I used a high-lift jack under the handle on the left rear of the plane. Be careful though because this lift point is somewhat off center and you will need some way (ropes, etc.) to keep the tail from trying to swing to the side.
I used a high-lift jack under the handle on the left rear of the plane. Be careful though because this lift point is somewhat off center and you will need some way (ropes, etc.) to keep the tail from trying to swing to the side.
Jim Ott
Portland, OR
Kitfox SS7 flying
Rotax 912ULS
Just curious, how much does a tail on a modern kitfox weigh?
Tom Jones
Classic 4 builder
My SS7 tail weighs about 100 lbs; but I have the heavy duty ABW tailwheel, and the speedster tail with all the extra airfoil ribs and fairings. I was surprised at how heavy the tail is. I don't lift mine up by hand either.
Jim Ott
Portland, OR
Kitfox SS7 flying
Rotax 912ULS
Okay that explains the lifting problem. I suspect the position of the main wheels being further forward than a stock model 4 gear puts a significant higher percentage of the total weight on the tail too.
Tom Jones
Classic 4 builder
Things have changed a bunch over the years. My A-Model Avid Flyer taildragger has an 11 lb tail weight. The empty weight of entire plane 396 lbs.
Bit in defense of our more modern models, the main gear has been raked forward quite a bit since the early Avid / Kitfox days resulting in even a light version can have a 60 lb tail weight. So the reality is that when talking about tail weights, one has to know specific landing gear model and/or axle center based on a common datum line.
I have the standard tail wheel setup that came with my SS7. Level it weighs 59lbs.
SS7 O-200 Whirlwind
Rootbeer,
I'm in Boise. Give me a shout. I'll run up and lift it for you.
Ben Bell
Building 7 super sport
O200 powered