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Meyer
02-07-2019, 11:27 AM
All,

I did an intro when I signed on a few months back, brief history below.

I am a CPA and work in corporate finance but am mechanically inclined. I have been into cars since I was a teenager, and have a Model T and Model A. Started flying a few years ago and want to end up out west eventually. The goal is Arizona, where I grew up, love the mountains. Given all of that, my daughter nicknamed the project mountainfox.

Kit got delivered yesterday. I have a 3 car attached garage to build in. The hotrods moved to the hangar. The build manual came early and I have been studying that, searching on here and making notes. Alot of parts and supplies already on hand.

Plan is SS7, 912uls, Garmin G3X, monster shock, not sure about prop. My girlfriend is working on some kind of paint design that might incorporate the colors of the Arizona flag.

I started a Wordpress site too, and plan to post pics here and there:

https://mountainfoxbuild.wordpress.com/

Thanks to all who contribute here, and thanks in advance for answering my dumb questions.

Hopefully the link and pic work.

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DesertFox4
02-07-2019, 01:43 PM
Wishing you a fun build. Lots of Kitfoxs in AZ. Can always use more.😀

bbs428
02-07-2019, 02:54 PM
Nice to meet you and good luck with your build. Sounds like your getting off to a
great start in a heated garage!! lol.

The Mrs. and I enjoy our cars. Been wrenching on them a long time as well. 67-70 big block mustangs were my deal.
We still have a 67 convertible (awaiting it's build) and a complete 69 mach 1, r code. We can't seem to part with either one. :)

The picture galleries and build threads are a wealth of info. I spent months doing searches
and blatantly plagiarizing all the great ideas that have been archived within.

I'm glad your here and will be following along.

All the best!

aviator79
02-07-2019, 04:05 PM
Welcome to the fun part! Looking forward to following your build!

Given all the new starts in the last 6 mos-year, I wonder if it's worth having a separate forum for build threads.

rv9ralph
02-07-2019, 07:05 PM
I wonder if it's worth having a separate forum for build threads.
That might be a good idea. A new category in addition to General Discussion.... The New category, "Build Threads" Keeps everyone here, easier to reference.

Ralph

bbs428
02-07-2019, 07:12 PM
I can see where that would be beneficial. Agreed

Av8r_Sed
02-08-2019, 05:00 AM
Hey Meyer, I went to check out the blog and it took me to a Wordpress login page. Can you find a different link?

jmodguy
02-08-2019, 05:08 PM
Howdy neighbor! Was wondering what nickname you were going to come up with. 👌

David47
02-12-2019, 12:26 AM
....... I wonder if it's worth having a separate forum for build threads.

A good idea. Would make it much easier to find builders.

Meyer
02-18-2019, 07:10 PM
Update here... about 12 days in. Random pics below of things along the way, but as of now...



Ribs and stiffeners all set in the horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
One wing test fit properly, geometry set at factory all good.
Spar stiffeners riveted on.
Working on lift strut brackets now.


Next up is finishing the hysol lift strut brackets. Then finish wing attachment process. Install number one rib, fuel tank, etc.

After that, flip fuse around and do the other side.

More pictures in the link in my profile.

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jmodguy
02-19-2019, 08:26 AM
Keep it up! I’ll be stopping by periodically to check your progress!

Meyer
02-22-2019, 08:40 PM
Need an opinion here. #1 rib is secure. It is 35.5" center on center from the #3 rib, top and bottom, front and back. Fuel tank is sitting there unattached for perspective.

The butt rib is place next to #1, but it is binding aft against the bracket. The brackets each have a little more play as you move fore. The only solution I see is to trim the aft bracket the least amount so that it will not bind, and I can get a 1/16" spacer in between #1 and the butt rib. I am guessing it needs to be trimmed maybe 1/8" to 3/16". I may have to trim the second bracket too, but not much.

Anyone see any problem with this?

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efwd
02-22-2019, 10:58 PM
Im pretty Dang Certain that Brandon (factory) just told another builder a week ago or so. Those Butt Rib brackets get cut off. He said that each bracket gets shorter moving aft.
If nobody substantiates that then definitely call the factory. I used the carpenters method since I was not aware.

Meyer
02-23-2019, 05:57 AM
I should note here too that I have the left butt rib in place on the right. I have seen others flip them. Seems the purpose is so that there is more to work with for the windshield mount on the "outer" edge of the butt rib. The offset in the butt rib webbing could be what is causing the binding.

I still do not see a problem with shaving a bit off of there. I'll call factory Monday if no one can confirm.

