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Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Kitfox N703KA – Texas Bound
Friday, Jan 15, 2010, I officially took ownership of N703KA, the S-LSA Kitfox that is soon to be called "Kick Ass" by my loving wife!
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I struggled with the idea of finishing the Dragonfly I had started, versus buying a flying Kitfox Series 5, 6, or 7, or buying a kit. Having partially built a Dragonfly over a 15+ year period, I wasn't sold on the prospect of another project! I knew I wanted a Light Sport AC. I found a really nice looking Series 5 Tail Dragger, which was registered as a Light Sport, but its cruise speed was 85 to 90 MPH. Not knowing what was the cause of the slow cruise speed, I couldn't bring myself to buying it! There were a lot of owners who were trying to convince me to buy their planes, and said that even though their plane registered at 1550 lbs, it could flown as a light sport, if I just flew it within the 1320 weight limit. I checked with my local Designee and the FAA, and found that isn't true! After looking at several planes all that needed quite a bit of work, I finally made the decision that not only did I want a Light Sport, but I also wanted a Tri-Gear, one that I could convert to a tail dragger when I get a little more proficient. That immediately ruled out the Series 5! I found an extremely nice Series 7, that was flying, that could be converted, but by the time I called on it had been sold! Looking at the TeamKitfox Forum, the Series 7 is currently getting a new upgraded instrument panel. I looked from West coast to East coast looking at Series 5s & 7s, I never found a Series 6. Most of what I found were partially completed. I also found 3 planes, which had damage history, 2 of which sustained significant damage. After looking at a few partially completed kits, I realized that although when you build a Kitfox you are primarily assembling the plane, there are some good and there are definitely some bad builders and I had definitely found both.
I finally decided it was time to call up John & Debra McBean at Kitfox. I made arrangements to fly up two weeks before Christmas. December 13th I flew up to Idaho, on Southwest Airlines, to look at the Series 7 Super Sport. I was contemplating buying a Series 7 SS kit with quick build wings, pre-rigged, along with the head start program which gets you through the point of covering. That sounded a little more palatable to me. It would get me to the point of final assembly & paint. John and Debra were great. They gave me a tour of the fabrication and assembly areas, showed me their planes and I got to see some of the new things planned for the 2010 season. He offered a demo ride. However it was so foggy the first day you could not see across the runway. John said if I came back Friday he would be glad to get me a ride then. I told him I had a flight home scheduled Friday morning, and that Dorothy wanted me home. The next morning I went to Boise International to fly out at the crack of dawn. As the sun came up it was sunny and clear. I checked in at the gate and the plane was over booked due to the prior days fog. I asked if I could get on a Saturday flight. Southwest could get me on the next day and it would save me $60. I called Dorothy then went down and got a rental car and drove back to the Kitfox factory. As I got to Homedale, the fog started again. Another foggy day! However, later that day it lifted enough that John was able to give me a tree top flight. John's plane N102YB, cruises at 120, and flies GREAT! John showed me N703KA and man that is one nice Kitfox. I definitely liked the S-LSA . It definitely Kicked Ass. While there I also had the pleasure of meeting Steve Kellander, the TeamKitfox Administrator, who was visiting the factory. After talking with John and Steve I called Dorothy and I told her I finally got a flight in the Super Sport. I also told her about the S-LSA N703KA. While there, John diligently tried to get me to put down a deposit on a kit to reserve the last April build slot. John said that if I decided to purchase the S-LSA, he would move the deposit to that. I told him I needed to talk to the BOSS before I spent that kind of money. I flew home Saturday. I told Dorothy I wanted to buy the kit with pre-built wings, pre-rigged, and go through the builder assist program. She said she thought I was going to come home as the new owner of the S-LSA. We discussed it over the weekend. I rolled up the cost of the kits, builder assist, paint, engine, instruments, gauges, & my time, and I made the decision. I called John and said I wanted the S-LSA. Man, spending money for a tight wad like myself is HARD!
