bcbushcaddy

Proud to announce that there is another bonafide "Kitfox - Flyer" amongst the crowd. Scott P. completed his Canadian ULPP here recently with us and is the proud owner of this beautiful Kitfox 4-1200.
After a few years absence from giving instructions/training in a Kitfox I almost (..NOT!!) forgot how much fun they are. 
Safe Journey's Scott and post a few cool landing sites from the northern Rockies!  

Hello all, 
Just installed some STOLspeed VG's on a Kitfox 4 - 1200 powered by a 912UL and here are some non-scientific numbers that we noted. This is the 4th or 5th set of STOLspeed VG's that we have installed on various aircraft, all with slightly different results, all with mainly positive results. First off, on this one we did the staggered installation which was new to us but since it was tried before we felt lets run with it, especially since it is listed on the STOLspeed webpage under Kitfox. We went as close as possible with the installation instructions as provided on the webpage and here is what changed; All test's flown dual occupancy, app. half fuel at 3000' ASL runway and 4000' ASL circuit elevation, standard day.
Climb increase 200'/min from 500' to 700'        Cruise increase 3 to 5 mph     approach speed drop (solid feel) by almost 10mph  - unable to power off stall the aircraft with stick all the way back from cruise flight configuration, merely nose nodding at below 40mph through a 5mph up and down motion. WOW!!!    
...and than we put on the Horizontal Stabilizer VG's at 30mm intervals and taped the hinge. 
Lets just say that there was a speed drop in cruise, a heavier feel to the aft stick once flaps are set untrimmed and little to no "positive" change in flare, except maybe a bit of over flare if you were not ever so gentle in your round out and/or deceleration phase. Not sure if I like them or not. Felt good without them and in my opinion taping the hinge, if you really must, probably is all you need. I'd take the faster cruise speed over an over flare on landing, thank you very much, all I am looking for is a nice three point attitude that is holding right until touch down. Maybe a 60mm spacing might be better, in either case more testing is needed. Maybe with a heavier engine up front like a Subie or big Jabi, they may make a bit more difference, but with the 80hp Rotax and the Moment Arm at 12.32 I don't feel they are that much an improvement. Just our experience and two bits. 
 
 

Hello all, 
Not sure if I am posting this twice - just lost my sat momentarily and killed the previous post. In either case here it is again. Couple of pics below of our Subaru EA81 engine and re-drive set up. Only started flying it so too early for me to answer to many specific questions but this is what was done to the engine to modify it. Stratus profiled Cam (no longer available as far as I know, but use local engine shop), higher compression, flowed heads (flow charts to follow), stock ignition, 38 amp after-market alternator, VW Jetta radiator with stock pump and pulley regulated by 16psi cap with 190F thermostat; 
cooling works well, PCV return (right side of re-drive) line will be changed up slightly, air filter - may go bigger, wondering if it leans me a bit too much at high power settings?, electrics - simple is good and same for ignition, points are cheap..., TBI-40 works well, but it is finicki in downdraft mode,  ...and a little glimpse of the other side of the firewall. We will try to post a few more inputs as we get them over the next little while testing this set up here. If you have questions of a similar installation with the TBI, but gear driven than Willis (Marshawk) can probably give you more feedback than "moi", ..as I am only getting started flying it and testing it. 

Hello, 
So here we, Willis and me, have started removing the wings to upgrade them with extensions, new fabric and some minor repairs. Upon pulling the struts from the wing attach fittings I noticed a minor gap between the wood fairing (rear) and 4130 pipe (front) that forms the strut. Just wondering if anyone has ever encountered any moisture and/or rust issues in this area or has anyone ever removed the fairing, I know its glued, to inspect for possible corrosion. Those struts are now 20 to 30 years old, ..just wondering. 

and after many visits as such decided to join this great forum. I am a former Kitfox II (part owner) and am buiding a BushCaddy R80 for the last five years or so. Sooner or later it should fly! Powered by a Subaru EA81 with a few mods, going to post some stuff down the road, and all set for backcountry aviation. I also operate a small UL (thats Canadian for LSA) flying school here in our local area and provide some assistance for builders & buyers. Really have to blame the "Frozen Nose Fat Bastard" for the ongoing referral to this forum and to go and read up on this and on that and haven't you seen...
Hope I can contribute from our own trial and errors playing with Kitfoxes, Avids Highlanders, Zenair's, Challengers, Chinooks, Merlin GT's and most everything else that falls into this category. If you are Alaska bound, stop in, runway is downtown here in 100 Mile House and if you need more room and a bit better grass aim for CZML just to the right of 33. And if you are bored, there is a bit of local flying on youtube 
Best Regards, Willy T.