I got the idea from searching on here. FrontierFox and others have done this it appears.

Thanks

jrevens
02-23-2019, 10:31 AM
Like Eddie said, the brackets need to be cut down in length as necessary.

jmodguy
02-23-2019, 02:12 PM
I stopped by and was surprised to see that the butt rib is no longer manufactured with the rib flush with the edge of the capstrips. Probably doesn’t matter but it gives less material to fasten the windscreen to. My 2 cents...
We came to the conclusion to trim the brackets. Easiest thing to do...

Frontier Fox
02-23-2019, 09:25 PM
Meyer
I went through the same thing with my butt ribs. It’s ok to trim the rear attach brackets but just a small amount. Measure twice, cut once as stated. You should not have to trim the next bracket forward.

Meyer
02-24-2019, 06:53 PM
More progress.

Butt rib got ironed out, thanks for the responses.

First coat of varnish on the wing, thanks to my girlfriend. Jury strut mocked up too. Fuel tank next. I am hoping to get this wing finished up and then flip things around to do the other wing.

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/img_0734.jpg

Meyer
02-26-2019, 07:51 PM
I think I am close to being able to put this wing back on the rotisserie and mount the other wing. I only have enough room to attach one at a time.

Final drilling for jury strut is done. Fuel tank will be mounted soon. Varnishing is done. Butt rib will be finalized shortly.

I have been reading ahead for what is left on the wing and it seems like the rest can be done on rotisserie. Trying to be efficient.

Does this seem ok?

Also, I have read that some do not hysol the sides of the tank so they can rib stitch (I am leaning towards this). Some have done the hysol and then drill to be able to rib stitch. Some do not rib stitch near the tank.

Any current wisdom on this topic?

Thanks all

Frontier Fox
02-26-2019, 09:09 PM
Hey Meyer

I used fiberglass resin and matting instead of using hysol to fill the gap between the rib and tank. Instead of wood, hysol and fiberglass tank I have wood and fiberglass. I will drill through the fiberglass next to the capstrip to rib stitch. I also used fiberglass resin to attach the false ribs on the bottom of the fuel tank. Ruff up the surface well so the resin has some bite. My two cents:rolleyes:

efwd
02-26-2019, 10:01 PM
I don't think I did any work on the wing while not on the rotisserie after I got the brackets installed. Then again, maybe it was in the rotisserie when I did that as well.

Meyer
03-19-2019, 11:38 AM
Update... I am about 6 weeks into this now.

The wings are close to the same spot now. Butt ribs done, jury struts done, false ribs all done.

Next is epoxy primer the spars, then LLE, then wingtip fitting, then magnetometer/pitot/OAT, then cover.

Planning to move things around in the garage and get the fuselage going too.

Not much to add in the way of exciting images, just the usual moving things along.

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/img_0772.jpg

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/img_0734.jpg

aviator79
03-19-2019, 01:02 PM
Looks like great progress!

jiott
03-19-2019, 04:25 PM
Looks good; really like the black powdercoat. Wish I had done mine in black.

Meyer
04-23-2019, 07:13 PM
It has been awhile since I posted.

As of tonight


One flaperon mounted, one to go
LLE is done
Need to mount the pitot, mount wingtip brackets, run some wires, do some finish sanding


Close to being able to cover the wings.

Spring break and a Rotax maintenance class have reduced work time but I am back at it. More pics in my signature.

I stole aviator79's method of flaperon bracket build. Helpful.

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/img_0823.jpg


https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/img_0846.jpg

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/img_0890.jpg

jmodguy
04-26-2019, 09:41 AM
Do you sleep?? Making some good progress!

Meyer
05-20-2019, 07:42 PM
Been awhile since an update. Things accomplished...

Rudder pedals in. Took alot of sanding as most experience. First thing I did was put a level across the fuse, it was high in the middle by 1/8". Shimmed and all good. Rudder cables next.

Floors partially in, was waiting on rudder pedals before I cut the sides of the console, so I would only drill the floors once.

Center console fitted, need to attach sides. I added two notches for flaps like many others have done.

Rudder mounted, airfoiled ribs next.

Waiting on a FSDO guy to drop by and ready to cover wings.

Ordered the 912iS and firewall forward kit too.

A few random pics below and many more in the link in my sig.

