you guys are very inspiring. I am actually in conversation with a guy on Barnstormers about a KitFox IV. Always wanted one just raising a family I was never able to finish my ticket. I am 60 last month and its time. I have the money and I have been in aviation maintenance my whole career so no time like the present. Keep up the videos. I am living vicariously through you.
Really interesting conversation from two pilots who have a lot of experience in these type of craft. Always wondered about the Highlander compared to the KitFox, and you even slipped some information about the Cub and others, definitely worth a watch.
BMW and Tesla master tech here. So good to listen to two people talk REAL.....About what they have. And not how awesome they are trying to prove their thing is. Love what you guys are doing.
I learned a lot from that video, and I appreciate it. I’m selling off all my cattle in order to live the flying lifestyle. I’ve been watching these videos for a few years, and I have to do it!
Russell Sperry you need lot of money for this lifestyle. I lived near 8 years in this condition ... now I try comeback , but this is not just fun. if you have money , this is the best
Another nice video Trent. And thanks to for giving credit to the Avid Flyer as being the grand daddy of these planes. Dean Wilson really had some good ideas. JIm
We can always tell how interesting a video is by how often we pause it to discuss what we're seeing and hearing. We probably never had this one run more than 60 seconds between pauses.
I found this channel 2 weeks ago, completely randomly. I have never been interested in flying, never searched for panes or flying on UA-cam, never even thought about it. I am into sport cars. I watched around 20 videos here about STAL planes, many of them featuring Draco. :D Now every time I see a lambo or a GTR my first thought is "dude, that can't even fly, get out of here".
I enjoyed your comparison. I have a fair amount of PA-18 150 time and love the aircraft. I think however that the planes you two fly have more to offer for the non commercial sport pilot. Every aircraft is designed for a specific goal using the technology of the day. IMHO yours have hit the mark. Thanks for the great videos by the way. God Bless.
I’ve been going round and round about what to upgrade to from my J3 Cub. Your video was spot on. I can’t afford a carbon cub and who needs to with these sweet machines!!
Since you guys “crash landed” at the shop, I’ve been back on the airplane buying horse and going a totally different direction than I ever thought I would. And building a KitFox is very very high on the list and this really just solidifies that even more. Thanks and keep up the great content!
Hi Trent, I missed seeing you on here so I thought I would go back to find some of your videos that I have not seen. I was hoping to see what your new homestead looks like. Good luck to you all. Be Safe Grandpa
F4J, Ty, love that T, 4 years of my life working in and around that a/c. I could close my eyes and feel from left to right in the cockpit and tell you every control and gauge. They called us "Blue Ears"
It swings from the trailing edge at the wing root to parallel to the fuselage. It doesn't fold vertical or anything, it just swings back. Source: I spend far too much time watching these videos!
Here is a question from a private pilot who has only flown high-wing Cessnas with tricycle landing gear (meaning, one wheel up front-middle). If you were to "slam on the brakes" after landing, would that cause the plane to "nose down" enough to cause the prop to strike the ground? If so, doesn't that extend the roll distance after landing compared to the same airplane with tricycle landing gear? I guess the other question would be whether you could ever catch a tire on something when landing that would drop the nose enough to cause prop strike.
max bootstrap The big soft tundra tires go over most rocks, bushes ( within reason ). A tricycle fear typically have small tires also when you step on the brakes the weight transfers to the nose wheel in turn taking weight off the braking wheels so you will just slide. Plus the weight being slammed on the nose wheel and hitting a bump could fold it under. Also,, angle of attack when landing can be greater with a tail wheel plane.
+Stan : Thanks, but I know how tricycle airplanes work, since that's what I've always flown. I guess I didn't make it clear, but I was trying to ask about what happens with taildraggers like in this video. Sorry for not being clear. BTW, I don't see any reason larger tires can't be put on tricycle tires... within reason.
Yes, a nose over is possible, and it does happen, but if the pilot is experienced enough, you will know just how much brake you can apply. Some times you can slam on the brakes and lock up those tires, if the conditions are right. It's clearly not the sort of thing you can do without proper instruction and logged hours. If you have ever driven on ice covered roads in an older model car or truck that doesn't have anti-lock, you will know what I mean by the term "threshold braking". Where you can feel just how much brake to apply, without locking up, or in the case of a tail dragger with tundra tires, causing a nose over. Bottom line is with everything aviation, you need to practice and remain proficient, and maintain that sterile cockpit environment on landings so you can focus on what you are doing.
Never heard of the Highlander before this video but thanks for bringing my attention to it. Kitfox used to be a better value back in the earlier days but these days the kits are incredibly expensive. Checking on the price of the Highlander kit still somewhat of a bargain.
Just re-watched this for the first time after it was released, along with the other Kitfox info video. I really appreciate that you did these two videos, as myself and maybe my father, are about to start on our pilot's licenses, and I have been getting more interested in the Highlander after watching Steve Henry's videos, but I think this moved me back towards the Kitfox.
