Kitfox IV Speedster & learning to fly

[HighWing]

No strong feelings yes or no, but! I learned to fly in a Cessna 170B - not your conventional trainer There was a day when the only thing you could learn in had a taillwheel and aviation survived. My only take on the Speedster are the CFI issues. It may take a bit more time, but I can't see where it won't be doable, and not having to pay rental fees would be a real plus to me.

Lowell

[DesertFox6]

Well it sure looks to me like wannafly taxied into a goldmine with his flight training experience: That's the kind of story we ought to be reading about in AOPA Pilot or one of the EAA magazines: Old-school, flight disciplined, IP! WOW! I'm just tickled pink you had such a wonderful experience with what sounds like one of those rare-as-Rotax-gaskets "crusty old guys" that akflyer endorses and I'll certainly second his recommendation on that score!

So, kl2657, other than slight variations of opinion based on our flying backgrounds with various trainers and Kitfox models, what you should take from this is that we ALL focus on the qualifications of the CFI as our primary concern for your success; certainly where the Kitfox is the mount of the moment, and, as carlisle so clearly opines, "anyone learning from the start in a Kitfox would be a better pilot for it," to which I'll add only "Amen." Just think of the quality of CFIs you'd have to chose from!

It would be great if you could take a demo flight in the machine you're eying and have an experienced Kitfox builder mentor you through the steps of acquiring somebody else's handiwork: This is an art form unto itself, covered in depth under many "else-wheres," so I'll drop it at that.

Make sure you have a great aircraft before you buy and a great instructor before you fly, Jason: Satisfy those two conditions and you'll be landing on some of our TeamKitfox members' home-dromes before you know it...and that includes GEU out here in Desert-Fox-Squadron-Land. I'd be happy to offer some instruction if you're in the area; just try to arrive when the temperature is less than 112 Fahrenheit/45 Celsius as the fully-loaded takeoff rolls sometimes exceed 400 feet!

"E.T."
(Semper Crustier!)

[cap01]

nice to read that someone else has a ball that acts like a compass . all along i thought it was me .

[kitfoxnick]

Just do it Jason. I learned in my model 4 1200 I was fortunate enough to have an instructor who has been teaching since the early 1960's and has owned his champ since 1966. Finding a good CFI is the trick. Try to find someone who has a lot of tail time. Once you get your license you'll wonder what all the fuss was about. Try to find some 2 stroke rotax guys in your area to teach you how to take care of your engine. I have no personal experience with the two strokes but many of my friends at the local ultralight field do, and seems to be a very reliable engine if taken care of. Insurance can be difficult to get being a student pilot in an experimental taildragger but it can be done. If you want to take a ride come on down I'm about an hour north of Baltimore and an hour south of Harrisburg.

[kl2657]

Just do it Jason. I learned in my model 4 1200 I was fortunate enough to have an instructor who has been teaching since the early 1960's and has owned his champ since 1966. Finding a good CFI is the trick. Try to find someone who has a lot of tail time. Once you get your license you'll wonder what all the fuss was about. Try to find some 2 stroke rotax guys in your area to teach you how to take care of your engine. I have no personal experience with the two strokes but many of my friends at the local ultralight field do, and seems to be a very reliable engine if taken care of. Insurance can be difficult to get being a student pilot in an experimental taildragger but it can be done. If you want to take a ride come on down I'm about an hour north of Baltimore and an hour south of Harrisburg.

Kitfoxnick, I used to live down in Shrewsbury, PA. Still have family in that area and get down there fairly often. Perhaps we can cross paths at some point. The kitfox IV I'm looking at has a 912 engine in it so no dealing with two stroke maintenance.

Thanks everyone for your input.

[catz631]

I have a Kitfox 4 and absolutely love it .I have many mods that make it a better airplane (wide bush gear,elevator trim,etc)
Having over 2000 hrs in various taildraggers (Pitts,DerJaeger,KR2,Cessnas,Luscombe,Monocoupe,Wa co,Cubs,Champs,etc) , I found this airplane very unique in its handling.Would I recommend it for initial flight training.....NO.
As an example there is another 4 at our local airport. The guy got it on a trade in for another aircraft . His instructor ,a friend of mine, has over 25 hours with him and he still he can't keep the airplane on the runway. This guy is a licensed pilot with taildragger time (not alot but some) he is middle aged. I bring age up as it is a factor in learning. If you are a young sharp guy you will probably pick up the necessary skills quicker.
I think taildragger training in another aircraft would be the way to go then transition into the fox when you have your skills nailed...my opinion.(might save on aircraft repair)
Dick

[Av8r3400]

Excellent observation and advise, Dick. I couldn't agree more...