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/img_0916.jpg

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/img_0932.jpg

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/img_0935.jpg

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/img_0951.jpg

Shadowrider
05-20-2019, 08:42 PM
Looking good....step at a time!

aviator79
05-21-2019, 04:17 AM
Looking great. Steady progress is the key. I wish I'd added another flap notch at that stage. I don't like full flaps. The handling really turns to crap. I only use half flaps. It wouldn't be too difficult to add, but it's harder to contemplate taking things apart once you have a flying plane.

efwd
05-21-2019, 02:20 PM
Looking Great. Since my computer crashed, I lost some photos. Nobody would know the difference if I just used your pics. :D
Glad to hear Im not the only one who doesn't like full flaps. Ive heard others state the same previously.

jmodguy
05-21-2019, 05:55 PM
Looks great Scott! Couple more weeks and you’ll be ready for engine start...! 😬

Meyer
05-23-2019, 04:45 PM
Any opinion on this? I used the factory bolts. Seems to violate the 1 thread rule on the rudder pulleys

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/img_0949.jpg

DesertFox4
05-23-2019, 04:54 PM
Use thin washers.

efwd
05-23-2019, 06:47 PM
You will run into this from time to time. I ordered an assortment of different bolt lengths for occasions like this. But I did what DF4 suggests, numerous times.

Meyer
08-18-2019, 06:43 PM
I have been slacking on updating this. I have continued work on everything and making decent progress.

Summary as of now, 6 months in...


First wing is moved out of my garage and to the hangar - ready for the paint booth - more polybrush, then polyspray
Second wing is ready to rib stitch - hopefully it will go to the hangar also in 7-10 days
Following the poly fiber book/video combo to the letter is key, ignore anything on the internet
Garmin autopilot servos are figured out, finalizing mounting
I have a punch list of things to do before starting fuse covering, should not be long before I start that
912iS gets delivered in 2 days, excited for that
I have access to a paint booth, with a Citation sprayer/air system
The paint scheme is a hard decision, still drawing options like a 3 year old with crayons


It was nice to meet some of you at Osh, both at the cookout and near your planes. Was nice to see finished planes and study them in person.

Random pics below, and more on my wordpress site.

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/img_1168.jpg

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/img_1191.jpg

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/img_1130.jpg

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/img_1367.jpg

jmodguy
08-19-2019, 01:50 AM
I best get moving or you will be flying before me...!

rawheels
08-22-2019, 11:26 AM
Looking good Scott. Just found this thread, I’ll definitely be following on for the rest of your build!

bbs428
08-25-2019, 08:29 AM
Great progress. I will be following along. Appreciate all the pic's! :)

Meyer
01-02-2020, 08:17 PM
Haven't updated in awhile, sorry. My webpage is up to date largely though.

I beat the weather as far as getting the fuse painted. Cowlings were fun as a one man show. That was a multiple cigar job. Working on engine plumbing now. Radiator hoses done as of tonight. Oil lines done. Working on fuel lines now. Starting on panel soon and have an email in to Debra - time to order avionics - G3X stuff.

Still have a bit of covering work to do - elevator is mostly done. Rudder and horizontal stab left to do. I'll get them as far as polybrush then have to wait for warmer weather to paint - likely end of March.

Thanks to those who have answered some of my dumb questions.

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/img_1613.jpg


https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_1745.jpg

DesertFox4
01-02-2020, 08:46 PM
Looking very good Scott. Nice progress.

efwd
01-02-2020, 08:57 PM
Awesome Scott. I have a similar pic of my build. We all do right? Fun days. Keep it up.

Meyer
02-16-2020, 08:08 PM
Still at it here. Slacking in terms of updating here.

Fuel, oil and radiator plumbing is done. Was racing the weather in the fall to get the fuse painted, so I have been back on the rudder, horiz stab and elevator. I am down to finish tapes on the horiz stab and rudder. Avionics are ordered - G3X package from Kitfox. Finishing alot of little things like tail access covers. Still need to finish cowl too. Cleco'd in but need to install camlocs and anchor nuts in the firewall.

There is a thread on the 912iS hose routing. I have followed that methodology.

Wiring is coming up soon. Planning to do the harness myself. Will cause a delay because I am not a wiring guru. What needs to be done there is slowly seeping into my brain. Have put the Garmin interconnect diagrams under my pillow.

Thanks to all who have helped - Jeff, JoeRuscito, Aviator79, Carl. Texts, emails and calls.