Hey Trent - thanks for taking the time to make videos like this and inform builders/flyers/enthusiasts of this detail. I'm building an RV14 and would just love someone to create videos of this type relating to RV14's.....even 8's or 7's....... but no. Keep it up please - awesome!!
Another advantage with the folding wing is when you sell your plane the buyer can trailer it home easily. I'm looking at used Kitfoxes now and ease of transport over long distance is a good selling factor when looking at buying one.
Very informational video. If you can do more like this periodically. I’m going to be in the market for a KitFox here in a year or two! I’ve been watching your videos for a few months and I’m hooked.
Hi, guys witch is more expensive or affordable also the Highlander is three blades and Kit box two? Did both planes use the same engine. but anyway you explained very well.
Dude, awesome video! Thank you for producing this. I wrote last week asking for a baggage compartment comparison, whether or not you saw it, this video was the answer with so much more! Thanks again
Trent when you get to Alaska look me up, we'll go fly my SuperStol. My buddy Robby Pedersen and I are both flying Duc props on our SuperStols and are right at about 100 mph depending on how you pitch them. I would agree that most SuperStols are heavier than the Highlander but if you build them light they're a riot to fly!
If you or Robby would do a UA-cam video with a descriptive walk around on your plane that would be greatly appreciated. How do you build a light Superstol ?
Good wrap up....I started my power flight in an Avid, the early kit, in 82. Flew all the Avids to include the amphibious model. Also was fortunate enough to fly the speed wing verses the STOL models. Everything you point out is right on but I must say that I am still an Avid fan, even if I have to fly with my stick arm under my knees. I'm 6'3". Keep up the great videos.
I'd love to see a video on props for the rotax 912! I noticed you used to have a inflight adjustable 3 blade WW. That's the prop I always wanted for my 912 (I fly Bushcaddy on floats). I noticed you now have a Prince prop. I'd love to hear how you based your decision, and the pros and cons to each setup. Truly enjoying your videos! Keep em coming!
It would take an hour to list the differences, not least of which is the Zenith has a nose wheel! They're uglier than a week of yellow shit storms, but they're functional. Certainly easier to learn how to fly in the boonies with the nose wheel. They will inevitably need more room to take off, though, in rough stuff. You have to hold the nose wheel off the ground, which means you're making a ton of drag. Then you have to wait for it to fly off. With a tail wheel you lift the tail, which reduces the angle of attack and thus the drag, so it accelerates quicker. Then just drop the tail and pop it off the ground. That's why tail wheel bush planes have always been so popular. The STOL versions all have fixed slats, so they cruise slow. Contrary to popular belief slats don't always add a lot of drag, but they're only "slippery" within a very narrow cruise speed range. Any faster or slower and they drag like hell. Your cruise speed is what it is. You can't get there faster by pouring on the coal. You just burn more fuel for no reason.
@@mqbitsko25 Mickey, Zenith is much more durable, the front wheel may be a problem but you just keep the front wheel off the ground. Have you seen any STOL events? I do not think so. Zenith has the best view from the cockpit. Slats can be removed to fly faster when not flying bush. Zenith can handle 200 Plus power. Each has its good point and not so good points. The all metal is one of the best features. Zenith is built like a brick shit house very hard to fuck it up. Ground loop is a danger and this will not happen with the zenith. To each his own I would take any one if some one was giving it to me. I am sure you would take a Zenith if it was given to you. The Frame on a tail dragged is weak and does twist
@@ctsteve1967 Zenith is a great airplane, but cant possibly be as strong as a true welded air frame. If it was NASCAR would be using sheet metal cars instead of welded frame.
Great video. I have looked at the specs and pricing for both planes and wondered about the differences and similarities, so it’s good to see what they add up to from an ownership and flying aspect. Thank you.
Hi Trent, I became a fan of your UA-cam channel and want to make a copy of your intro for fun to share with you sometime.... “I’m an Airbus pilot for American for work and an aspiring Drone business start up person for play ( insert your opener music here.....) 😉 Anyhow we were lucky enough to just close on 4.4 acres of waterfront property and both my boys have expressed an interest now in becoming professional pilots. I think a Kit Fox will be in my future and I’ll be able to take off and land in my front yard! Your comparison video was great, as these are two of the aircraft I’m considering. Just bought a tee shirt to help support your vlog and to look ever so stylish on my layovers and MUCH thanks for the inspiration to get my side business gig going with my Mavic! -Steve
I dig it. Small businesses hire more people and put more money into the stream of trade than the big guys. It's just that small business owners seldom get either rest or rich.
