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Thread: Kitfox Model II Rebuild

  1. #31
    Senior Member efwd's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild

    It is probably good advice (I appreciated it) to remember that high speed taxis frequently become first flights so be careful and be sure to be prepared. That is what John McBean told me. Awesome work, hope you enjoy it. What am I saying, you will enjoy it.
    Eddie Forward
    Flying
    SS7, 912iS, Garmin G3X

  2. #32
    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild

    Following your ressurection of the Kitfox II has been a joy - most notable has been your dilligence and very active work getting it done in short order.

    Roger that on first flights.

    One of my pals at the 'port did a high speed taxi test that DID NOT result in a first flight; however, when he went to do his first flight, the wheels lifted off 20 MPH less than what his taxi test had been. He was prepared but it really sunk in after that.

    Another ended up taking off on a taxi test and wasn't exactly prepared for it - however he is still with us, even if his plane isn't.

    A third person testing an old homebuilt he purchased embarrassed himself by running out of gas and rolling to a stop at the middle of the active runway. Don't even want to think about the potential on that deal.

    A person should be prepared for a first flight in all respects when even thinking about that first flight.

    You are doing things in a safe and effective way - that's the ticket to enjoying your kitfox.

    Thanks for sharing
    Dave S
    Kitfox 7 Trigear (Flying since 2009)
    912ULS Warp Drive

    St Paul, MN

  3. #33

    Default Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild

    Thank you all again for the thoughts and comments.
    When it comes time to do high speed tail up taxi, my father will be in the plane walking me through it and making sure we don't rise off the asphalt as it were.
    And should we do so, he'll be able to put her back down with out issue.
    Regardless of that though, I will be on my toes the whole time.

  4. #34

    Default Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild

    Well we tried, but sadly its just too small a plane for me and him in it.
    We took it up once and he went through the motions with me. Familiarizing me with the flight characteristics of the Kitfox II.
    Prominently its adverse yaw. Showed me what my sight picture should be on landings and what to do with the tail up.
    He wanted to be able to give me more dual instruction but we just can't fit both of us in there reasonably. So we did what was required by my insurance to cover me and he set me loose to practice.

    That being said, what he was able to show me has been tremendous and for a solid week I have been doing high speed taxi's with the tail up. Must of done at least 50 of them if not more going from tail up to down and stop, to up and down back to up, and all in between. I used to drift cars when I was a little younger and I've found certain aspects of that helped ready me for keeping the tail straight.

    So today, early this morning.
    My father watched after giving me some sage advice as I took to the sky solo for the first time.
    It was a short flight, mostly to get me comfortable with the plane and feel how it handles solo and light.
    After a few circles over the airport I descended and prepared for the one thing I had no ability to practice for before doing.

    Landing.

    And I'm happy to say my first landing went mostly smooth.
    Very slight bounce maybe a foot or so before it settled again.
    All that tail up practice made getting the plane under control on the roll out so much easier and with that I had made my first landing.
    I had quite the grin on my face as I taxied up to the hanger and got out.

    One down, many many more to look forward to.

    Thank you all for your support of me in this endeavor and the incredible resource this forum is to everyone.

  5. #35
    Senior Member efwd's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild

    Awesome! Glad your moving forward with the progress. Have Fun.
    Eddie Forward
    Flying
    SS7, 912iS, Garmin G3X

  6. #36
    Senior Member bbs428's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild

    Just read your thread.
    It was quite the journey. I really got a feel for your project and to a safe, fun 1st flight.

    Enjoy!!
    Somebody said that carrier pilots were the best in the world, and they must be or there wouldn't be any of them left alive. — Ernie Pyle

    Brett Butler
    Flying: 1998 Model 5 Outback, 912ul Zipper 110hp, G3x avionics, ss7 upgrades

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