Matronics Email Lists :: View topic - Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

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

Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox
Goto page 1, 2, 3 Next

Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Kitfox-List

View previous topic :: View next topic

Author Message

chuckp

Joined: 14 Apr 2008
Posts: 13
Location: Bethesda, MD

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 7:02 am Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

Bob-

  

 I welded up the trailer in my driveway specifically  to fit the Avid -- it is a single axle with minimal spring stiffness --2 leaves.  I live on the outskirts of Wash. DC and have to trailer the bird some 50 miles  each way to Frederick Muni each time I fly to get out of the ADIZ. The mains are  secured with tire chains and the tailwheel is secured with a specially welded up  clamp.  I have recently added supports for the empennage which fasten iinto  the cross tubes for towing on its own wheels which takes all of the weight off  of the tail spring.  I will attach a couple of photos, but the trailer  details can best be seen posted on the Avid Flyer list under Pops' Avid A.   

  

 Actually, while trailering, the wingtips are right  behind the car's rear window, and their movement can be observed easily.   The struts that hold the wings in the folded position will keep the wings from  swinging out, but do little to restrain their up/down movement.  This is  why I added the struts down to the cross tubes to triangulate that support  location.  Without the added struts, the tips would move up and down  on rough roads. Presently, the tips are absolutely fixed and no movement is  possible.  Other than truck vortices, I have never observed any wind  generated movement since adding the braces.  

  

 I haven't used the front spar braces, as I don't  think that do much with my triangulated wing support taking the load.  My  attach point failure occurred some 7-8 years ago, and I did a lot of thinking  then to make changes to prevent it from ever occurring again.

  

 Pops

  

 [img]cid:3F814FC4C3B646F98BC7FCCA7605050A(at)EEEPC[/img]

Avid_on_my_Aircraft_Carrier.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

72.77 KB

Viewed:

660 Time(s)

_________________
Pops
Avid STOL N113P
Flying and grinning since 1956

matronics(at)bob.brennan.
Guest

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 7:34 am Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

Hey Pops,

  

 I really envy you guys that can make your own trailer just  by "weldin' somethin' up". I especially like the way you have mounted the lights  and license plate on the bottom side of the ramps, which are the back side of  the trailer whilst towing. Very clever. Did you have to get a VIN for the  trailer where you live?

  

 I can't quite make out the added support struts in this  picture, could you point me to the Avid Flyer list so I can have a look at the  other pictures please? 

  

 bob



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

Sent: 08 January 2009 9:49 am

To:  kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: Trailering a  KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

 

 Bob-

  

 I welded up the trailer in my driveway specifically  to fit the Avid -- it is a single axle with minimal spring stiffness --2 leaves.  I live on the outskirts of Wash. DC and have to trailer the bird some 50 miles  each way to Frederick Muni each time I fly to get out of the ADIZ. The mains are  secured with tire chains and the tailwheel is secured with a specially welded up  clamp.  I have recently added supports for the empennage which fasten iinto  the cross tubes for towing on its own wheels which takes all of the weight off  of the tail spring.  I will attach a couple of photos, but the trailer  details can best be seen posted on the Avid Flyer list under Pops' Avid A.   

  

 Actually, while trailering, the wingtips are right  behind the car's rear window, and their movement can be observed easily.   The struts that hold the wings in the folded position will keep the wings from  swinging out, but do little to restrain their up/down movement.  This is  why I added the struts down to the cross tubes to triangulate that support  location.  Without the added struts, the tips would move up and down  on rough roads. Presently, the tips are absolutely fixed and no movement is  possible.  Other than truck vortices, I have never observed any wind  generated movement since adding the braces.  

  

 I haven't used the front spar braces, as I don't  think that do much with my triangulated wing support taking the load.  My  attach point failure occurred some 7-8 years ago, and I did a lot of thinking  then to make changes to prevent it from ever occurring again.

