March '09 KOTM - Joe Meyeres

[Av8r3400]

Joe--

Just drooling over your plane's photos again and rereading this thread (for the bazillionth time ).

Back to the questions:

• Is your IV a 1200 or a 1050?
• Would you care to share the empty weight of this beauty with us?
• What do you have for hours on her now?
• Any updates on performance, handling, fuel burn, etc?
• Did you do any other mods yet?
• Are you still satisfied with the Rotec?

I can't get enough information about this install!!


(Thanks.)

[Joe Meyeres]

Hey Av8r!

My Kitfox is a Model IV 1200, and it is a bit on the heavy side. It came out at 825 lbs, but I have the two 13 gallon wing tanks, full sized panel, strobes, nav lights, landing lights with a pulse option, and a few other extra things to make life easier like 8.00 6 tires, thicker walled tubing on the gear for more strength and a full sized rear window. All these things add up in the long run and obviously cut into the useful load. However, it's very docile in the way it handles, stalls out around 33 to 35 MPH straight ahead if you keep the ball centered. Not bad on the top end... full power straight and level indicates 127 MPH and at 75% power around 105 to 110 MPH. All this with a climb pitched prop. The airplane really does not have any bad handleing qualities that we have uncovered up till now. I've got around 23 hours on it presently.

Not planning on other mods at this time. I have just ordered a VDO tachometer as I am still having some issues with the Tiny Tach I have installed. Some folks around here want me to put a speed ring on to add to the nostalgic look, but I still need a Micro Air com w/ built in intercom and Micro Air xponder. Both fit neatly in 2 1/4 inch holes. Then maybe a Garmin GPS or Honeywell AV8r.

I am extremely happy with the Rotec. Looks good, sounds awesome and performs well. The guys in Australia have been great to work with and have gone over and above anything I would expect from an engine manufacturer. Installation was very basic and all info from Rotec was straight forward. Great system diagrams for wiring and plumbing. I would definately chose them again on another project!

I am glad you like the photo's! Check out Rotec's website and look for Joe's Kitfox for more photo's or go to You Tube to see the videos posted. Search for Radial Kitfox and all my other videos are posted by kitfox4c.