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Is it practical to fold wings each flight?
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Nick(at)Scholtes1.com
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PostPosted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:04 pm    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

Hi KitFox Owners!

My name is Nick Scholtes and I'm a typical renter/CFI who flies and
teaches in all of the Cessna and Piper products that you find at the
local FBO. However, I live on a farm in Illinois where I have a pasture
that would make a perfect Kitfox airstrip (about 800'), and I have an
old cattle shed that would make a perfect hangar. So, I want to own my
own airplane, for the first time in my life.

Problem is, the "hangar" has an overhead door that is big enough to get
tractors in, but not big enough to get an airplane in with the wings
spread. The door is 14' wide, 11' tall.

I'm really attracted to the Kitfox IV, and have seen many wonderful Kitfox
IV's for sale in excellent condition. I've never actually flown one,
however, and have never actually seen the wings folded or the folding
procedure.

So, my questions are: Is it practical to fold the wings each time you
put the KitFox IV away? Or is the folding mechanism more like one of
those "you only want to do it once a season" kind of things? How long
does it REALLY take for a regular guy to fold the wings? Is it
practical to store the 'Fox in an enclosed trailer? I know what the
sales brochures say, but what is the REAL story?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Best Regards,

Nick Scholtes


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lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net
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PostPosted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:31 pm    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

Nick,

One of the guys in the No Calif flying group folds and trailers every
flight. He doesn't even have the luxury of a cattle shed on the strip. I
think he's pushing 600 hours. There has been some talk of the difficulty of
keeping the fuel lines routed properly with the folding and unfolding. With
proper assembly, It needn't be a problem. At least Larry has never had a
problem or spoken of one.

Lowell

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Ceashman(at)aol.com
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 2:43 am    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

Nick asks;
So, my questions are: Is it practical to fold the wings each time you
put the KitFox IV away? Or is the folding mechanism more like one of
those "you only want to do it once a season" kind of things?  How long
does it REALLY take for a regular guy to fold the wings?  Is it
practical to store the 'Fox in an enclosed trailer? I know what the
sales brochures say, but what is the REAL story?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Best Regards,

Nick Scholtes

Hi Nick.
I used to fold and trailer every flight. I had a small barn in which to store the IV while on the trailer, so I didn't have to de-trailer when I got home.
The biggest problems I had.
*Could not drive faster than 60 MPH
* If the fuel tanks were full (or fullish) could not fold the wings with the tail wheel on the ground. As the wings fold back they also fold down (that's how tail wheels are, tails are lower than the fronts). You either had to remove the some of the fuel or winch on to the trailer making the back end as high as the front before folding. Other wise fuel would leak out of the tank caps.
* It took me about 20 to 30 minutes to get the airplane back on the trailer. Just folding the wings would be nothing (with low quantity of fuel in tanks) So it is very practical, make sure you ask the seller if he installed longer fuel lines and are the wings ready for folding.
* Of the issues with folding and trailering, the worst problem was reversing off the street and down the drive to the barn.

If you have a landing strip with a barn and do not have to trailer. You will be in heaven. Until you extend the existing barn and you do not have to fold the wings, then you will be in second heaven!!

There are some little accessories that will make the job easier. You could probably get these from John at the New Kitfox Co. A couple of tube supports and a soft pad that goes over the vertical fin and rudder.
All the very best.
Eric.


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shilocom(at)mcmsys.com
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 2:49 am    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

Folding the wings isn't real easy with one guy, but suppose it can be done.
On my Mod IV the fuel level needs to be pretty low to keep the wings light
and getting the flaperons disconnected and positioned right as well as the
front pin in and out isn't easy, but doable. IF the Door is in the Gable
end of the shed, I'd sure look into replacing the 14' wide door with a 40'
wide "ultimate door" that you buy a kit for and build it your self. You can
build it for around $1500 if you stay bare bones or 2 to 3 grand if you get
fancy with skylights, insulation, electric operation etc , etc. Bob U.
---


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Michel



Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 966
Location: Norway

PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 3:15 am    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

Quote:
From: Ceashman(at)aol.com
If you have a landing strip with a barn and do not have to trailer. You will
be in heaven. Until you extend the existing barn and you do not have to fold
the wings, then you will be in second heaven!!