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January 13th, I flew up to look at N703KA, to fly it, and to pay for it. Thursday was foggy. No flying that day. Friday morning the fog lifted and we got 1.5 hours of flying in and did several touch and goes at Caldwell. The winds started picking up. They were SE at 39 miles per hour. We flew back to Homedale and we closed the deal! I truly enjoyed flying the plane. On final you set your speed 65 – 70, trim the plane to reduce stick back pressure, and then use the throttle to make sure you have the altitude to make the runway. You literally fly the plane to the ground then a slight flare and your landing. When I first looked at N703KA, I was not sold on the AFS-3500 Glass Panel but the GPS, the audible alerts, the wind direction and speed, everything about the Glass Panel was awesome. In looking at the plane there are a lot of finishing touches that I would never thought of installing but they definitely add to the overall package. I couldn't have built this nice of a plane for the price and that's not taking into account the 1 ½ years of my labor.
Currently, Kitfox is building another S-LSA with the same paint scheme as N703KA only its BRIGHT YELLOW. I never thought I would like yellow but that is going to be one awesome looking airplane! ! Steve K. you WILL BE ENVIOUS of that one! In talking with John he has sold the new Yellow S-LSA to a local flying school, and he commented that the owner of the school had come in shortly after I committed to buy N703KA. I am really pleased I bought the first Kitfox S-LSA, before it went to a flight school. I feel I saved N703KA from a life of student abuse and hard landings. I am truly excited about getting "Kick Ass" home and I am looking forward to flying around the Great State of Texas!
Paul Z.
P.S. Thanks Dorothy for letting me buy N703KA and thanks John & Debra McBean, Jud Parker, and Mark Smith for building it! A special thanks to Steve Kellander for being a sounding board. I wonder what the Air Traffic Controller at McKinney Airport's going to say when I announce, “McKinney Tower this is KitFox seven zero three Kick Ass, five miles south east of the airport at 2500 feet, inbound for landing”?
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Paul, Congrats to you and Dorothy. I hope you have many fun years in 703KA. It's a nice part of Kitfox history and couldn't have found a better home. Enjoy every flight. :)
Here's a couple more photos of her that wouldn't fit on the KOTM post.;)
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
just georgous Paul ,.. I know you will be the envy of Texas :)
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Congratulations Paul. All it needs now is an ATm on the Turtle Deck Skylight to make it perfect. By the way my brother and I borrowed from 703KA a few details for the paint scheme for our RV-9A that is currently in the paint shop. Saw 703KA at Osh and loved the paint.
Gig Em
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
The ONLY way the plane could have been nicer is for it to have been Painted Maroon & White, versus Blue and White.
I like the idea of a Block ATM on the Turtle Deck. I would bet I could make that happen :rolleyes:.
Your RV - 9A is going to look Awesome, especially if you got the colors right!
Have you resolved your hanger issue?
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Originally Posted by
Agfoxflyer
Congratulations Paul. All it needs now is an ATm on the Turtle Deck Skylight to make it perfect. By the way my brother and I borrowed from 703KA a few details for the paint scheme for our RV-9A that is currently in the paint shop. Saw 703KA at Osh and loved the paint.
Gig Em
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Paul, no the 9 will not have the right colors (maroon). My brother is paying for the paint job, so I guess he gets to pick the colors. We have a hanger in Calhoun. My Kitfox is coming home to tear down the engine. The 9 should be ready this week and go in the hanger the Kitfox is in.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
John McBean and I did a little less than 2 hours of flight Sunday with 10 or so Touch and Goes, and one “Emergency Landing”. I had some good landings and some poor landings, but all in all, I felt pretty good. Dorothy and I dropped him off at the Hotel Sunday afternoon, and John departed Monday. John all I can say to you and Debra is THANKS!!!!!!!
