Potential Builder -- How Bad Is It?

[StuBob]

Thanks for the input, guys. I'm not sure where this will wind up.

[jmodguy]

StuBob
I'm in Carmel. Picked up a KF 5 project back in August. It was pretty far along - "almost ready to cover". Been teaching myself how to cover with the tail feathers. It is not difficult at all.
When it gets warm(er) I'll be rigging the wings. Fuse and wings are at Metro. If you want to take a look let me know.
Regards
Jeff

[rosslr]

Hi StuBob,

You certainly have chosen an interesting sub-title for you post - 'how bad is it?'. As someone who has recently finished the build and now flying, I would suggest you retitle it to "How Good Is It?' - you just might get different answers.

I found the process, the factory support and the support forum this site to be VERY good. to be more specific, the kit was very intact ( only a couple of very small items missing), the manual to be very thorough and well laid out(I only needed to get clarification on a couple of points), The combination of N-step instruction and the cross referencing to the accompanying diagrams excellent, the listing of all parts and references to the part no's a great help and the technical level needed to be only moderate. As a first time constructor, coverer, painter, engine installer, electrics and avionics installer ...... I coped ok and enjoyed nearly all of it ( except the stuff ups but that was my own fault!). The factory support is legendary and this site is full of very knowledgeable and generous.

So, how bad does it get? I don't know.
How good does it get? Extremely good. and even better when flying!

cheers

ross

[StuBob]

Jeff -- I tried to send you a PM but it appears it didn't go. Trying again. I'd really like to see your airplane.

Stuart

StuBob
I'm in Carmel. Picked up a KF 5 project back in August. It was pretty far along - "almost ready to cover". Been teaching myself how to cover with the tail feathers. It is not difficult at all.
When it gets warm(er) I'll be rigging the wings. Fuse and wings are at Metro. If you want to take a look let me know.
Regards
Jeff

[Agfoxflyer]

I agree with Ross. I built a Series 5 as a first time builder about 10 years ago. Since then I built a RV-9A & RV-10 with my brother (he paid for them, but I get to fly them!) and helped on several other aircraft projects. In my opinion the Kitfox manual and parts packaging is the best I have seen. I found the construction straight forward and when I needed help, it was easy to find., whether the factory, forums, or EAA members. My favorite part of construction was the covering process. You see the most progress toward a finished aircraft. Least favorite was paint with Aerothane. Told my brother I had painted my first & last airplane. Therefore we hired out the painting on the RV's. My paint booth for the Kitfox was one of the "carport frames" with canvas top. 10 x 20. I put two layers of 6 mil poly over the frame. Whole thing costs maybe $150. I did borrow a new 5 ton AC so I could paint in the summer Georgia heat and humidity. That sucker would pull it down in the booth from 95 deg high humidity to 65 deg low humidity in about ten minutes.

[jiott]

Well said Ross!

[skbenson]

Great fun, great support.