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Thread: Winter Flying - Staying Warm?

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  1. #1

    Join Date
    Sep 2008
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    Helena, MT
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    14

    Default Winter Flying - Staying Warm?

    How well does the Kitfox do in terms of staying warm for winter flying? Or what is your preferred winter flying attire?

    Thanks In Advance! - Jim

  2. #2
    N82HB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Deer Park, WA
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    115

    Default Re: Winter Flying - Staying Warm?

    My IV has the water heater with the blower and it works well. I am surprised how little I bundle up. I had a Kitfox III before that did not have a heater at all, as long as the sun was out a little it was always warm enough. Very surprisely!

    My winter temps are in the low twenties for the norm.
    Kelly

  3. #3
    Senior Member
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    Mar 2009
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    Summerland BC Canada
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    Default Re: Winter Flying - Staying Warm?

    I will be trying out my Model 5 on the weekend. It is -10 here now so it could be a good test for my cabin heater!! Will advise later.

    Don

  4. #4
    Senior Member
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    Mar 2009
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    Summerland BC Canada
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    Default Re: Winter Flying - Staying Warm?

    That is -10 C not F.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Apr 2010
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    Soldotna Alaska
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    176

    Default Re: Winter Flying - Staying Warm?

    I built a heat muff for my exhaust and it keeps me nice and warm and the windshield clear at -30F. Well, Warm is a relative term at that point. It is warm enough that I can fly with just thin cotton gloves and be comfortable. My normal gear at those temps are fleece bottoms and tops and my Klim jacket and pants with good boots. I wear what ever I plan on crashing with!

    The heat muff takes about 50 bucks in materials (if that) and about 2 hrs to make and install.

  6. #6
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
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    Jan 2009
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    Merrill, WI
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    3,048

    Default Re: Winter Flying - Staying Warm?

    I have a heater core behind the panel that is the size of two computer fans. I tape over 1/2 of my air scoop on the main radiator which will keep the motor running at 180-210°. (see the photo below) With this setup, I can fly all winter without gloves on and jacket unzipped.

    I do have a strange situation where cold air comes up from the tail, so a hood or warm collar to keep this air from going down the back of my neck...
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Av8r3400
    Kitfox Model IV
    The Mangy Fox
    912UL 105hp Zipper
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  7. #7

    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Tx
    Posts
    36

    Default Re: Winter Flying - Staying Warm?

    Folks.... needing some help with m Kitfox IV 582. The prior owner had a heater core installed in the cabin and I'd like to hook it back up. Question? Does it matter where you tap into the coolant system for both inlet and outlet to the heater core? If so, can you detail what the best setup is for max heat and maybe even add some pics of the engine-side setup not the heater core itself.

    Thanks!

    ~Jason
    Austin, Tx

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