Kitfox 4 left turning tendencies.

[aviator79]

The wind direction should not have any affect on this. Steady winds only affect how your airplane moves relative to the ground. Have you checked flaperon rigging?

The few Kitfoxes I have flown are not as statically stable in yaw as a garden-variety Cessna. They require that the pilot use the pedals to keep it coordinated. I understand early models had pretty much neutral yaw stability. This has been improved, but the airplane still has short coupling to the vertical stab and rudder.

[PapuaPilot]

The wind direction should not have any affect on this. Steady winds only affect how your airplane moves relative to the ground.

Have you checked flaperon rigging?

I totally agree with the first statement. Wind doesn't have any affect on this.

Also, you might want to check that the wing's angle of incidence and washout are the same on both sides (as well as flaperon rigging). One thing you can do to check this is fly the plane, center the ball with the wings level. The plane should not turn if it isn't disturbed by gusts or bumps. If it turns then you probably have a wing or flaperon rigging problem.

One more thing, make sure your ball is centered when the plane is level. Otherwise you are chasing the wrong problem. Check this first.

[THRC12]

Not saying it will not fly hands off. Wing rigging and flaoerons are perfectly the same both sides. If wind direction doesn't have any effect on your course, then why course correction? Just asking, because it is Only prominent in specific wind directions. I'm talking in the 10-30 kt range. It's earlier model 4 with smaller rudder. Straight headwind and and it's hands off to very slight. I can put a bigger trim tab no problem, I'm just thinking that by holding right rudder or having a tab do it for me, I'm inducing drag unnecessarily. Thanks!

[THRC12]

I'm going to test a different size trim tab and probably play with the location some.

[PapuaPilot]

I guess I'm not totally sure what you are trying to describe here. It might be best to get an experienced Kitfox pilot or CFI to go along with you and help you work this out.

If you are in straight and level cruise flight the required rudder trim will be the same regardless of heading and wind direction.

If your plane requires excessive trim input then there is probably a problem with rigging or the ball not being level.

[THRC12]

Adjusted more tab. All fine. Flying now. For now I just bent more angle as it wasn't quite the angle I described in any case. Tab is 2"x6.5. I have come to the conclusion that it isn't really effective where it is located. Midways up the rudder roughly 5" above the stab. Maybe any suggestions as to position? Maybe the airflow isn't as great where it is?

[jonstark]

With the ball carefully centered how does it stall? Thats the first thing I’d want to check.

Jon

[THRC12]

Kitfoxs don't stall! 😁😂

[aviator79]

If wind direction doesn't have any effect on your course, then why course correction?

It sounds like you're getting it sorted, but I wanted to address this just so that nobody else barks up the wrong tree. The wind does affect your course, that is true. But how your airplane flies through stable air has nothing to do with your course.

Assuming a nice, steady, constant wind, your airplane is flying through a moving air mass, and moves right along with it. The airflow around your plane is the same as it would be with zero wind. Your track over the ground will not be the same direction that your nose is pointed, but your track through the air will be (assuming you're coordinated). If you find that your rigging is different depending on your heading, you are subconsciously doing something with the controls that is different.