  

 Pops

  

 [img]cid:734412415(at)08012009-1DCE[/img]

Avid_on_my_Aircraft_Carrier.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

72.77 KB

Viewed:

526 Time(s)

Float Flyr

Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 2704
Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 9:05 am Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

On my trailer I folded the ramps all the way back to touch the tires and them in place.  A good cou0poe of good size blocks to guide the wheels in place and the ramps to lock them down is all the front end ever needs.  

   

Now I have a welder I’m thinking of welding up a ramp to take my tail wheel.  But I’ll design an empennage support into it.  I’ll probably still tie the tail wheel three ways for security.  All I have to do is figure out when I’ll have the plane off floats again.  

   

Noel  

       

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

 Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 11:19 AM

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox  

  

  

     

Bob-  

    

   

    

I welded up the trailer in my driveway specifically to fit the Avid -- it is a single axle with minimal spring stiffness --2 leaves. I live on the outskirts of Wash. DC and have to trailer the bird some 50 miles each way to Frederick Muni each time I fly to get out of the ADIZ. The mains are secured with tire chains and the tailwheel is secured with a specially welded up clamp.  I have recently added supports for the empennage which fasten iinto the cross tubes for towing on its own wheels which takes all of the weight off of the tail spring.  I will attach a couple of photos, but the trailer details can best be seen posted on the Avid Flyer list under Pops' Avid A.    

    

   

    

Actually, while trailering, the wingtips are right behind the car's rear window, and their movement can be observed easily.  The struts that hold the wings in the folded position will keep the wings from swinging out, but do little to restrain their up/down movement.  This is why I added the struts down to the cross tubes to triangulate that support location.  Without the added struts, the tips would move up and down on rough roads. Presently, the tips are absolutely fixed and no movement is possible.  Other than truck vortices, I have never observed any wind generated movement since adding the braces.    

    

   

    

I haven't used the front spar braces, as I don't think that do much with my triangulated wing support taking the load.  My attach point failure occurred some 7-8 years ago, and I did a lot of thinking then to make changes to prevent it from ever occurring again.  

    

   

    

Pops  

    

   

    

[img]cid:image001.jpg(at)01C97195.8477CF80[/img]

image001.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

72.77 KB

Viewed:

593 Time(s)

_________________
Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats

Lynn Matteson

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

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 9:44 am Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

I made ramps for the mains, which hinge down, and are pinned in place  

when the plane is on board. I built a separate ramp for the  

tailwheel, and it is pinned to the trailer when not in use. To load,  

I pin the ramp in place attaching it to the center channel, then  

winch the tailwheel up the center ramp and toward the front of the  

trailer.



One word of warning:  I built my trailer while I was waiting for my  

engine to arrive. I thought I was making a trailer that would be  

suitable for various width planes, but with the engine installed, the  

landing gear got a little wider, and barely fits now...about a 1/4"  

to spare on the outside of each tire.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062, 596+ hrs

Sensenich 62x46

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

ignition system;

also building a new pair of snow skis





On Jan 8, 2009, at 12:04 PM, Noel Loveys wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   On my trailer I folded the ramps all the way back to touch the  

 tires and them in place.  A good cou0poe of good size blocks to  

 guide the wheels in place and the ramps to lock them down is all  

 the front end ever needs.



 Now I have a welder I’m thinking of welding up a ramp to take my  

 tail wheel.  But I’ll design an empennage support into it.  I’ll  

 probably still tie the tail wheel three ways for security.  All I  

 have to do is figure out when I’ll have the plane off floats again.



 Noel

100_1601.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

529.22 KB

Viewed:

624 Time(s)

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

n85ae

Joined: 14 Mar 2007
Posts: 403

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 10:38 am Post subject: Re: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

 	  matronics(at)bob.brennan. wrote: 	
		  

 I really envy you guys that can make your own trailer just  by "weldin' somethin' up". I especially like the way you have mounted the lights  and license plate on the bottom side of the ramps, which are the back side of  the trailer whilst towing. Very clever. Did you have to get a VIN for the  trailer where you live?