.. and in the 7th heaven, when you fly your Kitfox, up there! Smile
I have folded the wings of my model 3 only twice, because of convenience when working on the plane. But I was considering folding them at every flight, due to hangar problem that is now solved.
My idea was to make a dolly as an inverted pyramid, supporting the end of the fuselage, and going to a free-castoring wheel, under. The idea was to keep the plane horizontal when folding the wings, keep the fuel in the tanks, and ease the manoeuvre when moving in and out of a narrow door.
Another point is that, the wing, even with empty tanks, is heavy in a taildragger attitude. It needs two people to fold it; one to remove the pin, and one to hold the wing from swinging back uncontrolled. You need also to watch the flaperons as the come inside of the removed turtledeck. A dolly would make this a one-man's job, I think.
As I said, I haven't made the dolly so I don't know how well it would work. Maybe someone else on the list has tried it.

Cheers,
Michel
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dave(at)cfisher.com
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 3:25 am    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

I have to disagree with you .
I have a Kitfox IV and a 40 foot wide hangar but I do take planes inside
smaller doors in shop.
My IV will take me about 5 minutes in total
remove turtle deck (about 8 dzus fasteners) and fold down the flapperon
bearings - under 1 minute
disconnent the 2 flapperon rods - 1 minute
Pull front spar pin flold wing and attach to vert stab point with rod 1
minute
same as above for other side 1 minute

push straight in the 9'W x 7' H door. 1 minute.

could not be easier really .

I do a Kitfox 1 and a AVID heavy same way but they do not require the
flapperon control rods to be removed.

I will agree that having a wide hanger is easier. Perhaps a lean too off
existing building with a 40 foot open web joist would work well and very
simple.
If you leave 4 feet overhang or more you don't even need a door.

Dave

---


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Float Flyr



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

PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 5:11 am    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

I fly floats out of a pond that's about a mile or two away from my garage.
The road to the pond is about 1/2 paved secondary road and the other 1/2,
the way the cows come home through the woods. To navigate the second 1/2 I
always de-fuel my wing tanks.

Folding the wings usually takes about three minutes single handed then add
around 1 minute to attach the turtledeck. I have two turtle decks. The one
I usually use is a one piece unit that I have a 1/4 wave com antenna
attached to. I also have the folding turtle deck but to be honest I never
use it.

Defueling my wings is what takes a bit of time. I always defuel my wing
tanks before folding the wings. The siphoning of the wing tanks will take
about 5 minutes using the 3/8 tubing with a primer bulb ( I hate the taste
of gas!)

Folding the wings takes almost exactly the same amount of time as the
unfolding. I have heard people on the avid list complain that they have to
pull pins on their flapperon links to prevent the push rods from bending. I
have no such problem. My pins are snug enough that I can insert them with
my thumb. To remove them I usually use a small screwdriver to push the pin
out. I am using the clevis pin/locking zip pin set up and so far (only
around 25 hr.) I haven't seen either of the pins move or even swivel in
flight.

I usually also do a post flight inspection (while I still remember any
oddities in flight) and make notes on anything I see that is not 100%.
Included in that inspection is a check on the main strut attach point. I
keep that part well lubricated because of the number of times I am folding
the wings. To be totally honest I can fold or un-fold my wings faster alone
than with help Wink

Noel

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PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 6:22 am    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

In 10 years I've NEVER had anyone help fold/unfold my
IV wings. Helpers tend to get in the way and it's
easy to damage something. I always fold/unfold by
myself. Many many cycles over the last decade and
have never had a problem or any damage. Takes 20
mins off the trailer and maybe 25 mins to go back
on...

Regards,

Ted

--- Original Message ---
From: "Dave" <dave(at)cfisher.com>
To: <kitfox-list(at)matronics.com>
Subject: Re: Is it practical to fold
wings each flight?