Juan who works for the FBO was impressed that Dorothy jumped in the plane and went flying. He commented, I was going to have to fight her to get to fly the plane. I didn't have the heart to tell him she has no flight experience, and that John McBean was giving her a ride. He always rides shot gun!
Monday, was ugly so I didn’t get to do anything. However, today was the big day. I went in to work and it was overcast. However, later in the morning, it cleared up, it was cool, and with low winds. I decided to take a LONG lunch. I left work at 11:00am in McKinney, and drove down to the Mesquite International Airport, I removed the cabin cover, I pulled 703KA (Kick Ass) out of the Hanger, locked the door, did a pre-flight, and then taxied down to put some fuel in the tanks. By the time I got all of that done it was already 1:00 PM (Note 45 minute drive from McKinney to Mesquite on a good day!). I have a work related meeting every Tuesday at 4:00, and I knew I had at least a 1 hour drive back to McKinney. I finally decided I had enough time to fly the patch and at least get on TAKE OFF and LANDING Solo in N703KA. I was surprised how much traffic there was at 1:00, on a Tuesday afternoon. I taxied from the Fueling area, all of the way to the South end, Runway 35. Man that is a LONG Runway. I announce my intentions, and put the petal to the metal, and was airborne shortly. Man, does that thing climb SOLO. I climbed to pattern Altitude, Cross Wind, Down Wind, Base, and Final to touch down. I actually touched down on the Numbers, and made the first turn off. I was surprised how hard it was to get the plane out of the air and back on the runway, with only one fat guy on board (sorry John!)! I didn’t make the prettiest landing, but it was Solo, in my new Kitfox! After landing I taxied back to my hanger, and put Kick Ass home. Pushing a Tri Gear into a hanger, is definately a learning experience, back and forth, back and forth. . . . . ! I drove back to work and got there about 2:40 PM. Hummm that was a long lunch! :D
Now that I got that out of the way, we can start flying!
Paul Zimmermann
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
So tell us Why the Emergency landing? Now that is one nice bird. Ok, tell us, how did it make it to your home? Sound like you will be taking some lunch breaks up in the air. Have fun.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Humm, "Why the Emergency Landing?" Well after doing several touch and goes, John reached over chopped the throttle, and said "You had an engine out, now what do you do?" Short Downwind, turn base, turn final, one notch of flaps then full flaps, flare, and then landed on the VERY end of the runway 17. Observation, I should have immediately turned base, with the 6000 foot runway, I had plenty to land on!
When I went up before Christmas, and then in January, both times it was foggy, I couldn’t have flown it without an Instrument rating. Being a low time pilot, and being from South Texas, I did not feel comfortable flying from Homedale through the Rockies to the Prairies of North Texas. I have never flow in or around the Mountains, and I was concerned that if I had to go down I would never survive the COLD. Also, with as quickly as the weather changes this time of year in Idaho, John offered to fly it to Dallas, when there was a break in the weather. John had another plane that needed delivered to Florida, so John and Jud flew the planes south from Homedale to Albuquerque, Albuquerque to Mesquite, and Jud continued to Florida. Listening to John and Jud description of the trip, it was too bad the weather didn’t cooperate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Slyfox
So tell us Why the Emergency landing? Now that is one nice bird. Ok, tell us, how did it make it to your home? Sound like you will be taking some lunch breaks up in the air. Have fun.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
David,
I like the paint scheme for the RV. You can never make Red, White and Blue look bad!