	




I bought a Mig welder, chop saw, and an angle grinder when I needed a 

trailer. I've built two now. It's dead simple, and kind of like making stuff

with a big hot glue gun. Of course I spent a lot of evenings practicing

welding after I got the welder first. 



Registration in Illinois, is as easy as walking in the sec state office filling

out a homebuilt trailer form, writing a check, and leaving. Last one I

think I was in and out in less than 10 minutes.



Regards, Jeff

Kitfox 5, IO-240B

cliffh(at)outdrs.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 11:46 am Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

There is a local pilot that trailered an Avid down  from Alaska.

 He did not use the support tubes from the leading  edge spar to the lower wing strut attachment.

 He completely destroyed the fuselage center section  where the rear strut attaches.

  

 Floran Higgins

 Helena, Mt. 

 Speedster

 912ULS

 [quote]   ---

Avid_on_my_Aircraft_Carrier.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

72.77 KB

Viewed:

584 Time(s)

matronics(at)bob.brennan.
Guest

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 12:05 pm Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

Floran,

  

 Could you elaborate on "completely destroyed" and give any  details as to how the plane was being trailered? I think everyone on this  list agrees you can seriously damage a Kitfox by trailering it, we just don't  agree on the details of how *not* to damage it. Any and all real information is  welcome here.

  

  Thanks,

  

 Bob Brennan - N717GB

 ELSA Repairman, inspection rated

 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 floran  higgins

Sent: 08 January 2009 2:43 pm

To:  kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: Trailering a  KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

 

 There is a local pilot that trailered an Avid down  from Alaska.

 He did not use the support tubes from the leading  edge spar to the lower wing strut attachment.

 He completely destroyed the fuselage center section  where the rear strut attaches.

  

 Floran Higgins

 Helena, Mt. 

 Speedster

 912ULS

 [quote]   ---

Avid_on_my_Aircraft_Carrier.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

72.77 KB

Viewed:

591 Time(s)

akflyer

Joined: 07 May 2007
Posts: 574
Location: Soldotna AK

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 4:13 pm Post subject: Re: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

hmm.. My brother trailered his from OK to AK and didnt hurt anything.  He had the trailer loaded down pretty good so the suspension was actually working to some degree.  I think alot of issues are trailering long distances on an equipment trailer that is rated for 8-10,000# and only putting 600# on it.  All the shock goes straight to the plane.

Johns kitfox on trailer.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

87.93 KB

Viewed:

582 Time(s)

_________________
DO NOT ARCHIVE
Leonard Perry aka SNAKE
Soldotna AK
Avid "C" / Mk IV
582 (147 hrs and counting on the rebuild)
IVO IFA
Full Lotus 1450
#1 snake oil salesman since 1-22-2009

I would rather die trying to live, than to live trying not to die....

Last edited by akflyer on Thu Jan 08, 2009 4:43 pm; edited 1 time in total

cliffh(at)outdrs.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 4:20 pm Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

I don't have any infromation on what kind of a  trailer he used or how he had it tied down.

 The rear carry through structure that the rear spar  attaches to was completely tore apart. They have been working to repair it  for over two years and arn't complety finished yet.

  

 Floran Higgins

 Helena, Mt.

 Speedster

 912 ULS

 [quote]   ---

Avid_on_my_Aircraft_Carrier.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

72.77 KB

Viewed:

581 Time(s)

cliffh(at)outdrs.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 7:15 pm Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

I think that this fellows problem was caused because he did not have the 

brace on the leading edge spars.

I trailered my speedster from Victorville Ca. to Helena, Mt. on a 20 ft 

snowmobile trailer. I had everything properly braced and tied down and 

didn't have any problems.



Floran Higgins

Speedster 912 ULS

---

chuckp

Joined: 14 Apr 2008
Posts: 13
Location: Bethesda, MD

Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 6:34 am Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

Bob -

  

 I'm on both Kitfox and Avid lists, lots of good  stuff!  The Avid list is on Yahoo groups.  Try the below URL to get on  the Yahoo groups Avid site.  You will have to join in order to see the  photos or post messages, but why not?  My photos are under "Pops'  Avid A".

