Flying with doors open

[akarmy]

I know others that have done this on a regular basis each summer. There is almost no wind that hits you with them open so very little drag is created by the opening. I think the performance differences come from the open doors disrupting airflow at the root of the wing when they are open.

[catz631]

Thanks Andy ! Thats what I was thinking

[cap01]

i wonder if there is much difference with the doors removed as opposed to flying one open ?

[Pilot4Life]

cap01, Regarding?

Remember that anything under the wing will effect the basic aerodynamics. Something to consider is that old lift equation that we love so much (L = CL x 1/2p x v2 x S). If you create drag, you'll need more velocity (thrust) to maintain Speed and Altitude. What you're essentially doing, IMHO, is adding drag and disrupting the boundry layer thus making that wing less effective. Perhaps someone that actually owns a Kitfox and flies w/ doors open vs. off will speak directly about that aircraft. Just some food for thought!

[Iceflyer]

Yes nearly did that mistake yesterday. found my phone halfway out my pocket when i remembered this good advice.

Otherwise had great first doors open flight in shorts and t-shirt in 21°c (70°f) Very unusual to have such a warm day in Iceland.

[Monocock]

Iceland won't be very icy for much longer with those kind of temps!!

Glad my comment saved your phone.

[Rob Russell]

I used to take the door off of my Piper Cub J-5 (Cruiser) and never noticed much change in performance. It was fun flying and I did it often in warm weather. So is the Kitfox capable of door off flying?

[cap01]

i tried a short flight with the left door removed . was a real hoot as long as it lasted . it was 70 degrees and sunny when i took off and got really cold once i got in the air with all the breeze of flying . takeoff performance appeared normal as did landing . didnt cruise above 80 , nothing strange there either , except for being cold . the view is certainly better without the door . should be way better for taking pictures , no reflections in the plexiglas . next time it will have to be allot warmer oat or ill have to wear more clothes