ROTAX 915 POWERED KFA SAFARI REVIEW

I have owned my airplane for 1 year now. It is hands down one of the most exciting aviation years I have had and hope only for it to get better.
After watch Trent Palmer videos back in 2019, I was instantly hooked on this type of back country aviation. Being able to take yourself anywhere and relatively quickly opens up a whole new freedom. Something I am so grateful and happy for.
The Kitplanes for Africa Safari is a plane designed in South Africa. Similar design to the Kitfox but boasts a slightly larger cabin. Something which is definitely a benefit when doing cross country trips.
In terms of performance, this engine is undeniably something that will amaze any aviator. From climb rates of over 1500fpm to take off rolls of approximately 40m. It is an airplane that gives you so much versatility when planning trips to remote areas.
If you would like to buy your own Safari visit the link below:
www.kitplanesforafrica.co.za

[@ClearedAsFiled]

Hi Thomas, missing your videos....and IDH

[@chrisinafrica]

Flying vicariously through you Thomas, as always fantastic!

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thanks Chris! Appreciate the support!

[@ericsmit7588]

Awesome machine!

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thanks man!

[@brad4rsa]

Awesome video. Nice to see such quality content coming from SA! Keep ‘em coming!!!!

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thanks Brad! Appreciate it man

[@leibrandtduplessis3397]

Nice video Thomas, one of the best things are to be able to go to a far off remote place, take in the beauty and be back home for a late brunch.. Lovit🦾🦾

[@ThomasMarrow]

Well said sir!

[@aviator267]

Congratulations on the anniversary she really is nice, I prefer the hydraulic prop over the electric 👍.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Me too! Electric motor can’t keep up in my opinion

[@LeviNoguess]

@@ThomasMarrow I thought that too, but now I have an electric Airmaster on a Kitfox 4 with 912uls and I love it. I think it's a little lighter than the hydraulic one as well.

[@SKYHILLMIKE]

I have Airmaster as well on RANS S6S. I haven’t had hydraulic either. When u say can’t keep up are you concerned of overspending engine before pitch changes quick enough to load the engine up? I’ve never noticed an engine over speed I have only the 80hp tho. Your KFA sounds a bit heavier tho, mine is 330kg

[@B1ayd007]

Great video! Love your channel. Don't you want to share your equipment used for recording please. Especially the audio part. Your cockpit audio is great.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thanks! Appreciate it. I will certainly plan to make a video documenting how I put all of it together.

[@kfaaircraftandadventures]

Once again, great video. Keep it up.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thanks Stefan!

[@hintersland7262]

Very interesting, thank you! Any thoughts on how the KFA Safari compares to the Skyreach Bushcat?

[@siyabongablack9344]

That's a cool plane boet thanks for sharing 🤝

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thanks man! Appreciate it

[@LetsGoAviate]

Nice vid! I've seen in some vids (maybe it was on Insta?) you've flown with and in quite a few Bushbaby's with the 100hp 912ULS (Jared, Duran etc.). Have you flown with or in any 914 powered Explorer's yet? I'm curious how they would compare since the Explorer is lighter than the Safari.

[@ThomasMarrow]

I haven’t, would be interesting to feel the difference. I know with my setup, I am quite heavy. Duran’s explorer at 360kgs is about 75kgs lighter than mine. So question is, will 41 extra horses make mine a better performer? Hmm at sea level I don’t think so but mine being turbo charged at 5500’ - for sure!

[@ThomasMarrow]

But again 914 is also turbo charged so would be interesting

[@ThomasMarrow]

I just know that I can load mine a little more and have a more comfy cross country ride which is a big benefit in my eyes

[@LetsGoAviate]

@@ThomasMarrow Yeah for sure, it's bigger, and the other benefits you've mentioned. I was just wondering purely from a performance perspective. Not that there would be many people who would need more performance than your Safari offers.

[@edmundfranklin1661]

Hi Thomas, I’ve also just done my PPL Renewal on the Sling at Mossel Bay. I’m very curious to know your view on Sling vs KFA Explorer / Safari. I appreciate they’re designed for different purposes, but which have you had more fun in? I’m in the market for a plane and deciding between RV, Sling or Explorer!

[@ThomasMarrow]

Hi Edmund, they are indeed designed to do different things, so it is a very difficult question to answer without understanding your mission. In my opinion: A Safari will take you into some pretty remote areas with all your camping gear. Good fun if you have a bunch of mates to fly in with you. An RV is fast and capable of basic aerobatics dependent on the model you go for. You can barrel roll from A to B pretty quickly haha. Sling is kind of in between the two. It is a great trainer and good beginner airplane but you will grow out of it fairly quickly.

[@edmundfranklin1661]

@@ThomasMarrow thanks, Thomas. Confirms my thinking more or less … I want an RV7, an RV10 AND a Safari - for aeros / general flying (RV7), travel (RV10) and slow, anywhere access (Safari), respectively. But given I can only afford one of these and I should probably start with the cheapest that means Safari! Hope to meet up you with some time!

[@LeviNoguess]

I think I want one of these. What's your empty weight and max take off weight? Also, take off and landing distance? Thanks.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Empty 434kg MTOW 750kg Take off 40m (no wind) Landing 60m (no wind)

[@LeviNoguess]

@@ThomasMarrow Thanks. and I see from your other video of High sierra that you are cruising around 90 kts.

[@ThomasMarrow]

@@LeviNoguess roughly but at fairly low power settings - anything faster than 100kts is a little uncomfortable with a relatively high lift wing

[@doglipdoug]

Nice machine Thomas, but from what I've seen online, they aren't that much cheaper than the KF.............IMO

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thanks Kerry! I’ve done a bit of research with quotations etc and there is a fair difference in price when bought new. That said, these planes are selling at a premium second hand due to current demand 😂