  

 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/avid_flyer/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1

   [quote][b]

_________________
Pops
Avid STOL N113P
Flying and grinning since 1956

chuckp

Joined: 14 Apr 2008
Posts: 13
Location: Bethesda, MD

Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 6:55 am Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

I would bet anything that the cause of his wrecking  the hinge tubes on the AK roads is the same as what caused my fatigue  problem,  Without a fixed outer wing support, while going over rouigh  roads, the wings are fixed only at the rear spar hinge tube and at the lower  lift strut hinge points.  Inertial loads cause the wings to pivot around  the lower lift strut hinge and apply alternating loads to the upper hinge tube,  which will cause it to fatigue eventually.  The leading edge brace  strut may be a good idea, but will do nothing to prevent this from  happening.  An additional strut brace from the tow-bar cross tube to the  folding strut attach tab will, however, take the inertial loads and keep  'em off of the hinge tube.  I use a long 3/8" bolt with a wingnut and  safety pin to attach the struts to the cross tube.  

  

 Since making this mod, I have trailered many  thousands of miles successfully.

  

 Pops

   [quote][b]

_________________
Pops
Avid STOL N113P
Flying and grinning since 1956

matronics(at)bob.brennan.
Guest

Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 7:09 am Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

Thanks Chuck, I've joined the Avid list and enjoyed your  pictures. I notice your "plug-in tube for ground handling" = very clever. I  have a tailwheel dolly which works well but am forever forgetting to remove it  before folding the wings. With the wings folded the tail is much too heavy to  lift it off. But it has a very long handle (not sure if it's a factory  accessory) and can be swung a full 180+ degrees which makes ground handling a  cinch.

  

 bob



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

Sent: 09 January 2009 9:32 am

To:  kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: Trailering a  KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

 

 Bob -

  

 I'm on both Kitfox and Avid lists, lots of good  stuff!  The Avid list is on Yahoo groups.  Try the below URL to get on  the Yahoo groups Avid site.  You will have to join in order to see the  photos or post messages, but why not?  My photos are under "Pops'  Avid A".

  

 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/avid_flyer/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1

[quote]



href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List">http://www.matronhref="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com

href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c

[b]

matronics(at)bob.brennan.
Guest

Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 7:21 am Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

That is *exactly* the modification I was going to suggest  but you beat me to it! Whether it is wind-induced oscillations or road-induced  doesn't really matter, those long heavy wings need  good vertical support near the tips to eliminate the fatiguing forces  of trailering. I think the front spar support is essential too for long tows,  but even for short distances those wing tips need support.

  

 I pressure-clamp the wings to the vertical fin and I doubt  they move since I always look for signs of rubbing, but I think your solution is  much better. Is it the "Elevator Restraints and transport  struts" photo on the Avid list? I see the factory-supplied braces to the  tail and a strut down to the transport tube as you described, but it looks a bit  thin? I am thinking that supports from the deck into the transport tube (to stop  tail spring bounce and take the weight off) and then up to the wings would stop  any of the damage we have heard of so far.

  

 BTW - must suck to live within the ADIZ, especially now  that it is permanent.

  

  Bob Brennan - N717GB

 ELSA Repairman, inspection  rated

 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 Chuck  Popenoe

Sent: 09 January 2009 9:52 am

To:  kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: Trailering a  KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

 

 I would bet anything that the cause of his wrecking  the hinge tubes on the AK roads is the same as what caused my fatigue  problem,  Without a fixed outer wing support, while going over rouigh  roads, the wings are fixed only at the rear spar hinge tube and at the lower  lift strut hinge points.  Inertial loads cause the wings to pivot around  the lower lift strut hinge and apply alternating loads to the upper hinge tube,  which will cause it to fatigue eventually.  The leading edge brace  strut may be a good idea, but will do nothing to prevent this from  happening.  An additional strut brace from the tow-bar cross tube to the  folding strut attach tab will, however, take the inertial loads and keep  'em off of the hinge tube.  I use a long 3/8" bolt with a wingnut and  safety pin to attach the struts to the cross tube.  

