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Thread: New to the Kitfox Forum

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  1. #1

    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Location
    Montrose CO
    Posts
    7

    Default New to the Kitfox Forum

    Hello all


    Glad to be here. Hoping to build or buy a Kitfox in the next few years.


    I live in Montrose Colorado and would love to fly the Western Slope and into Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming.


    Looking to buy or build a top of the line Kitfox, with a fuel injected / turbo engine for power at altitude. Open to partnering with someone in my area if we had similar mindsets and finances. Would like to keep the plane at KMTJ.


    I am a licensed pilot, single engine land, no tailwheel. Like to start with tri gear and then see if it's necessary to switch over to tailwheel configuration. Have a bit more than a hundred hours logged as PIC, and more time informally.



    I've created a spreadsheet with all the costs I think would be involved in building a Kitfox, and am working on tightening up the numbers and also comparing the different models available and also the factory-built option. I've used the factory pricing and talked to them, and then estimated the owner-supplied items. Obviously it's geared toward my preferences, but it may be helpful for others and so I am happy to share. Would love to get feedback from anyone with direct knowledge. It's an excel spreadsheet.


    Clear Skies,


    David

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Location
    Utah
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    89

    Default Re: New to the Kitfox Forum

    Welcome David. I to am looking to buy or build a KF (in the hopefully near future).

    I would be interesting you your spreadsheet if you don't mind sharing it? I have put together a VERY rudimentary cost list as well, but love seeing the thoughts and ideas of others.

    I am in Utah, and my biggest concern first is finding a place to build if I go that route, which I would like for the challenge and amazing learning opportunity. I have never undertaken anything quite like this, and while building seems very daunting, from the videos and reading I have done it seem like its just a LOT of little things that take a LOT of time and not overly difficult.

    I have heard that there are some specialty tools needed that KF sales for 400 bucks (which seems pricey, but save a boat load of time sourcing separately)

    Look forward to your progress. Keep us up to date.

  3. #3
    Senior Member efwd's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Location
    Yorba Linda, CA
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    2,824

    Default Re: New to the Kitfox Forum

    well if that spread sheet works out correctly you should be seeing 80-90K for you to build a top notch KF. Kinda depends on what you consider top notch. Some folks here prefer Steam gauges and consider that top notch enough. Others use panel displays etc etc.. Different paints will vary in cost depending on the gear needed to apply it. Lots of different factors.
    Eddie Forward
    Flying
    SS7, 912iS, Garmin G3X

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Aug 2018
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    Utah
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    Default Re: New to the Kitfox Forum

    80-90k seems well high, but perhaps I am underestimating everything.

  5. #5
    Senior Member efwd's Avatar
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    Jun 2015
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    Yorba Linda, CA
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    Default Re: New to the Kitfox Forum

    roughly 25k for plane, 22K for 912is with exhaust thats no longer included in the 912is price, 18K for a fully loaded panel (auto pilot, ADSB In/out xpndr, dual screen panel, Comm radio not to mention ELT and LED nav/landing lights or the electrical wiring. Top of the line lights will run $1000. Thats 67K. consider paint. You can spend over 1000 on breathing apparatus alone if you use nice shiny paint that will run you several thousand more if I am not mistaken. OK, now were talking 70 plus. I did save on paint by using Oratex but the Oratex cost me about 6-7K. Oh yes, interior kit. Don't recall the price but its over 1000.How close am I now? Oh, Propeller and spinner, 2K. Except where my craftsmanship has suffered I think I will have a top notch Kitfox SS7. There are many aspects of the build that will drive the price. You certainly don't need to do all this to accomplish a beautiful top notch aircraft and some people have incredible abilities in negotiation. I don't. I have so many of the upgrades (but not all). Im also including the cost of two BoseA20 headsets for which I had to spend more money to operate them via aircraft power (lemo plugs). If you chose to primer the wing spars youll be buying primer and supplies as well. I believe I am pretty close, no? Go fly a Kitfox then let me know if you think it's worth it! Best damn money I have ever spent! Could have bought a bigger house but I can assure you I would not be having the conversations that I have wherever I go about the house. Welcome to the forum.
    Eddie Forward
    Flying
    SS7, 912iS, Garmin G3X

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Location
    Utah
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    89

    Default Re: New to the Kitfox Forum

    Ya, that adds up fast.
    I know avionics can add to the high price, but for my build I would like to keep it simple and clean, without sacrificing safety.
    Guess the cost might by growing beyond my reach lol. I hope not, but its looking like it for all the bells and whistles.

    I am doing some research to try and find good avionics without going crazy. KF says they offer a discount on the engine if yo buy from them. Lets hope that is a good discount lol.

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Location
    Montrose CO
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    7

    Default Re: New to the Kitfox Forum

    Thanks Eddie that's good rough estimating and sounds like we share some similar ideas. What do you need a bigger house for nowadays anyway? All my albums tapes and CDs fit on my phone, books go to the iPad and having a bunch of houseguests all the time gets old fast. An airplane on the other hand - something that will whisk you off the ground and into another world in minutes, a transporter to vacant mountains and forgotten canyons ...

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Boise, ID
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    249

    Default Re: New to the Kitfox Forum

    You haven’t priced a kit in awhile have you? It’s almost 40k with normal options and a firewall forward kit.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Kankakee, Ill
    Posts
    33

    Default Re: New to the Kitfox Forum

    Hello David,

    Always great to see more Colorado Kitfox builders. I just received my airworthiness cert on my Super Sport and am planning to fly here shortly. I live in Colorado Springs and there are a few other Kitfox builders in this area and Denver. If your in the area, I would be happy to show you my build. Good luck!

    Eric

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Location
    Montrose CO
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    7

    Default Re: New to the Kitfox Forum

    Awesome Eric I would love to get together. Next time I head over to the Front Range I'll get in touch and we can meet up. Love to see what you've done and hear your story.


    David

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