Quote:

<dave(at)cfisher.com>

Quote:

I have to disagree with you .
I have a Kitfox IV and a 40 foot wide hangar but I
do take planes inside

Quote:
smaller doors in shop.
My IV will take me about 5 minutes in total
remove turtle deck (about 8 dzus fasteners) and
fold down the flapperon

Quote:
bearings - under 1 minute
disconnent the 2 flapperon rods - 1 minute
Pull front spar pin flold wing and attach to vert
stab point with rod 1

Quote:
minute
same as above for other side 1 minute

push straight in the 9'W x 7' H door. 1 minute.

could not be easier really .

I do a Kitfox 1 and a AVID heavy same way but they
do not require the

Quote:
flapperon control rods to be removed.

I will agree that having a wide hanger is easier.
Perhaps a lean too off

Quote:
existing building with a 40 foot open web joist
would work well and very

Quote:
simple.
If you leave 4 feet overhang or more you don't even
need a door.

Quote:

Dave


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Guy Buchanan



Joined: 16 Jul 2006
Posts: 1204
Location: Ramona, CA

PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:58 am    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

At 04:15 AM 9/18/2006, you wrote:
Quote:
It needs two people to fold it; one to remove the pin, and one to hold the
wing from swinging back uncontrolled. You need also to watch the flaperons
as the come inside of the removed turtledeck. A dolly would make this a
one-man's job, I think.

Just to let you know I have no problem folding solo. You do have to be
CAREFUL, though. You can easily cause major damage. It's not like opening
and closing a door. Wink
Guy Buchanan
K-IV 1200 / 582-C / Warp / 100% done, thanks mostly to Bob Ducar.


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Guy Buchanan



Joined: 16 Jul 2006
Posts: 1204
Location: Ramona, CA

PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:58 am    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

At 10:03 PM 9/17/2006, you wrote:
Quote:
Is it
practical to store the 'Fox in an enclosed trailer? I know what the
sales brochures say, but what is the REAL story?

I have an 8 x 22' "toy box" that my plane fits into. (See Frapper (sp?)
picture.) It takes me about 3 - 5 minutes to fold both wings, working
methodically. Same for extension. Of course I set it up to make folding as
easy as possible. If you're going out to the used market you will have to
be wary, since many were built with folding incidental.

Putting it in the box takes another 10 minutes, since it barely fits, and I
have to be careful. Taking it out - less than 5.
Guy Buchanan
K-IV 1200 / 582-C / Warp / 100% done, thanks mostly to Bob Ducar.


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PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:14 am    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

Guy,

It quite simple -- just go slow and hold the flapperon while folding so that
it does not contact anything.

Dave
---


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PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 2:22 pm    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

I had a model IV that I kept in my barn and folded the wings
everytime. What I did to prevent any gas problems was to build a tow
bar stand, two wheels about 3 feet apart with an upright high enough
to hold the tail wheel in a level flight position. I had two stands
one with a T handle for hand moving and another with a hitch to pull
the Fox out to the strip behind my ATV. Before folding the wings
just lift the tail into the cradle on the stand, in this level
position the wings don't try to swing away while folding alone. Mike


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PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 2:30 pm    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

Nick,

I was sort of on the other end - renting all the typical Cessna & Piper stuff
and getting the services of a CFI, then went to a non equity club which had
both - then that crapped out - sort of been airplane-less since because the
rental places also crapped out around here after that.

What sold me on a Kitfox was flying one! (or two) - a model 7 and a model 4.
I figure a guy will find some way to set up storage; but I can tell you the
Kitfox is an absolute joy to fly.

You know the two most dangerous words in aviation (Watch this)? - well when
the Kitfox demo owner said it; (once I got over my usual apprehension over
people who say this), I discovered that the takeoff and landing (which the
guy was what the guy was talking about) could be made ACROSS the runways of
come airports I have been to (OK, he didn't takeoff across the runway, but
could have).

I know full well how much runway a Warrior will eat up on a hot July day with
full fuel and gross Wt.

And, a Kitfox actually has roll control at or near the stall.

In a word - Kitfox - Do it!

Dave S.
St Paul, MN

Kitfox 7 - close but not quite yet

DO NOT Archive

On Monday 18 September 2006 12:03 am, Nick Scholtes wrote:
Quote:


Hi KitFox Owners!

My name is Nick Scholtes and I'm a typical renter/CFI who flies and
teaches in all of the Cessna and Piper products that you find at the
local FBO.


