Andy Karmy - akarmy
Auburn, WA
Kitfox 7 - Rotax 912ULS - IVO Medium

It all started back in the late 80's. I was young recently married and dreaming of flying. I wore out that original VHS tape of little colorful Kitfoxes flying up rivers, low over lakes, in snow with skis, down mountain canyon's over this amazing Idaho terrain. I was hooked on this little plane with the 2 stroke engine, however I had no money and it was just a dream. Years later I finally built my first plane, a TEAM MiniMax. It took 9 months and I enjoyed flying it for 2 years. Next up was a Vans RV9A, built from standard kits in 18 months and I enjoyed many years of flying high and fast across the country.

This last summer I decided it was time to make a change and get back to the basics of flying. With a chance to reduce my operating costs, get back into a tail dragger, and enjoy the backcountry strips that we have all over the NorthWest, I made the jump to a Kitfox 7. Now I was going to start a build of a new Super Sport, however other plans worked out. When I listed my RV9A, I found a willing buyer that had a nice Kitfox 7 and wanted to make a deal. Done, I had my Kitfox. 25 years later the dream was back.
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My Kitfox was built in Arkansas by David Klem, then Sold to Las Vegas to Dale Orth, then finally I picked it up and brought it back to Auburn Wa. Being the 3rd owner of a plane with just 100 hours on it, it was basically new. My first big adventure was the return trip from Vegas to Seattle. Taking just over 9 hours it was a long cross-country for sure. I loved every min of it. Flying low over the wide expanses of Nevada and Southern Oregon I saw things like I never had seen them before in my RV.

As the weeks went by, I stared putting the hours onto the plane. Our first camping trip was the Kitfox Factory flyin last fall. My son and I had a great time meeting some of you and giving rides. After putting about 30 hours on the plane, it was time to convert it over to a taildragger. This was how this plane was destined to be setup! 8.50x6's really made it nice hopping into small grass strips around the local area. Now I was really having some fun. Just playing with touch and go's with a taildragger opens up a new opportunity to try different things on each landing. 3 point, wheel landings, 1 wheel, 2, bounces, greasers, left wheel, then right, then left. Starting to really love this thing.
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With winter in full swing, December was time to put my stamp on this plane. Yes it was a flying Kitfox and really didn't have any problems, however I knew I could do better. I had to redo some things to my standards so I would feel good about it as the years go by. I pulled the cowl & started to work. I removed all the electrical & fuel systems, Panel, and misc parts. When it was done, I had basically a new plane again! Done right, done my way, whenever possible, brought up to Factory standards with new parts, rejigged to the construction manual, and just cleaned up and tightened up. Supporting all the wires and parts so nothing rubs, and its easy to get to and maintain over the years.
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Now I know every part of this plane, just like the other ones that I had built. Which is a good start as this plane has another unique trait. It was certified as an E-LSA back when the amnesty period was open. So lucky me, I can get and E-LSA repairman certificate and be able to do the annual inspections and other sign offs. So, what's next? Who knows, It's going to be a fun summer this year of adventures and experiences yet to be uncovered. We have a Young Eagles day in the spring, and I can't wait to give some kids a ride they will remember for a long time to come.

So, thanks to all of you for the help and questions answered. Thanks to John and Debra for great factory support and a good parts supply chain. Here's hoping we meet up at a flying in the future! To those of you still building, you are going to love this plane! If you ever want a ride and are in the Seattle area, drop me a line, I'd be happy to!

Andy Karmy
N35KF - Kitfox 7
Auburn WA - S50andy's kitfox

Click on this link to see all of Andy's photo albums:http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/album.php?u=626