Kitfox aerobatics?

[84KF]

There is a continuing discussion on "another" site about doing spins and aerobatics in Kitfox model aircraft.

My question here is .... What do your Operating Limitations say??

Mine states....
"This aircraft is prohibited from aerobatic flight, that is, an intentional maneuver involving an abrupt change in the aircraft’s attitude, an abnormal attitude, or abnormal acceleration not necessary for normal flight."

Does anyone have modified operating limitations to include aerobatics maneuvers in any Kitfox model?

And yes, I saw the aerobatics demo at Oshkosh years ago. Factory aircraft and pilot I believe. Excellent.

Sorry..., irresponsibility and flagrant violations irks me. (maybe I just need another cup of coffee. It's early yet.)

[David McCormick]

I also saw that aerobatic Kitfox demo, thats what sold me on the Kitfox knowing that would be more stress then I would ever put on my Kitfox. I like low and slow flying and being able to go to short fields.

[RandyL]

Steve,

If your Operating Limitations prohibit aerobatics then you might consider going through the hassle of getting them changed, it can be done. Of course all the normal cautions apply, and be sure and note that the Kitfox was designed an engineered as a Standard category aircraft which means +3.8 and -1.1 Gs. Summary of Super Sport specs here, not sure about the earlier models.

Of course lots of maneuvers can be flown within those limits if flown properly. I was just talking to John McBean at the Arlington Airshow and he was saying that he'd like to see a Kitfox routine back on the airshow circuit again, maybe similar to what Jimmy Franklin used to do.

[84KF]

Randy,
I have no desire to do aerobatics in the plane and no interest in having the operating limitations changed.

My point was\is that unless the operating limitations do include aerobatics maneuvers, performing such would violate the limits prescribed by the FAA for that particular aircraft...., a point of interest seemingly overlooked and not mentioned by the posters encouraging and/or performing the act.

I prefer a more conventional machine. (see attachment)

[DesertFox4]

I did aerobatics in my model 4 during phase 1 of my flight testing and told my D.A.R. that I intended to . He gave me instructions and included a section in my Operating Limitations for the types of maneuvers I would be including in my limitations. I carry them in the aircraft of course.
I did put my model 4 through loops, rolls, spins and stalls and entered them in the limitations after the test flight. They are now a permanent part of the Operating Limitations and allow those specific maneuvers in my Kitfox.
Now , I understood at the time of my inspection that I had to do the flight testing in Phase 1 and enter it in the Operating Limitations and sign them or it could not be put through the maneuvers after Phase 1 period. To do so would be a violation according to the DAR.


My model 4 recovers quickly from spins in 1 to 1.5 turns.
Loops are straight forward in the 4. Rolls are pretty quick even with the long wings.
I do know of another Kitfox 4 that was built locally that went through the
"aerobatic" testing during Phase 1 also. It has since been sold but it also performed the "basic" maneuvers safely.

Now the warning. If your Kitfox does not state in the Operating Limitations that it can perform the above mentioned maneuvers do not attempt them. Do not attempt them unless you have received training from a qualified flight instructor. Ok that's out of the way.

Please don't assume by my post that I do these flight maneuvers on a regular basis. I do not. I really don't enjoy aerobatics as much as I did when I was younger. If I did , I would not do them regularly in my Kitfox. That's not the kind of flying I like to do at this stage of my life.
I do like knowing that my Kitfox can handle the maneuvers when done properly.
I also like knowing how it behaves in a spin and how to properly recover from one since spin training is not required anymore. Trust me, a Kitfox will spin just like any other aircraft if you get sloppy with it. Keep the ball centered.

[rockyrim]

My Series7 includes limited aerobatics in the operating limitations. As a matter of fact, the DAR insisted on it. We weren't bold enough to write it
in, and he said "This plane is perfect for limited aerobatics,
at least in your operating limitations." Anyway, I borrowed a chute, and in phase 3 of flight testing, got in the mandatory rolls and loops. Man, what fun, what an airplane. I discovered my Dynon had the wrong software, so
the ball was of no help. So I just relaxed and flew the plane.

Disclaimer: I am recognized by the FAA as the builder of N51RD, to test pilot this aircaft, and perform maintenance of same. I in no way encourage others
to follow any of the actions I have mentioned above.
Rocky Whitman CMEI

Denise and Rocky Whitman
Series 7 912S
Austin, Tx.

[jonstark]

I did aerobatics in my model 4 during phase 1 of my flight testing and told my D.A.R. that I intended to . He gave me instructions and included a section in my Operating Limitations for the types of maneuvers I would be including in my limitations. I carry them in the aircraft of course.
I did put my model 4 through loops, rolls, spins and stalls and entered them in the limitations after the test flight. They are now a permanent part of the Operating Limitations and allow those specific maneuvers in my Kitfox.
Now , I understood at the time of my inspection that I had to do the flight testing in Phase 1 and enter it in the Operating Limitations and sign them or it could not be put through the maneuvers after Phase 1 period. To do so would be a violation according to the DAR.


My model 4 recovers quickly from spins in 1 to 1.5 turns.
Loops are straight forward in the 4. Rolls are pretty quick even with the long wings.
I do know of another Kitfox 4 that was built locally that went through the
"aerobatic" testing during Phase 1 also. It has since been sold but it also performed the "basic" maneuvers safely.

Now the warning. If your Kitfox does not state in the Operating Limitations that it can perform the above mentioned maneuvers do not attempt them. Do not attempt them unless you have received training from a qualified flight instructor. Ok that's out of the way.

Please don't assume by my post that I do these flight maneuvers on a regular basis. I do not. I really don't enjoy aerobatics as much as I did when I was younger. If I did , I would not do them regularly in my Kitfox. That's not the kind of flying I like to do at this stage of my life.
I do like knowing that my Kitfox can handle the maneuvers when done properly.
I also like knowing how it behaves in a spin and how to properly recover from one since spin training is not required anymore. Trust me, a Kitfox will spin just like any other aircraft if you get sloppy with it. Keep the ball centered.

My phase I program includes acro.
What are your entry speeds for loops and rolls?

Jon