I Built a Custom Tailwheel Suspension...AND IT WORKS!

[@maxnex7676]

When Ryan stopped flying his "missionary" flights I wondered in which direction he would take his channel and if it would be interesting, all I can say is that I'm still watching and still enjoying his videos. Thumbs up from me.

[@TheMrBitsy]

Same here - I am really enjoying his adventures in the USA. I will miss his airplane if he sells it and leaves the USA!

[@strvenoconnell4061]

Same

[@paulholmes1303]

Ryan, be aware that bare aluminum and straight steel (fasteners) do not mix, Galvanic is always the enemy. Coated bolts and hard coat anodizing will prevent a lot of that but the best solution is either stainless bolts or those Grade 8 Zinc coated bolts as long as the coating stays intact. As far as your conflict at going back to PNG, I can relate as I spent two long (3 Year) tours overseas in the military, the latter with a subsequent 1 year add on without coming back to "the world". Even though I loved Japan and Korea, after 4 years you just want to 'go home'. It is obvious from your video journals that you are/were doing very good work there and I could see no one better at doing it than you and Chelsea. Finally, I would not sell the aircraft, as you may or may not find the same economics of plane buying when you get back. I know the storage would be a drain, but there is no better place to store aircraft than Arizona. Take Care Sir and God Bless!!

[@philgee6901]

AN fasteners are the only way to go...

[@danw050]

Real glad you had the opportunity to share the heart of the work that you do in PNG and your heart for the Lord.. You've never HIDDEN the word MISSIONARY. So it's been quite clear. But this video is the first you've explained YOUR heart as a Christian believer and what the work is that you do. Wonderful!! Wind in your sails, brother!!

[@grantgarlington7ACDriver]

Couldn’t have said that better myself

[@Kalimerakis]

Just some basic suspension 101 FIY: You want about 25-30% of sag (negative suspension travel), so the wheel can follow the ground. Getting the right spring rate is the base for everything else. If you want maximum bottoming resistance you want a spring just hard enough to give you the right amount of sag without preload -which you probably won't get but thats the theory. But within reason, you want to use those 6" of travel after all. Then you can start playing with compression damping, I would recommend to start soft and turn it harder only if you have issues with bottoming. For rebound damping I would also recommend to start soft and try to stay on the soft side, again let the wheel follow the ground. Oh and I would recommend some sort of a bump-stop, when you bottom out, thats when the greatest forces are involved. Great project, hope you keep us updated on the development!

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

cool thanks for the suggestions

[@pfv3462]

Your videos are of high quality, and this is a nicely designed tailwheel in FreeCAT! As a retired soldier I can confirm that I hardly saw my child grow up, luckily I was not on a mission when she was born. The woman is on her own and depends on the help of others! She is also far away from her family, so your partner is actually very important so you don't have to worry about it.

[@kenrutschow5338]

Ryan, thank you for your service as a missionary pilot! My wife’s foster parents were missionaries in South America (mostly Chile) for over 30 years! Your role is one I dreamed of but never pursued. Prayers for support and donations when able! Regarding your tail wheel great job! I’ve written a short article for our local EAA Chapter (Shelbyville TN) about the use of Lowe’s Aviation or Ace Aviation hardware on both certified and experimental aircraft. My recommendation as an A&P/IA is…don’t use it on any parts that are flight critical, that would include your landing gear! The make up of Mil-Spec hardware is controlled and use-specific (strength under tension or shear, etc.) Anytime your and your family are in middle TN, free room and board! God bless and fly safe! Ken

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

yeah I probably will change it out shortly to MIL spec. Just trying to work out the bugs first and get the correct length of things

[@stecar9122003]

I understand how you feel about living in a foreign country Ryan. My wife is from the Philippines and I spent 10 months there from December 10, 2019 to October 10, 2020. My wife wanted to know how I felt by living there. From the dates it happened during the pandemic. We have a house in Silang, Cavite and on January 12, 2020 the Taal Volcano erupted. Our house is about 19km (12 miles) north of the main crater so I got to experience that along with so many volcanic earthquakes from the movement of the magma. All of the ashfall killed most of the plants because it was mixed with rain but the pine trees survived because they were bigger and we washed the ash off of it. Maybe I went through a little more than normal but it's not enough to keep me from wanting to go back. It's great that you want to share the word of God with others God bless you and your family Ryan.

[@AKjohndoe]

Welder/Fabricator for 10 years .. my professional opinion is that looks very professional! Haha nice!