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_1844.jpg

https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_1814.jpg

Shadowrider
02-16-2020, 08:49 PM
Looking good. My brother and I dreaded the wiring on our planes. Nikk was going to come out and help us until he had his accident. I can tell you a lot of building the plane I did not enjoy. I did not like all the parts that did not fit. A lot of guys kept on telling us the wiring is the best part. Now I would have to agree with them. I did a lot of reading and tried to get my mind wrapped around everything like yourself. Just break it LRU down and tackle one at a time. I printed each interconnect drawing that applied and the pin outs for each LRU. I made a separate folder for each LRU and labeled them. Take really good notes as your doing the wiring. Make sure you get the label maker and label every wire. I was recommend this ground bus and it saved a ton of time and is very clean.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/elecsystem07-03463-6.php?gclid=Cj0KCQiA7aPyBRChARIsAJfWCgKFCAQ2bYluGK XiynREDClvm3p-Bt62QqdNULxZiEd3-GWU_cQhMQMaAoyvEALw_wcB

Meyer
02-17-2020, 09:19 AM
Thank you for that link. Just ordered one. I got a label maker also, along with the shrink wrap sleeves. The label maker will print right on those sleeves, clean solution.

I hear you on the build. I have enjoyed most of it. I wish I had taken a poly fiber class ahead of time, my work would have been cleaner. I am looking forward to flying though, especially since my only option for now is to rent something. The experience with the factory has been great. They are very supportive. Everyone here has been a big help too.

bbs428
02-25-2020, 12:13 PM
Wow! Nicely done.

Fighting the cold as well here. I'm Looking forward to the wiring part. Glad there are many G3X vet's to ask questions to just in case! ;)

jiott
02-25-2020, 03:10 PM
Regarding wiring labels, you can also use a Brother label maker and use their smallest font. Wrap the label around the wire and cover with a piece of clear shrink tubing. The Brother label maker also makes great labels for your panel.

JoeRuscito
03-03-2020, 04:48 AM
Looking great man! Wiring is no big deal just take your time. Call anytime.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

jmodguy
03-07-2020, 02:02 AM
Just saw this. No worries on the wiring. A couple good weekends and all will be well! Let me know when you are ready and I’ll stop by.

Meyer
10-27-2020, 03:51 PM
Well, I have been slacking in terms of updates here. The plane is done, or at least 99%. Still working on some little details. The FAA has a new AWC portal they are using to submit the paperwork through. I got through all of that and my application was denied. No reason given but I got a follow up email that they were too busy, and was given instructions to find a DAR-T nearby. A local search via the website turned up three folks, only one of whom can do it. Not sure on cost yet. I have heard recent stories of them charging over $1,000. A little frustrating but just gotta hang in there, not many options on that I do not think.

I am happy with how everything turned out. The G3X took a little bit to figure out and configure. Still waiting on seats, the Kitfox vendor was temporarily unavailable so I went with Oregonaero. Will peel the protective cover from the doors and windshield at last minute. A big thank you to all who have helped.

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Delta Whisky
10-27-2020, 04:58 PM
Very nice. I understand the DAR issue. My FSDO won't come out of his house - per orders he says so I had to go the DAR route. Looking forward to a first flight test report.

DesertFox4
10-27-2020, 05:59 PM
Scott, just for reference, I paid $400.00 for DAR last Dec. in Phoenix.

efwd
10-28-2020, 05:58 AM
$400 for me as well in LA.

jmodguy
10-28-2020, 01:47 PM
Yeah... DARs around here are charging $750 plus expenses.... A couple hangar neighbors had their RV’s inspected and cost was $750 plus expenses and they saved a little splitting expenses part.

jrevens
10-28-2020, 05:05 PM
The used only DAR available around here at the time (approx. 2 years ago). I stupidly didn't ask what the charge would be ahead of time, as the average in this area had previously been around $500. It was a pretty quick job and he didn't find anything he didn't like. I was flabbergasted when he finished up & said - "Well, the only thing left is that I need a check for $800." I suspect I could've negotiated with him beforehand. He even had to send me the certificate, revised, 3 times because he kept making errors in the paperwork that was then rejected by the FAA until he finally got it right. And he is an older, "experienced" guy. All in all a pretty weird experience which I have to believe is not typical. It certainly was unlike that with my first homebuilt, which I had inspected in 1990 (I think I was charged $250).

Meyer
10-28-2020, 07:13 PM
Another note on this... I put my wiring diagrams on my website, in my signature. I will not attempt to transfer here. They are free to anyone to use.

A big thank you to a couple of you who helped with that. I will not name you so you do not get flooded with requests lol, but you know who you are.

Remember, I am all Garmin with a 912iS so your needs will likely vary.

Kitfox Pilot
10-31-2020, 11:27 AM
Hope you get in the air soon, looking forward to it. Thanks for your help.

