Hello from TN

[jiott]

Just a comment about the RV-12 and some others that use flaperons, but they do not hang below the wing in cleaner air. I have not flown an RV-12, but I would very much doubt that they maintain good aileron roll control deep into the stall as does the Kitfox.

[Flybyjim]

Hello Brad,

You are getting great info here from builders who have jumped into the water with both feet. I also went through your situation several years ago. Both the Rans S7 and Kitfox Super 7 are good planes. I agree that the refinements are nicer in the Fox, hardware and fit and finish also. Saying this i must tell you I did but a Rans S7 kit mainly because I fly a lot by myself and I liked the tandem seating for visual. It is a nice plane, however, every year at Oshkosh I kept looking at the Kitfox and finally got some flight time with John and I was sold within 15min. The kitfox is a bit quicker in handling but not quirky, solid in all flight aspects. The ride was noticeably smoother than my Rans on the windy day we were flying. Just ask the Kitfox to do something and it responds. The creature comfort of the Fox I found to be nicer than the Rans. It was a cool day and the heater worked very very well, the doors on the Fox fit much nicer as they are inset into the frame.

So, yes I bought a kit and have been having a blast building. Kitfox instructions, build manual and support has been outstanding, I can not say that about others.

I did have an issue last year with a Young Eagle student and being behind me in the Rans S7 I had a struggle on my hands for awhile, if she was beside me I could have handled the situation much much better.

Both planes are the better choices on the market, find your mission, sit in them, fly them. I also agree this site is way,way,way better than the Yahoo Rans forum.
I will be at Sun/Fun also, Wednesday-Friday.