| My first flight in a Kitfox in August of 2005 thanks to Steve Kellander |
| Wendy's first ride. |
Dan & Wendy's Kitfox Story
You're going to do what?...build an airplane in your garage! You
must be talking about one of those radio controlled planes, right? Well,
not really.
After I got my wings (Pilots License), Wendy and I started renting planes
at the local FBO. We found that jumping in a plane early on a Saturday
morning and flying up to Payson or Sedona for breakfast was a great
way to enjoy a weekend. The problem we started running into was not
unlike what I think every pilot goes through before purchasing a plane of
their own... No planes available, down for maintenance, etc...
So now what? Well, it's a cinch we don't make enough to go buy a new
plane and the used planes are still up there in price. After doing a little
research, I started looking into the thought of building my own plane. As
an industrial arts teacher it certainly appealed to me and the more I
investigated, the more I realized this isn't rocket science. In fact, it is so
common that there is a huge organization called the EAA (Experimental
Aviation Association) Now I know what you're
thinking...EXPERIMENTAL? Why would anyone in their right mind jump
into a plane that is being experimented with? Well, first of all I never
claimed to be right in my mind (always a little to the left :>) And second,
the word experimental is a term the FAA came up with to separate these
great little planes from the over-priced...uhh..certified aircraft.
The key would be to find a seasoned veteran that has a proven record.
After looking at several kit planes, we chose the Kitfox as being the most
practical for our needs. It has great STOL (Short Takeoff And Landing)
capabilities which will get us in and out of any camping / fishing area we
want to go. After getting a flight in one with Steve Kellander and Phil
Laker, we knew this was the plane.
We soon found out that Steve and Phil happened to be charter
members of a huge group that call themselves the Desert Fox Squadron.
Several of them are based in the Phoenix area, surrounding states and
as far north as Idaho. John & Debra McBean are the members from
Idaho and as it happens, they own & operate KItfox Aircraft, LLC. I
quickly learned that John had a Kitfox Lite 2 Kit for sale complete with a
new Rotax 912s. Swweeet! The Lite Squared is actually the same plane
as the -IV with just a few slight differences... This just might work! In a
few weeks I was able to get on a plane and fly to Idaho where I met John
and Debra for the first time. I couldn't have asked for better hosts as
they met me at the airport, took me to see the kit and went over and
above the call of duty. The weather turned out to be great and John
took me for a great fight into the Idaho back country in his Kitfox 7...what
a ride! To make a great trip a short story, the kit looked good and
Wendy and I became the proud owners of soon to be tail number
314DW.
So What is a Kitfox?
To find out more, go to the History Page.
must be talking about one of those radio controlled planes, right? Well,
not really.
After I got my wings (Pilots License), Wendy and I started renting planes
at the local FBO. We found that jumping in a plane early on a Saturday
morning and flying up to Payson or Sedona for breakfast was a great
way to enjoy a weekend. The problem we started running into was not
unlike what I think every pilot goes through before purchasing a plane of
their own... No planes available, down for maintenance, etc...
So now what? Well, it's a cinch we don't make enough to go buy a new
plane and the used planes are still up there in price. After doing a little
research, I started looking into the thought of building my own plane. As
an industrial arts teacher it certainly appealed to me and the more I
investigated, the more I realized this isn't rocket science. In fact, it is so
common that there is a huge organization called the EAA (Experimental
Aviation Association) Now I know what you're
thinking...EXPERIMENTAL? Why would anyone in their right mind jump
into a plane that is being experimented with? Well, first of all I never
claimed to be right in my mind (always a little to the left :>) And second,
the word experimental is a term the FAA came up with to separate these
great little planes from the over-priced...uhh..certified aircraft.
The key would be to find a seasoned veteran that has a proven record.
After looking at several kit planes, we chose the Kitfox as being the most
practical for our needs. It has great STOL (Short Takeoff And Landing)
capabilities which will get us in and out of any camping / fishing area we
want to go. After getting a flight in one with Steve Kellander and Phil
Laker, we knew this was the plane.
We soon found out that Steve and Phil happened to be charter
members of a huge group that call themselves the Desert Fox Squadron.
Several of them are based in the Phoenix area, surrounding states and
as far north as Idaho. John & Debra McBean are the members from
Idaho and as it happens, they own & operate KItfox Aircraft, LLC. I
quickly learned that John had a Kitfox Lite 2 Kit for sale complete with a
new Rotax 912s. Swweeet! The Lite Squared is actually the same plane
as the -IV with just a few slight differences... This just might work! In a
few weeks I was able to get on a plane and fly to Idaho where I met John
and Debra for the first time. I couldn't have asked for better hosts as
they met me at the airport, took me to see the kit and went over and
above the call of duty. The weather turned out to be great and John
took me for a great fight into the Idaho back country in his Kitfox 7...what
a ride! To make a great trip a short story, the kit looked good and
Wendy and I became the proud owners of soon to be tail number
314DW.
So What is a Kitfox?
To find out more, go to the History Page.
| Steve Kellander's Kitfox IV, 912S |
Phil Laker's Series 5 Vixen
John and Debra's award winning 7