Meyer
11-07-2020, 05:34 PM
Passed inspection today!

The DAR was nice. I will not name him lol. Had never built a plane, never touched a Rotax, helped with a fabric job 30 years ago for an afternoon, asked if my fuel injected engine would run via gravity feed. $1,200. Add that to the list for 2020 lol.

I will have the document Monday. Will be in the air soon.

Thanks again to all who have answered my questions. If anyone needs help let me know!!

DesertFox4
11-07-2020, 06:41 PM
Well congratulations Scott! You have an airplane. Officially.

efwd
11-07-2020, 07:21 PM
Congratulations!

Frontier Fox
11-07-2020, 08:40 PM
And I thought $581 was a bit pricey!

jmodguy
11-08-2020, 05:17 AM
That’s a whole bucket of awesomesauce! Congrats👍🏻 We need to start a midwest Kitfox fly in...

Eric Page
11-08-2020, 11:29 AM
$1,200 is insane. I would probably spend a night in jail if a DAR tried to charge me that much. Anyway, congrats on the successful inspection; now go out and have FUN!

bbs428
11-11-2020, 07:06 AM
Congratz and well done. Fair winds!

patrick.hvac
11-13-2020, 10:06 AM
I found your W&B quite interesting. Most everyone I speak to complains of too much forward CG and you are opposite. It looks like you don't have enough.
I also saw a comment in your log that you were actively trying to move weight forward.
I haven't hung my motor but I have been doing everything under the pretense that I need to move weight toward the tail and it looks like we will have a similar setup.
Do you have any thoughts or comments on how you managed CG?

Meyer
11-13-2020, 05:31 PM
I am still thinking through it honestly. I just set things up the way I know the factory does it and a few others have done it. I need to compare mine with JoeRuscuitos but I have not yet. I think I put a few more things forward than he did, but nothing substantial, which makes it seem odd. Joe's plane is the closest to mine that I know of.

jrevens
11-13-2020, 07:02 PM
I found your W&B quite interesting. Most everyone I speak to complains of too much forward CG and you are opposite. It looks like you don't have enough.
I also saw a comment in your log that you were actively trying to move weight forward.
I haven't hung my motor but I have been doing everything under the pretense that I need to move weight toward the tail and it looks like we will have a similar setup.
Do you have any thoughts or comments on how you managed CG?

First of all, congratulations Scott... it's a wonderful accomplishment, and your Kitfox looks beautiful! The W&B is interesting. I have the opposite situation, as you can see from my attachment below. Your engine installation should be heavier than mine (912ULS), and we have the same propellers (Whirlwind) I think. I have a T-3 tail spring, but a light-weight Matco 8" tailwheel. I used Oratex, so there is a weight difference there. I also have the Grove main gear. Although I think I have a lighter tailwheel than yours, I did add a few minor things that add a little extra weight aft of the CG - I welded on an additional ground handling handle, designed & added the hinged/folding turtledeck cover and an extended aluminum floor aft of the cargo bay. My scales are electronic also and were calibrated before the weighing. Even completely empty my CG is aft of the forward limit, as you can see. It seems like the airplane would glide just fine completely empty and without a pilot. I wouldn't mind a little more weight in the nose, although it's pretty good where it is.

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jrevens
11-13-2020, 10:59 PM
First of all, congratulations Scott... it's a wonderful accomplishment, and your Kitfox looks beautiful! The W&B is interesting. I have the opposite situation, as you can see from my attachment below. Your engine installation should be heavier than mine (912ULS), and we have the same propellers (Whirlwind) I think. I have a T-3 tail spring, but a light-weight Matco 8" tailwheel. I used Oratex, so there is a weight difference there. I also have the Grove main gear. Although I think I have a lighter tailwheel than yours, I did add a few minor things that add a little extra weight aft of the CG - I welded on an additional ground handling handle, designed & added the hinged/folding turtledeck cover and an extended aluminum floor aft of the cargo bay. My scales are electronic also and were calibrated before the weighing. Even completely empty my CG is aft of the forward limit, as you can see. It seems like the airplane would glide just fine completely empty and without a pilot. I wouldn't mind a little more weight in the nose, although it's pretty good where it is.

26075

What I wrote above was a little confusing... I meant to imply that my situation was the opposite of "most everyone" Patrick had spoken to ... the same as yours, Scott.
Patrick - The people needing more weight in the tail are surely using larger/heavier engines than either Scott or I have.

JoeRuscito
11-14-2020, 05:21 AM
Call anytime! Congrats man! Stoked to fly with you soon!


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