I would take either and someday will have one or the other, it’s my life goal . I do have a soft spot for the Highlander but I can’t find a thing wrong with the Kitfox. 🤘🔥🤘
Very helpful and informative. For your next comparison video like this, how about an "under the cowl" discussion. Listing if possible the differences in maintenance, instrumentation options, operation in the cold (how good is the heater?), operating and maintenance intervals and costs, and known or experienced issues to expect mechanically or with the air-frame. For those of us who are about to pull that trigger on a purchase, that kind of information is golden!
You're killing me. I can't decide. But as a noob I don't have a lot of experience. I DO recall that my earliest training was in a Katana, which floats forever. It's a motor glider with clipped wings, so that's not a surprise. When I started training in a 172 I loved the fact that when I told it to land it landed. I hate floating.
Awesome! Hard to get used to hearing MPH when talking about aircraft...so used to using kts... no biggee though....very great video guys...wonderful planes
Yeah, us bush plane guys are pretty much all in MPH. Not sure who decided that but it was probably to make us feel like we are going faster than we really are 😜
How are each aircraft on useful load?? I’m looking for an aircraft for weekend Dune adventures and maybe the weekend get away less than 400 miles from FBO.
You tallked about stopping to take a leak. Have you thought about putting in a pilot relief tube? Thinking a tube running out the back maybe a foot past to make sure the wind doesn't blow some back on the tail. Funnel and some 3/8 plastic tubing! Sorry just a thought!
For those watching this video please keep this in mind when loading your aircraft. An aft CG gives you a slower stall speed and a higher cruise speed. So, when you able take advantage of these two good things that comes with an aft cg. Blue Skys.
Better carry at least two of the 32 ouncers!!!! Just to be on the safe side, so someone doesn’t get a golden shower from 7,000 feet!!! “I only need one empty Gatorade bottle. I can dump one out the window”! Yes, and your cargo can arrive smelly and wet, too!!! Oh, and what if ya do a knife edge to dump it and it slips out of your hand??? You just dropped your dna. Better hope it doesn’t hurt anyone or land where they might investigate! Always take two empty 32 ouncers and you can dump your home brew apple juice when ya land. If you’re a woman, they make a custom fit funnel. BUY IT!!!!
What a wide open playground you live & fly in! How do the 2 planes compare for ground handling - one more ticklish than the other? Could your cowl be lowered for better visibility? Do you fly with doors open? I have an Avid Mk IV and am leery of that.
Stupid question but if someone wants to buy a new or used Kit Fox, what is the price range? I live in the North East Plains of Colorado, almost to the Nebraska border and am considering getting my pilots license and am looking at starting flying lessons soon.
I'd love to see more on the mods made and their uses. I'm in the research phase ... live in Maine, and want EITHER of these planes as they were described! I'd love to see more on the modifications and recommendations about websites, etc.
One comment I want to make is that the Highlander actually has a higher useful load if you were sticking to LSA standards. That matters for someone my size. But if the faa increases the weight limitations like they’re talking about then the kit fox would do much better for me. By the time I get around to building one I think the FAA will hopefully have made up their mind. Either way I think I’d be a happy person with either plane.
Kit fox has a visually taller landing gear (perhaps further back on the fuselage), which pitches you up, combined with the slightly shorter roof, messing up the visability when on the ground, combined with the slightly lower roof.
Trent mentioned an aircraft sales website in one of his videos. Would anybody remember what the name was? It was really well laid out but unfortunately I cant can’t remember what it was
At one time I considered the Rans s7, I've had some issues with landing gear so my buddies recommend I look at the Super Stol. I have flown Maule's and Huskies so the seating is not an issue but I prefer Tandem. I really liked this video go ahead and run some others up the flagpole, you really do a great job.
do you fly back and forth to work? I am considering getting something along yalls line to commute from central texas to west texas. I need to figure out how to carry all my catering gear for oilfield caterings haha
Thank you, Trent for you down-to-earth and real video. Informative and interesting (to those of us hungry to know this stuff!). Hope to build something of my own and follow you into the back-country in 2019 :) Keep up the great work!
One thing I'd like to know about these planes; is what is the service ceiling? I understand you can't fly over 12,500 for more than 30 mins without Oxygen, (and never over 14K without it), I have a small grass strip near my home that is @ 7900 ft. and am thinking about building a Highlander powered by an RX-1 engine. I'd love to be able to fly in and out of the local strip if these aircraft have the performance, to get in and out of there in the Summer. I'm not holding my breath that these could take me over the Continental Divide but getting in and out of the foothills would be nice and maybe some back country in Wyoming. Burning holes in the sky and flying out of paved airports with a 172 just doesn't do it for me. I've got about 150 hours of that stuff down in the South East and it's just not something I want to spend my money on, but this back-country flying seems pretty exciting. I got a to fly a PA-18-150 on floats years ago and that was the coolest flying I've ever done (and I've done several XCs in a 182S with for the time all the fancy avionics and autopilot).
