SS7 & Highlander

[jiott]

The Highlander I looked at did have a larger baggage area, but that was because they didnt use a separate bag to contain the baggage and hold it away from the outside fabric walls. They had installed some 1/4" foam panels against the fabric in an attempt to protect the fabric from punctures, etc. I like the Kitfox baggage kit approach much better.

[Ramos]

Thanks guys. In all honesty, I would be fine with any cruise speed as long as it's at least 80 mph. My furthest waypoint is 85 miles. So, the difference between 90mph and 120mph is about 14 minutes. What is important in this case, is slow flight and take off/landing distance in irrigated pastures and furrowed wheat fields. I suppose a decent argument could be made for certain ultralights for what I have in mind. However, I am not getting any younger and I would like a reasonably comfortable cockpit (I am small) with a decent heater. We also get a fair bit of wind around here. Primary missions are checking cattle and running parts. When I first started on this journey, I seriously considered the CH701. I really liked the aluminum skin. However, regardless of its' STOL capability, it does not seem to be strong in the slow-flight area. And, no, I am NOT saying it is a fast airplane.

[Paul Z]

For low & slow, hands down the SuperSTOL. However, get ready for the sticker shock, it is about $22,000 to $24,000 more expensive.

[Ramos]

For low & slow, hands down the SuperSTOL. However, get ready for the sticker shock, it is about $22,000 to $24,000 more expensive.

Yes, I agree. Ideal but out of budget. I have also considered if a guy found the right KF IV, at the right price, and then putting an STi wing on it and possibly swapping out the landing gear. Could be tough to find the right deal, though. Those are two very expensive changes to make. I have lusted after a KF since the mid 80's. However, I wonder if a Highlander is not the better fit in this case. I would love to find out that a Classic IV in stock configuration is all I need with the addition of 26" tires! Just not quite smart enough to figure it all out!!!

On Edit: After a quick trip through both websites, the two kits price out the same. Did my best to keep it apples-to-apples. KF STi and Highlander with a few upgrades. Quick this and quick that, both kits. Both with 912ULS and 29" rubber. Right at $64K. So, it would seem that pricing is not a determining factor between the two. Am I realistic in figuring 2-3 years of my life to make either one flight ready?

[Paul Z]

After a quick trip through both websites, the two kits price out the same. Did my best to keep it apples-to-apples. KF STi and Highlander with a few upgrades. Quick this and quick that, both kits. Both with 912ULS and 29" rubber. Right at $64K. So, it would seem that pricing is not a determining factor between the two. Am I realistic in figuring 2-3 years of my life to make either one flight ready?

It depends, do you have a full time job, or a 60 hour a week job like I did before I retired. I would get every fast build kit offered. I especially would get the quick build wings, and make sure they are rigged to the Aircraft. With the wings built in a jig you are pretty well assured the plane will fly as advertised.

[Av8r3400]

Support?


Kitfox: 30+ years of kit manufacture and a very well written and complete manual.

Just AC: They give you a book in the kit with some pictures in it.



Kitfox: TeamKitfox - Over 52,000 postings with over 4700 members.

Just AC: Wings forum, section #3 of 32, 18k posts mostly about Steve Henry showing off.

[Ramos]

Support?


Kitfox: 30+ years of kit manufacture and a very well written and complete manual.

Just AC: They give you a book in the kit with some pictures in it.



Kitfox: TeamKitfox - Over 52,000 postings with over 4700 members.

Just AC: Wings forum, section #3 of 32, 18k posts mostly about Steve Henry showing off.

All of the above, plus KF HQ's is 4-5 hours away from me. Have no doubt that these points will figure heavily in my decision. That being said, I am trying to determine which aircraft has the flying characteristics that best fit my needs. Just working on one piece of the puzzle at a time. Even if the Highlander is determined to have a performance advantage for me, it could still be ruled out for other reasons. I fully accept that my budget will require some compromises. If I could afford a SuperSTOL or the STi/180 Titan John is flying, I would go with the STi simply because it is a Kitfox.

[jrevens]

Support?


Kitfox: 30+ years of kit manufacture and a very well written and complete manual.

Just AC: They give you a book in the kit with some pictures in it.



Kitfox: TeamKitfox - Over 52,000 postings with over 4700 members.

Just AC: Wings forum, section #3 of 32, 18k posts mostly about Steve Henry showing off.

Yep... you rock! Well said, brother!
Just Aircraft seem to be good people. A couple of things that I prefer on the Kitfox design - as mentioned, more push rods, less cables, and the general quality of the weldments and design of structure (to be fair, this was when I was looking & making my mind up - things could have changed on the quality front since then). I like a few other things better on the Kitfox also, both major & minor. A big part of it for me is & was all of the people in this great big family. A little friendly competition is good.