Travel in a Kitfox

[bandit]

Thanks for all your input! Maybe someone can help me out with this ?!
Full fuel 27 gallons x 6.5lbs per =176 lbs
empty weight of Kitfox is =750 lbs
2 180lbs occupants =360 lbs
Total =1286 lbs
This only leaves useful load of =34 lbs
I assume my calculations are flawed, or am I missing something?

Also I plan to operate on floats which, as I understand gives a gross weight of 1430lbs but most amphibs specs I looked at are pushing 200lbs!How much weight do you lose with taking all the conventional landing gear off?

I have decided on purchasing either the Kitfox or the Highlander and as I was planning on ordering a week ago, I am still confused on these calculations! I am hoping on being able to haul 2 mountain bikes with us, but am not sure if either of these planes can accommodate this. I like that the Kitfox has a higher top speed and that it can be registered in a higher gross with upgraded landing gear. This leads me to believe that the Kitfox is built stronger than need be for LSA! I like the storage area in the Highlander as it looks as though you could sleep in it if need be, and stall speed is a bit slower! I plan on going down to Idaho in the next week or 2 so I can see these planes and hopefully get a test flight!
Since you posted here John, is this a possibility?

Thank You,
Bandit

[kitfox2009]

If you check the specs on the Model V and later KF`s you will find the gross of 1400 or 1550 lbs depending on the model and year. Of course you need at least a PPL to fly either of these.

Cheers
Don

[Dorsal]

Your calculations seem correct if you are limited to an LSA. I believe the kitfox 7 was designed before the notion of LSA and is typically built for a max gross of 1550 lbs. The plane is a very strong and capable machine which we have packed with camping gear or folding bicycles depending on the mission. I think two mountain bikes may be a bit of a reach

[bandit]

Yes I plan to stay in LSA if possible! So in a Kitfox 7 you can load folding bycicles? I havent seen one in real but in pictures it looks like a narrow area to load through above the seats and below the top of fuse!

Thanks
Bandit

[Dorsal]

http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/att...1&d=1301881565

or read the thread
http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/sho...t=folding+bike

And I load them through the removable turtle deck.

[bandit]

Hey Thanks for the pictures, thats great! Are those folding bikes or just mountain bikes with wheels removed?

bandit

[Dorsal]

Those are two Dahon Mu folding bikes, 20lbs each.

[bandit]

Thanks again!

Bandit

[kitfox2009]

Hello Bandit

We do not have a LSA classification in Canada. Suggest you go to the TC website and review the regulations before going too far.
I thought you were coming down here to at least see what a completed Model V looks like.

Don

[bandit]

Hi Don,

I was meaning to and of course, it had to be one of those weeks! I am sorry that I didn't get back to you, and will try as soon as I possibly can! I don't usually have a lot of time in the summer and the week I planned on going to Penticton, everything went sideways! I am going to try again next week sometime, and if it still works for you I will give you a call!

Thanks
Brent