Hey Trent. A cool vid would be a side by side of the highlander flying slow. It would be cool to see that thing creeping along at such a high angle of attack while you film it. Filming from a safe distance of course.
kitfox is really cool, rod controls and more sporty overall performance sounds great, but for what i like, the aesthetics and the stock performance and storage space of the highlander definitely sold me on it. one day i will definitely keep it in mind to get one one day. it seems more like a good suv compared to a rzr
In the video you talk about the fact the you guys have different engines in your planes. Are there air frame limititations that govern your engine options? Also, at one point you discuss the weight of the aircraft and you mention that the KitFox weighs 150 lbs more that the Highlander. Is that the weight of the finished planes, with options and upgrades? Is so, how much of the difference is due to enfine choice? One more question, until I think of more, what are the pros and cons of the landing gear on each aircraft? I know that Just Airplanes touts that they have a great setup and that you have made some modifications to your KitFox's landing gear. I really enjoyed this informational video. Very well done. I think if price were not a factor and powerplants/options were equivalent, I would choose a KitFox for two reasons: 1) narrower wing span seems it might allow more landing, takeoff, and ground maneuvering options. 2) that transparent roof would make night flying under a clear sky more amazing.
The props... they're different, both in number of blades and direction of rotation, or am I wrong about the latter? And Trent, you did add your own mod to be able to see the ground landing and taking off.
Trent, do any of the "cowboys" fly or have they flown a RANS "S" series aircraft? I have an S6S here in South Carolina and we "Grass Hop" with it and have a ball with it. Just curious to know if you or any of your compadres have any experience with them?
great comparison guys.... I am thinking about visibility....what about to mount small camera under your kitfox Trent...? small camera under plane and small monitor in dashboard can help you to have control what is happening when you approaching, taxing etc ? maybe to much hitech idea...but ....why not ? Regards from Norway guys ..Alex .
I fly a lot of RC FPV and it is hard to be able to see any detail with a small camera like that, and the LCD panel eats a lot of real estate on the panel. Maybe RAM mount it on a Tube somewhere? Not sure you would be able to see much extra on approach but taxing it might be useful. Use something like a Runcam 2 which does a great job even if pointed into the sun.
you guys are very inspiring. I am actually in conversation with a guy on Barnstormers about a KitFox IV. Always wanted one just raising a family I was never able to finish my ticket. I am 60 last month and its time. I have the money and I have been in aviation maintenance my whole career so no time like the present. Keep up the videos. I am living vicariously through you.
Really interesting conversation from two pilots who have a lot of experience in these type of craft. Always wondered about the Highlander compared to the KitFox, and you even slipped some information about the Cub and others, definitely worth a watch.
BMW and Tesla master tech here. So good to listen to two people talk REAL.....About what they have. And not how awesome they are trying to prove their thing is. Love what you guys are doing.
just found your channel...binge watching it during covid-19...the intro is super awesome...never gets old; Keep it up!
I learned a lot from that video, and I appreciate it. I’m selling off all my cattle in order to live the flying lifestyle. I’ve been watching these videos for a few years, and I have to do it!
Russell Sperry
you need lot of money for this lifestyle.
I lived near 8 years in this condition ... now I try comeback , but this is not just fun.
if you have money , this is the best
Another nice video Trent. And thanks to for giving credit to the Avid Flyer as being the grand daddy of these planes. Dean Wilson really had some good ideas. JIm
We can always tell how interesting a video is by how often we pause it to discuss what we're seeing and hearing. We probably never had this one run more than 60 seconds between pauses.
Nice video guys, thanks. I remember visiting both the Avid Flyer and Kitfox factories (Nampa and Caldwell) back around 1990. Almost bought one...
Don
I found this channel 2 weeks ago, completely randomly. I have never been interested in flying, never searched for panes or flying on UA-cam, never even thought about it. I am into sport cars. I watched around 20 videos here about STAL planes, many of them featuring Draco. :D Now every time I see a lambo or a GTR my first thought is "dude, that can't even fly, get out of here".
Haha, that’s awesome! Well I’m glad you found the channel by chance and I hope you are enjoying the content! Cheers man
I enjoyed your comparison. I have a fair amount of PA-18 150 time and love the aircraft. I think however that the planes you two fly have more to offer for the non commercial sport pilot. Every aircraft is designed for a specific goal using the technology of the day. IMHO yours have hit the mark. Thanks for the great videos by the way. God Bless.
I see the Phantom on your tee…I was a jet mech on those for four years while in the Navy. Great plane, and awesome to fly in!
This is a great video and I want to thank both of you for taking the time and for sharing your knowledge about these two wonderful machines
I’ve been going round and round about what to upgrade to from my J3 Cub. Your video was spot on. I can’t afford a carbon cub and who needs to with these sweet machines!!
Thank you, I think I'll be buying a highlander after deployment.
I might hit you up to fly together at the end of next year.
I liked that video very much. UA-cam is already full of flying videos without talking. This very informative.
