We’re spending a few days in the Idaho back country, and stopped by the Kitfox headquarters in Homedale before heading in to the mountains. Saw the big, bad STi sitting there with a new engine (Las time we saw it, the nose was sporting a Lyclone), and we just had to try it. Liked it so much that we stole it for a few days and will pop around to the wilderness strips while Louise takes our Tundra.
The latest incarnation sports the Rotax 915iS turbocharged, injected, electronic-ignition engine and a constant speed MT prop–all controlled through a single power lever to make it simple. Plenty of boost for quick takeoffs and climbs at high density altitudes off of short strips, and then you pull it back for a nice economy cruise at five gallons per hour. This is our first chance to try out this power plant, and I look forward to putting a few hours on it.
Same fun Kitfox handling, and those big tires laugh at rocks, ruts, and holes in the runway. You can land it like a fly stopping on a window – it just sticks where you put it.
Off to the back country – watch for more in a future issue!