Paul Z
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Agfoxflyer
Paul, no the 9 will not have the right colors (maroon). My brother is paying for the paint job, so I guess he gets to pick the colors. We have a hanger in Calhoun. My Kitfox is coming home to tear down the engine. The 9 should be ready this week and go in the hanger the Kitfox is in.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
I remember when my instructor 5 years ago did the same with me in the kitfox. He pulled the throttle and said dead stick, I shot down to a clearing in the trees except when he said go around I continued going through the trees, power pack in a little and had a bunch of fun, he didn't, he kept saying go around, I said I am, around this tree and that tree. I finally pulled out of it, but the poor ol boy was white from fear. I never forgot that one.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Paul,
Great to hear you're out flying.. keep at it and Congrats !! Thanks for the hospitality from both you and Dorothy.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Three more photos of Paul and Dorothy's Kitfox courtesy of Kitfox Aircraft.:)
Paul, happy to hear you are getting some stick time in 703KA. Sounds like John gave you good instruction. That first solo take off was fun wasn't it?:D
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
John is an exceptional instructor! I kept looking back trying to figure out who was pushing me up! That is one heck of an elevator ride!:eek: Definately an EYE Opener!
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Originally Posted by
DesertFox4
Sounds like John gave you good instruction. That first solo take off was fun wasn't it?:D
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Paul, one other thing I'd like to mention is your decision to have John deliver the Kitfox to you. Way to go. You may be a lower time pilot but you are already making "good pilot" decisions. Your decision process will serve you well all your flying days.:)
Quote:
Being a low time pilot, and being from South Texas, I did not feel comfortable flying from Homedale through the Rockies to the Prairies of North Texas. I have never flow in or around the Mountains, and I was concerned that if I had to go down I would never survive the COLD. Also, with as quickly as the weather changes this time of year in Idaho, John offered to fly it to Dallas, when there was a break in the weather.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Paul congrats on your purchase. "Kick Ass" is a beautiful aircraft and I know it is going to provide you with many years of great flying. I know I for one would love to have this as my daily flyer. Keep us all posted on your travels and make sure you plan ahead and bring this to our Kitfox gathering here in Kansas next fall.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Man I am sure glad I went flying Tuesday! Today it is rainy, overcast, and cold (43°) for a boy from South Texas! When John and Jud got here they were complaining that it was cold. They commented that they had left Idaho, and were expecting warmer weather. North Texas has been suffering with cold weather and HUMIDITY from all the rain.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Today while sitting in the Doctors office it started off cloudy. By the time we left, it was a beautiful Sunny day. Too bad the Surgeon cut a cancerous growth out the back of my head to remove a skin cancer. I would be flying other than the head ache, and pain. As soon as I am fealing better, I will report on the performance of 703KA. I have already planned 3 trips, so I should have some flight time to report on!
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Yikes!:eek: Hope you feel better quick Paul.
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Today while sitting in the Doctors office it started off cloudy. By the time we left, it was a beautiful Sunny day
Sounds like one of Murphy's laws but not sure which number.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmermann
Well I went out flying today. I am beginning to think, when I bought the Kitfox, John also sold me Low Ceilings & Foggy Weather along with the plane. Tonight 35 Deg with rain tomorrow H 37, L 32 rain & snow. Right now it is 36 and cloudy, visibility is pretty good, just a low ceiling. Last Saturday, the weather was beautiful, but I wasn’t up to flying after having had a skin cancer removed on Friday. I decided to pull the duct tape off of the oil cooler, that John had put on for the Idaho cold weather, I figured I wouldn't need it since our Texas weather was moving from Winter to Summer. Today, I was having a rough day at work, so I figured if I was going to fly this week, I needed to do it today. Sounded like a good excuse to take some time off. I pulled Kick Ass out of the hanger, I taxied North down a 6000 foot taxi way for take off on 17, the Oil Temp was about 89 degrees. So, I taxied south back to the hanger, then back North down the 6000 foot taxi way, then I taxied over to the tie down area, then to the fueling area, and finally the oil temp got to 110, after about 20 minutes of taxiing, it finally got to 119, as I was pulling out onto the runway, the temp hit 120. I pushed the throttle in, and off into a Low Ceiling, and as quick as this plane climbs solo that doesn’t take long. (John, you need to make a point of selling a certificate of conformance for some clear skies with the SLSAs.) They are a kick in the pants to fly, but I can never seem to get much above 1500 to 2000 feet above the ground before I am flirting with the clouds. Today I actually got to about 1800 feet, now that is HIGH FLYING! I stayed in the pattern and did 1 touch and go, then I headed southeast from the airport, and just cruised at about 1800 feet. (This Idaho weather that John drug down stinks.) I pulled it back to about 5300 RPM, and continued south. I was cruising at about a 115 MPH. As I was flying around I noticed the Oil Temp was 98 degrees. It was getting dark so I decided to turn around and head back to Mesquite, nice landing. Taxied back to the hanger, and put her away. I think I need to look into a Oil Cooler Shutter, fancy Duct Tape!!