Since you guys “crash landed” at the shop, I’ve been back on the airplane buying horse and going a totally different direction than I ever thought I would. And building a KitFox is very very high on the list and this really just solidifies that even more. Thanks and keep up the great content!
Haha. Be careful man! The bug is real, gets even worse once you get an airplane! But thanks again for all your help that day, you rock
Great video! You answered many of the burning questions that I had about the 2 aircraft. Thanks for another great video.
Great video with a very fair, honest comparison of the two airplanes. Thanks for your candour - well done.
Hi Trent,
I missed seeing you on here so I thought I would go back to find some of your videos that I have not seen. I was hoping to see what your new homestead looks like. Good luck to you all.
Be Safe
Grandpa
F4J, Ty, love that T, 4 years of my life working in and around that a/c. I could close my eyes and feel from left to right in the cockpit and tell you every control and gauge.
They called us "Blue Ears"
Nice job on the video....Plenty of good, old fashioned, first hand experience...You two men make a good team!
Thanx Guys , I did fold my Avid most of the time and kept it at home and avoided the rent , it saved big money
Nice work Trent! You guys needed to do that. Two very honest opinions...unbiased. Thank you both.
I like learning. So it was interesting.
Thanks.
In old Navy planes we have seen more than one style of wing folding. How does it work on Kitfox?
It swings from the trailing edge at the wing root to parallel to the fuselage. It doesn't fold vertical or anything, it just swings back.
Source: I spend far too much time watching these videos!
Skraith I can second your source haha
I wish I lived somewhere I could do this! Great vid as always. Keep up the amazing work!!!
I like these compare vids very much. There are not enough of them in this genre space.
Here is a question from a private pilot who has only flown high-wing Cessnas with tricycle landing gear (meaning, one wheel up front-middle). If you were to "slam on the brakes" after landing, would that cause the plane to "nose down" enough to cause the prop to strike the ground? If so, doesn't that extend the roll distance after landing compared to the same airplane with tricycle landing gear? I guess the other question would be whether you could ever catch a tire on something when landing that would drop the nose enough to cause prop strike.
max bootstrap The big soft tundra tires go over most rocks, bushes ( within reason ). A tricycle fear typically have small tires also when you step on the brakes the weight transfers to the nose wheel in turn taking weight off the braking wheels so you will just slide. Plus the weight being slammed on the nose wheel and hitting a bump could fold it under. Also,, angle of attack when landing can be greater with a tail wheel plane.
+Stan : Thanks, but I know how tricycle airplanes work, since that's what I've always flown. I guess I didn't make it clear, but I was trying to ask about what happens with taildraggers like in this video. Sorry for not being clear. BTW, I don't see any reason larger tires can't be put on tricycle tires... within reason.
Yes, a nose over is possible, and it does happen, but if the pilot is experienced enough, you will know just how much brake you can apply. Some times you can slam on the brakes and lock up those tires, if the conditions are right. It's clearly not the sort of thing you can do without proper instruction and logged hours. If you have ever driven on ice covered roads in an older model car or truck that doesn't have anti-lock, you will know what I mean by the term "threshold braking". Where you can feel just how much brake to apply, without locking up, or in the case of a tail dragger with tundra tires, causing a nose over. Bottom line is with everything aviation, you need to practice and remain proficient, and maintain that sterile cockpit environment on landings so you can focus on what you are doing.
Never heard of the Highlander before this video but thanks for bringing my attention to it. Kitfox used to be a better value back in the earlier days but these days the kits are incredibly expensive. Checking on the price of the Highlander kit still somewhat of a bargain.
Just re-watched this for the first time after it was released, along with the other Kitfox info video. I really appreciate that you did these two videos, as myself and maybe my father, are about to start on our pilot's licenses, and I have been getting more interested in the Highlander after watching Steve Henry's videos, but I think this moved me back towards the Kitfox.
Hey Trent - thanks for taking the time to make videos like this and inform builders/flyers/enthusiasts of this detail. I'm building an RV14 and would just love someone to create videos of this type relating to RV14's.....even 8's or 7's....... but no. Keep it up please - awesome!!
Another advantage with the folding wing is when you sell your plane the buyer can trailer it home easily. I'm looking at used Kitfoxes now and ease of transport over long distance is a good selling factor when looking at buying one.
Wouldn’t it be easier to fly it instead of hitching it?
@@agustinperez150 Depends on if you trust the plane is truly airworthy.
Very informational video. If you can do more like this periodically. I’m going to be in the market for a KitFox here in a year or two! I’ve been watching your videos for a few months and I’m hooked.
Hi, guys witch is more expensive or affordable also the Highlander is three blades and Kit box two? Did both planes use the same engine. but anyway you explained very well.
