Kitfox Aircraft Stick and Rudder Stein Air Grove Aircraft TCW Technologies Dynon Avionics AeroLED MGL Avionics Leading Edge Airfoils Desser EarthX Batteries Garmin G3X Touch
Page 3 of 4 FirstFirst 1234 LastLast
Results 21 to 30 of 33

Thread: Sept '08 KOTM - Steve Wilson

  1. #21
    Senior Member SkySteve's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Huntsville, UT
    Posts
    1,054

    Default Re: Sept '08 KOTM - Steve Wilson

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul Z View Post
    So your converting it back to a Tail Dragger?
    Paul, I have considered doing that MANY times. Where I fly (actually land), converting back to tail wheel really would be a big help. However, my plane is shorter than yours and as such, it has a VERY QUICK response on the ground; and frankly, I really like to see where I am taxiing! So, no, not converting it back, yet. But I think the new backcountry mod will be awesome! ....
    Steve Wilson
    Huntsville, UT
    Kitfox 85DD
    912A / 3 Blade Taper Tip Warp Drive
    Convertible Nosewheel & Tailwheel
    SkySteve's SPOT Page
    SkySteve's You Tube Videos

  2. #22
    Administrator DesertFox4's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Arizona
    Posts
    3,562

    Default Re: Sept '08 KOTM - Steve Wilson

    Steve, changing the overhead bars will be nice for the co-pilot.

    Sounds like 85DD received some nice changes again.


    DesertFox4
    Admin.
    7 Super Sport
    912 ULS Tri-gear


  3. #23
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Garland, Texas
    Posts
    1,476

    Default Re: Sept '08 KOTM - Steve Wilson

    Quote Originally Posted by SkySteve View Post
    Paul, I have considered doing that MANY times. Where I fly (actually land), converting back to tail wheel really would be a big help. However, my plane is shorter than yours and as such, it has a VERY QUICK response on the ground; and frankly, I really like to see where I am taxiing! So, no, not converting it back, yet. But I think the new backcountry mod will be awesome! ....
    If I remember what we discussed, it should definitely make it a better backcountry aircraft. Good Luck, so far I like all of your mods.
    Paul Zimmermann
    LSRM-A
    Garland, Texas

  4. #24
    Senior Member SkySteve's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Huntsville, UT
    Posts
    1,054

    Default Re: Sept '08 KOTM - Steve Wilson

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul Z View Post
    If I remember what we discussed, it should definitely make it a better backcountry aircraft. Good Luck, so far I like all of your mods.
    Thank you, Paul. We are oh, so close. Within the next couple of days ...
    Thanks for not "opening the bag". The preverbal cat is clawing to get out!
    Steve Wilson
    Huntsville, UT
    Kitfox 85DD
    912A / 3 Blade Taper Tip Warp Drive
    Convertible Nosewheel & Tailwheel
    SkySteve's SPOT Page
    SkySteve's You Tube Videos

  5. #25
    Senior Member SkySteve's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Huntsville, UT
    Posts
    1,054

    Default Re: Sept '08 KOTM - Steve Wilson

    Here it is, I think the final mod for this year, straight from the super secret Utah Skunk Works department. It is a 6.00x6 Nosewheel providing 11" of prop ground clearance (warp drive 3 blade 68"). The mains are 8.00x6. To the best of my knowledge this is the first and only Kitfox with a 6.00x6 nosewheel. I've tested it taking off and landing on pavement, grass and dirt. It is wonderful. 18 lbs air pressure seems to be about right with enough cushion and enough firmness to roll nicely over rocks and holes. I test flew it today and I don't think I have lost any air speed. A little hard to tell as it was windy today. It is still in the process of being painted (that's why you see the tape, etc in the photo) but I was so excited I just had to share.



    Last edited by SkySteve; 04-22-2017 at 06:50 PM.
    Steve Wilson
    Huntsville, UT
    Kitfox 85DD
    912A / 3 Blade Taper Tip Warp Drive
    Convertible Nosewheel & Tailwheel
    SkySteve's SPOT Page
    SkySteve's You Tube Videos

  6. #26
    Administrator DesertFox4's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Arizona
    Posts
    3,562

    Default Re: Sept '08 KOTM - Steve Wilson

    85DD is ready for some serious backcountry trips.

    She looks good in her new paint and shoes Steve. Ready for another 20 years of fun.


    DesertFox4
    Admin.
    7 Super Sport
    912 ULS Tri-gear


  7. #27
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Garland, Texas
    Posts
    1,476

    Default Re: Sept '08 KOTM - Steve Wilson

    The first Kitfox Big Foot! Looking good!
    Paul Zimmermann
    LSRM-A
    Garland, Texas

  8. #28
    Senior Member SkySteve's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Huntsville, UT
    Posts
    1,054

    Default Re: Sept '08 KOTM - Steve Wilson

    Finished (for now):







    Steve Wilson
    Huntsville, UT
    Kitfox 85DD
    912A / 3 Blade Taper Tip Warp Drive
    Convertible Nosewheel & Tailwheel
    SkySteve's SPOT Page
    SkySteve's You Tube Videos

  9. #29
    Administrator DesertFox4's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Arizona
    Posts
    3,562

    Default Re: Sept '08 KOTM - Steve Wilson

    Looking good Steve. Just watched some old Denney Aerocraft ads last night on Youtube. There she was. 84DD in taildragger mode and also on skis. She is a Chameleon. Have fun.


    DesertFox4
    Admin.
    7 Super Sport
    912 ULS Tri-gear


  10. #30
    Senior Member av8rps's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Junction City, WI
    Posts
    680

    Default Re: Sept '08 KOTM - Steve Wilson

    Looks great Steve. It is kinda cool to show what one can do with a tri gear Kitfox (as you have done so well).

    But...I really think you'd enjoy your airplane as a taildragger. Don't let that short fuselage bother you none, I put 1300 hours on an old Model A Avid Flyer taildragger, and it is even shorter than your Kitfox. Yet it was a ***** cat to ground handle (and I'm nothing special as pilots go). The secret, just make sure you have a good tailwheel that it is setup properly, and you get some good tailwheel training.

    Flying a Kitfox as a tailwheel will make your airplane even more fun than it already is...if you can imagine that!

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •