Matronics Email Lists :: View topic

Matronics Email Lists
Web Forum Interface to the Matronics Email Lists

Get Email Distribution Too! FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register

Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in

Elevator Trim

Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Kitfox-List

View previous topic :: View next topic

Author Message

lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:33 pm Post subject: Elevator Trim

To the list.



Mark and I are finally able to offer the elevator trim tab retrofit for 

Model IV and earlier model Kitrfoxes.  What we do is a derivative of what 

Rans provides for elevator trim - retaining the flat elevator and covering 

the servo with a custom made fiberglass bubble cover.  Nothing is visible 

from the top of the elavator, except, of course the trim tab.   See: 

http://highwingllc.com/elevatortrim.html  for details.



Lowell Fitt

Cameron Park, CA

Model IV-1200 R-912 UL

Currently focusing on the Left Wing, Rudder Gap Seal Cuffs and Landing Gear 

Fairing and lots of other things as well.

JetPilot

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1246

Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:08 pm Post subject: Re: Elevator Trim

NICE !!!   I never liked the flaperon trim of the older models, it is so much more efficient to trim the airplane from the tail, which is exactly where pitch should be controlled...  I have been wanting to do this mod for my other airplane, but just never got the time.  



With the Kitfox Super Sport, I don't need this, but I would be interested in how much the parts are which look like they would be a perfect fit for my other plane.



Mike

_________________
"NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!!

Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S

patreilly43(at)hotmail.co
Guest

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 7:58 am Post subject: Elevator Trim

Lowell C Your catelog listing includes installation of trim. Are you going to offer the parts in a kit for us do-it-yourselfers C if so when will it be available?

  

 Pat Reilly

 Mod 3 582 Rebuild

 Rockford C IL



 	  Quote: 	
		   From: lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Elevator Trim

 Date: Tue C 25 Nov 2008 15:29:19 -0800

 

 --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" <lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net>

 

 To the list.

 

 Mark and I are finally able to offer the elevator trim tab retrofit for 

 Model IV and earlier model Kitrfoxes. What we do is a derivative of what 

 Rans provides for elevator trim - retaining the flat elevator and covering 

 the servo with a custom made fiberglass bubble cover. Nothing is visible 

 from the top of the elavator C except C of course the trim tab. See: 

 http://highwingllc.com/elevatortrim.html for details.

 

 Lowell Fitt

 Cameron Park C CA

 Model IV-1200 R-912 UL

 Currently focusing on the Left Wing C Rudder Gap Seal Cuffs and Landing Gear 

 Fairing and lots of othe============

 

 

 


	


  [quote][b]

JetPilot

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1246

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 9:42 am Post subject: Re: Elevator Trim

The parts is what I would be interested in.  That is obviously a business venture for them and I would be very happy to pay a fair price for the parts together and them making the fiberglass fairing and make a profit.  



Most of us work on our own planes, it just makes no sense to pay shipping to send in the entire elevator, pay shipping for return, and pay for work that we could do ourselves.   I really like what they have done, but it seems they are trying to make more money doing the work than selling the parts.



Mike

_________________
"NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!!

Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S

lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 10:40 am Post subject: Elevator Trim

Good question, Patrick.  Our initial idea was that most owners won't have 

the jigging and welding capability.  We have three out there as presented. 

The parts kit is a good idea and I we will work on that.  As for timing, 

maybe a week or so to figure costs as this week will include Thanksgiving in 

Kansas City.



Lowell



---

clint_bazzill(at)hotmail.
Guest

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 11:32 am Post subject: Elevator Trim

Lowell C  I think a kit would be great.  The Model 1 C 2 C and 3's would probably benefit greatly.  I just put the large elevator for the 4 on mine C have about 25 hours on it now.  The shipping for my elevator was about $90 C that isn't that far as I live near San Fransisco.  So round trip fare for an elevator would be over $200 C that would pay for a lot of welding.  My 2 cents worth C P.S. lookis like a nce setup for elevator with no ribs.

  

 Clint

  

 Model IV C 912S with 1400 hours.

  

 



[quote] From: lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Elevator Trim

 Date: Wed C 26 Nov 2008 10:37:04 -0800

 

 --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt" <lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net>

 

 Good question C Patrick. Our initial idea was that most owners won't have 

 the jigging and welding capability. We have three out there as presented. 

 The parts kit is a good idea and I we will work on that. As for timing C 

 maybe a week or so to figure costs as this week will include Thanksgiving in 

 Kansas City.

 

 Lowell

 

 ---

matronics(at)bob.brennan.
Guest

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 12:02 pm Post subject: Elevator Trim

The UK Kitfoxes have a nearly identical setup as part of the  build, although Lowell's tab appears to be just a bit bigger which is a good  idea. The UK setup uses a simple cable with friction-wheel up front, less to go  wrong. Personally I can't see flying a Kitfox without a trim tab - it frees up  the flaps to be flaps and puts horizontal trim where it belongs - way out on the  pitch axis rather than just behind the C of G where it's way too much drag. Once  installed you'll wonder how you ever flew without it. Great work  Lowell.

  

  

Bob Brennan - N717GB  

1991 UK Model 2 ELSA Kitfox 

Rotax 582 with 3 blade prop 

Wrightsville Pa 



   From: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com  [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Clint  Bazzill

Sent: 26 November 2008 2:31 pm

To: Kitfox  list

Subject: RE: Elevator Trim

 

Lowell,  I think a kit would be great.  The Model 1, 2, and  3's would probably benefit greatly.  I just put the large elevator for the  4 on mine, have about 25 hours on it now.  The shipping for my elevator was  about $90, that isn't that far as I live near San Fransisco.  So round trip  fare for an elevator would be over $200, that would pay for a lot of  welding.  My 2 cents worth, P.S. lookis like a nce setup for elevator with  no ribs.

 

Clint

 

Model IV, 912S with 1400  hours.

 

[quote] From: lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net

 To:  kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Elevator  Trim

 Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:37:04 -0800

 

 -->  Kitfox-List message posted by: "Lowell Fitt"  <lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net>

 

 Good question, Patrick. Our  initial idea was that most owners won't have 

 the jigging and welding  capability. We have three out there as presented. 

 The parts kit is a  good idea and I we will work on that. As for timing, 

 maybe a week or so  to figure costs as this week will include Thanksgiving in 

 Kansas  City.

 

 Lowell

 

 ---

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 1:34 pm Post subject: Elevator Trim

Now Lowell, that you're all done engineering the elevator trim, how  

'bout working on a rudder trim that can be slid under the skin of a  

completed and painted plane, such that the installer doesn't have to  

weld anything, and the subsequent "damage" to the fabric consists of  

nothing more than maybe taping over a slit in the fabric...with  

orange tape, of course. If that sounds a little too selfish, I'd  

allow for any other color tape to be used. (This will give you  

something to dream about while recovering from the intake of too much  

tryptophan in Kansas City tomorrow....Happy Thanksgiving, everybody)  

And it will free up my time to work on my new skis. : )



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, 593hrs

Sensenich 62x46

flying again after rebuild, and new Electroair direct-fire ignition  

system;

also building a new pair of snow skis

do not archive



On Nov 26, 2008, at 2:30 PM, Clint Bazzill wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   Lowell,  I think a kit would be great.  The Model 1, 2, and 3's  

 would probably benefit greatly.  I just put the large elevator for  

 the 4 on mine, have about 25 hours on it now.  The shipping for my  

 elevator was about $90, that isn't that far as I live near San  

 Fransisco.  So round trip fare for an elevator would be over $200,  

 that would pay for a lot of welding.  My 2 cents worth, P.S. lookis  

 like a nce setup for elevator with no ribs.



 Clint



 Model IV, 912S with 1400 hours.

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

patreilly43(at)hotmail.co
Guest

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 3:11 pm Post subject: Elevator Trim

Mike C I don't know what you have purchased from Lowell C but in my couple of purchases he has bent over backward to be of service and willing to help me save $. If I had designed the trim assembly C was in a bind for income C and had plenty of demand to install C I might not spend the time to service guys like me that want to install their own. But C I'm willing to bet you Lowell makes the kit available for guys like you and me first chance he gets.

 do not archive

 Pat Reilly

 Mod 3 582 Rebuild

 Rockford C IL 



 	  Quote: 	
		   Subject: Re: Elevator Trim

 From: orcabonita(at)hotmail.com

 Date: Wed C 26 Nov 2008 09:42:25 -0800

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 

 --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "JetPilot" <orcabonita(at)hotmail.com>

 

 The parts is what I would be interested in. That is obviously a business venture for them and I would be very happy to pay a fair price for the parts together and them making the fiberglass fairing and make a profit. 