Dude, awesome video! Thank you for producing this. I wrote last week asking for a baggage compartment comparison, whether or not you saw it, this video was the answer with so much more! Thanks again
Trent when you get to Alaska look me up, we'll go fly my SuperStol. My buddy Robby Pedersen and I are both flying Duc props on our SuperStols and are right at about 100 mph depending on how you pitch them. I would agree that most SuperStols are heavier than the Highlander but if you build them light they're a riot to fly!
If you or Robby would do a UA-cam video with a descriptive walk around on your plane that would be greatly appreciated. How do you build a light Superstol ?
Good wrap up....I started my power flight in an Avid, the early kit, in 82. Flew all the Avids to include the amphibious model. Also was fortunate enough to fly the speed wing verses the STOL models. Everything you point out is right on but I must say that I am still an Avid fan, even if I have to fly with my stick arm under my knees. I'm 6'3". Keep up the great videos.
I'd love to see a video on props for the rotax 912! I noticed you used to have a inflight adjustable 3 blade WW. That's the prop I always wanted for my 912 (I fly Bushcaddy on floats). I noticed you now have a Prince prop. I'd love to hear how you based your decision, and the pros and cons to each setup. Truly enjoying your videos! Keep em coming!
This comment should be answered
@@FearScherer I've noticed that when someone gains a lot of followers, they tend to answer questions only on patreon!
Having met Dan Denny, worked with Dean Wilson as the Wisconsin dealer, and the co-builder of Avid kit#79, I appreciate the mention.
Can you do Kitfox vs Zenith? I love the fox but am curious.
It would take an hour to list the differences, not least of which is the Zenith has a nose wheel! They're uglier than a week of yellow shit storms, but they're functional. Certainly easier to learn how to fly in the boonies with the nose wheel. They will inevitably need more room to take off, though, in rough stuff. You have to hold the nose wheel off the ground, which means you're making a ton of drag. Then you have to wait for it to fly off. With a tail wheel you lift the tail, which reduces the angle of attack and thus the drag, so it accelerates quicker. Then just drop the tail and pop it off the ground. That's why tail wheel bush planes have always been so popular. The STOL versions all have fixed slats, so they cruise slow. Contrary to popular belief slats don't always add a lot of drag, but they're only "slippery" within a very narrow cruise speed range. Any faster or slower and they drag like hell. Your cruise speed is what it is. You can't get there faster by pouring on the coal. You just burn more fuel for no reason.
@@mqbitsko25 Mickey, Zenith is much more durable, the front wheel may be a problem but you just keep the front wheel off the ground. Have you seen any STOL events? I do not think so. Zenith has the best view from the cockpit. Slats can be removed to fly faster when not flying bush. Zenith can handle 200 Plus power. Each has its good point and not so good points. The all metal is one of the best features.
Zenith is built like a brick shit house very hard to fuck it up. Ground loop is a danger and this will not happen with the zenith. To each his own I would take any one if some one was giving it to me. I am sure you would take a Zenith if it was given to you. The Frame on a tail dragged is weak and does twist
@@ctsteve1967 Zenith is a great airplane, but cant possibly be as strong as a true welded air frame. If it was NASCAR would be using sheet metal cars instead of welded frame.
Great video. I have looked at the specs and pricing for both planes and wondered about the differences and similarities, so it’s good to see what they add up to from an ownership and flying aspect. Thank you.
Thank you, I am in the process of selling my M20J for a low and slow aircraft. I found your video candid and informative. Sincere Thanks!
Hi Trent, I became a fan of your UA-cam channel and want to make a copy of your intro for fun to share with you sometime.... “I’m an Airbus pilot for American for work and an aspiring Drone business start up person for play ( insert your opener music here.....) 😉 Anyhow we were lucky enough to just close on 4.4 acres of waterfront property and both my boys have expressed an interest now in becoming professional pilots. I think a Kit Fox will be in my future and I’ll be able to take off and land in my front yard! Your comparison video was great, as these are two of the aircraft I’m considering. Just bought a tee shirt to help support your vlog and to look ever so stylish on my layovers and MUCH thanks for the inspiration to get my side business gig going with my Mavic! -Steve
I dig it. Small businesses hire more people and put more money into the stream of trade than the big guys. It's just that small business owners seldom get either rest or rich.
Will the kitfox fit into a standard shipping container (wings folded obviously) with the big tires?
I would take either and someday will have one or the other, it’s my life goal . I do have a soft spot for the Highlander but I can’t find a thing wrong with the Kitfox.
🤘🔥🤘
Very valid and informative comparison. Would like to see more comparisons, for example, comparing to a Zenith 750.
Beautiful closing shot!!! the music was spot on!
How do u get into flying? And how did u get ur bush plane? What pulled u into owning a plane of ur own. It Startin to get my interest
Very helpful and informative. For your next comparison video like this, how about an "under the cowl" discussion. Listing if possible the differences in maintenance, instrumentation options, operation in the cold (how good is the heater?), operating and maintenance intervals and costs, and known or experienced issues to expect mechanically or with the air-frame. For those of us who are about to pull that trigger on a purchase, that kind of information is golden!
