Looking seriously at a Series 7 Sti

[Voyager]

I am planning to start a home built project in 2019 having completed (mostly) my workshop a few weeks ago. I am down to two models as the finalists: an S7, probably STi variant, and a Van’s RV-14. Yes, two quite different airplanes, but let me try to add some rationale. Up until a few months ago, the lead contender was a Rotorway A600.

I was really hoping to be able to fly off of my own property, but I live in the rolling hills of northern PA so even a short runway is problematic, but I might be able to scratch out 500’. That is why the A600 was the lead candidate initially. I could fly it off my property, and it would be great for $100 hamburger flights, but obviously has no cross-country utility. However, Rotorway’s 50% price increase last year caused me to re-evaluate and the desire for some cross country flying.

I flew an RV-6 20+ years ago, but family and career precluded building then. Retired now, I have the time and probably the money within reason. I still like the RV series and I really like the roomier -14 (I am 6’ and 225). I also like the excellent cross-country capability, but it really needs at least a good grass or gravel runway and the low-wing makes low and slow flying less fun. I learned in Cessnas and owned a C-182 for a number of years and have always been partial to high-wing designs.

The three high-wing designs I have looked at most closely are the Kitfox, Carbon Cub and Bearhawk. I am not a big fan of tandem seating so the Kitfox comes to the top of the list. The fact that the KF is trailerable, mitigates to some degree the airport issue as I can at least store my airplane on my property and save hangar costs. I like its low and slow capability, range of engine options and good downward visibility. I do, however, have a couple of questions/concerns I am hoping to find answers to here in the forum.

1. How roomy is the cockpit for someone of generous size? It looks like it is about the same width as my 182 and the 182 was only really comfortable when flying solo or with a skinny person in the right seat. Two 225 pounders was a little much width-wise. Yes, I know that losing 40 lbs would be a good idea on many fronts.

2. How complete is the Kitfox kit compared to such standard bearers as Van’s and the Carbon Cub? Is there a lot of shopping to be done for miscellaneous parts or are the kits pretty complete assuming purchase of most available kits such as firewall forward and such?

Lastly, if any Kitfox owners are located in the northern tier of PA or southern tier of NY, I’d love to see one in person and possibly get a chance to sit in one to experience first hand the cockpit size and shape.

Happy New Year! Hopefully, my start of construction year.

[GuppyWN]

I bought but will build a Kitfox one day. But, I’m 6’3” 230 and fit fine. I’d take another inch or 2 of legroom but don’t require it. The big reason for that is my throttle is in the panel, not on a sub-panel underneath the main panel.

I sold a 182 and couldn’t be more pleased so far. It’s only been a few months and about 30 hours but I’m ALL IN on this thing.

[Bobo]

I’m 6’ 3” and 235 lbs with a 34” inseam. I bought my SS7 9 months ago and have had a blast during the 80 I’ve flown it so far. I’ve also flown 3 legs in it over 4 hours each getting it home and only needed to land to empty my bladder, not because I was uncomfortable. There’s enough room for me that I’m comfortable but I will say that I would not want the cockpit any smaller.
If you’re planning to start your STi build in 2019, you should get your order in ASAP. I talked to John McBean a few weeks ago and if I remember right, if you order a kit now, it will take at least a year for you to receive it, but please check with Kitfox directly to be sure.

[PropWash]

I'm currently under contract to sell my 182 and wanted to build an S7 STI with a 915. Seems like a pretty sweet setup. I called Kitfox a few weeks ago and basically was told the same thing as far as timeline.....a year or so. I'm going to build my 2nd choice which is a carbon cub. They are only about 2 months out for their non factory assist experimental. I'd go nuts waiting a year for a kit! Still love the planes though

[Voyager]

I did see a note somewhere recently about long lead times. Yes, a year probably takes me off the list also. I would like to start no later than September of this year and certainly before winter.

My wife and I are attending an RV building Sportair workshop later this month and I was hoping to also get into one on fabric so that I had a good feel for the skills required to build both a KF and an RV. However, I see no nearby fabric seminars anytime soon. That would not stop me from placing an order, especially with long lead as that gives time to get the seminar in, but a full-year wait is a long time. Good to hear that KF is selling well.

Thanks for all the comments on fitting into the KF. Those of you who commented are larger than me so that certainly suggests I will fit fine. It did sound like some of your longer flights were solo. Have you ever flown with someone beside you who was also of decent size? I will probably fly mostly with my wife and that will not be a problem, but was just curious how tight a squeeze it would be for two men who are 6’+ and 225 lbs+

I appreciate the size advice and the heads up on the lead time. Looks like I need to talk with KF soon if I want to get on the waiting list. I will finish the workshop on 1/20 and probably make my final KF vs. Vans decision then.

[PapuaPilot]

Voyager, it seem that you need to define your mission other than just being able to fly. What kind of flying do you like to do or want to do: low & slow, fast, X country, IFR, STOL, grass/paved or just getting the $100 hamburger? Also, ow many seats do you need? The Kitfox and Vans planes (other than the RV-12) are sort of at the opposite end of the spectrum.