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Your other choice is an oil thermostat from John or Lockwood.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Quote:
John also sold me Low Ceilings & Foggy Weather along with the plane.
Paul , you should have marked the option box on the purchase agreement next to
"Arizona Winter Weather Package". It was well worth the extra charge.;)
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Where was the "Arizona Winter Package", I missed that! I am positive it would have been worth the money. I figured since it is time to go from Winter to Summer, all of the Poor weather was gone. Must be Global Warming! I better hush or they will want to Tax me for good weather!:(
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Well the weather forcast was for a little dusting of snow. I looked out the window here in McKinney Texas, and I would estimate 3 inches of build up. Global Warming in Action!
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Keep that white stuff down there Paul~!!! seems what ever hits Texas ..soon comes here to Missouri :eek:
Chase
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
This is getting out of hand 4 inches in my yard in Garland! It snowed all day long, being right at 32 all day, it didn't start sticking to the roads until latter this afternoon.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Now this is some interesting weather for Texas according to the local news DFW got 12.5 inches of this white stuff! So much for flying today! It looks like I am going to have a fun weekend trimming tree branches that fell out of the tree overnight from the snow. First count the big oak has 13 branches either broken, on the ground or on our roof.
John McBean, Steve mentioned an Arizona Clear Skies option, you should have pointed that one out! The is definately no clears skies or runways for flying out of Mesquite today! :mad:
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
sounds like you either need to learn to fly in the snow or ... get the wax out and wax the plane.:D
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Just a little snow, and John and Jud were complaining how cold it was when they were delivering N703KA! I guess the Ground Hog was correct, 6 more weeks of Global Warming before Summer hits!
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
I snapped this picture out the door of my shop. Shucks I guess I'm just going to have to go fly again today.:p
http://home.comcast.net/~steveallbee/outside.JPG
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Paul ..just be glad they don't spell Texas N-e-w J-e-r-s-e-y ha ha ha they got 38.5 inches and the storm that just hit you is headed their way now .. and I'm thankful it missed me totally ..not one snow flake:)
but the last one got me as seen below
Chase
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Steve ..looks like you have a runway right in front of your shop :) I'll bet you could land the kitty there :)
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
The just did the Fox Weather report, and they said this is the first time in US History that all 50 States have snow on the ground on the same day!
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SkyPirate
Steve ..looks like you have a runway right in front of your shop :) I'll bet you could land the kitty there :)
You look at my picture and look at the coffee house, just above the green roof is the hill for the airport. AT that airport is the FSDO, I think they would be all over me for trying that stunt. Not this kid.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Steve you could call it an emergency landing.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
"You look at my picture and look at the coffee house, just above the green roof is the hill for the airport. AT that airport is the FSDO, I think they would be all over me for trying that stunt. Not this kid."
where's your sense of adventure Steve ha ha ,..ya know you wanna do it :)
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
Tell you what, I'll pull out one of my RC planes and buzz the coffee house.
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Re: Feb. 2010 Kitfox of the Month Paul Zimmerman
I was complaining about the inch we have on the ground today in Georgia, and my daughter sent a picture of her condo parking lot in Columbia, MD. Over 60 inches on the ground now. Her car is one of the humps in the snow.