Bandit,

When someone posts a question such as, “Which is better, the Kitfox or the [insert name here].” I take that as an invitation to voice an opinion. But I do so with caution.

I didn’t buy the first airplane kit I saw. Like many others I did my homework and compared different kits. I visited builders to see airplanes in various stages of construction. I looked at the manuals and poked around inside the aircraft. I finagled flights in completed aircraft.

For me, it came down to my comfort level with the kit components? Did I like the construction manual? Would I feel comfortable flying the completed aircraft? What is the track record of the kit producer for delivering the kit after you send them money? What do builders report about factory support? I saw subtle differences in the Kitfox that I found attractive such as the number of laminates in the plywood used for ribs (11) and cap strips (5). I liked the adjustable rudder pedals and pushrod controls.

As for performance, most of the aircraft I looked at were in the 90 mph to 120 mph class. All of them could operate in and out of 1000 foot runways which are about as short as I find in East Texas. Although it’s fun to leap in the air in just 150 feet and land in 300, it wasn’t my primary goal. I don’t need LSA so it was never a consideration. I did find the manufacturer’s performance numbers to be quite revealing. The Kitfox published figures are very close to what I saw in the airplane.

Some things are hard to compare when a kit manufacturer doesn’t specify a feature. For example, I see many comments about the huge Highlander baggage area at 32 cu. ft. You can build a huge baggage area in the Kitfox if you want to. The mounting tabs are pre-welded in the fuselage to employ most of the tailcone space if desired. Some builders use the extended area. I suspect most use the standard compartment.

Is the above posting an opinion? Absolutely. Is the opinion based on actual comparison? Yup! Does it convince you to buy one airplane or another? Haven’t got a clue.

For me, there is nothing like a hands on inspection before the covering goes on. You get an intimate feel for the aircraft when you can look at all the controls, rods, tubes and wires. I recommend you do the same, then form your own opinion. You decide what’s important to you.



In the end, I decided to purchase the Kitfox.


Enjoy your research project.

John Pitkin