the fly-off process .... and I also note that Ben is another member of our cohort that started about the same time .... so please join with me in prodding him towards completion at the same time as enjoying all the fun that you and Nat deserve to experience e as a result of a great build that has created a beautiful aircraft!!!

Congratulations and best wishes

ross

[Rodney]

Great achievement. I have really enjoyed your journey. Thanks for all your posts. You now have an awesome airplane and I hope you will really enjoy it

Regards
Rodney

[aviator79]

Congrats again Josh! She's a great looking plane!

[colospace]

Yeah, I echo exactly what John said. You give hope that even this slow guy will get there (actually getting pretty close now). Congrats again!

[Esser]

Thanks everyone. Really means a lot!

Ross, I will forsure bug Ben!

Jim, I'm at CWL3 14NM SW of CYEG

[bumsteer]

Congratulations Josh!! 222 days til Airventure.

Rick

[PapuaPilot]

Congrats Josh, your smile says it all.

[David47]

Congrats Josh. Sterling efforts after what sounds like some eventful years during the build. Fly safe and look forward to some video of the journey.