Awesome, honest video on both of your parts. Thank you for all the great info you put up.
You're killing me. I can't decide. But as a noob I don't have a lot of experience. I DO recall that my earliest training was in a Katana, which floats forever. It's a motor glider with clipped wings, so that's not a surprise. When I started training in a 172 I loved the fact that when I told it to land it landed. I hate floating.
Be interesting to compare ground looping between the two.
Awesome!
Hard to get used to hearing MPH when talking about aircraft...so used to using kts... no biggee though....very great video guys...wonderful planes
Yeah, us bush plane guys are pretty much all in MPH. Not sure who decided that but it was probably to make us feel like we are going faster than we really are 😜
Yamaha Highlander. From what I've found may be a game changer. What's your thoughts?
Which one has the most leg room. Thanks for posting.
How are each aircraft on useful load?? I’m looking for an aircraft for weekend Dune adventures and maybe the weekend get away less than 400 miles from FBO.
Could you put a camera somewhere and a monitor on the glareshield to get better forward visibility to aid ground operations and landing?
You tallked about stopping to take a leak. Have you thought about putting in a pilot relief tube? Thinking a tube running out the back maybe a foot past to make sure the wind doesn't blow some back on the tail. Funnel and some 3/8 plastic tubing! Sorry just a thought!
And loose an excuse to do another off airport landing???? perish the thought!
Great video. it was my question. I am looking for a STI
Great ,accurate, positive, comparison. Just what I expected from you guys! Keep up the good, safe , having fun vids👍🤗
How do you prevent tailover from braking as hard as you do
I'd love to see Trent do a comparison of his Kitfox vs. Zenith 750STOL/SuperDuty
For those watching this video please keep this in mind when loading your aircraft. An aft CG gives you a slower stall speed and a higher cruise speed. So, when you able take advantage of these two good things that comes with an aft cg. Blue Skys.
Good video guys! I’m looking to get going on a kit soon and both are on my radar. Choices choices!
at 0:49, looking down, the kitfox looks to have more wing, so that to me the kitfox would have a better stall. did i get that right?? just sayin
Excellent video! I appreciate the perspective from both owners, along with some realistic comparisons.
Really interesting! And well captured, felt as if I was listening to friends at a pilot gathering somewhere :)
Thanks for the comparison, great video with real life information. And did you say MERCH that's awesomeness.
I totally caught myself about to say it and stumbled on my words thinking to myself "dont call it merch!" haha, I'll do my best not to call it that...
Trent Palmer You can call it whatever you want ;-) I was just pumped to see some of your designs! Keep crushing it! Cheers Travis
Cross country flying rule #6: carry an empty Gatorade bottle ;)
Haha
A 32 ounce
@@FearScherer or 64 oz. but you have to drink the Gatorade first
Greg Plaka
chicken and egg problem 🤣🤣
Better carry at least two of the 32 ouncers!!!! Just to be on the safe side, so someone doesn’t get a golden shower from 7,000 feet!!!
“I only need one empty Gatorade bottle. I can dump one out the window”!
Yes, and your cargo can arrive smelly and wet, too!!! Oh, and what if ya do a knife edge to dump it and it slips out of your hand??? You just dropped your dna. Better hope it doesn’t hurt anyone or land where they might investigate!
Always take two empty 32 ouncers and you can dump your home brew apple juice when ya land. If you’re a woman, they make a custom fit funnel. BUY IT!!!!
How does the Kitfox compare to a Zenith ch 750 stol ?
Flight , comfort, build time. ?
Most important thing is all metal instead of fabric. Fabric needs to be replaced.
@@timcross2510 yes in 40 years or so
What a wide open playground you live & fly in!
How do the 2 planes compare for ground handling - one more ticklish than the other?
Could your cowl be lowered for better visibility?
Do you fly with doors open? I have an Avid Mk IV and am leery of that.
Stupid question but if someone wants to buy a new or used Kit Fox, what is the price range? I live in the North East Plains of Colorado, almost to the Nebraska border and am considering getting my pilots license and am looking at starting flying lessons soon.
New Kit is 95K + used... haven't found one.
Depends on a lot of factors what engine, what avionics are you wanting, building it yourself etc etc
Just curious, I am 6'5" 300 lbs. How would I fit in either? Thanks
Thank you , that was super helpful. Great straight forward explanations.
So, considering both planes are pretty similar overall, how much of a difference does the three blade propeller make compared to the two bladed one?
Thanks for the great video. You guys covered a lot of questions I've had about these two aircraft.
I'd love to see more on the mods made and their uses. I'm in the research phase ... live in Maine, and want EITHER of these planes as they were described! I'd love to see more on the modifications and recommendations about websites, etc.