  

 Since making this mod, I have trailered many  thousands of miles successfully.

  

 Pops

[quote]



href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List">http://www.matronhref="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com

href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c

[b]

msm_9949(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 7:28 am Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

Can you post some pictures Pops? Thanks.

  

 Marco Menezes N99KX

 Model 2 582-90 C-Box 3:1 w/clutch

  

 do not archive



--- On Fri, 1/9/09, Chuck Popenoe <cpops(at)verizon.net> wrote:



  	  Quote: 	
		  From: Chuck Popenoe <cpops(at)verizon.net>

Subject: Re: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

Date: Friday, January 9, 2009, 9:51 AM



    I would bet anything that the cause of his wrecking the hinge tubes on the AK roads is the same as what caused my fatigue problem,  Without a fixed outer wing support, while going over rouigh roads, the wings are fixed only at the rear spar hinge tube and at the lower lift strut hinge points.  Inertial loads cause the wings to pivot around the lower lift strut hinge and apply alternating loads to the upper hinge tube, which will cause it to fatigue eventually.  The leading edge brace strut may be a good idea, but will do nothing to prevent this from happening.  An additional strut brace from the tow-bar cross tube to the folding strut attach tab will, however, take the inertial loads and keep 'em off of the hinge tube.  I use a long 3/8" bolt with a wingnut and safety pin to attach the struts to the cross tube.  

  

 Since making this mod, I have trailered many thousands of miles successfully.

  

 Pops

 	  Quote: 	
		  

	


	


         [quote][b]

Dick Maddux

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

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 5:33 am Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

I know we have beat this subject to death but I really would like to solicit an opinion on the best way to check the rear spar pivot point for damage. Unfortunately I had to trailer my Kitfox from just south of Boston to Pensacola ,Fl due to the lousy weather enroute when I bought it. It was towed on a tandem wheel trailer and it was a rough ride on the interstate due to the light weight of the Kitfox. The tanks were empty and the front brace bar was installed. I examined the rear spar pivot point visually upon arrival as I thought this might be a  possible weak point. It appeared to be ok but now with all this discussion I think I will reexamine it. Any good ideas on how to check it other than visual (i.e.: dye penetrant,etc) Any other areas to check?

   Thanks

                     Dick Maddux

                     Fox 4-1200

                     Pensacola Fl



New year...new news.  Be the first to know what is making headlines.

Kitfox_001.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

390.96 KB

Viewed:

537 Time(s)

chuckp

Joined: 14 Apr 2008
Posts: 13
Location: Bethesda, MD

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 11:59 am Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

Lots of good discussion and food for  thought, guys!   Dean Wilson designed the Avid Flyer to withstand  all of the aerodynamic loads encountered in normal flight, and did a good job of  it.  Later Dan Denney made a Chinese copy of  the Avid and  called it the Kitfox --everything was originally the same except the name.   The original idea for the folding wings was to tow it with its towbar some 3-5  miles at most to the nearest field, at a slow speed.  I don't think that  either designer ever anticipated that some of us would be trailering the bird  for thousands of miles.  The carry-through hinge points have been designed  for mostly compressive loads, with some tensile loads at negative g's, never  bending loads.  Unfortunately, when trailering with no outer wing support,  almost all of the loads on the carry-through tube are bending, and in  alternating fore and aft directions.  A recipe for fatigue  failure!  Ask me how I know this! 

  

 Marco, I can't post the photos since I am in the  Florida Keys working in dial-up on a tiny netbook in between fishing  trips.  All of my photos are in my main computer back home. But, you can  see many of them on the Avid Flyer chat site, as I posted previously.  

