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Thread: New Kitfox owner

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  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    Debeque, CO
    Posts
    45

    Default New Kitfox owner

    I thought it was about time I introduced myself. My name is Mark. I've been lurking here for over a year. Last August I went to Stick and Rudder and got my tailwheel endorsement as well as attending the factory fly in. Needless to say those two experiences solidified my decision to own a kitfox. Reading the forum and watching Barnstormers everyday, I was beginning to feel a bit discouraged about finding just the right airplane for me. I saw great options all over the place, Florida, New York, Texas, Washington. Living in Colorado meant that all of these options were quite a ways from me. Finally, through some googling, I found a local EAA chapter list that revealed to me two kitfox owners within a 45 min drive from where I live. I contacted them through email and one responded saying he may be interested in selling his. He built a RV and hasn't flown the Kitfox for 10 years. He had an oil issue on his last flight that had not been resolved since. Some of you may recognize the plane from this thread.

    http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=6926

    Without being able to fly the airplane and not really knowing what the issue was we came to an agreement on a good price.

    Here are photos from the first day we went and looked at it.

    http://inphotography.net/sytist/clients/kitfox/

    Deciding between building and buying is hard but I figured that with such a good base of an airplane, I would save a lot of time even if I had to put a whole new motor in it. So here is the day we brought her home just 4 days after seeing her for the first time.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xpr-M1IGYE

    Now approaching a month later, after some TLC, we fired her up for the first time in 10 years. Oh and by the way the oil leak was from the line for the remote mounted oil pressure sensor. It was not secured very well and was rubbing against part of the engine mount and gave way about 100 hours in. So everyone should check that next time they have the cowl open.

    Having a spouse that is excited about this as I am is one of the coolest things I can imagine. She has been documenting this whole process and I can't thank her enough for that. So here is the first start up. WARNING: THERE IS SOME CREATIVE LANGUAGE IN THE VIDEO. I told you she is excited.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amuHhldBTNc

    There are still some things that will need to be resolved before I fly it. Mostly making sure all the rubber is in good condition. And a few other little things here and there.

    Sorry for the long post but it is well past due as I have garnered a lot from this awesome forum. It's part of the reason I know the kitfox is for me.

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Chisholm Mn
    Posts
    1,575

    Default Re: New Kitfox owner

    Hey, good for you. Seems like you are heading in the right direction. And it's nice to have a spouse that is supportive of the adventure as well. Mine doesn't try to stop me in any way from flying, but want's no part of it for herself. Have fun and keep the posts, pictures and videos coming. Jim Chuk

  3. #3
    Senior Member jrevens's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Arvada, CO
    Posts
    2,156

    Default Re: New Kitfox owner

    That is great, Mark! Nice to see the pictures and videos, even with the wind sound. Someday, hopefully before too much longer, a couple of us builders in the Denver area (S 7 SS's) will be flying, and we'll climb over to Kremmling & see you!
    John Evens
    Arvada, CO
    Kitfox SS7 N27JE
    EAA Lifetime
    Chap. 43 honorary Lifetime

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    Debeque, CO
    Posts
    45

    Default Re: New Kitfox owner

    Thanks Jim and John. One of the best parts of this whole adventure is that I'm at the airport more than I'm not. It's been a blast meeting all the guys out there. I love company, come by anytime! Pilots are good people.
    Mark Sprague
    914 Series 6 - flying

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Boise, ID
    Posts
    249

    Default Re: New Kitfox owner

    You have a Kitfox AND a Four Wheel Camper.

    Not sure how I feel about that

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    Debeque, CO
    Posts
    45

    Default Re: New Kitfox owner

    Ha Ha. I feel pretty good about it although it will make it hard to decide how to recreate here soon.
    Mark Sprague
    914 Series 6 - flying

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Littleton, CO
    Posts
    29

    Default Re: New Kitfox owner

    Congratulations Mark, watching your first engine start was pretty exciting. I am slow building a Kitfox and watching the videos has gotten me more motivated to work on it again. Good luck and have a great time with it, it's going to be a great adventure.

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Highlands Ranch, CO
    Posts
    404

    Default Re: New Kitfox owner

    As this relates to the other unanswered question on the bleeding brakes thread about air bubbles in a fuel filter - and I swore off communicating further on that thread. I'll post my food for thought here:

    Guess what that vapor lock is? Just like a giant AIR LOCK (BUBBLE) partially or completely blocking the fuel flow! And a fuel pump puts out a lot more pressure than a brake return spring!

    I'll let you guys chew on that one for a while!

    Greg

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    Debeque, CO
    Posts
    45

    Default Re: New Kitfox owner

    Quote Originally Posted by scottr View Post
    Congratulations Mark, watching your first engine start was pretty exciting...
    Thanks Scott! There will be more to come. Anytime you are up in the mountains let me know and come on by! Honestly, this seems like it is taking so long, I have a new respect for you builders.
    Mark Sprague
    914 Series 6 - flying

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Sherman County, OR
    Posts
    94

    Default Re: New Kitfox owner

    Mark, I have been contemplating giving Stick & Rudder a fairly serious chunk of cash myself. Any thoughts based on your experience with them would be much appreciated. Feel free to post, PM or email me direct. Thank you.
    Jon
    jonr@mcgg(dot)net

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