 

 Most of us work on our own planes C it just makes no sense to pay shipping to send in the entire elevator C pay shipping for return C and pay for work that we could do ourselves. I really like what they have done C but it seems they are trying to make more money doing the work than selling the parts.

 

 Mike

 

 --------

 &quot;NO FEAR&quot; - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!!

 

 Kolb MK-III Xtra C 912-S

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=216401#216401

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Archive Search & Download C 7-Day Browse C Chat C FAQ C

&gt===================
	


 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 


	


  [quote][b]

JetPilot

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1246

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 6:58 pm Post subject: Re: Elevator Trim

 	  matronics(at)bob.brennan. wrote: 	
		  The UK Kitfoxes have a nearly identical setup as part of the  build, although Lowell's tab appears to be just a bit bigger which is a good  idea. The UK setup uses a simple cable with friction-wheel up front, less to go  wrong. 	




I have to disagree there, a long cable run from to the panel to the tail is way harder to install and maintain in good mechanical condition than a simple switch and wires running back to an electric servo.   The electric servo by the Ray Allen company that I think Lowell is using is a very good, reliable piece of equipment that has been around for years.  



They also sell a stick grip with buttons on it so you don't have to reach to the panel to trim.  The same stick has yaw buttons and with another servo can be used for rudder trim as well.  This system is way better than any mechanical trim with cables would be.



Mike

_________________
"NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!!

Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S

Dick Maddux

Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 516
Location: Milton, Fl

Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 5:36 am Post subject: Elevator Trim

Well, Mike, It made a lot of sense to me to send the elevator in to have the work done as I did it. The elevator on Lowells web site is mine. I had the stab trim mode done and now I have a new aircraft! I would do it again in a heartbeat! The turn around time was great. All I had to do was paint the elevator and install the kit. Lowell has put a lot of thought and engineering into it and it works great. Not everyone on this list built their Kitfox. I did not build mine. I don't have the honed skills that Lowell does. I can weld, fabric cover,etc but I would rather pay Lowell to have it done right! He fills a void for products that are not available elsewhere. I have his shutters and throttle link also installed in my aircraft. I also have items that I bought from Merle Williams that are also first class. These people are absolutely entitled to any profits they get (which isn't much) They did the development work and produced the product!

                                                            Dick Maddux

                                                            Fox4-1200

                                                            Pensacola,Fl 



Finally, one site has it all: your friends, your emai=aolcom40vanity&ncid=emlcntaolcom00000006">Try The NEW AOL.com.

  [quote][b]

patreilly43(at)hotmail.co
Guest

Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 7:30 am Post subject: Elevator Trim

Mike & Kitfoxers C Amen to what Dick has said. I prefer to do as much of the work as possible myself. Some times I copy a design and fabricate the parts if it isn't difficult and I have the right tools. Like Dick C I have done business with both Murle and Lowell and would recommend both of them in a heartbeat. Finding people like them is akin to discovering the motherlode. Both produce C stand behind C and charge a fair price for their products and services and have put in more hours developing and marketing Kitfox mods than I would. 

  

 Pat Reilly

 Mod 3 582 Rebuild

 Rockford CIL

   

 From: Catz631(at)aol.com

Date: Thu C 27 Nov 2008 08:35:48 -0500

Subject: Re: Elevator Trim

To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 Well C Mike C It made a lot of sense to me to send the elevator in to have the work done as I did it. The elevator on Lowells web site is mine. I had the stab trim mode done and now I have a new aircraft! I would do it again in a heartbeat! The turn around time was great. All I had to do was paint the elevator and install the kit. Lowell has put a lot of thought and engineering into it and it works great. Not everyone on this list built their Kitfox. I did not build mine. I don't have the honed skills that Lowell does. I can weld C fabric cover Cetc but I would rather pay Lowell to have it done right! He fills a void for products that are not available elsewhere. I have his shutters and throttle link also installed in my aircraft. I also have items that I bought from Merle Williams that are also first class. These people are absolutely entitled to any profits they get (which isn't much) They did the development work and produced the product!

                                                            Dick Maddux

                                                            Fox4-1200

                                                            Pensacola CFl 



   Finally C one site has it all: your friends C your emai=aolcom40vanity&ncid=emlcntaolcom00000006">Try The NEW AOL.com.

[quote]



ww.matronics.com/contribution

 	  Quote: 	
		  http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List

ronics.com
	


[b]

Display posts from previous:

	Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Kitfox-List	All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

Jump to:

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum