Tim's Aussie SS7 Build

[Flying Pig]

G'day TeamKitfoxers.

My name is Tim, and I just placed an order for a Series 7 Super Sport that I plan on building and flying from Brisbane, Australia.

I've spent a lot of time browsing this excellent selection of forums and have been absolutely fascinated (and very jealous) whilst following some of the builds. I was also inspired by the great YouTube content on builds including FarmFox, Kingfox, 7KiloFox and Project Kitfox. I'm very excited to be on the path to Kitfox ownership, though I don't have a cool name for my project yet....

My plan is for a fairly standard build. Spring landing gear with 26" tyres, the hinged turtle deck and T3 tailwheel spring. I'm intending on using Garmin avionics consisting of a GDU460 10.6" screen along with ADSB in/out, dual comms (maybe remote, maybe panel mounted) and two-axis autopilot. I'm pretty sure I'll drop a Rotax engine up front, likely a 912iS but the lure of more horses may be too hard to resist; I'm just not sure if a turbo will be worth the extra dollars given most of my flying will be sub-5000' pressure-altitude. I've got no idea about props - maybe that's a decision I'll make once I've settled on an engine.

I look forward to posting my build updates and posing questions when I get stuck. I don't anticipate my kit will get here until early 2026 so I guess I've got a lot of time to read through everyone else's posts and hopefully learn from how other builders overcame similar challenges.

I'd like to give a big shout-out to Ross (@rossir) for his advice so far. That little bit of reassurance has helped convince me that I'm in for a great adventure! Thanks also to the other Aussie builders and owners who have posted here, particularly with info on shipping of kits and parts to this side of the globe.

Guess it may be some time before I'm back on here with an update, but I'd sure appreciate any advice, particularly on engine and prop options for Australian operations where there aren't many big hills.

Tim

[Kitfox Pilot]

Hi Tim. Welcome to the Kitfox forum. You will get almost any advice you need on here by some great builders who have already done what you will be doing. I look forward to seeing the Aussiefox being build!

As for motor and prop, that is personal preference. I have flown in 3 100hp kitfoxes with 400 lb in the two seats and they are great flying planes. All these flights were off asphalt. In the soft sand where I fly alot, 400 lb in the seats will make my ground roll plenty far to suit me with 140 hp. So it all comes down to you budgit and wants/needs.
The 912is will set on 3.5 gal per hour to do 100mph with the regular wing and the 915is will burn 5.5 to fly the sti 100mph. Ive never been in an sti with a 912is. By the time you are ready I doubt there will be a 915is. Who know what the engines will be...917is 175hp $60k?? Haha. Harlan

[scottdonald]

G'day Tim!

Great to see another Kitfox coming to Brisbane! I've got a series 5 based out of YCAB, happy to show you around it and help you out with any questions you may have.

Scott

[Kitfox Guy]

I’d hold off on buying the avionics until you are closer to completion. Avionics technology is evolving rapidly and who knows what will be available as you approach project completion. The technology seems to get better every year, with new or updated versions being released frequently.

[efwd]

I agree with Michael. Wait to purchase stuff that may go through an update or improvement over a period of a year or two. Having said that, I purchased my entire Garmin G3X system and to date (7yrs later) the only thing that I have missed out on is the Bluetooth Com Radio that didn't exist until well after I was flying. With Bluetooth headsets, it isn't that big a deal except that Im not able to share music with the passenger. They have to connect ther own. Bose has an app that allows multiple speakers to pair simultaneously but the A20 headsets aren't in that list.

[Flying Pig]

Thanks for the advice and the welcome. Fantastic that other owners are reaching out already with advice and just to say g'day. I really appreciate that people who have finished their builds and are flying still come onto the forums and offer advice.

I am in no rush to get my avionics and given I've got around two years before my kit will even come off the production line, I'll be keen to see how avionics evolve and what my options are when I'm ready to install it. Expect more requests for advice when that time comes!

Got some quotes back for a Rotax 916is from the local supplier and it is around $75k AUD...about the same price as a whole brand-new Tesla here! Scott has been kind enough to reach out and offered some advice and given what I've learnt from the forums and the great responses to my first forum post, I think I'm going to want something a little more beefy than 100hp. Time to double-down on the saving plan!

I'll keep scheming and day-dreaming for now and thanks again y'all for the welcome and advice.

Tim