[@darylh8657]

Ryan, I admire your ingenuity and tenacity. Your tailwheel is indeed a work of art. Before committing to merchandising your design, you should commission a real engineer (with an iron ring and all that entails) to perform a stress and failure-mode analysis on your design to CYA in case of product liability.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

good idea

[@istvanbally2817]

You know, if I had a KZbin channel, I'd only want one subscriber: God. I'm sure you know what I mean. Keep up the good work as a missionary and as a pilot! Because you're saving lives as a pilot and as a missionary. If people listen. And excellent work on the substitution for the pizza slicer!

[@jameswikstrom4174]

Ryan, you are an amazing individual. You have talents that I only dream about. I believe you can accomplish anything you look to achieve. Best of all,you are a true missionary in every sense of the word. Always looking to help the less fortunate. I understand what attracted you to PNG! I watch every video you make. Good luck with your final decision and the direction life takes you!

[@grantgarlington7ACDriver]

Again, I love watching the progress of what you’re doing with your airplane and thank you for sharing your heart for Christ and what you do… Brother, you are an incredible man

[@kymcha]

I spent six years in PNG, the last 4 years in an AusAID capacity. I travelled to almost all parts of that spectacular country as part of the AusAID role. Yes, as an Australian, it was only a 2 hour flight to get back "home" to Queensland. However, after a couple of years, flying into Port Moresby was also like returning home. I met my wife there and our children, now in their teens, have those beautiful exotic mixed race looks.

[@ClearedAsFiled]

New tail wheel.....feels like Christmas Day !!!!! Awesome job Ryan....

[@DarthPlaya]

OMGoodness, I am so glad you got your new beefy tailwheel. I had gotten into a routine of saying a prayer before each video I knew you would be landing off airport, now I can have a more relaxed, less frequent prayer for you. Whew!🙄 Thumbs up Given!

[@petermerriam1389]

Thank you Ryan for being honest about your missionary work. Having spent many years, myself, in PNG I know exactly what you are talking about. God bless you and continue being bold for Christ!!

[@Afterglow490]

Looks great!! Funny seeing you without pilots uniform 😊

[@bjbaldridge]

Hey Ryan, thanks for the encouragement. I’ve been following you for probably a year or so. I’ve had the dream of doing what you do for years, so watching your videos has really inspired me. Thankful to finally hear your heart for the gospel and about the organization you are a part of. Keep up the great work!

[@PASGOD2010]

I m very happy for your plans Ryan!!! You were connected so much with those people and life in PNG.. I couldn't imagine how it would be in USA for you and the channel, however you did it great and better than I thought...Keep doing your excellent work and hope to see you soon back on those Kodiaks

[@FranksMSFlightSimulator]

Not a great supporter of the religious side of missionary work, but a strong supporter of efforts to help people in all other ways. Love the flying videos, especially PNG where I helped build Nadzab airport in the 1970s as a gift from Australia to PNG when PNG became independent. Cheers.

[@ryanawilson8549]

Using buckets. That's some redneck ingenuity right there!

[@thomasbayless3982]

Wow! That landing was a grease job! You have the touch my friend. I used to have to cement my fillings back in-place, after riding with a few of my Delta friends looking for a 3-wire!

[@georgew.5639]

Yes! Thank you for serving the Lord! Thank you for your sacrifices too. 😁

[@lawrenceclarkbrokeringcourse]

Way to go Ryan...stick to your goals and values. God bless your family

[@johnfriend862]

As I told you at Christmas I've been waiting for this video, good job on the design. I've also heard about the coffee table incident..... If you decide to go to PNG you're welcome to store your plane in my hangar, you'll just have to fly it to Texas. I'll even fly you back home. My CAP Colonel has about 20,000 hours, lots of tailwheel time, and will be happy to fly your plane once in a while. We can arrange to keep it in annual too. It will just be a 900 mile flight down here....

[@erichetherington9899]

God Bless you Ryan excellent stuff your doing. Big fan here I appreciate what your doing. My prayers thank you again! 👍

[@jdencook]

Ryan well done on the tail wheel, it looks great and obviously is working well. Thanks for the update on PNG. So glad there are good people in the world like you who selflessly do what most of us won’t. 👍

[@r8drvr819]

Very glad to hear about your Kingdom Statement!

[@mikecoffee100]

Great to know that Ryan has such Love for avaiation and also it is very cool sharing the bible with others.

