Kitfox 7 Apex Build Episode 69 Should you cover your Gear Legs on a Kitfox.

[@Cornstalker7273]

You have meticulously built yourself the nicest looking and best performing Kitfox, over the last few years. Thanks for documenting it all.

[@trbeme1346]

Great video. While I can't see your stick when you are turning around at the sprinkler pipes, it does seem you have your stick full back. Which is how I was taught. But at the end of my checkride when my DPE said we were done and I had passed. I had come to a complete stop to determine where I was going to park. He told me turn to the left and park there. I proceeded to jam the left brake and increase power until it started to turn. He told me to stop, push the stick full forward and give just a little bit of power. It was amazing at how much less power I had to give to complete the turn. Not sure this is the case here or not but thought I would point out something I have learned and do so now when conditions permits. Thank you again for the video.

[@cubman2711]

Great stuff. You're doing what experimental aviation is all about. Really enjoy the videos.

[@michaelguy7168]

Good seeing you @ High Sierra, you killed it. Plane is awesome. Can’t wait to see the turbo version,

[@alaskanstoneguys]

Dang …that’s a bad ass plane Looking great ma. !!

[@AkPacerPilot]

To cover legs or not, controversial question… I personally think that depends on where you live and the type of flying you do. If you live in a humid wet climate keep those legs naked to help combat corrosion. It’s also my opinion that if you are landing in rugged rough areas, having the gear naked let’s you see damage that might otherwise be covered up.

[@BowenAero]

Good points.

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

Leading edge shape?

[@DanasWings]

I had a Starduster with a cracked landing gear under the fabric covering. The crack had developed to almost the point of total failure before the problem was visible. The next landing would likely have been very ugly. A lot of Stardusters use removable sheet metal "spats" to cover the landing gear tubes.

[@AkPacerPilot]

@@johnfitzpatrick2469 tube

[@AkPacerPilot]

@@DanasWings I swore off covering gear when I found both a crack and corrosion in my pavers gear when adding safety brackets. The 1/2 a knot difference covering a gear might make is not worth it to me, especially the risk of missing a potential catastrophic failure.

[@ohwell2790]

Your killed it dude, the plane is totally awesome man. Love this these on areoplanes man. Fairings man that is the way to go. Do you fly that?

[@AviationWP]

What brand/model helmet and pop up/down sunscreen glasses are you using? Very smart bump and sun glare safety--and looks great.

[@BowenAero]

Sky cowboys is the brand

[@wadestoelting5942]

So glad you put this video out, saw the High Sierra videos and noticed the leg covering. Question though, when you were building, for a long time you had a ratchet strap from axle to axle, was this just to take load off of the shocks?

[@BowenAero]

Yes

[@kitfoxn990tt5]

Congrats on your HSF first place, and great job on the gear covering. Just one question, after covering, the gear step bracket looks kind of hard to use without kicking into the fabric. How is that working out?

[@BowenAero]

Works good. Step on it with my foot facing forward to get in and out so it works good.

[@kitfoxn990tt5]

OK, that makes sense.

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

G,day from Sydney Australia. Some great building material assembly techniques; do * All carbon fibre composite needs to be vacuum bag compressed? As opposed to fibreglass matting and resin, wherein you just layer it and soaked in bonding resin? 🛩️🌏

[@BowenAero]

It doesn’t need to vacuum bagged, but it will be stronger and lighter if you do.

[@Coughtry]

Plane goes faster after warming up because you have less resistance resistance and friction within the engine. This freeze up more horsepower used to move the aircraft.

[@tjjohnson4953]

Which wing were you running with the speed numbers you mentioned? Is it a SS or STI wing? Thanks for all your work and time doing these.

[@BowenAero]

SS

[@scottcummings8074]

When you bonded the carbon fiber to the gear, did you take steps to prevent electrolysis?

[@BowenAero]

I did by using the glue with micro balloons like what is done in the wing construction, but if I was going to do it again I would do the first layer of the fairing in fiberglass to create a better separation.

[@thompsonjerry3412]

Did you run the brake line internal or not external, looks great?

[@BowenAero]

It runs inside the aft tube fairing.

[@thompsonjerry3412]

@@BowenAero looks great!

[@prof.heinous191]

What are your racing tyres? Thanks!

[@BowenAero]

Carlisle All Trail ATV Tire - 20X10-8

[@paulgodfrey2323]

Are you talking mph or kts?

[@BowenAero]

MPH, I wish it was KTS.

[@Stpilot]

Comin in hot! 😂

[@BowenAero]

HAHA, I knew you would like that.