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smokey_bear_40220(at)yaho
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 3:36 pm    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

I use an old desk for a work bench/toolbox and mounted
it on rollers. I made sure that it was about equal to
level when my tailwheel is on the desk. Makes folding
the wings much easier. Not made for trailoring
though.

Multitasking?

Kurt S.

--- Michel Verheughe <michel(at)online.no> wrote:

Quote:
> From: Ceashman(at)aol.com
> If you have a landing strip with a barn and do not
have to trailer. You will
> be in heaven. Until you extend the existing barn
and you do not have to fold
> the wings, then you will be in second heaven!!

... and in the 7th heaven, when you fly your Kitfox,
up there! Smile
I have folded the wings of my model 3 only twice,
because of convenience when working on the plane.
But I was considering folding them at every flight,
due to hangar problem that is now solved.
My idea was to make a dolly as an inverted pyramid,
supporting the end of the fuselage, and going to a
free-castoring wheel, under. The idea was to keep
the plane horizontal when folding the wings, keep
the fuel in the tanks, and ease the manoeuvre when
moving in and out of a narrow door.
Another point is that, the wing, even with empty
tanks, is heavy in a taildragger attitude. It needs
two people to fold it; one to remove the pin, and
one to hold the wing from swinging back
uncontrolled. You need also to watch the flaperons
as the come inside of the removed turtledeck. A
dolly would make this a one-man's job, I think.
As I said, I haven't made the dolly so I don't know
how well it would work. Maybe someone else on the
list has tried it.

Cheers,
Michel


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PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 4:15 pm    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

Another point is that, the wing, even with empty tanks, is heavy in a taildragger attitude. It needs two people to fold it; one to remove the pin, and one to hold the wing from swinging back uncontrolled. You need also to watch the flaperons as the come inside of the removed turtledeck. A dolly would make this a one-man's job, I think.
As I said, I haven't made the dolly so I don't know how well it would work. Maybe someone else on the list has tried it.

Cheers,
Michel

Hi Michel.
You are correct about the attitude of the airplane while folding the wings. It can be done single handed but not with large quantities of fuel in the tanks and you do not need any distractions or you will bend something.
I think the wheeled dolly (big wheels because of the farm like setting) is a brilliant idea. You winch up the plane as you would onto a trailer, until she is horizontal (good position) and then folding the wings is easy 'cause they are horizontal. And you do not have to remove fuel from the tanks. But I would suggest having having shut off valves to stop fuel migrating from one tank to the other, in case of unlevel ground.
Don't forget to place the shut off valves on the pre-flight check list!

Cheers Eric.



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PostPosted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 4:36 pm    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

Well guys, I posted earlier today that is takes about 5 minutes to fold or unfold wings. True enough if it was level the wings would not have the extra weight going backwards but it really is not a issue when folding as much as when you fold back out. I have folded when on floats and that is real easy. If you havea floor jack in your shop set the tailwheel on it and jack it up to a more level attitude to fold wings out. And like wise before folding wings just lift the tail onto the jack and jack it up.

As far as the bolt idea with nuts....... well sure why not but don't be torquing that nut down and crush your attach points. The simple clevis pin works pretty well and you can see the safety pin on pre-flight as well as when you are flying.

I pull them into shop door on Straight skis and once at the concrete, put a 2 x 6 on top of floor jack pad and jack up under the axles and just pull the plane in.

On the lighter side of things , would you rather fold and unfold your Kitfox to fly or have to do all the unfolding of chutes on those para planes. ?


Dave


[quote] ---


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Lynn Matteson



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

PostPosted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 4:11 am    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

Michel-
I have folded my wings alone on many occasions during the building of
my plane, and have a few small scars on one flaperon to show for it. I
hold the wing by the lift strut while pulling the clevis pin, then
while holding the wing, I walk around the end of the wing and get hold
of the flap, and allow the wing to swing back while pivoting the flap
into position. I don't fold the wings any more, but it helps to use a
small block of wood on a string that is
placed between the wing and flap. This block keeps the flap from
swinging down while the wing is being folded into position. When the
flap is rotated upwards, the block will fall out, being retained by the
string.
The scars that I mentioned are from not paying close enough attention
while folding and having the flap rub against the flap horn
hinge...which I forgot to hinge down.
Happily, I have a hangar at a grass strip 4 miles from home and the
folding issue is no longer an issue...knock on wood. : )

