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Thread: Trim Assist Kit Option

  1. #1
    Senior Member jiott's Avatar
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    Default Trim Assist Kit Option

    Kitfox sell an optional Flap/Elevator Interconnect Trim Assist Kit to "help reduce aft stick forces when making slow landing approaches". John McBean seems to recommend it. It fits 5, 6, 7, and SS.

    How many of you guys are using it? Is it so-so or greatest thing since sliced bread? Should I get it for my SS7? Its not too expensive at $85. I will soon be covering the fuse and need to make a decision.

    Jim

  2. #2
    Senior Member Dorsal's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trim Assist Kit Option

    I have it and really like it.
    Dorsal ~~^~~
    Series 7 - Tri-Gear
    912 ULS Warp Drive

  3. #3
    Senior Member jiott's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trim Assist Kit Option

    I suppose I better get it. Its ending up with my buying just about every option offered by Kitfox. Its nearly impossible to build one of these things for the base price that gets you hooked at first. I am not complaining mind you, just stating a fact. If a guy is going to go to all the work of building you kind of want it to be the best you can make it, so you just keep adding the options. I'm loving every minute of it though.

    Jim

  4. #4
    kitfox812's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trim Assist Kit Option

    Can anybody tell me how it installs and what it looks like? I have an s7 with electric trim. Thanks in advance
    Rich
    Kitfox Series-7 taildragger
    Rotax 912ULS
    SuperCub Wannabee

  5. #5
    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trim Assist Kit Option

    Hi Jim,

    I am another satisfied purchaser of the trim assist kit. another vote in favor.

    I flew off the test period and ran some months later without the trim assist. Bought it - and installed it before morning coffee break. You have to get under the baggage bay & at the mixer & elevator idler just behind the seats - John designed it for an easy retrofit if the plane is already assembled.

    While not having it is not a great issue in any case - it is a refinement that one will truly appreciate.

    What it does is permit a person to trim off the remaining nose down when flaps are applied at slow speeds like on final approach since full nose up trim doesn't quite quite do that in the landing config. None of the control forces on the elevator are very high in any case on a Kitfox but, it is really nice to be able to trim for neutral elevator stick pressure on final.

    BTW - my understanding is that the trim assist is very good for a tailwheel configuration - in any case I have never been able to bury the tailskid in the runway grass with our trigear but I can come darn close.

    Our plane has the trim tabs on the elevator rather than the electric stab jackscrew for pitch trim - this configuration benefits from the trim assist greatly.

    Cheers,

    Dave S
    KF7 Trigear
    912ULS Warp Drive

  6. #6
    Senior Member
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    Default Re: Trim Assist Kit Option

    Quote Originally Posted by kitfox812 View Post
    Can anybody tell me how it installs and what it looks like? I have an s7 with electric trim. Thanks in advance
    Note in the photo the forward attach point of the spring to the elevator idler to provide your up elevator "tug" with flaperon deflection. Aft attach point is flap control horn on the mixer assembly. Bruce N199CL
    Attached Images Attached Images

  7. #7
    kitfox812's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trim Assist Kit Option

    Great informative picture. I ordered the kit from Debra. I have about 900 hrs on my s7 since it was DAR'ed in 2007. I had gotten away from using any flaps on landing because of the excess back pressure required. It will be fun to try this out. Thanks again.
    Rich
    Kitfox Series-7 taildragger
    Rotax 912ULS
    SuperCub Wannabee

  8. #8
    Senior Member akarmy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trim Assist Kit Option

    So the question I have, is what's the tradeoff? I have flown with it both installed and not, both with the series 7 trim tabs and the SuperSport electric trim (full elevator surface).

    First, the trim tabs are servo tabs and make the elevator forces VERY light. With the full elevator the elevator is much more solid. I agree that the interlock spring does give a bit more elevator up with flaps out, but I kind of feel like it reduces the elevator feel just a bit more. Feels to me like pulling against the spring makes the elevator even more solid feeling, but It's hard to tell really.

    Anyone else have a comparison in elevator feel before vs after? I want to like it, but am still not sure.

    The only other thing you get is the stick stays centered with the elevators in trail when on the ground, instead of flopping down with the weight of the elevator.
    Andy Karmy
    Kitfox 7 - 912S - SOLD
    Auburn, WA

    http://kitfoxflying.com

  9. #9
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trim Assist Kit Option

    Would this work on a IV? If not, why not. Same mixer and linkages as a 5-SS, right?
    Av8r3400
    Kitfox Model IV
    The Mangy Fox
    912UL 105hp Zipper
    YouTube Videos

  10. #10
    kitfox812's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trim Assist Kit Option

    I finished the install and tried it out today using all the flap settings. I takes out most of the forward pull when using flaps. I'm going to have to get used to the different feel. I think the installation was worth it.
    Last edited by kitfox812; 02-26-2012 at 09:21 PM.
    Rich
    Kitfox Series-7 taildragger
    Rotax 912ULS
    SuperCub Wannabee

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