One comment I want to make is that the Highlander actually has a higher useful load if you were sticking to LSA standards. That matters for someone my size. But if the faa increases the weight limitations like they’re talking about then the kit fox would do much better for me. By the time I get around to building one I think the FAA will hopefully have made up their mind. Either way I think I’d be a happy person with either plane.
Kit fox has a visually taller landing gear (perhaps further back on the fuselage), which pitches you up, combined with the slightly shorter roof, messing up the visability when on the ground, combined with the slightly lower roof.
Trent mentioned an aircraft sales website in one of his videos.
Would anybody remember what the name was? It was really well laid out but unfortunately I cant can’t remember what it was
Some very good info, thanks for taking the time to do this...
Gary and Troy are both very cool guys and great pilots
At one time I considered the Rans s7, I've had some issues with landing gear so my buddies recommend I look at the Super Stol. I have flown Maule's and Huskies so the seating is not an issue but I prefer Tandem. I really liked this video go ahead and run some others up the flagpole, you really do a great job.
How much weight did the addons on the highlander add up to?
do you fly back and forth to work? I am considering getting something along yalls line to commute from central texas to west texas. I need to figure out how to carry all my catering gear for oilfield caterings haha
Thank you, Trent for you down-to-earth and real video. Informative and interesting (to those of us hungry to know this stuff!).
Hope to build something of my own and follow you into the back-country in 2019 :)
Keep up the great work!
not too long and not too wordy - very informative
I’d love to see the comparison with the kitfox and the superstol. Great video.
Ben looking for a plain and really wanting a kitfox this is probably the 3rd time I've watched this sence you uploaded it lol
How many hours of maintenance per hours of flight on the kitfox?
Great video. My question to you is if you didn't own your plane, which one would you buy?
great lake bed chat, awesome comparison between the two : )
Where can I get the T-shirt that Ty is wearing?
One thing I'd like to know about these planes; is what is the service ceiling? I understand you can't fly over 12,500 for more than 30 mins without Oxygen, (and never over 14K without it), I have a small grass strip near my home that is @ 7900 ft. and am thinking about building a Highlander powered by an RX-1 engine. I'd love to be able to fly in and out of the local strip if these aircraft have the performance, to get in and out of there in the Summer. I'm not holding my breath that these could take me over the Continental Divide but getting in and out of the foothills would be nice and maybe some back country in Wyoming.
Burning holes in the sky and flying out of paved airports with a 172 just doesn't do it for me. I've got about 150 hours of that stuff down in the South East and it's just not something I want to spend my money on, but this back-country flying seems pretty exciting. I got a to fly a PA-18-150 on floats years ago and that was the coolest flying I've ever done (and I've done several XCs in a 182S with for the time all the fancy avionics and autopilot).
Hey Trent. A cool vid would be a side by side of the highlander flying slow. It would be cool to see that thing creeping along at such a high angle of attack while you film it. Filming from a safe distance of course.
kitfox is really cool, rod controls and more sporty overall performance sounds great, but for what i like, the aesthetics and the stock performance and storage space of the highlander definitely sold me on it. one day i will definitely keep it in mind to get one one day. it seems more like a good suv compared to a rzr
In the video you talk about the fact the you guys have different engines in your planes. Are there air frame limititations that govern your engine options? Also, at one point you discuss the weight of the aircraft and you mention that the KitFox weighs 150 lbs more that the Highlander. Is that the weight of the finished planes, with options and upgrades? Is so, how much of the difference is due to enfine choice?
One more question, until I think of more, what are the pros and cons of the landing gear on each aircraft? I know that Just Airplanes touts that they have a great setup and that you have made some modifications to your KitFox's landing gear.
I really enjoyed this informational video. Very well done. I think if price were not a factor and powerplants/options were equivalent, I would choose a KitFox for two reasons: 1) narrower wing span seems it might allow more landing, takeoff, and ground maneuvering options. 2) that transparent roof would make night flying under a clear sky more amazing.
The props... they're different, both in number of blades and direction of rotation, or am I wrong about the latter? And Trent, you did add your own mod to be able to see the ground landing and taking off.
Trent, do any of the "cowboys" fly or have they flown a RANS "S" series aircraft? I have an S6S here in South Carolina and we "Grass Hop" with it and have a ball with it. Just curious to know if you or any of your compadres have any experience with them?
great comparison guys.... I am thinking about visibility....what about to mount small camera under your kitfox Trent...? small camera under plane and small monitor in dashboard can help you to have control what is happening when you approaching, taxing etc ? maybe to much hitech idea...but ....why not ? Regards from Norway guys ..Alex .
I fly a lot of RC FPV and it is hard to be able to see any detail with a small camera like that, and the LCD panel eats a lot of real estate on the panel. Maybe RAM mount it on a Tube somewhere? Not sure you would be able to see much extra on approach but taxing it might be useful. Use something like a Runcam 2 which does a great job even if pointed into the sun.
Would either one make a good light sport plane realistically?