Lynn
Kitfox IV Speedster...Jabiru 2200

On Monday, September 18, 2006, at 08:15 PM, Ceashman(at)aol.com wrote:

Quote:
Another point is that, the wing, even with empty tanks, is heavy in a
taildragger attitude. It needs two people to fold it; one to remove
the pin, and one to hold the wing from swinging back uncontrolled. You
need also to watch the flaperons as the come inside of the removed
turtledeck. A dolly would make this a one-man's job, I think.
As I said, I haven't made the dolly so I don't know how well it would
work. Maybe someone else on the list has tried it.

Cheers,
Michel


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Michel



Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 966
Location: Norway

PostPosted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 4:30 am    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

Quote:
From: Ceashman(at)aol.com
I think the wheeled dolly (big wheels because of the farm like setting) is a
brilliant idea.

Thank you Eric, it's good to know. Not that I need to fold my wings for the moment, but I am in a hangar that is condemned. We have to build a new one but ... you know how it is. I might, one day, be in need to a temporary situation where I'll need to foil the wings. And your mentioning of a big wheel makes me think more ... in direction of a bicycle wheel. Why not? An old bicycle, cut the frame and keep the front wheel and the fork. Hum, sounds good. What do you think?

Cheers,
Michel
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Nick(at)Scholtes1.com
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 12:31 pm    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

Hi KitFoxers!

I just wanted to thank you for your input to my question about how
practical it is to fold a KitFox each time you fly it. Here's what I heard:

-- The guys who do it regularly say it's practical, and not too painful.

-- There were multiple suggestions about how to make it less painful
(much thanks!)

-- Some folks who haven't done it regularly thought it was or might be
not practical.

Overall, it sounds practical and painless enough to me.

One thought I had regarding draining fuel when folding the wings: Most
of the fuel caps I've seen in pictures (remember, I haven't seen or
flown a KitFox yet!) have a curved vent tube coming from them, and I
assume this is where the fuel leaks out when folding the wings. So, why
not, when folding, slip a piece of fuel hose over this vent, and attach
the other end of this length of hose to the highest point of the
fuselage (probably the spot where the pin is removed to fold the
wings)? This is basically creating a "stand-pipe" for the fuel. Yes,
it will flow up the hose, but it won't leak out. It will remove the
requirement to drain the tanks (except for the weight issue that many
folks pointed out). Anyway, just a thought from somebody who doesn't
know what he's talking about!

So, now that you've convinced me that it's practical to fold the wings,
and you've also convinced me that they are fun to fly, I want to buy
one! Two more questions:

-- Who's got one for sale? Email me off-list with what you've got.

-- Who can I get to give me a ride? I live near Chicago, and I'm
willing to travel.

Thanks again for all the help!

Nick Scholtes


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Lynn Matteson



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

PostPosted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 1:37 pm    Post subject: Is it practical to fold wings each flight? Reply with quote

This would seem like a workable idea, but it puts the gasket under the
cap as the next place to leak, and that's a real possibility. You could
also attach the hose to the other cap vent, but the weak links are the
cap gaskets again.

Lynn
On Tuesday, September 19, 2006, at 04:30 PM, Nick Scholtes wrote:

Quote:


One thought I had regarding draining fuel when folding the wings:
Most of the fuel caps I've seen in pictures (remember, I haven't seen
or flown a KitFox yet!) have a curved vent tube coming from them, and
I assume this is where the fuel leaks out when folding the wings. So,
why not, when folding, slip a piece of fuel hose over this vent, and
attach the other end of this length of hose to the highest point of
the fuselage (probably the spot where the pin is removed to fold the
wings)? This is basically creating a "stand-pipe" for the fuel. Yes,
it will flow up the hose, but it won't leak out. It will remove the
requirement to drain the tanks (except for the weight issue that many
folks pointed out). Anyway, just a thought from somebody who doesn't
know what he's talking about!



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

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Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM
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