  

 And yes, Bob, it really sucks to live within the  ADIZ   I envy you being able to trailer  for a couple of miles to a nice airfield!  BTW, the transport struts are  indeed slim, they are 3/8" aluminum rods with flattened ends to attach to the  fittings. However, they seem to be sufficient as they only have to absorb  transient alternating tension/compression loads, never sustained  loads. 

  

 Pops

 One hundred road miles for every  flight!

  

   [quote][b]

_________________
Pops
Avid STOL N113P
Flying and grinning since 1956

815TL

Joined: 10 Oct 2008
Posts: 62

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 5:05 pm Post subject: Re: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

 	  Dick Maddux wrote: 	
		  I know we have beat this subject to death but I really would like to solicit an opinion on the best way to check the rear spar pivot point for damage. Unfortunately I had to trailer my Kitfox from just south of Boston to Pensacola ,Fl due to the lousy weather enroute when I bought it. It was towed on a tandem wheel trailer and it was a rough ride on the interstate due to the light weight of the Kitfox. The tanks were empty and the front brace bar was installed. I examined the rear spar pivot point visually upon arrival as I thought this might be a  possible weak point. It appeared to be ok but now with all this discussion I think I will reexamine it. Any good ideas on how to check it other than visual (i.e.: dye penetrant,etc) Any other areas to check?

   Thanks

            ?        Dick Maddux

            ?        Fox 4-1200

            ?        Pensacola Fl



New year...new news.  Be the first to know what is making headlines. 	




I have to second this request.  I did not even give it a thought as I figured the support was enough.  My plane has flown a handfull of times since the 1100 mile journey, but it would be nice to make sure those attach points are sound.  I looked them over as well and they looked OK, but if there are any other methods of checking them, it would make me feel even more secure.



Andrew

815TL, Kitfox II, 582-C

Tom Jones

Joined: 12 Mar 2006
Posts: 752
Location: Ellensburg, WA

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 6:17 pm Post subject: Re: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

 	  Quote: 	
		  I know we have beat this subject to death but I really would like to solicit an opinion on the best way to check the rear spar pivot point for damage. 	




First off, my opinion is that there would have to be some pretty rough treatment for there to be damage to the rear spar attach/hinge area caused by hauling on a trailer.  Also, that enough bending force to do that damage would most likely leave evidence of damage at the spar doublers too.



If I was worried about it, this is how I would inspect:



1, With the wings folded back have a helper (another person) push up and down on the wing tip with enough force to flex the rear spar a little.  Watch  the attach fitting and listen for creaking or popping sounds...anything unusual as the wing is flexed by the helper.  Push up and down on the wing tip yourself to feel for anything unusual.



2.  Spread the wings and do the same thing again. 



3, Also have the helper push fore and aft on the wing tip with the wings spread while you watch and listen at the rear spar attach fittings.



I trailer 10 miles each way every time I fly by the way.

Loading2.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

1.53 MB

Viewed:

543 Time(s)

Loading4.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

1.66 MB

Viewed:

537 Time(s)

_________________
Tom Jones
Classic IV
503 Rotax, 72 inch Two blade Warp
Ellensburg, WA

MichaelGibbs(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 11:02 pm Post subject: Trailering a KitfoxTrailering a Kitfox

Chuck sez:



 	  Quote: 	
		  Dean Wilson designed the Avid Flyer to withstand all of the 

aerodynamic loads encountered in normal flight, and did a good job 

of it.  Later Dan Denney made a Chinese copy of  the Avid and called 

it the Kitfox --everything was originally the same except the name.


	


What happened when Wilson and Denney ended their partnership on the 

original Avid Flyer has been beaten to death here and is not relevant 

to a discussion of trailering or structural factors with the wings 

folded.  Those with an interest in that discussion can find it in the 

list archives.



Mike G.

Kitfox List Administrator

Display posts from previous:

	Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Kitfox-List	All times are GMT - 8 Hours Goto page 1, 2, 3 Next
Page 1 of 3

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