[@terrancestodolka4829]

Glad to see your work completed and are happy with the new tailwheel. Good luck with the future of that new product...

[@wreckum56]

I built one similar to that for a sky raider I built and the difference going across a field windrow was like riding in a covered wagon and a Cadillac.😂also the pivot point on the tail wheel has to be vertical when fully loaded otherwise ground handling will suffer.

[@johanopperman8039]

God bless you and your family for what you doing. I love your video's. Thanks for sharing 😊 🙏

[@1961Risingangel]

You did it!!! (((Ryan))) So happy for you. I'm sure once you put the proper screws in there and fine tune your adjustments, it will be an even smoother landing. Thank you for explaining to us each step that you were doing before you did it, when putting that all into place. Glad to hear you say you will be returning to PNG in the summer, but I can totally sympathize with the internal struggle caused by being back home with family and friends. God bless you for discerning and making the right decision. One last thing. That blue sky is so amazing!!! Stay safe in your travels!!! ❤️

[@ingoos]

looking like a professionally designed & constructed part. nice work.

[@banshee562]

Ryan, on the bolt that bottoms out inside the circular cutout to prevent full spring compression, you should be using a socket head cap screw (SHCS), grade 8 or better with zinc chromate coating. After many landings, you might experience enough wear on the bolt head that extraction could prove impossible.\

[@flymachine]

God bless and keep you, keep being obedient and He’ll give you the desires of your heart. I worked for MAF in Africa for a number of years and was so sure I wanted to fly full time in the missions but being young and aviation obsessed I don’t believe my heart was ready but now I yearn and wish I saw it through. It’s not at all too late but God would have to open the doors I said He would open for you if I can just be more obedient. I’m single and able to work anywhere in the world and more mature now as a believer but God’s will be done. Blessed landings brother

[@Jack-ne8vm]

Be comforting having another plane tag along for your lakebed landings. Might save a long walk.

[@mcivordawn9105]

That wheel looks like just what the Doctor ordered. It is wonderful news that you are heading back to PNG in the summer. We trust God will bring the supporters that you need to return to the field. God bless you and your family……Roger

[@onthemoney7237]

The aviation bolts are smaller but very strong material reduces weight 👍wow that worked nice good job ! Got me thinking thanks

[@JohnnyBGod]

Happy to see you've solved the transponder noise issue. :)

[@LettuCe_0199]

Ryan I felt the call to mission aviation a year ago and am working on my commercial and my AMT to go into missions aviation. Your videos have been so interesting for me to see the life of a real missionary pilot doing what I want to do both on mission and on home assignment. Love your channel so much!

[@DanielJonesranchomaranatha]

Sweet setup! If you would like to visit us here in Alamos, Sonora, we are close by to you and are doing lots of flying to mission outreaches. We have many more places to go to than we have days of the week or people to go there. Thanks for sharing your desire to go back to the field. So, you have a wide open door to visit anytime and if you want to work here as well, it's a quick trip to visit Arizona! God bless you and keep up the good work :)

[@ENergyJimP]

I'm happy to hear your plan to return to Papua New Guinea this summer and I agree it's probably best to sell the "upgraded" Kitfox. After all, you are Missionary Bush Pilot. I'm also glad the Kitfox is giving you some R&R during your renewal leave. Looking forward to the rest of your adventures in the States and then back in PNG.

[@healerf18]

Great work. Very much appreciate the background on your mission work and your faith. No, not everyone here shares the same values, but it's obviously an important part of your family's lives.

[@experimental_av]

Good work on the tail wheel. Just got the T3 for my Sportsman. It does not look like it’s has a 1:1 ratio. More like 1:2 if you look at the level length. In terms of bottoming out, there is a rubber ring that should prevent it. People do complain about the bolt bending over time.

[@donaldsell8432]

God bless you with all of your decisions and accomplishments! Like the way you talk to us, especially the ones of us with aviation interests but don’t fly.

[@stevekirk8546]

Now that is looking the part! Some tweaking to be done as you anticipated but the concept looks sound and you really can now call it an Adventure Fox as sitting on that tailwheel it looks at home in the bush. Seems to behave well on landing and hopefully you can sort out that right swivelling tendancy so that taxiing is easier. The angle of attack looks way better. Certainly worth looking into marketing it for other planes from what we've seen so far. Well done with learning FreeCad so quickly to produce a real, working product. I've dabbled with it for a couple of years on and off but never really put in the time and effort to master it despite having an engineering background! Looking forward to seeing the next video landing on the rougher ground - don't doubt it will be fine.

