Any new pilot advice??

[drummerboy1993]

Hi guys,
First thread post, actually this is the first forum Ive joined ever to be honest. I am 23 years old, almost have my PPL and I am looking into purchasing a KF in the future. Maybe in the next year or so. I live in Idaho and I was wondering if any of you seasoned KF pilots had any advice for me, whether it be flying advice, what model and engine to buy, what to look for, what to look out for, etc... I have actually talked to Paul Leadabrand who lives right down the road from me and I actually live 2 towns over from Homedale where KF is made. I have been interested in the KF line of products for some time, but since I have a full time aviation job now at a local FBO, I think I am ready to start genuinely reaching out for any and all advice my ears can listen to. Thank you for your time in talking to a greenhorn who knows little to nothing compared to you guys.

[tx_swordguy]

search the forum with any and all questions. Most of what you have asked is in the forums in one form or another. As far as specifics if you CAN'T find it by all means ask away. The avid flyer forum is also a great tool although the search feature is much easier on this forum. Good luck. I just bought an avid and am having a great time learning my "new" 25 year old plane. It is quite small and they do get bumped around in the wind easily but it is a hoot to fly. I would stay away from auto engines especially up there. Not saying this from experience, but from knowledge gained here. They are usually too heavy. Good luck and keep it as light as possible.

[t j]

I lump 'em into three groups.

Models 1, 2, and 3 have the original aileron/flaperon mixer and small tails. Adverse yaw. Curved wing bottom. A few have 503 Rotax engines but most have 582 Rotax. A few 1s and 2s have been modified to use a 912 Rotax...airframe mods needed. The Model 3 could be ordered from the factory with a 912.

Model 4s have deferential Built into the aileron/Flaperon mixer. The flaperon going up goes twice as far as the flaperon going down. Hardly any adverse yaw. They're a little more roomy. Flat bottom wing for higher cruise speed and still low stall speed. Early model 4s are 1050 max gross wt. Later ones are 1200 max gross and have bigger tails. Not hardly any flying with a 503 but there are a few. Lots of 582s and 912s.

Models 5, 6, and 7 are bigger yet. Same wing airfoil as the model 4's. Bigger and heavier, more roomy yet but slower control response. Still much more agile than a Cub though. The factory supported the 582 for the model 5 but I have never seen or even heard of one flying with it. 912 Rotaxes and some small continentals and lycomings being used.

A lower powered plane will make you learn how to fly and pack light. You must have a good understanding of two stroke aircraft engine operation to fly one. A high powered plane will haul more weight faster. Just push in the throttle and hang on.

Buy the latest model you can afford and a 912 if you can afford that too. I see there's a model 4 with a 912 for sale in your neighborhood.

[Wheels]

I fly a IV with a 912. Get the 912 if you can. I love the plane but the older the engine the more you will need to learn to keep it happy and healthy.
I agree, get the newest model you can afford and remember to buy a plane you can afford to fly not the just the plane you can buy.

Go to Stick and Rudder and learn to fly it or you WILL have an adventure that you don't want. These planes are FAST and fun, Light and fun, maneuverable and fun and best of all, they are fun. I"m in Clark Fork Idaho. Grass strip from the ranch.

[HighWing]

I agree with the advice already given. My airplane is a Model IV-1200. It is my second and my personal preference. I like the responsiveness on the controls, and the light weight for performance sake and by that I mean climb and short take offs and landings.

What hit me the most in your post was your age. I only wish there were maany thousands of others like you with the budding passion that so many of us older guys have developed. Reading your post created a curiosity in my mind and I had to check my log book to see where i was when I flew the check ride. I was surprised to find that it was 2 months short of 45 years ago. I learned in a tail dragger and for all practical purposes , that is all I know. I can second the Stick and Rudder advice. One more thought. My two Kitfoxes have honestly brought me together with the closest friends I have ever found in my life. In my experience, there is a magic about the airplane.

[drummerboy1993]

Thank you guys so much for taking the time to reply to a new guy like me. Yes I have been into aviation since I was about 4-5 but only started training 2 years ago at the age of 20. I dont quite have my PPL yet, but when I do, like I said, I am looking to get one of these KF planes to build some cheap mountain time in. I would like to get a 912, but a KF with a newer 582 is more within my price range. There is a KF 2 for sale just on the other side of the Oregon border for $12,900 with a newer blue head in it. I have been told by a few pilots that the 912 is not only more powerful, but more reliable, however, the 2-strokes can be reliable as well just as long as I stay on top of maintenance and upkeep. I would love a 912! But they are q bit more expensive. In your guys' opinion, is the extra stress and maintenance on a 582 worth the price drop? What advantages would I have with a 582? It seems that a 582 would be a good fit for me. I dont want to fly too fast... I just want to have fun, take some friends and family up, and build some cheap time. And as far as the gentleman with the grass strip in Clark Fork, I would love to have my own strip. Been a dream of mine since I moved from South Carolina to the great west at the age of 12 back in 2006. Thanks again for all your input and tips!

[mcomeaux53]

Go fly with Paul some afternoon. Great guy and some nice planes that might help your judgement. I just did some brush up with him and look forward to next year with some mountain flying hopefully.

[rosslr]

HI Drummerboy,

Great to see you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of aviation fun! And you certainly live in a Kitfox 'rich' environment! Visited the factory yet? YOu can learn a lot from immersing yourself in that place! And I hope you read carefully the response from Mr Papua Pilot - especially the last line -"If we end up meeting each other it might mean you can get a ride in a fairly new KF 5." Now this guy knows a thing or two about aircraft and has chosen a Kitfox - I would be going out of my way to take advantage of his offer! And take the time to listen to his VAST experience in real bush flying too in some of the most rugged areas of the world....

Best wishes and look forward to hearing of your adventures.

Cheers

ross