[@gregoryrizer]

Ryan your an awesome pilot husband and father I love your channel and if you go back across the pond always keep your trust in God and I know that your always safety first, if it's supposed to happen it will. 😊 But please keep doing your videos everyday I open my KZbin I'm looking to see if you posted any new videos your work is so relaxing and easy to understand. Your very good at doing your videos. Thank you Ryan and may God bless you and keep you 🙏 😊 ❤

[@barrysimmons5489]

Thanks, about Time! Hope it's a great successful longterm outcome.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

with all projects like this, it's gonna take some time and adjustments

[@zimmy1958]

Well done on the tailwheel.

[@hamrepair3815]

So rewarding when your designs come together, and actually works!!!

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

When I worked for 'Sam and came back to CONUS I didn't know how much I didn't know what I missed TV shows Movies and all kinds of little things most people take for granted. When it quits being fun (I don't mean play time) and your wife still feels comfortable enjoy it while you got the time and health

[@flyul1]

Ryan, Thanks for sharing the video. I am very happy your new tail wheel is working out. Please don't use grade 8 bolts They are too hard. They will break not bend. Aircraft bolts are grade 5 with rolled not cut threads The are definitely not grade 8.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

good to know thanks

[@n6mz]

It must be great to have an experimental so that you can "experiment" with systems such as this and the VGs. Love your videos, thanks for all the enjoyment.

[@ReidForrest]

Nice job, Ryan! To have your first CAD design come out that well is amazing. I've been working in CAD for several years and rarely have a first prototype come out that good. 👏

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

thanks!

[@ReidForrest]

@@MissionaryBushPilot You've made me start to wonder if I should be looking at a Kitfox instead of the other experimental I've been considering.

[@malekodesouza7255]

Cool. I imagine the pneumatic tire vs a rigid plastic wheel also made a difference.

[@brentwilliams3855]

I love the "subtitles". It's always fun to do real time video. Keep the good content coming

[@jordandegraaff]

Ryan, I agree with you. I’ve done work that has kingdom value and many people didn’t understand why I did it or it’s importance, but knowing people will come up to you in heaven and will thank you for sharing Christ with them is worth it all. So keep it up Ryan. Also, maybe just find someone you trust who can hold on to your plane while you’re gone and can do maintenance and fly it and just keep it safe until you get back.

[@Flightstar]

Good for you for designing and building something different on ur plane. Tail wheel systems have several parameter that are very important to concider. I designed and built my own based on an elastomeric shock absorber. It is very compact in design. A straight out cantilever takes all the advantage away from the absorber mechanism. Adjusting the rake on the arm can give much more advantage to your shock initially, and as initial load it absorbed and the arm moves out, the lighter loads are then absorbed. Version 2.0 should have an adjustable knuckle on the arm so it can be tuned to the specific weight on the tail. This adjustment points on the prototype will help you configure the best geometry that will work on the design. Also pay attention to the total moment arm of the system that puts the forces into the tail end empennage. These suspension systems and large large wheels can put a lot more load into tail end structure that will inevitable cause cracking. Keep a close eye on this with regular inspections. I had to beef up that area, as just by the nature of the narrow structure there, it is prone to be weaker to side loads and twisting.

[@clivesheppard8432]

Buy the 1500 lb spring Ryan - then not only will it lift the tail a bit more but then you got lots of "bounce reserve" for those rougher ground landings,,,,,,,,or your own rough landings lol. Love your vids!

[@scottsword9493]

Great mod Ryan, I forgot to mention when you have the inspection/access covers off the rear make sure to take a close look at the elevator control rod. I had to replace the tube as it had buckled and upsized it to .058 from .035 in hopes that it would stop the flexing.

[@jppadd]

Glad you are going back to PNG.

[@stuartschaffner9744]

Great work, great video! Let me make a few quick comments. First, many people living for a long time in other countries report cultural and personal fatigue after a few years. However, many of those people eventually get over it. Second, I guess because you have an experimental aircraft you won't get hassled by the Feds. But if you form a company to sell a key part of an airplane, I suspect that you will have to do a lot of expensive and careful analysis and testing. Third, you mention as a positive that if the spring bottoms out then a hardened steel bolt will jam against the aluminum structure of the rear wheel strut. That's a good approximation of an irresistible force meeting an immovable object. I have seen springs backed up by a rubber buffer to keep things from shattering. Your family and you are leading adventurous lives and doing a lot of good for humanity. I wish you all well!

[@slayer6936]

Great job on the tail wheel! And I did never think you was never going back because of your love for what you did in PNG your love of doing good in life and aviation is such a great passion!! I can not wait to see ya go back!! Sad that you are going to sell the plan! I know that was a hard decision!

[@nofider1]

Hey Ryan. What ever direction you take is all good. You are a good soul, Difficult to find nowadays. Thank you for an insight into the real you. Happy new year to all, Bless................ :-)

[@IanFlyer100]

I can only imagine the size of the pile of paperwork that would be needed to fit a non-standard tailwheel in the UK. Great videos, thank you.

[@pneuma55]

Excellent job designing your own tail wheel. I know your a modest guy, but you should be proud of what you designed. I have been watching for a year or so and love your content. Keep up the great work Ryan.

[@ajfurnari2448]

Nice build. Piece of advice, keep a hammer, punch and spare bolt on board as I can see that "pivot bolt" potentially being sheared off at the most inconvenient time

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

probably a good idea

[@mjotd8670]

The new tail wheel is a fantastic achievement, well done, whilst watching, it made me think, would it be possible to modify it with a some kind of bearing, to enable it to swing from left to right, hence it would solve the issue's when taxiing?? I am no engineer, just a thought! Great job, and interesting video.

[@clivesheppard8432]

Hey Ryan, my wife and I live in Thailand now, my working/serving days pretty much long gone at my age but watching your other KZbin video about what to do with the KitFox it came across that you'd be sad to have to sell it but couldn't afford to store it. So why not appeal for a sponsored storage? You said the wings come off or fold, so would it go insiode a shipping container? Because if so why not ask for a sponsoired shipping container owned and kept by a business owner supporter in a corner of their lot somewhere until you want it again? Just a thought - it would be something to come back to on your next furlough. Most farming or transport enterprises got containers and space in a corner. God Bless your efforts, lovely to see you giving a testimony on the other Ethnos channel.

[@karmakazi219]

I just wanted to say that I appreciate the fact that you generally leave the religious stuff out of your videos. I'm interested in the aviation part (only).

[@914va]

Fantastic Ryan! Think about::: getting your Aircraft Checklist box for MSFS as a Add On Mod.....I think it would be a great addition to all the Flightsim planes!!..beat printing out checklist...or reading pop up tabs on screen.

[@robfive2555]

Excellent job. . Many thanks Ryan. .

[@jamesburns2232]

Works on car suspension too. When you switch from leaf springs to coil springs, you get a better performing suspension. 🤠

[@patrickheavirland3599]

Good morning from Minnesota!! I think its amazing that you and your family are doing what you feel led to do!! Serving others is a gift and I think you're good at it! Don't be afraid to tell us what you need, you have really fantastic followers!!

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

thanks Pat

[@joerobilotta2199]

Great job Ryan

[@michaeltubbs8767]

Bravo, Ryan!! Great job on that tail wheel upgrade.

[@JohnThompson-en2er]

Up true value and Lindy Has a great selection of bolts one on northern and one on Stockton hill road

[@beulapatrick2888]

Awesome modification. But if you can add a couple of bushes on either side of that bolt which is bottoming out on the frame, it would save the frame and the impact on the bolt head. Just my opinion.

[@paule4696]

Awesome engineering job! As some others have said, I would be concerned about Galvanic corrosion between the steel bolts and aluminum bracket. Coating or even some dielectric grease can help. I would also use safety wire on the bolts.

[@nigelsmith721]

It was all going so well...

[@HeeHawHighlander]

Great stuff. Hope the other spring was a match

[@Coops777]

Great video Ryan. You're a man of many talents! Thanks for sharing your faith

[@vincentmolloy5660]

Hey Ryan, well done on your first prototype. Looks good. I'm sure you'll find the right spring to. Well done on your missionary work. I pray the Lord bless you and your family in your endeavors.

[@TailwheelTimes]

Ryan, I enjoy both your Arizona and PNG videos. Thanks for sharing them. Your tailwheel looks to be a work of art! I’m curious what free CAD software you used. I haven’t been able to find a good one.

[@reyesben]

That new tail wheel is silent! The last one reminded me of a loud flat cart at Home Depot

[@ingoos]

hopefully, someday soon starlink will allow us all to fly along live!

[@davidrobins4025]

Way to go with the design for the tail wheel. Return to PNG will be something special for you. I have a friend, Ryan DeRoos, who flies for Ethnos in PNG. He is a great guy

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

hmm I havent met him yet

[@kingfisch]

I appreciate what you shared about your missionary work in PNG. God Bless you and your family!🙏

[@WhiskeyDale]

McMaster-Carr is a great place to get exactly what you are looking for. awesome resource

[@nopenotme6369]

Looks beautiful, how much of shift in the CG?

[@tby4242]

I love your videos, so inspiring and fun to watch! I will have my PPL soon and hope to one day be able to this kind of flying! Keep it up!

[@johnyohannan203]

At the end of your video, you have a beautiful aerial panoramic view of the lake-bed and your plane -- how did you manage to pull that off? Was someone else flying high photographing the whole thing??

[@danielhartwig6333]

Great job 👍🥳🇦🇺🎶❤🫵😇🍻

[@therealpoody7485]

I'm gonna say yes, those two buckets are properly FAA certified tail jacks.

[@toddrichards3751]

Good job! I look forward to seeing how performs with a stronger shock spring.

[@shepherdsadventure]

Great to hear we’ll be seeing more videos of PNG❤ will miss vids of the Kitfox though, however, you can’t fly it over with you? The vids would be magical on your days off flying so close to the jungles and streams😊

[@mrsaskriders]

That's awesome it works so well. Very cool and smooth. Maybe a hard rubber bumper where the bolt hits the frame would help longevity? Just a thought. I'm a retired Prosthetist and we use some hard durometer rubber bumpers on knee units when the knee is fully flexed and hits the frame.

[@SoloRenegade]

a simple scale under your tailwheel would tell you the weight, and then some basic free body calculations would give you the spring force required, which you can then translate to a given spring at a given compression.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

hmmm not really sure how to do the basic free body calculations

[@SoloRenegade]

@@MissionaryBushPilot The weight of the aircraft resting on the tailwheel gives you the torque acting upon the tailwheel arm (weight acting straight up x arm perpendicular to the weight, measured from the pivot). Use a ratio of weight and lever arms to determine the spring force needed to hold up the tail acting on the smaller lever arm of the bellcrank. Then it's down to choosing a spring of the appropriate spring rate and length to give you the tail position you need (spring length at the require compression force, and preload), while leaving enough remaining travel in the spring and shock before hitting the solid length of the spring, or the travel stop of the shock, to handle additional forces during landings. Torque = Force * arm Force on wheel * long arm = Force on Spring * short arm Spring Force = spring rate * compressed length Springs should have a specification defining the free length (uncompressed), spring rate, and solid length. May take a few tries to find the right spring. Plenty of simple videos online showing how to do basic torque and spring rate calculations. (Force on wheel * long arm)/short arm = spring rate * compressed length

[@FlyingShotsman]

Hi Ryan, I'm a new viewer (thanks, algorithm!). I just wanted to leave a safety-related comment about the Kitfox. Since you have SkyStar upholstery, I'm guessing that your plane is a Series 5 or 6. I don't know if you built your plane or purchased it complete, or how much you know about the history of the Kitfox line. If you're already aware of the following, please accept my apologies. There were a number of cases of Series 5/6 aircraft suffering cracking failures in the welds at the base of the vertical stabilizer post, where the aft tailwheel mounting bolts are located. Neither SkyStar nor Kitfox ever issued a Service Bulletin about it, but the Series 7 fuselage has been changed to reinforce this area, and it's common practice for builders completing older kits to reinforce this area by welding a piece of steel plate around the base of that joint. There are details and images on the TeamKitfox forum if you do some searching. Be *very* careful about the loads you put on this area unless you're sure that the reinforcement work has been done. It's hard to tell for sure from the video since the fabric hides some structure but it doesn't look to me like the plate that carries the mounting bolts is double thickness, which it would be if a reinforcing plate had been added. While on the subject of cracking and reinforcements, also be sure that your Kitfox has had Service Bulletin #38 completed. That one called for reinforcement of the intersection between the vertical rudder pedal tubes and the lateral rudder torque tubes. The bulletin can be found at "kitfoxaircraft dot com slash servicebulletins." Again, details and images on this process are on TeamKitfox. There's a video on KZbin showing a ground loop caused by this failure: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHrOin54a697h6c